OCA Accreditation

Camp Big Canoe is an overnight summer camp for kids; accredited with the Ontario Camping Association. The OCA is a non-profit organization which supports camping and leadership development. Member camps are visited periodically by representatives of the OCA who, in discussion and observation at the campsite, ensure that the appropriate standards are in place. Accredited camps voluntarily adhere to a wide range of standards, including health, safety, leadership, programs, food service, maintenance and administration.

UCC Accreditation

Camp Big Canoe is an Incorporated Ministry of the United Church of Canada and complies with the United Church Camping Standards. “Camping is a vital and important ministry in the United Church of Canada. For over 100 years, people of all ages and stages of life have come to United Church camps to live in community, develop leadership skills, experience the outdoors, have fun, and deepen their faith. For this ministry to carry on for another 100 years, it is our privilege and our obligation as a church to ensure that all United Church camps continue to offer safe and high quality programming.”

AODA Compliance

Camp Big Canoe’s staff and volunteers undergo AODA training specific to their roles. Facility upgrades comply to accessibility standards and every effort is made to remove barriers to access in all areas of the camp. Accommodations are made for campers, staff and volunteers when visiting our site and when applying to camp or the staff team. Refer to our Accessibility Policy for further information.

Our Accessibility Compliance Report can be viewed here.

Health and Safety

The facility is inspected annually by the Simcoe-Muskoka Health Unit to ensure our kitchen, washrooms, sleeping spaces and site meet all regulations and are maintained properly.

The Nurse’s Cabin is well stocked with first aid and medical supplies. Medication and camper’s private information are kept in locked cabinets or secure databases. All staff are required to have First Aid/CPR certification, with a higher level of training for our Health Care Provider (eg. Nurse or Paramedic).

The water treatment system includes chlorination, filtration and ultra-violet treatment. Water is tested daily by staff who are “trained persons” as identified in O. Reg. 170/03 to meet with all Ontario water legislation. Water quality is also monitored by an external laboratory.

Personnel

Camp Big Canoe follows the Faithful Footsteps Policy of the United Church of Canada in the screening, selection, training, support and evaluation of staff.

Staff and volunteers over 18 years of age are required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Background Check. Staff or Volunteers under age 18 are required to complete a Voluntary Disclosure Statement.

Staff must have Standard First Aid/CPR certification, Health and Safety certification, WHMIS certification (where applicable), AODA training and complete a rigorous internal staff training program.