Ways of the Woods

*Please note that your child must be the specified age on the first day of the camp program.

*Availability subject to change. Please note that your child must be the specified age on the first day of the camp program.

Transportation Options

Ways of the Woods Busing

Ways of the Woods is excited to offer free transportation daily to and from its camps! Stops for each route are listed below. You will be able to select which stop your camper would like to use at registration. Your camper has a reserved seat on a specific bus for the week, and unfortunately, for logistical and safety reasons we cannot accommodate campers riding different buses on different days.

(Please note that bus pick-up and drop-off times will be posted two weeks before your week of camp starts. They will be emailed to you in your welcome letter. Also, times could change slightly from day-to-day.)

Drop Off/Pick-Up (Regular Hours)

Parents or Guardians have the option to drop off their camper(s) starting at 8:45AM at Kelso, and pick up camper between 4:00PM and 4:15PM instead of utilizing Ways of the Woods Transportation.

**Please note that the posted arrival times are based on GPS estimated mapping and do not account for traffic on the way to and from camp

*In the event you miss you bus stop time, you may use any other stop on the same bus number. Indicating which bus stop you intend to use when you register helps our staff run attendance at bus stops.

** Please note that Bus 9 does NOT run on weeks 1, 5, and 9 of camp.

Bus Locations Map

Drop Off/Pick-Up (Regular Hours)

Parents or Guardians have the option to drop off their camper(s) starting at 8:45AM at Kelso, and pick up camper between 4:00PM and 4:15PM instead of utilizing Ways of the Woods Transportation.

After Care

After care is available as an add-on until 5:00PM. Please note after care is only available for pick-up from Kelso Conservation Area. After Care is offered for a flat rate of $40 for the week.

Is registration for 2023 camps open yet?

Not yet, but soon! Please sign up for our e-mail list to be notified when camp registration opens for 2023.

What is the best camp for my child?

Ways of the Woods camps are broken out into offerings that target age, and interest groups. We recommend you first consider your child’s age, and then look to see which programs may be of most interest to them.

How old does my child need to be to attend camp?

Please note that your child must be the specified age on the first day of the camp program. Ways of the Woods offers camps for children as young as 4 (kinder), and as old as 15 (C.I.T).

What activities will my camper be participating in each day?

Each week may be slightly different based on weather, age, energy level, interest, and camp program etc. We’ve provided a list of the major activities available at each park. Some activities are age specific. We suggest that you pack your camper with what they would need so they are prepared for any of the activities listed at their camp location.

What are the Ways of the Woods Camp hours?

Camp runs Monday through Friday (including holiday weeks).  Programmed time starts daily at 9:00 am, and wraps up at 4:00 pm.

I need to pick up my camper early, what should I do?

Please contact our WOW team by phone at (905)878-5011 ext 1256 so we can confirm the details with you.

I need to pick my camper up after regular camp hours, what should I do?

After Care is available until 5:00 pm Monday-Friday at Kelso. Please note after care only is available from the Kelso Conservation Area and not on any of the bus routes.

I have decided to drop my child off at camp. Where do I drop them off each day?

All camps use Kelso as the hub.  Please drop your child at Kelso by 8:50am.

I’m having issues figuring out how to register.

Step 1: Select the week of camp and the camp program you are seeking.

• You will also be able to select your transportation options at this time. If you do not know which bus you may want, please refer to transportation information above
• Parents wishing to drive their camper(s) or carpool with other families should select “Drop off & Pick Up at Kelso”
• Add additional Weeks: If you wish to add additional weeks of camps for your first camper, repeat Step 1

Step 2: Add your camper & Parent / guardian info

• Camper Name and Date Of Birth
• Parent & Guardian contact info
• An Emergency Contact
• Any other adults you wish to permit to perform pick ups at the bus or Kelso.
  Swimming Ability, and Biking Ability if you are signing up for Bike Camp (otherwise select Not Applicable)
• Any known medical or allergy information

Step 3: Once you have selected your camps and provided the needed details, you will proceed to check out.

• Please review your multiple Camper Registration
• Enter payment information
• Check out; you should receive a confirmation e-mail following your transaction

Repeat Steps 1, 2, 3 as required.

Please contact us at (905)878-5011 if further assistance is required.

Does your camp provide busing?

Yes, busing is included! We offer stops in Waterdown, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Acton and Georgetown.

What time do buses pick up and drop off campers?

Visit our Busing Schedule page for all of the details. We recommend that parents be at the stop 10 minutes prior to busses arriving.

I have missed my bus, what should I do?

If you can safely arrive at another pick-up location on the same route, you may do so. Otherwise, drop your child off at Kelso by 8:50am. View transportation section above for stop locations.  If you are unable to make it to Kelso on schedule please call our WOW team at 905-878-5011 x 1256

Can I make changes to our bus route or stop?

Your camper is booked on their bus for the duration of the week and must ride the same bus each day.

If you would like to pick them up or drop them off at a different stop along the same route we can easily accommodate this. Simply show up at your desired stop at the designated time. Due to bus capacity limitations, and for the safety and security of all of our campers we CANNOT accommodate changes in routes or different routes for different days.

If you are unable to make your stop or prefer to drop off or pick up your camper on a particular day we can accommodate this at Kelso but YOU MUST contact us at 905-878-5011 x1256 to confirm the details.

Prior to your camp starting (before Thursday at noon the week prior to your camp) we may be able to accommodate changes to your route based on availability.  Please call 905-878-5011 x1256

It is more convenient for me to drop my child off at camp, is this possible?

Yes, campers can be dropped off at the Kelso Visitor Centre between 8:45 and 9:00 am.  You will need to pick your camper up at Kelso by 4:00 pm. After care is available at Kelso until 5pm if needed (additional fee)

Can I provide permission for my camper to walk home from the bus unsupervised?

If you did not already indicate this when you registered please contact us at 905-878-5011 x1256 so that we can update your camper profile and alert the bus monitors.

I am unavailable to pick up my child and need to send someone else, what do I do?

Please list ALL contacts with first/last names and contact info in the area provided on our registration site. If your camper needs to picked up by someone other than the listed primary or secondary contacts approved for pick up on their file please contact us at 905-878-5011 x1256.

What sort of supervision will be provided while my child is at camp?

Ways of the Woods has an outstanding team of camp staff.  Our counselors work in teams, a senior counsellor with greater experience and certification will typically work with any junior counselor we hire.  This ensures that every group has a great camper to staff ratio, and that our staff are always in a setting where they can continue to learn to be the best they can be!

What is the supervision ratio at camp?

Ways of the Woods strives to maintain camper ratios for our staff that allow our counselors to work as closely as possible with your camper.  Our Primary programs are offered at an 8:1 ratio for ages 6-8 and 6:1 ratio for ages 4-5. Our Junior Camps are offered at a 10:1 ratio.  Our Senior Camps are offered at varying ratios, but are typically a 10:1.

How can I become staff with Ways of the Woods?

Ways of the Woods hires exceptional young people who are passionate about providing a truly awesome summer camp experience to our campers.  Staff must be at least 16 years of age (jr counselor). We offer a variety of positions based on experience and certifications. View summer camp job postings.

I would like to Volunteer at Camp, is this possible?

Ways of the Woods offers a great transitional approach from being a camper, to eventually working at Camp. Our Counselor in Training Camp (C.I.T) is offered twice per summer and is a required step for anyone wishing to volunteer at camp. Once you have attended a C.I.T camp, you may return as a C.I.T for any portion of the remainder of the summer in a volunteer capacity.

My Child has allergies; can you accommodate them at camp?

Ways of the Woods is an active, outdoor camp.  We will unavoidably come in contact with a variety of animals, grasses, and plants.  Providing your child’s allergy does not limit them from coming into contact with these outdoor settings, we will be happy to work with them this summer.

Is Ways of the Woods a Peanut Free camp?

Though Ways of the Woods is happy to try and accommodate any camper with allergies, we are not able to list ourselves as a peanut free camp.  Our outdoor settings are enjoyed by thousands of other individuals through the year, and our other campers do bring bag lunches, trace amounts of allergens may be present at a variety of locations.

My camper is taking medication while at camp, what information does the camp staff require?

When registering, we ask that you describe any specific medical concerns you or your camper may have. This would include information pertaining to medication routines, current injuries, allergies, etc.

I forgot to give you some details or the medical information has changed since we registered, what do I do?

Contact us at 905-878-5011 x1256 so that we can update your camp reservation.

My Camper is not a swimmer. Can they avoid Swimming as an activity?

Swimming is one of our Camp’s most popular activities.  Our Waterfront at Kelso is fully lifeguarded, and is located at a sand beach with graduated depth markers.  Non swimmers are required to wear a PFD at all times.  Our staff will work with non swimmers to introduce them to the water and ensure they are closely supervised while at the beach. In addition to the camp staff, the Kelso Beach is overseen by lifeguards that are specifically assigned to camps. If you are certain that you do not wish your camper to swim, you may indicate that in the additional notes section during registration, however they will be required to visit the beach with their group while the other campers swim.

What do each of the swim levels mean in registration?

Our camp staff will have access to notes from your registration including a camper’s swim level so they know what level of PFD and support is required at the beach. The ability levels should be interpreted as below:

• Non-swimmer – my camper does not know how to swim and should have a PFD at all times on the beach
• PFD Required – my camper has some experience swimming, but they should always have a PFD on in the water
• PFD Not Required – my camper is a comfortable swimmer and does NOT require a PFD while at the beach and in the water. I acknowledge that my camper will still have to wear a PFD while using any of the boats.

Is your Boating activity supervised?

Boating is done at Kelso where we have our Lifeguard staff on duty, as well as first aiders and rescue boats at our Boat Rental beach. All participants wear proper pfd’s while on the water, and our camp staff join them on the water to supervise more closely.  Campers boat in groups and carry all the require small pleasure craft emergency supplies they may need.  The Kelso reservoir is limited in size and has no water way exits, so campers cannot leave the supervised area.

How strong a biker does my child need to be for bike camp?

The Ways of the Woods bike camp is intended for campers with some existing off pavement bike experience. We strongly recommend that campers be comfortable riding their bike on grass, gravel, and on bike trails.  Campers will build skills pertaining to riding up and downhill, as well as navigating trail features like rock, roots, bridges, etc.  This is NOT a camp for new riders, but being an expert is most definitely not a requirement.

What do each of the bike levels mean in registration?

If registering for one of our Bike camps, we also collect your campers bike level so that they can be matched with other campers of similar ability and comfort levels. The ability levels should be interpreted as below:

• Beginner – My camper can ride a bike comfortably on pavement, grass and gravel roads. They have limited experience with biking on a dedicated trail.
• Intermediate – My camper has some experience biking on mountain bike trail networks. They are able to ride with some speed comfortably.
• Advanced – My camper is an experienced mountain biker. They are able to ride all the trails at Kelso with speed and comfortability.

What type of bike do I need for bike camp?

We ask that campers be riding at minimum a 24” wheel bike with both front and rear handlebar actuated brakes.  Coaster brakes (backpedal / skid brake) will not be sufficient for this camp.

What other equipment will I require for Bike Camp?

A proper bike helmet, riding gloves and some way to carry water on the trail (water bottle, hydration back) are the only required equipment. Your camper will have an area to leave their lunch and belongings while on trail, so we also recommend parents set up campers to be able to take only what they need on the trail separate from the rest of their belongings. Other equipment you may appreciate would be shin / knee guards, and spare tube to fit your wheel size.

Can I leave my bike at Camp for the week?

Yes, campers in Bike Camp can leave their bike at camp during their week of camp.  It will be locked up overnight, so there will be no access to the bikes once camp hours are over. All bikes MUST be picked up on Friday afternoon by 5:30 pm.

How should I get my child’s bike to camp?

We recommend that campers in bike camp get a ride to camp on Monday morning with their parent or guardian. They may ride the bus home that day, as their bike can stay on site.  Similarly parents will want to pick their child up on the final day of camp in order to transport their bike home.

How is behaviour dealt with at camp?

Ways of the Woods Camp Staff recognize that kids will be kids. This is to imply that Summer Camp is a place to play, explore, and learn. Our staff work hard each week to ensure campers understand what behavior is acceptable at camp and what is not. These expectations are introduced to campers at the start of camp, and the culture of respect for everyone and everything at camp is fostered from that point forward. Our behavioral policy is not intended to be restrictive or prescriptive in how each camper is dealt with at camp. Staff will always use their best judgement and always work with their supervisors to ensure that everyone is able to have fun at camp. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

How is bullying dealt with at Camp?

Bullying is not tolerated within any Ways of the Woods Camp. Behaviour that is deemed to be bullying will result in immediate contact being made with the campers guardians.  Campers who bully may need to leave camp for the day or week.

If my camper is asked to leave camp, do I receive refund or credit?

No. Campers who lose their privilege to be at camp due to behaviour are not entitled to refund. Their spot in camp was held at registration and we are unable to fill space in camp mid week.

What is your Refund policy?

• All refund requests and changes to registration must be received 14 days prior to the start of the registered camp. A $25 admin fee applies
• We do not offer refunds less than two (2) weeks before the first day of camp.
• We do not offer refunds for days missed.
• Camps are not transferrable.
• Refunds must go back to the card used for the original transaction.

I have had a change in schedule and need to change my camper’s registration. What can I do?

As per our refund policy, exchanges are only possible with more than 14 days notice from the start of their scheduled camp. Providing you have realized the need to change camps before that time, you may transfer your registration to another week and only pay an administrative fee of $25.

• Conservation Halton reserves the right to remove a camper from the program if warranted for behavior or camp safety concerns. Refunds in this situation will be issued at the camps’ discretion and are not guaranteed.
• Conservation Halton reserves the right to cancel camp streams if registration does not meet our minimum registration numbers.
• Each campers’ personal belongings are their responsibility. Camp Staff will assist campers in remembering to pack up their belongings, but cannot be held responsible for lost items. A lost & found pick-up area is available at the end of the day and each week at camp.
• The birthdate of the camper must match the camp birthdate requirement on the first day of camp.
• Camp fees are HST exempt (excluding CIT Camp) and your receipt can be used towards childcare expenses or the children’s fitness tax credit. Transportation and Extended Care services are subject to HST.

• All refund requests and changes to registration must be received 14 days prior to the start of the registered camp. A $25.00 admin fee applies
• No refunds less than two (2) weeks before the first day of camp.
• No refunds for days missed.
• Refunds must go back to the card used for the original transaction.

Ways of the Woods puts great pride in offering a positive and memorable experience for all of its campers.  In situations where campers are having difficulty contributing to this positive experience, our staff follow a well-planned behavioural policy.  The policy focuses on helping our campers learn from mistakes and discover how to best contribute with their group.  Behaviour that risks safety or injury of any camper is taken quite seriously. Campers who are having a difficult time with behaviour may find themselves removed from their group, dealing with their guardians and camp staff, or in some situations may find themselves being asked to leave camp.  In any case, guardians will always be consulted and kept aware of how their children are doing at camp.

Bullying

Bullying is not tolerated within any Ways of the Woods Camp. Behaviour that is deemed to be bullying will result in immediate contact being made with the campers guardians.  Campers who bully may need to leave camp for the day or week.

Dealing with Behaviour

Ways of the Woods Camp Staff recognize that kids will be kids. This is to imply that Summer Camp is a place to play, explore, and learn. Our staff work hard each week to ensure campers understand what behavior is acceptable at camp and what is not. These expectations are introduced to campers at the start of camp, and the culture of respect for everyone and everything at camp is fostered from that point forward. Our behavioral policy is not intended to be restrictive or prescriptive in how each camper is dealt with at camp. Staff will always use their best judgement and always work with their supervisors to ensure that everyone is able to have fun at camp. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.