General Camp FAQs
How big are classes?
Enrolment is limited to 15 students per workshop. We have a professional artist-instructor, a senior counsellor, and junior staff in each workshop.
Where do kids sleep?
Students sleep in our bunk houses and beautiful Bell tents.
How many camps do you offer each week?
This year we will be offering 5 programs within the Summer Program (four weeks starting in July) and 2 more bi-weekly programs starting in August.
What about homesickness?
When young people are away from home and in a new environment, it is reasonable to assume that until they become adjusted they might go through a little homesickness. Homesickness is a very real thing – it can be just as painful as a stomachache. It is often a natural reaction that a child may need to experience and see through to the finish so they can attain the degree of independence necessary to help them grow into self-reliant, mature individuals. Camp staff are trained to recognize early symptoms of homesickness. They receive training on how to help children feel comfortable at camp and how to respond to their individual needs. One of the best ways to combat homesickness is to ensure that no cell phones or internet connected devices are with the camper. Communicating with home takes kids out of the new community they are building for themselves and makes it hard for the staff to help them.
Can I talk to my child while they’re at camp?
For the same reasons we don’t allow cell phones, we ask that parents not visit or call their child. Of course if there is an emergency either at home or at camp, we will immediately put you in touch with your child, but for these few days that they are with us, we know that it is a great part of a child’s development to have them look to their camp community to bond.
We also know that it can be harder on parents than on the kids, and we want to help you with your sadness! We post photos regularly on our instagram and facebook pages for you to see how they are doing, while still giving them lots to fill you in on at the end of the program!
What happens if my child gets sick at camp?
First, this is unlikely, and if it does happen, it is very rare for it to be something other than the ordinary cold or flu. We do ask that you let us know if your child has been exposed to the flu before you come to camp to ensure we hold sickness at bay whenever possible.
Our camp staff all has or gets First Aid training before camp begins, and we take the health of the children in our care very seriously. Generally, if it is a stomach bug, we will wait for 48 hours, giving the child a space in a sick bay, with fluid replenishment, communication with instructors so they are able to keep learning while also resting, and supervised down time, checking on the child every 30 minutes, and ensuring other children don’t get sick. If it goes past 48 hours, or if there is another emergency reason to take the child to the local clinic or Hospital, we will immediately call you to let you know the actions we have and are taking and to keep you informed about our plan and to get your feedback. We will be in close contact with you to ensure the best possible care and to make sure your child still has the best time!
What about food?
We make homemade delicious and kid-friendly food – from Ross Creek’s own Mac n’ Cheese to DIY wraps and delicious soups and salads, we know how to make awesome things (most) kids will eat!
Our produce comes from our own organic garden and local family farms whenever possible, we collect our own maple syrup and honey, and all our beef and pork comes from Getaway Farm, a family farm that humanely raises grass fed beef and pork.
We also offer fresh fruit and veggies for a mid morning snack and there is an optional afternoon tuck shop ($1/ item) serving fresh homemade cookies, squares and other treats. We are a peanut free facility and are pleased to cater for allergies.
We make a plain alternative available if required and there is vegetarian food available at every meal.
What are the costs?
One Day Camp: $70.
Week-long day camp: $325 incl. lunch and snack.
Overnight camp: $525 incl. all meals and accommodations.
The Camp Bus: $15.00 per day or $75.00 for the week +HST.
All program fees include all art materials, snacks, and lunch, and for overnight campers, all meals and accommodation.
Covid-19 FAQs 2022
Covid Specific Questions
SO WHAT’S DIFFERENT?
We know protocols are changing rapidly and we are doing our best to continue to provide a safe and wonderful experience for our campers! Our amazing camp staff have created fun ways to encourage and ensure safety while still having fun, and each day will begin with a games-oriented reminder of how to follow the rules.
We have trained our staff in sun safety and we are putting up large shade tents to ensure that they have a great time when they are out of doors.
WHAT ABOUT MASKS?
We will always follow the current public health guidelines at a minimum, and at the time of camp beginning, we are not mandated to have masks on. However as of this writing, we are continuing to wear masks when inside unless unfeasible for a particular program.
We are asking families to send their children with a mask for each day. The well-being of every child in our care is our primary concern, both physically and emotionally, and having the masks planned means that if things shift we are in a better place to adhere to new protocols. This also protects our staff and faculty, some of whom are immunocompromised.
WHAT ABOUT SHARING MATERIALS?
If there are things they do need to share, a sewing machine, for example. they can’t be at it at the same time, and the machine will be full disinfected between each user.
WHAT ABOUT SINGING?
Music is a big part of camp, and we are delighted that we are singing again!
WHAT ABOUT THE END OF WEEK PROGRAM?
We are thrilled to welcome family and friends back to the centre to see their campers share their work on the final Friday at 2:30 pm.
This means that the daily shuttle does not do a Friday afternoon run home, and we encourage families to come see the world of your camper and pick them up in person.
However if you have no transportation or if your camper is flying to camp, contact us and we’ll make sure they are well cared for and get home to you will all their work!
We will continue to document all the programs and are very excited about sharing their work with you through online galleries and video. We will be working hard to ensure that you have an opportunity to celebrate and if you have things that are important to you, we welcome your feedback!
WHAT ARE THE CLEANING PROTOCOLS?
Running an accredited camp means that we have lots of protocols that we already use for all of our camps, including disinfection of our high touch surfaces and frequent hand washing for all staff and campers. We already screen regularly for illness before kids come to camp and we will be adding the extra screening for all COVID symptoms and exposure. Those kids will not be able to attend until they are cleared to come.
Those protocols will all remain in place and in some cases be heightened according to the guidance of NS Public Health.
IS THERE A COVID REFUND POLICY?
In the case of any child or family member testing positive or who has been exposed to the Coronavirus by a close contact (a parent or sibling living in the same house ), we require that they immediately go home, or don’t come to camp until they are cleared to return to camp, with refunds or credits prorated. In other words, if a camper has participated for 2 days of five and falls ill, we will credit or refund the three remaining days and any other days within the 7 day isolation requirement or in the case of a close contact, 48 hours after exposure with a second negative test.
In the event that a program is canceled by the RCCA for any reason other than public health directive (force majeure), a full refund of all fees paid will be issued.
If we are mandated to close due to a wider public health emergency (force majeure), we are asking for your patience and your consideration as a non profit charity.
As such, we would ask for parents to consider keeping any lost program fees as a full credit for any programs at the centre and/or Two Planks and a Passion Theatre for any member of your family in the next 12 months, or to turn the fees into a charitable donation for which we will issue a receipt.
Please see here for our regular refund policy
CAN CAMPS BE OVERNIGHT THIS YEAR?
Yes! Alongside the rollout of vaccines, all of the hard work Nova Scotians have been doing to keep each-other safe means that we will be able to offer overnight camps this summer.
If we aren’t able to accommodate you overnight for space reasons, we hope that families can plan a fabulous play and stay vacation, either camping at Blomidon Provincial Park, The Look-Off, or staying at Canning’s own Farmhouse Inn, which is offering a Ross Creek Camp Family special.
Due to the ever-changing nature of running programming amidst a pandemic, we have some increased flexibility in terms of refunds and credits should things change – and encourage you to book early to guarantee a spot!
Register for Camp Now
Plan a Family Vacation
While your kids are at camp, why not bike the valley, stop for homemade gelato at Foxhill Cheese House, visit the enchanting Tangled Garden, antique store and more? Book with one of our fabulous local accommodations, and drop your kids off each morning at Ross Creek for a wonderful day of creativity, and a well-deserved holiday for you! We have a special Camp deal for families, but there are also local camping and other options. Families from within the Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick and Newfoundland) can book campsites at Blomidon Provincial Park,
The Look-Off, or a full family vacation at Canning’s Farmhouse Inn – even giving use of their barbecue!
Family Suite Packages:
5 nights / 4 guests $1025 (tax included) *
5 nights / 3 guests $975 (tax included) *
Package Includes:
- Large suites with either King or Queen Beds and Sofa Beds
- Wonderful Homemade Breakfast
- Refrigerator and Coffee/Tea facilities in room
- Private Ensuite with quality Linen
- Living room / TV
- A/C
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
* Sunday-Thursday check-out Friday – flexible luggage previsions offered for later check out.
Call to check availability 902-582-7900 and use promo code “CAMP” or visit website for more details and photo’s https://farmhouseinn.ca
Ross Creek Camp Policies
We know it can be dull to read about things you think you’ll never need to know, but we do ask that you read these ones! It helps us to make sure we’re on the same page for the best possible, and safest, experience for your camper during their summer with Ross Creek, especially in a year where people have been so worried about the health of the people they love.
When you register, you will see that there is a new waiver form that we are asking everyone to sign for 2021, and if you have already registered, we will be sending you one that will be required before you come to camp. We will also be in touch in the week before you come to camp to make sure that you are all excited and ready for camp!
Click here for our full COVID protocol manual
CAMP TIMES
Day Programs run from 9 – 5, and we ask that campers are dropped off and picked up no more than 10 minutes on either side of those times, to ensure a smooth camp. This year we will have a new drop off and pick up protocol that we will be sending out to you the week before camp to make sure that we avoid any unnecessary overlap between camp families.
CAMP PHILOSOPHY
At Ross Creek we believe in respectful freedom – in the arts everyone needs to be able to express themselves creatively – and we encourage independence and innovation while ensuring all campers, staff and parents respect each other’s work and needs. Camp staff encourages campers to explore their creativity in a safe atmosphere of fun and respect.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
Our goal at RCCA is to provide a safe, wholesome, exciting camp experience for your camper. However, we need to plan for the unexpected. For your camper’s safety, please provide us with the name and telephone number of an emergency contact person who will be available during camp hours aside from you, and let us know what that person’s relationship is to your camper. Please update contact information as required. If you need to reach the camp in an emergency, call the main office at 902-582-3842.
CAMP REGISTRATION
All registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is only considered complete once the Registration, full fee and waiver are received. Register online or by mail at the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, Box 190, 555 Ross Creek Road, Canning, NS, B0P 1H0, Canada. You can also fax us at 582-7943 or email education@artscentre.ca. Ross Creek will hold bursary spots for successful Campers for seven days after they are notified. If the Camper has not responded in that time, the spot will be released to a Camper on a waiting list for a bursary. In 2020, we are giving preferential space to those who had already registered for programs before the new COVID regulations came into effect.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Programs may be cancelled at the discretion of the RCCA due to minimum participation requirements or unforeseen circumstances, and in the case of a wider public health emergency which mandates closure.
REFUND POLICY
Generally: Cancelled bookings up to 30 days before the camp will receive a refund less $50 administration fee. No refund will be given otherwise except in cases of severe family illness or death with a doctor’s note. No refunds are given if a child is asked to leave camp for disruptive behaviour. No refunds are provided if a camper is removed from the camp program without the written recommendation of a health care provider. In the case of a camper who cannot attend but who fall within the 30 days before camp we are pleased to offer a credit toward a different program. If a family decides to take that offer, it is good for any program within 18 months of the initial registration for which the child is eligible.
COVID-related refund policy: In the case of any child or family member exhibiting any symptoms or who has potentially been exposed to the Coronavirus, we require that they immediately stay home until they are cleared to return to camp, with refunds or credits prorated. In other words, if a camper has participated for 2 days of five and falls ill, we will refund or credit the three remaining days and any other days within the 14 day isolation requirement.
In the event that a program is cancelled by the RCCA for any reason other than public health directive (force majeure), a full refund of all fees paid will be issued.
If we are mandated to close due to a wider public health emergency (force majeure), we are asking for your patience and your consideration. We are a non profit charity and while we understand the stresses on parents, we hope to be back stronger than ever with our full programming in the future. As such, we are asking for parents to keep any lost program fees as a full credit for future programs, or to turn the fees into a charitable donation for which we will issue a receipt. Any credit may be used for any future programs at the centre and Two Planks and a Passion Theatre for any member of your family and will not expire.
CELL PHONES
Camp is more than an activity vacation for your child. It is a chance for them to develop new friendships, new confidence and new independence, all in the context of nature and a highly interactive and stimulating arts program. Cell phones and social networking sites interfere with the benefits your child should be getting from camp. Please do not send a cell phone or internet accessing device with your child.
If they do arrive with one, we will put the sim card in our safe at check in and keep it for them for the duration of camp. The camp staff will call you if there is ever a need to do so with any serious situation relating to your child’s health or well being. Parents are also urged NOT to call their campers with non-emergency topics during the camp week. For emergencies, call the camp at the landline numbers listed above. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
RCCA reserves the right to use photographic and video material of the camps, campers, and their artwork for any promotional materials. Please inform the Camp Director in writing if you do not wish to have your child’s image used in any RCCA materials. Please note: in 2020, in order to facilitate end of week sharing and family engagement, all campers will be in photos and videos so we can share their work with their families in a creative and exciting way.
CAMPER SAFETY
Every precaution is taken to ensure camper safety, but in the event of sickness/ accidents, RCCA cannot assume liability.
By submitting the registration for camp, parents are agreeing to the following waiver:
- You release Ross Creek, its staff, volunteers, and the CoastArts Association of and from all manner of actions, claim and demands of whatever nature which result from any loss, illness, injury or expense sustained, arising out of or in any way connected with participation in any program or attendance at a location operated by the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts.
- Further, In the event your child is injured, ill or in need of medical attention and you are unable to be contacted, you authorize Ross Creek staff to seek medical attention on your behalf.
- You agree to adhere to our COVID-19 policies, and agree that:
3.1. You will inform our staff if there are any potential transmission risks for your camper or family;
3.2. You will adhere to all directives of Ross Creek in regard to self-isolation or removal from camp in case of potential risks;
3.3 You will work with your child to ensure they understand the importance of physical distancing and are prepared to assist us in helping them along with their learning so that they can have a great time;
3.4. If your child is unable to work within the provincially mandated directives, Ross Creek reserves the right to ask you to remove your child from camp until they are ready – if so, we will provide a pro-rated credit for another session or another year.
4. You and your child agree to our code of conduct
5. You agree that your family will adhere to our camp policies as outlined on our website (artscentre.ca/youth-arts-and-camps/camp-policies)
PEANUT POLICY & ALLERGIES:
We have a no-peanut policy. We cannot guarantee there will be no risk of exposure, but we ask all parents to avoid peanut products in food sent for children. We do not use any peanuts in our food preparation.
IMPORTANT: We are pleased to cater to food allergies. Please list all food allergies and dietary restrictions on the health section of your registration.
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
The RCCA Collects Health information to ensure the safety and best interest of camp participants. All information is strictly confidential. Because we are concerned for the health and welfare of all of our campers, it is essential that parents advise the Camp Director of any existing or potential medical conditions, physical or emotional, concerning their child. RCCA camp staff can administer prescription to children only with the following signed authorization:
1. Written authorization with the dosage and times any drug is to be given.
2. Authorization must be signed by the parent/guardian.
3. Medication must be in its original container, clearly labeled with the child’s name, the name of the drug, the dosage, the date of purchase and instructions for storage and administration
4. Epipens must remain with the child at ALL times
5. Camp staff may NOT administer needles (except epipens in an emergency situation).
6. Please see here to read our immunization policy.
7. Please see here to read our approach to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
8. Camp families are asked to provide us with explicit approval for any over the counter medications (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, etc.) on the registration form, which would only be administered with approval by our first aid trained staff.
CODE OF CONDUCT
In order to maintain a fun and exciting atmosphere with respectful freedom for both campers and staff, the RCCA has the following code of conduct:
- Campers, staff and parents should behave respectfully toward each other at all times. Verbal or physical bullying may result in immediate dismissal, with no refund. If a camper is known to bully other kids outside of camp, they may not be accepted into the program.
- All overnight campers are to be in their assigned area at curfew and to comply with the quiet hours, lights out, and other rules of the camp.
- Items which are unsafe, intrusive, in poor taste, or otherwise objectionable are not to be brought to camp. Knives, electronic equipment, noise makers, and certain printed matter are examples.
- The possession and use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco (including e-cigarettes and vapes) and/or drugs (other than required and disclosed medications) during camp sessions is prohibited and campers found with them or using them may be sent home, without refund.
- Everyone is expected to participate in all planned activities as defined by the camp schedule and to be in appropriate and respectful dress.
- Tampering with fire extinguishing equipment or other emergency equipment is prohibited.
- Obscene, discriminatory language and/or rudeness are not acceptable.
- All campers must adhere to our Covid-19 procedures for camp, and if we are unable to work with a child to ensure safety, that child will be asked to leave for the remainder of the session, and potentially for the season.
Ross Creek Centre for the Arts (RCCA) reserves the right to expel at any time campers deemed to be behaving in a way that threatens the safety or well-being of themselves or others, or who place at risk the property of Ross Creek Centre or campers.
Parents will be advised, both verbally and in writing, by the Camp Director if their child has behavioural problems while at camp. Such problems might include actions or words that disrupt camp activities, such as bullying other campers or disregard for the rules that govern the camp day. Refunds will NOT be given for the rest of the session or for subsequent sessions and charges may be made for damaged property. Ross Creek Centre reserves the right to suspend campers from activities where their behaviour is deemed unacceptable.
In registering for camp, the Camper and Parent / Guardian agree that they have read or heard, understood and agree to be bound by the camp philosophy, policies and code of conduct of the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts.
The Ross Creek Centre for the Arts is an accredited camp, belonging to the Camping Association of Nova Scotia and PEI.