OHS Camp FAQs

What does my child need to bring to camp?

Your child should bring closed-toe indoor shoes, weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor play, clothing that can come into contact with animals, a lunch, at least two snacks and a bottle of water. Please refrain from bringing peanuts or products containing nuts to the OHS.

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When should I drop off/pick-up my child?

For week-long camps, sign-in is available for campers who have not opted in for extended care at 8:45 a.m., with activities starting promptly at 9 a.m. Camp programming will finish at 3:45 p.m., and extended care begins at 4 p.m. Extended care is available for week-long camps at $30/week and is complimentary for PD Days, from 8 to 9 a.m., and from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

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What will my child be doing at camp?

Having fun, of course! OHS Camp programming remains pretty consistent, though may vary by grade groups, camp activities, and guest speakers. An example of a typical camp schedule can be found below:

  • 8 to 9 a.m. – Extended care
  • 9 to 9:15 a.m. – Campers arrive and check-in to camp
  • 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. – Icebreaker/Name Game
  • 9:30 to 10 a.m. – Team building activity
  • 10 to 10:30 a.m. – Welcome to the OHS / Camp Rules presentation
  • 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. – Animal-themed craft or activity
  • 10:45 to 11 a.m. – SNACK BREAK
  • 11 to 11:20 a.m. – Tour of the OHS
  • 11:20 to 11:40 a.m. – Cat Gallery Visit
  • 11:40 to noon – Animal-themed craft or activity
  • Noon to 12:30 p.m. – LUNCH BREAK
  • 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. – Humane Education presentation
  • 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. – Outdoor play or animal-themed game
  • 2:15 to 2:30 p.m. – SNACK BREAK
  • 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. – Small Animal Circle
  • 3 to 3:45 p.m. – Animal-themed craft or activity
  • 3:45 to 4 p.m. – Quiet free play time and camper check-out
  • 4 to 4:30 p.m. – Extended care

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Will my child spend the majority of the day interacting with animals?

All of our activities are geared towards teaching campers about animal care, handling and welfare. We try to have at least three 20-minute animal interactions every day, but that can sometimes vary depending on animal availability and behaviour. Our top priorities are the well-being and safety of both the campers and our animals. We provide a fun and safe learning environment for our campers, and one that is free of undue stress on the animals.

Animal interaction activities may include: a visit to the cat gallery, a small animal circle, a visit with a volunteer dog, a canine agility activity, a dog walk, etc.

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How do you choose which animals the campers will interact with?

Our animals are carefully screened before they take part in the camp program. All animals that participate in OHS programs are behaviourally assessed for suitability in being with children, as well as health checked by our animal care team.  Additional animals may be brought in through the Humane Education program, or accompanying our guest speakers.

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Can my child attend more than one camp?

OHS camp programming remains pretty consistent. You can find a list of the standard camp activities on each camp’s information page. Program animals, crafts, games and presentations vary throughout the year – but we often repeat the most popular activities so that new campers can get the full OHS camp experience. Returning campers who thrive in a familiar routine and enjoy repeating activities that they’ve done before, typically do well a second time in the program.

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What about my child’s dietary needs?

Please indicate all dietary restrictions and food allergies on the camp registration form.

Since campers bring their own lunch and snacks (with the exception of scheduled pizza days), dietary needs are generally easy to accommodate.

While we request that campers not bring products containing nuts to camp, we are not a nut-free facility.

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What about my child's medical needs & allergies?

Please indicate all medical needs and allergies on the camp registration form.

All OHS staff working our camp programs are First Aid & CPR certified. However, medications, including injections, cannot be supplied or dispensed by OHS staff. Campers are required to administer their own medication, if applicable.

We are unable to accommodate campers with severe allergies to cats and dogs, as integration with animals is an integral part of our program.  Severe allergies requiring an EpiPen must be indicated upon registration, and campers must present to camp with the EpiPen.

OHS camps operates on a 1:10 staff-to-camper ratio. While we are unable to provide one-on-one care we do welcome personal support workers to accompany a child at camp. Arrangements for personal support workers must be made in advance of registration.

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What are the camp rules?

To ensure a positive and safe camp environment for all persons and animals involved, campers are required to abide by the following rules:

All campers must:

  1. Respect one-another, the staff, and the animals involved in the camp. Engaging in conduct that disrupts the camp program or undermines the safety and security of any of the other campers will not be tolerated, including the use of profanity or engaging in any physical misconduct.
  2. Stay on the OHS property and remain with their group at all times. Any camper wishing to leave for any purpose must consult a group facilitator and have an escort.
  3. Follow directions provided by the camp staff.
  4. Wear closed-toe shoes.
  5. Leave all toys, electronic devices and cell phones at home.

OHS camps follow a no-tolerance policy against violence, physical misconduct, and bullying. Campers failing to abide by camp rules and policies may be removed from the camp at the sole discretion of the OHS. Refunds will not be provided for campers dismissed from camp. Campers engaging in behaviour that threatens the safety and security of any person or animal will result in immediate dismissal. If necessary, inappropriate electronic devices or toys will be confiscated and remain in the possession of the supervisor: programs until the end of the camp day.

Please discuss the camp rules with your child prior to camp!

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Where do the proceeds of the camp go?

All of the proceeds above and beyond the costs to run camps go to helping shelter animals at the OHS!

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How do I sign up for camp?

Registration is completed online per child, per program. Full payment is required upon registration. Visit the OHS camp program’s webpages for more details:

For more information, email programs@ottawahumane.ca or call 613-725-3166, ext. 298.

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