camp tournesol inc. - parent’s handbook french overnight … · 2016-08-11 · camp tamarack this...

Parent’s handbook French Overnight Camps Summer 2016

Welcome to the French Overnight Camps organized by Camp Tournesol. Campers are sure to come back with enhanced French verbal skills, a greater sense of autonomy and independence, new friends and fantastic memories. This document is meant to be a tool to help each family prepare for these trips. Please take the time to review it carefully and discuss the content with your child. You will also receive additional forms to be completed and returned before camp. Please submit these forms as soon as possible to facilitate the organization of the trip. Campers will NOT be allowed to leave without having submitted all of their forms. IF YOUR CHILD HAS DIET RESTRICTIONS OR ALLERGIES, WE MUST BE NOTIFIED at least 45 days in advance. Table of contents

1) Accommodations overview 2) Itinerary 3) Bridge Weekend 4) What to bring 5) A note on valuables 6) Live policy 7) Photos and blog 8) Emergency contact information 9) Code of conduct 10) Antibullying contract 11) Transportation, pickup and dropoff 12) Bio of the counsellors

of 12


Accommodations Overview Camp Tamarack This summer, Camp Tournesol will be spending their weeklong overnight camps in Bracebridge at beautiful Camp Tamarack. Camp Tamarack’s private 1000 acre property is in the heart of Muskoka and surrounds a pristine private lake. The site offers one of the most extensive, unique and challenging high ropes circuit with elements such as the Quick Drop, Vertical Playground and Flying Squirrel, a 40ft climbing tower, a fleet of over 20 canoes and kayak, 9 halfcourt tennis courts and a large archery range. In addition to the outdoor facilities, there are

numerous indoor facilities for use during rainy day activities including a dance studio and a stateoftheart theatre. Meals are served family style in the 4000 square foot dining hall lined with inscriptions and plaques featuring campers from over 35 years ago. Each meal features a balanced and plentiful hot meal option as well as salad bars, breakfast bars and fresh fruit. Onsite, campers will stay in wood cabins with electricity, containing bunk beds and private shelving for each camper. Staff live in an adjacent and accessible private cubicle. While a good number of cabins have washroom facilities, those that do not have lovely facilities very close by to their cabins. The camp has also built lovely shower facilities over the past few years and each camper has a beautiful private shower area.

of 12


Itinerary The detailed itinerary is provided as a tool to track our movements during the trip. It is also meant as a preparation document for the campers. It is possible that some activities be changed /cancelled or rescheduled because of unforeseen events.

Weeks of July 31 and August 14 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

7:45am Wakeup Wakeup Wakeup Wakeup Wakeup

8:15am Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast

8:45am Warmup activities

Warmup activities

Warmup activities

Warmup activities

Cabin Cleanup

9:45am Tubing / Golf / Beach games

Tubing / Golf / Beach games

Tubing / Golf / Beach games

Canoeing or kayaking / Archery / Shelter Building

Cabin time to prepare presentation; Presentation

10:45am Tournesol Rotation on a large field

Tournesol Rotation on a large field



Group games to debrief the week

11:45am Roundup + hand washing

Roundup + hand washing




12:15pm Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

1:00pm Free Time Free Time + access to board games

Free Time + access to board games


1:20pm Departure

2:15pm Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming

3:15pm Crafts or ball games

Soccer baseball

Crafts or ball games

Quidditch

4:15pm 4:45pm Arrival, cabin assignment, introductions

Sailing / Large Field game/ Rock Wall




5:15pm Build a show Build a show Build a show Build a show

6:15pm Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner

7:15pm Icebreaker activities

Treasure Hunt Animal Survival Running Pictionary

Inuit Games

8:00pm Camp Tour Camp Fire Movie Night Board Game Night

Camp Fire

of 12


9:15pm Wash up for bed Wash up for bed

Wash up for bed

Wash up for bed

Wash up for bed

10:00pm Lights Out Lights Out Lights Out Lights Out Lights Out

of 12


Weeks of August 8 and August 21 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

7:45am Wakeup Wakeup Wakeup Wakeup Wakeup

8:15am Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast

8:45am Warmup activities

Warmup activities

Warmup activities

Warmup activities

Cabin Cleanup

9:45am Tubing / Golf / Beach Activities

Tubing / Golf / Beach Activities

Tubing / Golf / Beach Activities

Archery / Canoeing or Kayaking / Fire building

Cabin time to prepare presentation; Presentation

10:45am Tournesol Rotation on a large field




Group games to debrief the week

11:45am Roundup + hand washing





12:15pm Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

1:00pm Free Time Free Time + access to board games



1:20pm Departure

2:15pm Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming

3:15pm Crafts or ball games

Soccer baseball

Crafts or ball games

Quidditch

4:15pm 4:45pm Arrival, cabin assignment

Rock Wall / Fishing / Large field game




5:15pm Ice Breakers Camp Tour

Build a show Build a show Build a show Build a show

6:15pm Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner

7:15pm Amazing Race Animal Survival Treasure Hunt Inuit Games Running Pictionary

8:00pm Camp Fire Board Game Night

Movie Night Camp Fire OR Board Game Night

Camp Fire

9:15pm Wash up for bed

Wash up for bed

Wash up for bed

Wash up for bed

Wash up for bed

10:00pm Lights Out Lights Out Lights Out Lights Out Lights Out

of 12


Bridge Weekend If you are registered for one of our bridge weekends, get ready for a few extra days of great Tournesol programming! Campers will have fun in French with the many Tournesol counsellors who will be spending the bridge weekend at Camp Tamarack. Please note: if you are registered for a bridge weekend BEFORE your child’s registration, please drop them off at Camp Tamarack the Friday between 1:45pm and 2:15pm. If you are registered for a bridge weekend AFTER your child’s registration, please pick them up at Camp Tamarack the Sunday between 3:30pm and 4:00pm. Please refer to the PickUp and DropOff section of this manual for details about the Camp Tamarack location.

What to bring

Packing for a weeklong camp can be challenging but please be practical, travel light and dress comfortably. Make sure ALL your children’s clothing is labeled. Please remember that the children must carry their luggage to and from the buses. We have partnered with Mabel's Labels, a company with all types of labels that are colourful, indestructible and fun! With a special 'Camp Pack' available and also a larger “Big Combo”, your camper can label absolutely everything! Go to www.tournesol.mabel.ca and then place your order! We look forward to sending campers home with ALL their belongings this summer! MEDICATION EpiPens MUST be carried by the camper in a pouch around his or her waist or in a backpack at all times. You must have informed us in writing ahead of time (on the EpiPen form) that your child requires an EpiPen. If your child requires medication during the day, please complete the medical form attached to this package as soon as possible. Medical forms must be completed before the beginning of the camp for any known medical concerns and to provide us with your child’s OHIP number on file. THE DAY OF DEPARTURE IS NOT A GOOD TIME TO PROVIDE MEDICAL INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF. BEDDING Sleeping bags and pillows MUST be brought. No bedding is provided onsite. TOILETRIES Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, facecloth, deodorant, feminine hygiene products

etc...(please leave scented products at home) MEDICATION in the original packaging Contacts and eyeglasses if you wear them. Bath towel and facecloth Hat to protect from the sun during our walks/hikes Lip balm Sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, VERY IMPORTANT and MANDATORY Sunglasses (optional) Bug repellent (nonaerosol, no spray and no disposable wipes), MANDATORY CLOTHING 2 pair of long pants (1 jean or track suit pants) 1 sweatshirt or warmer top with a windbreaker (you will receive a second one

from us!) Underwear and socks 23 pair of shorts (or Capri) for daytime and 56 tshirts or tops for day wear

of 12

http://www.tournesol.mabel.ca/


Flip flops, slippers, or other INDOOR footwear for the evening. One pair of good walking shoes for outdoors. They can be running shoes in good condition and tied up. Waterproof raincoat and footwear (we will continue our visits rain or shine) Pajamas OTHER Reusable water bottle Card games or other small games. Binoculars (optional) Umbrella (optional) Flashlight and spare batteries. Inexpensive watch (optional) Camera with batteries (optional) Reading books or magazines (mainly for the bus ride and free time). Notebook, pens or pencils Musical instruments are welcome and encouraged for campfires or just hanging out You may send some snacks with the children for the bus ride but please refrain from sending

large quantities of candies and fatty snacks. ABSOLUTELY NO PEANUT OR NUT PRODUCTS. The campers are NOT allowed to have food in their rooms. Whatever is left once we arrive will be thrown out.

A Note on Valuables

If you choose to send digital cameras, iPod/MP3, handheld video games or any other electronic valuables with your child, they will be their responsibility. Camp Tournesol cannot be responsible for any lost or stolen items. In addition, any devices with wifi capability such as handheld video games or iPods will be forbidden during our trip and will be confiscated. Please do not send any valuable/expensive jewelry or watches etc. with your child.

Lice Policy In preparation for the overnight trip there are certain lice and nit policies we must inform you of that will be in place during your child’s trip. Upon arrival, your child may be checked for lice. To ensure that this check goes smoothly, we ask that you check your child’s head for lice or nits a few days before leaving for the trip. By sending your child on the overnight trips, you understand that if your child does have lice that one of the following two actions will take place:

1) If the case is mild, the camper will be treated immediately onsite, and expenses will be billed to you. 2) If the case is extreme, you will be asked to come and pick up your child.

We want to make sure that no one has to get treated or sent home. By checking your child’s head a few days prior to the excursion and treating your child if they have lice or nits, you are helping to maintain a happy and healthy trip for all participants!

Photos and Blog

Our counselors will take pictures and videos during the trip that will be uploaded from time to time on our social media networks. Unless you have selected to NOT allow us to take pictures, your child will be included in these clips and photos. At no time will we identify or name the children in the pictures. If you do NOT allow us to take pictures, please take the time to prepare your child so that she or he understands why they are asked to step aside when pictures are being taken. You are more than welcome to request a copy of the pictures that you see on our sites. Our staff are NOT allowed to send you the pictures themselves. The request must be sent to the office. Facebook: there will be a special album created on our facebook page called

of 12


French Overnight Camps 2016 If you like the album, you will see the pictures on your feed as they are uploaded. Instagram and Twitter: we will also use the hashtag #IER2016 on our Instagram and Twitter posts, so you can also find the pictures that way. Feel free to use this hashtag to post feedback and pictures after you pick up your child from the trip!! Youtube: At the end of the summer, we will publish a souvenir video of all of our trips (for example, here’s our 2015 souvenir video) Blog: The staff will update our blog as often as possible but not more than once a day with a short anecdote or description of the day. You can read the posts at our French Trips Daily Recap and choose the category Intrépidesenroute 2016.

Emergency Contact Information

If you need to reach your child in case of an emergency, please contact the Camp Tournesol office during working hours or send an email at [email protected] on her cell at 6479985728. Please remember that this is an emergency number. Alternatively, in case of an emergency, please contact the Camp Tamarack office at 7056454881.

Code Of Conduct At Camp Tournesol, we want all children to have fun and have an opportunity to learn. In order to achieve that, it is important that each camper conduct himself or herself in a respectful and appropriate way. Parents and Campers should review our guidelines together and ensure that your child understand them. Our code of conduct is based on the following 3 principles:

1. Don't physically endanger anybody. 2. Don't tease/put people down, even a little bit. 3. Don't do anything illegal, or that would horrify your parents.

More specifically, at Camp Tournesol safe, respectful and appropriate behavior does NOT include:

Leaving an area without permission AND without a buddy. Standing on tables or chairs. Climbing trees or breaking branches. Carrying or throwing sticks, stones or sand. Being disrespectful to counselors or other campers. Disregarding counselor’s instructions. Water fights or throwing water (unless planned!). Hitting, kicking, biting, wrestling moves or violence. Swearing or explicit and violent language. Stealing. Consistent use of English / no efforts made to use French

Here are the behaviors that ARE acceptable:

Making efforts to express yourself in French all day and try to use English as rarely as possible. Obtain permission prior to leaving an area where your group is Always use proper language (no swear words or violent words) Follow instructions as given by counselors Participate in the activities with enthusiasm. Be respectful towards all the counselors and your peers.

Any person found violating this code will be dealt with according to the following procedure:

1. Warning/discussion by their teacher/lead counselor and appropriate consequences depending on the gravity of the behavior (sitting out an activity etc.).

2. Meet with the teacher and a phone call to parent to identify a potentially successful strategy to improve the situation.

of 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X3mR45Ft54

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X3mR45Ft54

http://www.camptournesol.ca/tripsdailyrecap/


3. Expulsion from the trip.

AntiBullying Contract In ensuring the campers understand the behaviour that is expected of them at camp, all campers will sign an AntiBullying contract upon their arrival at camp. You may want to discuss some of the expectations (see below) with your child before leaving for the trip.

I will be inclusive with my language and my actions. I will respect all members of our group, including the leaders. I will be aware of and respect the diverse needs of each individual. I will speak about people the way you would like to be spoken about. I will not spread rumours or gossip. I will be kind. I will not compromise anyone’s physical or emotional safety. I will talk to the appropriate people about my problems. I will care for and respect all members of the camp community including staff and campers I will report any bullying that I witness to the appropriate staff member. I will not allow others to be bullied. Instead, I will actively stop others from lowering my peers’ selfesteem.

Transportation, pickup and dropoff If you are driving your child to and from the trip: The address for Camp Tamarack is 1391 Stoneleigh Road, RR#2, Bracebridge. Please dropoff your child between 5:00pm and 5:30pm on the Sunday at the main office of Camp Tamarak, where Annie, our Chef de Mission will greet you. Please pick up your child between 12:45 and 1:15pm on the Friday, from the main office. If your child is taking the bus to and from the trip: Transportation for this trip is provided by school bus by First Students. Campers who embarked at the first few stops will be allowed to come off and stretch their legs at the last stop before the longer driving stretch and the same on the return trip. Please ensure that you arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure that the bus can stay onschedule. If the bus is running late, you will be contacted.

Sunday pickup Friday dropoff

Credit Valley PS 2365 Credit Valley PS, Mississauga

1:30pm 4:30pm

Yorkdale SS 38 Orfus Rd, Toronto

2:15pm 3:45pm

Julliard PS 61 Julliard Dr, Maple

2:45pm 3:00pm

Camp Tamarack 5:15pm 12:45pm

Bio of the counselors There will be several counselors accompanying the children on this trip. All counselors have provided a police background check, have extensive experience caring for children and are trained for First Aid and CPR. Here is a brief biography of the

of 12

http://www.camptournesol.ca/our-locations/bracebridge/


counselors. Annie Bellemare Chef de mission Annie was born in Quebec. She always wanted to travel and discover her country. At 16 years old, she spent a summer in Saskatchewan working for Parks Canada. Two years later, she participated in Katimavik, a Canadian youth volunteer –service program. She graduated from University of Quebec in TroisRivières with a Bachelor degree in Second language Teaching. During her studies, she taught children aged 12 to 17 years old at a French immersion school. She also worked as a counselor at a youth center. After the completion of her first university degree, she decided to pursue her studies at the master level. She then moved to Ontario to study at University of Toronto and started teaching at École Horizon Jeunesse in Mississauga. She now teaches at l’École Secondaire ÉtienneBrûlé in Toronto. She joined Camp Tournesol in 2009, participating all the overnight trips since then (Quebec, France, Algonquin) and having fun with campers at the day camps. She looks forward to returning to the North York campus this summer.

Jasper Moniteur Adulte

Jasper is looking forward to start his first summer camp with Camp Tournesol. He comes all the way from France and he is fluently bilingual. He is ready to teach and train others in French. Jasper also loves sports as well as baseball, windsurfing, wall climbing and plenty others. Nothing stops him from organising great activities indoors as well as outdoors for children to have fun safely. Having traveled a lot to the United States, Portugal, Amsterdam, and Italy, Jasper knows about international culture and has a lot to share about. Jasper is trustworthy, responsible, and looking to make sure everyone is having a good time!

Sauvanne Moniteur Adulte I am excited to spend my summer with you! When I am not at camp, I am a first year student at the University of Guelph, where I study Biology and Philosophy of Science. This being said, I love nature! In my spare time I love to read, write (in French of course!), make art and sing. I am excited to meet you all; I am sure this summer will be fun and unforgettable!

of 12


Veronique Moniteur Adulte Véronique is proud and excited to join Camp Tournesol’s team this year! She is a long time lover of summer camps as she has been attending camps since she was 11 years old. Véronique was born and lives in Quebec and is an Agrade high school student with a lot of energy and very diverse interests. While out of high school she plans to study business administration or accounting. She is very involved in sports either as an instructor, a volunteer or team player. Her favorite sports are swimming (currently in training to become a certified instructor), flag football, running and hockey (volunteering in tournaments). Véronique loves kids and challenges. She is looking forward to this summer’s experience with your kids at Camp Tournesol!

AnneMarie Moniteur Adulte AnneMarie is thrilled to be part of Camp Tournesol's team this summer. It is her first summer with us at Camp Tournesol and is coming to us from Quebec. She has worked as an English camp counsellor for francophone kids in Quebec City. As a native French speaker, she looks forward to share this beautiful language with campers and open their eyes to the world. She is so proud of her little students when she sees the progress they make, all while having fun! Nature lover since she was born, she will be as passionate as the kids of her group when going out on nature trips. AnneMarie liked teaching and taking care of kids since she was a kid herself. Former baby gymnastics coach and inexhaustible babysitter, she is studying to get her Bachelor’s degree in Preschool Education and Elementary School Teaching at Université Laval in Québec. After her Bachelor’s degree, she looks forward to go teach young children in Africa as a volunteer. Caroline Monitrice Enseignante

Hello, my name is Caroline, I’m from Quebec City and my first language is French. I just received my teaching certificate in special education and I’m working as a teacher and as a resource teacher for the StHyacinthe school board. I have worked for several years leading kids in games and activities, but this is my first year at Camp Tournesol. I’m a person who loves the outdoors and nature. I’m creative, dynamic and I love new challenges. I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you, and having lots of fun this summer!

of 12


Sarah Holmes: Monitrice adulte Sarah has been a counsellor at Camp Tournesol for a wonderful four years. She has worked with campers of all ages at several different campuses and feels very lucky to have met so many incredible families and staff. In the fall she will be returning to the University of Toronto where she is in her second year studying History and Political Science. Sarah has been educated in French her whole life and is happy to be able to help others develop their French language skills. In her spare time she loves art, sports and ballet. She is so excited to be participating in the 6 day overnight trip this year.

of 12

camp tournesol inc. - parent’s handbook french overnight … · 2016-08-11 · camp tamarack this...

Documents