Frequently Asked Questions

1. A parent or guardian must complete the online registration
2. Create one account per household.
3. Add all dependents to your profile under ‘add a family member’. You will not be able to register for camps when they open unless a member of your profile meets the age criteria for that camp
4. Please disclose all necessary information regarding allergies, medical concerns, special needs and authorized pick-up contacts.
5. A parent or guardian must read and sign the waiver (on the registration form or online)

REFUND (CANCELLATION) POLICY

1. All requests for a refund must be sent via e-mail to swcamps@uwo.ca
2. A 20% non-refundable administration fee is applied to all cancellations.
3. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 14 days of the camp start date.
4. No refunds will be provided to campers who do not attend camp.
5. All medical withdrawals with a medical note (required) will be provided a full refund.

1. Please visit: westernmustangs.caand click on Log In in the top right hand of the page.
2. Once you are on this page, under the Log In button in the middle of the page, you will see ‘Forgot your password?’, please click that button.  
3. It will prompt you to enter the email address connected to the account and once you hit change, it will email you a link to reset your password.
4. If you are unable to remember your email address or do not have access to that information, please let us know and you will be required to answer security questions before we can update your account with a new email address.

• Register at Campus Recreation - Membership Services seven days a week. Membership Services is located in the Western Student Recreation Centre. For hours of operation please click here. We accept cash, cheque, MasterCard, Visa, and DirectDebit

For the summer of 2024 lunch will not be provided. We request that all campers bring a packed lunch with them as they will not have the opportunity to leave the building to purchase lunch. We also recommend packing extra snacks for the morning and afternoon breaks as well as plenty of drinks for the day. Please note that while we are a nut free camp, the building we use is not.

The majority of summer camps include a 30-40 min recreational swim (based on operational availability).

Full-day Camps: Tues-Thurs (pending availability)
Exceptions: Certain focused Varsity camp programs do not swim

Camp Swims divide Western University’s 50m pool into a 10m shallow area that is 1.35m (4.4 ft) deep, and a 15m deep area that is 3.4m (11.15 ft) deep. The temperature of the pool is kept at 83 °F.

All camp swims are supervised by NLS Certified lifeguards and First-Aid/CPR trained camp staff. For every 30 campers in the pool, there is 1 lifeguard. In addition, there is a 1:6 ratio of junior campers (ages 5-7) to counsellors in the pool, and a 1:8 ratio of senior campers (ages 8-11) to counsellors in the pool area at all times.

Swim Test

In order to participate in camp swims, all campers will be required to pass a swim test on the first designated swim-day. They will swim the width of the shallow-end of pool (20m) on their belly, preferably with their face in the water the entire time but must demonstrate comfort with their face in the water at least once – and without complete exhaustion. Counsellors are present in the water to supervise and assist if necessary. 

Any camper who does not pass the test will be required to wear a life jacket, regardless of whether he/she has passed any swimming levels. Whether a child passes a swim test is at the sole discretion of the trained lifeguard on duty. When the camper is dropped off on their first day please confirm life jacket requirements with his/her counsellor.

If you would prefer that your child wear a life jacket at all times, please indicate so during online registration or on the registration form.

*Please Note:If your child chooses not to swim, they will be supervised but we do not offer additional programming during this time.

Sport Western is committed to the inclusion of all campers. If your child requires additional support in order to attend camp, please e-mail swcamps@uwo.ca or contact us at 519.661.2007 prior to completing registration.

We are dedicated to providing all campers with an environment that will encourage social and physical development and must ensure that staffing resources are sufficient to accomplish this goal. Occasionally, additional support outside of our camp staff is required and our camp coordinator may request that you provide this support.

If accommodations are deemed sufficient to ensure a safe and enjoyable camp experience you will be asked to proceed with the registration process indicating their needs during online registration or on the registration form.

Allergies: If your child has any allergies, in particular food allergies, we ask that you to please note this during online registration or on your child’s registration form. We will make every attempt to accommodate their needs. However, we are unable control all of the factors, such as food or environment, that campers may be exposed to at camp. Our counselors will pay close attention to any allergies/medical concerns identified during the registration process. Please identify any allergies/medical concerns

Medication: If your child needs medication, please indicate this on the registration form. It is extremely important to disclose any medication that your child may need to bring with them to camp (epipens, inhalers, prescriptions etc.). Any camper requiring medication will be required to fill out Sport Westerns’ Authorization for Administration/Storage/Supervision of Prescription Medication

• Attendance is taken at many points throughout the day. Attendance is taken at sign in and sign out, before and after lunch, before and after swim, during transitions from AM to PM camps, and at various points throughout the day according to the counsellors’ discretion.
• Safety is ensured by our well trained, knowledgeable staff. Counsellors are certified in first aid, and cardio-pulmonary-resuscitation (CPR). Background checks are also completed on each of our staff members.
• Each camp carries a walkie talkie with them throughout the day. This allows camp administration and staff to communicate important information quickly and effectively.
• Our staff are trained in 3-person road crossings. 2 staff block traffic on the road/laneway/path, and one staff leads the campers once the other 2 staff have deemed road/laneway/path safe to cross. 
• Western’s camps do not provide sunscreen for campers. We encourage campers to carry their own sunscreen with a SPF value of 50+. Sunscreen should be applied at least every 2 hours in an outdoor environment. We recommend that campers wear sun-protective items to prevent unnecessary exposure of skin to the sun: long pants, long-sleeved shirts, light colours, wearing hats with a broad rim, and wearing UV protected sunglasses. Campers are encouraged to carry a labeled and re-useable water bottle to ensure they stay hydrated.If a heat warning is issued by the London - Middlesex Health Unit, the following precautions will be taken:
  • Modifying activities.
  • More frequent water breaks.
  • Switching to indoor activities.
  • Please view the Middlesex-London Health Unit for further information regarding sun safety: https://www.healthunit.com/sun-safety

• Sport Western works very closely with the Western Special Constable Service which is a team of dedicated professionals that provide a safe and secure environment to community members and guests at Western University. Patrol officers and their supervisors are the campus equivalent to the London Police for the rest of the city.
• Please review our Code of Conduct policies

For the safety and security of all campers, the camp drop-off and pick-up area will be located at the HURON FLATS PARKING LOT, in close proximity to the Western Student Recreation Centre.

Please visit http://www.uwo.ca/parking/visitormap.pdf to familiarize yourself with the HURON FLATS PARKING LOT (Lot S) location.

Drop-off (AM & FULL DAY campers): 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Pick-up (AM campers): 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Drop-off (PM campers): 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Pick-up (PM & FULL DAY campers): 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Campers will be supervised by Sport Western counsellors until their authorized pick-up person arrives.

To ensure the safety of each one of our campers, all authorized pick-up persons must have valid Photo ID to sign-out campers. Valid Photo ID is required for pick up EVERY DAY.

*Please note: You will not be allowed to sign out your camper if you do not produce a valid Photo ID, or you are not listed as an authorized pick-up person.

Early supervision is offered from 7:30-8:30 and late supervision from 4:30-5:30 and can be purchased during registration as an additional add-on. Please note that if you have not purchased early/late supervision and you show up outside of the designated pick-up/drop-off times, Sport Western may charge you an additional fee.

*Hockey Camp early/late supervision is 30 minutes to due varying hours for those camps.

At Sport Western we utilize the following ratios: 1 counsellor for every 6-8 campers in our junior camps (Ages 5-7) & 1 counsellor for every 8-10 campers in our senior camps (Ages 8+).

• Running shoes
• Backpack
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Lunch & snacks
• Bathing suit and towel
• Epi-pen/medication if needed
• Sport specific items (recommended but not required)
  • Cleats/shin pads for soccer, racquets/paddles for Racquet Sports, etc.

Yes, your child can bring their own sport equipment to camps. Please note that they will be responsible for keeping track of any items they bring with them.

• For safety reasons we DO NOT allow campers to bring their own archery equipment.

Email swcamps@uwo.ca with the following information: child’s name, date item was lost, camp the child attended, and a thorough description of the lost item (colour, size, possible location, etc.). Items can be picked up at the Sport Western office, located on the third floor of the Western Recreation Centre. Please call /email ahead of time to organize a time to pick up any lost belongings. Ensure the item is picked up before September 30. After this date, all items will be donated to a local charity. Please label all items coming to camp (e.g. bathing suit, towel, and lunch bag). Campers are reminded NOT to bring items of value that are not required at camp (e.g. Cell phones, watches, and excessive amounts of money), as valuable items are at risk of being lost or stolen at camp.

In compliance with our Code of Conduct, Parent(s)/Guardian(s) please ensure your camper meets the requirements of our Camp Ready Checklist.

According to the Child Development Institute (CDI), each child develops at their own pace. Being “camp ready” means that your child is able to understand behaviours and actions that are reasonably expected of a camper at that age. Your child must be able to:

1. Go to the washroom on their own with no hands-on assistance.
2. Change on their own.
3. Apply sunscreen on their own.
4. Respond to their name.
5. Respond to camp counsellors and fellow campers.
6. Carry their own equipment/belongings for the day

* It is also our expectation that all campers attending Sport Western are adequately toilet-trained. Although counsellors will always escort children to washroom facilities before, after, and during activities (if necessary), they will not be expected to provide hands-on assistance. 

Sport Western is dedicated to fostering a safe and welcoming environment that is committed to celebrating all differences among our campers. In order to provide a respectful and inclusive environment, Sport Western has implemented a Code of Conduct to ensure the well-being of each camper.

CAMPERS:

As campers at Sport Western you have the right to feel safe and supported by your fellow campers and camp staff. You have the right to be treated with respect, and in return you must treat others with respect. To help ensure all fellow campers are treated with dignity, all campers must follow the Sport Western Code of Conduct and take part in our five core values.

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Make new friends. Take turns, and be polite. Bullying and teasing will not be tolerated.
2. Remain Safe: Obey your camp staff. Think before you act. Be aware.
3. Celebrate Differences: Share ideas and learn about new cultures and individual’s challenges.
4. Take Responsibility: Help camp staff. Look out for your fellow campers. Make your time at Sport Western great.
5. HAVE FUN!

CAMPERS MUST

• Campers must be "Camp Ready" (see FAQ above)
• Follow the camp rules and directions of camp staff
• Campers must show respect for themselves, fellow campers, camp staff, and community members
• Campers must treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability
• Show proper care for Western University and Sport Western Facilities and equipment
• Use respectful language (for example, no swearing, racial or offensive comments)
• Take responsibility for your actions, words and belongings
• Follow the Sport Western Hands off policy (See Below)
• Accept that Western University adheres to a zero tolerance for bullying policy
• Practice Sport Western’s Sun Safety Rules (sunscreen, hat, water, etc.)
• Remain with their camp group and counsellors
• Talk to a counsellor if they feel unsafe in any way

CAMPERS MUST NOT

• Threaten or intimidate another person
• Deliberately hurt someone’s feelings
• Cause injury of any sort or encourage others to inflict harm to any other camper or camp staff. Please see our "Hands-Off" Policy below
• Encourage or be a part of bullying behaviours.
• Trespass, steal, vandalize or cause damage of any sort to the camp facilities and equipment
• Use foul, abusive or inappropriate language

 If any camper is unable to follow the code of conduct and compromises our ability to provide a safe and inclusive environment to our campers and/or camp staff, disciplinary actions will be put into place. Camp staff will discuss with parent(s) or guardian(s) the best solution to the problem.

“Hands-Off” Policy

All campers are required to participate and engage in the “Hands-Off” policy during camp at Sport Western.  Examples of actions that will not be tolerated are as follows:

• Pushing
• Shoving
• Hitting
• Any unwanted or unconsented touching towards another camper or staff member

We ask all parents/guardians to help communicate this message to their children to help them prepare for camp. Please note, there will be absolutely no refunds for any days missed if the camper engaged in any violent behaviour.

As this is a Zero Tolerance Policy, consequences can result is the suspension or termination of their time at Sport Western for the entirety of the camp program.

Sport Western values the important roles parent(s) and guardian(s) bring to our camp experience. They too can help our camp in providing a safe and inclusive environment by:

• Communicating regularly with camp staff of any changes their child may be experiencing, such as medical, emotional, and or physical
• Ensure their child attends camp on time and is appropriately dressed for the weather and camp activities.
• Ensures campers are dropped off with all camp necessities (for example, water bottle, bathing suit, running shoes, sunscreen, hat, any necessary equipment needed for specific camps)
• Notify the camp of any known absences in advance
• Encourage their child in following camp rules
• Assist and support camp staff with any disciplinary actions involving their child
• Discuss with their child how to treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability
• Ensure your camper can adhere to our Camp Ready Checklist(See FAQ above)

 All parent(s) and guardians are expected to:

• Act with courtesy, respect and integrity while respecting the rights, welfare, and dignity of other parents, guardians, facilities, and Sport Western Staff members.
• Act in a safe and responsible manner regarding themselves, campers, and others.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures set by the department and the university while using the facilities, services, and programs.
• In order to use Campus Recreation's facilities and services, you must be a member. Entrance into the Western Student Recreation Centre is prohibited unless you have received an invitation from your camp (ex. Dance show).
• Abstain from any conduct intended to intimidate or humiliate others.

Please note: Our staff are trained to contact Campus Police if they feel a threat to their personal safety or the safety of others. 

If any parent is unable to follow the code of conduct and compromises our ability to provide a safe and inclusive environment to our campers and/or camp staff, disciplinary actions will be put into place. Camp staff will discuss with parent(s) or guardian(s) the best solution to the problem.

Please ensure that your camper is checked for head lice prior to their arrival at Sport Western.

• 1. Look for frequent itching and sores on the scalp from scratching,
  2. Nits (eggs that are laid by a female louse), nits are grayish-white, tan or yellow. some can be the same colour as hair, making them difficult to see. They are about the size of a pinhead and are often found along the forehead, back of the head and behind the ears and are within 1 cm of the scalp, and they are firmly attached to the hair shaft.
  3. Adult lice are the size of a sesame seed and are tan to grayish-white in colour. They may look darker in people with dark hair. 

If you suspect that your child has head lice prior to the beginning of camp, please notify Sport Western immediately.

1.  
   1. Cancellation notices 72 hours prior to the start of camp will be offered a 50% refund with medical proof.
   2. Less than 72 hours prior to the start of camp will not be offered a refund.
   3. In lieu of a refund, campers may attend another camp at a later date pending availability in the camp.

If any camper is suspected to have lice:

•  
  1. They will be immediately removed from campand referred to a camp counsellor for further inspection.
  2. The parents/emergency contact will be contacted to pick up the child from camp.
  3. Campers may be re-admitted to camp upon successful treatment.
  4. If one child in the camp is found to have head lice, all other parents will be notified the same day.
  5. No refund will be offered.

Please view the Middlesex-London Health Unit for further information regarding head lice: https://www.healthunit.com/head-lice