SCHOOL NAME

WHAT ARE Q CAMPS?
Q-Camps offers a variety of welcoming and inclusive camps for youth ages 5-18 years, ranging from PA Day, Winter Break, March Break, and Summer Q Camp programs. We offer a wide variety of sports, Gaels high performance, themed, and STEAM camps to ensure there is a camp offering that resonates with all types of campers and skill level. We aim to provide experiences that develop friendships, promote a healthy and active lifestyle, improve athletic & physical literacy skills, and most of all, create lasting fun memories.  

WHAT DATES ARE Q CAMPS RUNNING?
Q Camps take place over 9 weeks in July and August from Monday June 30 to Friday August 29. 2025.

WHAT ARE THE AGE GROUPS THAT CAN PARTICIPATE IN Q CAMPS?
We offer Camps for youth aged 5-18 years old. Camp age groups are based on the age of the camper as of December 31st, 2025.

• Active Start (Ages 5-6): 2020, 2019
• Active Fun (6-8): 2019, 2018, 2017
• STEAM (8-12): 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
• Learn to Train (9-11): 2016, 2015, 2014
• Learn to Train (12-14): 2013, 2012, 2011
• Train to Train (14-18): 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007

WHAT CAMP PROGRAMS DO YOU OFFER??
We’ve got something for everyone! Multi-sport, sport-specific, STEAM-based, leadership, and aquatic camp offerings. Plus, we offer High-Performance skill camps led by Gaels coaches and athletes!

WILL MY STUDENTS GAIN PHYSICAL LITERACY SKILLS WHILE AT Q CAMPS?
Yes! Q Camps have adopted the Canadian Sport for Life Physical Literacy model into our sports camps. Physical Literacy gives children the tools they need to take part in physical activity and sport, both for healthy life-long enjoyment and for sporting success; and is a key component of Canada's Long-Term Athlete Development.

"Physical Literacy is the development of fundamental movement skills, and fundamental sport skills that permit a child to move confidently and with control, in a wide range of physical activity, rhythmic and sport situations. Physical literacy also includes the ability to 'read' what is going on around them in an activity setting and react appropriately to those events."

Find out all the information you need at canadiansportforlife.ca

DO YOU ADAPT YOUR PROGRAMMER FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS?
We sure do! Sports Days follows the Canadian Sport for Life Physical Literacy model and we adapt instruction style and programming based on Canada's Long-Term Athlete Development stages. Find out all the information you need at www.canadiansportforlife.ca 

WHEN WILL REGISTRATION OPEN?
Mark your calendars! Registration will open on Wednesday Feb 19, starting at 6:30AM and continue opening in 30-min increments by age group. 

The line up will be as follows:

• Active Start – 5-6y – 6:30AM
• Active Fun – 6-8y – 7:00AM
• STEAM & Sports – 8-12y – 7:30AM
• Learn to Train 1 – 9-11y – 8:00AM
• Learn to Train 2 – 12-14y – 8:30AM
• Train to Train – 14-17y – 9:00AM

REGISTER HERE! 

HOW DO I REGISTER MY CAMPER?

1. Visit getactive.gogaelsgo.com.
2. Create or log in to your account.
3. Add your camper under “Add a Family Member.”
4. Choose your camp and complete registration.

Spots fill up fast, so plan ahead by checking our camp offerings online! Check out this helpful series of HOW-TO Videos. 

HOW MUCH DO Q CAMPS COST?
Camp fees vary based on the offering.

• 4-Day week: $275.00
• Regular Q Camps: $300.00
• Premium Camps / Gaels Camps: $325.00
• Leadership: $350.00

Email us at queens.camps@queensu.ca for information on discounts and bursaries.

I AM ON THE WAITLIST FOR A SPORT. HOW DO I KNOW IF A SPOT OPENS UP?
Our sport waitlists are checked and updated frequently. If a spot becomes available for your camper, you will be contacted via email and the spot will remain available for your registration within 24-hours. If you miss the 24-hour window, the spot will be given to the next person on the waiting list.

WHAT ARE THE CAMP HOURS?

• Drop-Off: 8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
• Camp Day: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Pick-Up: 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM

DO YOU OFFER BEFORE & AFTER CARE?
Absolutely! This services requires pre-registration and is not available as a drop in service. The prices are as follows, consider bundling before and after care together to save! 

• Before Care: 7:45 AM – 8:45 AM
• After Care: 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
• Cost: $30/week for Before OR After Care, $50/week for both. Add this option during registration.

WHAT FACILITIES ARE USED DURING CAMP?
Q Camps take place within various Athletics & Recreation facilities across Queen’s University Campus.  The Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC) is a state-of-the art athletic facility featuring all the latest amenities including five(5) gymnasiums which can be used for a multitude of sports and set for a variety of configurations. Participants may also get the chance to use our squash courts, combative room, studios, and our recently renovated 25-metre pool. Should you choose outdoor activities, school groups will utilize Tindall and Nixon Fields, our full size artificial multi-season playing fields along with a three-lane rubberized jogging track. 

WILL MY CAMPER GO SWIMMING?
Yes, daily free swims are included (except for High-Performance camps). Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit and towel! Please see our pool requirements for more information.

WHO IS ALLOWED TO SIGN THEMSELVES OUT OF CAMP?
Campers who are currently age 12 or older may sign themselves out, provided a guardian has given written permission through a signed form. A parent or guardian must complete and sign the Self-Sign Out Permission Form on the first day of each camp offering and specify the days self sign-out is allowed. No verbal or email permissions will be accepted. Permission is not transferable to another camp week. For safety reasons, all campers must follow the outlined self-sign-out rules with no exceptions.

CAN MY 11-YEAR-OLD SIGN THEMSELVES OUT IF THEY ARE IN A 12–14-YEAR-OLD CAMP?
No. If your child is currently 11 years old, they cannot sign themselves out—even if they are enrolled in a 12-14-year-old camp and will turn 12 later in the year. This rule applies regardless of parent permission.

CAN MY 12-YEAR-OLF CAMPER SIGN THEIR SIBLING(S) OUT OF CAMP?
No. All campers 11y and younger must be signed out by an authorized pick-up & drop off person. 

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE TO PICK MY CAMPER UP EARLY?
If you require early pick up on a specific day, you can fill out a "Camper Release Form" found at the Admin Table in the Gym during sign-in.

WHAT SHOULD WE PACK?

• CLOTHES & SHOES
  Students should come to camp dressed for a day of activity. We recommend outdoor activity clothes and athletic shoes (no sport-sandals or open-toed shoes). You may want to include an additional pair of socks to help with blister prevention. A hat is also recommended.
• WATER BOTTLE
  Water is a vital component when physically active. Families are asked to send a water bottle/squeeze bottle for the day, labeled with the student’s name. Please encourage your students to drink water while they are attending Sports Days. We also allow for many water breaks throughout the day, and we have many refilling stations.
• SUNSCREEN
  Your child may participate in outdoor activities. For protection from the sun's rays, we recommend applying sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) on your child, prior to arrival. We also encourage you to send sunblock with your child.
• BACKPACKS
  A backpack, gym, or book bag is recommended for each student’s belongings.
• LUNCHES & SNACKS
  Families can pack their own nut-free lunch*, or we offer a pizza lunch for $5/XL slice. Please see below for more information on our Pizza Packages. 
   

Q-CAMPS HAVE A NUT FREE POLICY. WE ENCOURAGE ALL PARENTS AND CAMPERS TO AVOID THE USE OF ALL NUTS IN CAMPER'S LUNCHES.
*As you are aware, severe peanut and nut allergies are around us and we are trying to do the best we can to control this. We cannot guarantee a totally nut free environment as our building is open to the public.

WHAT SHOULDN’T WE PACK?
Please leave all valuables at home, including but not limited to Cell phones, iPods, and other portable music players, collector cards, handheld video games, etc. We also recommend that you label all of your belongings. Please note, Queen's Athletics & Recreation is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

IS THERE A LOST AND FOUND?
Yes, in the gym where drop-off and pick-up takes place! Ask camp staff for help and remind your camper to check for their missing item. Unclaimed items are donated to local organizations to support those in need. Donations are made a few weeks after camp ends, typically in mid-September.

Stay out of the Lost & Found altogether: Label it!

With hundreds of children at camp, we find ourselves collecting tons of lost items. This summer, Q Camps has partnered with Mabel's Labels, a local Hamilton company and North America’s leading provider of personalized labels for the stuff kids lose! Their super-durable sticky and clothing labels make identifying and sorting camp gear a breeze. You can choose your own design or our Q Camp logo, and the best part is that you can order Mabel's Labels in support of our Q Camps Bursary Fund and 20% of the sale will be donated to our Bursary Program. 

Keep your stuff and send a child in need to camp!

Be sure to search for “Q Camps Bursary Fund - Queen's University Athletics & Recreation!” and 20% of the proceeds will be directed towards our Q Camp Bursary program that helps send campers in need to Camp for Free! Order as a Q Camper now!

WHAT ARE THE LUNCH OPTIONS?
You can pack a lunch or choose from our Paid Lunch Program options:

• Grocery Checkout: Yummy lunch package for a great rate.
• Pizza Fridays: A delicious end-of-week treat.
• Canteen Snacks: Available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Important Note: Q Camps has a nut free policy. We encourage all guardians and campers to avoid the use of all nuts in their lunches. While we strive to minimize allergens, our facilities are open to the public and cannot guarantee a completely nut-free environment. Thank you for your cooperation!

DO YOU STILL OFFER CANTEEN DAYS?
Absolutely! On Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch break, campers can purchase additional goodies! 

• Chips $2
• Freezie $2

IS THERE A DAILY REC SWIM? 
Yes! Most Q Camps have a daily swim either in the morning or afternoon, depending on their Q Camp schedule. Some camps have 2x swims per day: Sport & Splash, Jr. Lifeguard Club, and Learn 2 Swim. Be sure to pack your bathing suit, goggles, flip flops and a towel. We'll also have extra towels on deck to distribute to campers. 

MY CAMPER IS A 5-YEAR-OLD NON-SWIMMER, HOW WILL THEY STAY SAFE IN THE WATER? 
Children 5 years and younger wear a life jacket while swimming at the ARC pool. Lifeguards will supply lifejackets, go through pool rules, and oversee swimmers during Q-camp swim!

I HEAR MY CAMPER MUST COMPLETE A SWIM TEST, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? 
A swim test is a swim evaluation completed by the lifeguards to ensure your child can safely swim in both the shallow and deep end of the pool. The swim test is a 50-meter front crawl swim in the shallow end. If your child does not meet the expectations of the lifeguards or is unable to complete the 50-meter swim they will be wearing a lifejacket or complete the height test and remain in the shallow end during the Q-camp swim. 

MY CAMPER DOES NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE CHANGING IN FRONT OF OTHERS, ARE THERE OPTIONS FOR THEM? 
Yes! The ARC pool has a family changeroom where all changing is done and in change stalls. This allows privacy for anyone who do not want to use a gendered changeroom.

MY CAMPER CAME HOME WITH A WRISTBAND ON. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? 
Wristbands are given to all swimmers to indicate to lifeguards where children can safely swim in the pool. A green wristband indicates that they can safely swim in both the shallow and the deep end. A yellow wristband indicates that the child did not pass the swim test, but they are tall enough to safely swim in the shallow end without a lifejacket. A red wristband means they are 5 years old or younger or failed the swim test and must swim in the shallow end with a lifejacket on. 

MY CAMPER PREFERS TO WEAR THEIR LIFEJACKET FROM HOME. IS THAT ALLOWED? 
Yes, children may wear their lifejacket from home. Puddle-jumpers and certified PFDs are acceptable, but water wings are not acceptable. The pool will also provide lifejackets of all sizes. 

MY CAMPER IS UPSET THEY DID NOT PASS THE SWIM TEST. CAN THEY TRY AGAIN? 
Yes. Children can attempt the swim test once a day on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. There are no swim test on Thursday or Friday. The reason the swim test is difficult is because of the depth of the shallow end and the size of the deep end. The shallow end is 3 feet and 9 inches. With upwards of 50 people in the shallow end creating waves, most children will have to swim while in the shallow end. The deep end is 25 meters by 25 meters. Lifeguards must feel confident that children who pass the swim test have the endurance to keep themselves afloat for the duration of their swim. 

WHAT ARE AFTER CARE SWIMMING LESSONS?
A 30-minute swimming lesson with our aquatic instructors during the after care block from 4:15 – 5:00 PM. Please pick-up your camper from the pool deck promptly at 5PM. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP CAMPERS SAFE?
We have a 1:8 Counsellor to Camper ratio (1:6 for campers aged 5-6 years) and there are at least 2 counsellors with the group at all times. We use approved walking routes, safety vests, and marked crosswalks. When walking anywhere, there is always 1 counsellor at the front of the line and 1 at the back to keep everyone together and ensure safety at all times.

WHAT ARE YOUR POLICIES FOR CAMPER EPIPEN AND/OR INHALER ADMINISTRATION?
The student is responsible for carrying their EpiPen or inhaler with them at all times. It is important that the counsellors know where the camper's EpiPen or Inhaler is located. The use of a fanny pack has proven the most successful way to do this. 

In the event of an anaphylaxis emergency, the Group Lead, Activity Lead, or the Teacher will administer the EpiPen. Campus Security and EMS will be notified, and the camper's guardian/parent will be contacted immediately.

MY CHILD NEEDS TO TAKE MEDICATION WHILE AT CAMP. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Camp supervisors or full-time staff will handle medication administration. Please ensure the contents are clearly labeled with the camper's name and only the required dose is brought to Sports Days. If refrigeration is required, please give the contents to our Camp Supervisors at sign-in and we will put it safely in our onsite fridge. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD GETS HURT WHILE AT CAMP?
The safety of all campers is our top priority at all times! All Camp Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and have been trained in rigorous emergency procedures at all of our activity locations. 

In the case of an emergency or accident involving a student, swift Emergency Response actions will be taken, including but not limited to First-Aid, CPR, contacting EMS and Campus Security, concussion assessment at Q Sports Medicine, etc. You will be contacted right away! 

WHAT ARE YOUR PROTOCOLS AROUND CAMPER ILLNESS?
We ask families for their discretion on sending a student to Camp if they are ill prior to the trip. 

If a student should become ill while at Camp, Emergency Response protocols will be enacted and parent/guardians will be contacted immediately. We do not have a registered nurse on staff; therefore, we will ask families to make the decision whether to remove your child from the camp before sign-in. Please email us if your camper will be absent for the day.  

WHAT ARE YOUR PROTOCOLS AROUND INCLEMENT WEATHER?
Portions of camp are designed to run outdoors. However, in the event of inclement weather (heat warnings, thunderstorms, etc.), all camp activities move indoors, and modified programming will take place. Full camp refunds will not be provided because of extreme heat.

MY CAMPER HAS A FOOD ALLERGY. CAN THEY STILL PARTICIPATE IN COOKING & SPORT CAMP?
Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to accommodate allergies (such as celiac disease) safely in this style of class due to cross-contamination risks. 

WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO PROVIDING AN INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL STUDENTS?
Gender Identity & Expression:
For the most part, campers can participate without having to identify one's gender. That said, we do use gender-segregated changerooms/washrooms. We understand that this falsely perpetuates the idea of gender as a binary and present other barriers to our building an inclusive camp community. We acknowledge this shortcoming and train our staff to understand gender as a spectrum and to both demonstrate and teach acceptance, respect and support for all campers to participate as they identify, in the programs or changerooms that they feel best fits their gender-identity.

Inclusion:
Q Camps are committed to creating a welcoming community where everyone is accepted and included. We believe in:

• Creating fair opportunities for everyone at Camp
• Making sure everyone at Camp feels safe
• Communicating and working collaboratively with everyone in our community
• Providing opportunities at Camp for everyone to share their ideas and have their voices heard
• Keeping an open mind
• Continuing to build a community where everyone feels welcome, safe and included
• Encouraging everyone at Camp to share and participate

While we are not currently able to offer direct one-on-one support for children with exceptionalities/special needs, we do aspire to create a welcoming and inclusive camp opportunity for children of all abilities. To set your campers and our staff up for a safe and successful session, we: 

• Hire dedicated Inclusion Counsellors to create Camper Support Plans.
• Aspire to work with families to review and assess how their child's needs may or may not be able to be supported by our staff
• Welcome families providing their own support person/worker to attend camp in support of their child (must be communicated prior to camp)

Please contact us at queens.camps@queensu.ca to discuss how we are able to support your child. 

WHAT ARE CAMPER SUPPORT PLANS?
Camper Support Plans help our team understand and meet campers’ unique needs. They’re created using family-provided information, shared only with relevant staff, and are kept secure to ensure confidentiality when not in use. Here are examples of hypothetical Camper Support Plans. Please note, only the Camp Leadership Team and the Counsellors working directly with your camper will have access to this document and information. 

MY CHILD HAS AUTISM. HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THEM?

• We encourage families to share key strategies that work for their child (e.g., sensory needs, preferred communication styles).
• We aim to provide structured routines to help campers feel comfortable.
• Our staff are trained in supportive strategies, such as giving clear instructions and offering sensory breaks when needed.

HOW DO YOU ACCOMMODATE CAMPERS WITH ADHD?

• We offer flexible activity options and movement breaks to help with focus.
• Staff provide clear expectations and positive reinforcement to support engagement.
• We encourage families to share specific strategies that help their child thrive in group settings.

MY CHILD HAS A PHYSICAL DISABILITY. WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

• Our camp facilities are wheelchair accessible, including our Aquatics facility with specialized equipment.
• We will discuss individual needs with families to ensure accessibility in programming.
• If additional support is needed, families are welcome to provide a support worker.

ARE YOUR FACILITIES WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
Our ARC Facilities are wheelchair accessible as well as our Aquatics facility. We have a portable pool lift, water wheelchairs, and a ramp. 

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT TO DISCUSS MY CHILD’S NEEDS?
Please email us at queens.camps@queensu.ca to discuss how we can support your child’s camp experience.

IS MY CHILD ELEIGIBLE FOR A TAX CREDIT?
Our provincial and federal governments provide guidelines on determining the eligibility of an activity and claiming your tax credits: Ontario | Federal. Camp receipts are emailed to the account holder at the time of registration. If you need another copy, please follow these self-serve instructions:

1. Log into your GetActive account
2. Click your account ID name in the top right-hand corner, then click “profile”.
3. Click “Program Registrations” from the left-side menu.
4. For the desired program, click the three dots, and click “view PDF”
5. Then click “Invoices” from the left-side menu and click “details” to retrieve the corresponding proof of payment.

I’M AN EMPLOYEE OF QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY. ARE THERE ANY Q CAMP PERKS? 
You Bet! All Queen’s full-time staff and faculty receive 10% off their Q Camp purchase. Please refer to your employee discounts webpage. 
NOTE: The discount must be used at the time of purchase and cannot be retroactively applied. This code will be audited; those audited will be required to show proof of Queen's University employment. 

In addition, your Queen’s University benefits package through Human Resources, you may also be eligible for the Childcare Support Plan. The Childcare Support Plan provides reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses, including summer camps, to Queen's employees’ dependent children under the age of seven attending a childcare facility. In addition, specific plans provide reimbursement for eligible expenses for dependent children between the ages of seven and up to the end of the month in which they turn 12. If you are a current employee, visit the HR Intranet for a complete overview and application instructors. 

WHAT IS THE Q CAMP BURSARY PROGRAM? 
Each camp season, we work with our community partners, donors, and families to send children to camp from families in our community who couldn't otherwise afford it. If you are looking for financial assistance, please complete this Q Camp Bursary Application Form by Friday January 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM (EST); one form per household. All bursary decisions will be made after February 1, and families will be notified before Camp Registration opens on Wednesday Feb 19 at 6:30AM.

HOW CAN I SHARE THE GIFT OF CAMP? 
It's easy! There are 4 incredible options for you to choose from:

1. DURING REGISTRATION: Select the optional $5, $10, or $20 'donation' option during online registration, and you're done! Your donation will be included in your camp total during checkout and is then shared with campers and families in need. These donations will not receive a tax receipt.
2. BUY Q CAMP SWAG: Purchase a youth-sized Q Camp baseball hat! 50% of the proceeds go towards the Q Camp Bursary Program.
3. MABELS LABELS: Never lose your gear again with these water-proof labels! You can choose your own design or our Q Camp logo package. 20% of the sales support of our Q Camp bursary program. Be sure to search for “Q Camps Bursary Fund - Queen's University Athletics & Recreation!" and order online. 
4. GIVING PAGE: Donations made during online camp registration are convenient and have a real impact, but they are NOT currently eligible for tax receipts. To make a tax-receiptable gift outside of your camp registration, visit our Queen’s University Giving Page.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY? **UPDATED!**
We understand plans can change. We have updated our refund policy to make it easier for families to plan and attend Camp. 

• 31 days or more before the camp start date: Full refund, less a $25 cancellation fee per camp.
• 7–30 days before the camp start date: Refund, less a $50 cancellation fee per camp.
• Less than 7 days before the camp start date: No refunds, except in cases of illness or injury (documentation required).

Below are the final cancellation dates and their respective fees for each week of Q Camp:

CAN I GET A REFUND IF MY CAMPER DOESN’T ATTEND SOME OF THE DAYS?
No. We do not provide refunds for missed days.

HOW DO I REQUEST A REFUND?
Please contact us at custserv@queensu.ca OR queens.camps@queensu.ca with your camper’s name, age, camp they’re enrolled in and reason for the request.

CAN I TRANSFER MY CAMPER TO ANOTHER CAMP & IS THERE A FEE?
Yes, you can transfer your camper to another camp offering (pending availability) and there are no additional fees associated. Please contact us at queens.camps@queensu.ca with your camper’s name, age, camp they’re enrolled in and the new requested camp.

HOW CAN I STAY CONNECTED?
You can follow our social media to stay informed of updates: Facebook OR Instagram

WHO CAN I GET IN CONTACT WITH IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
For additional questions, please contact:

Youth Programs in Athletics & Recreation
queens.camps@queensu.ca
613-533-6000 ext. 77686

Or connect with our Q Services front desk at 613-533-2500 or custserv@queensu.ca