You can log in to your CampBrain account anytime to: 

• Download receipts 

• Check payment schedules 

• Add weeks of camp (if space is available) 

  
  

Give your calendar a quick check to make sure your planned dates match what we have. 

If your phone number, email, or address changes, contact us at 519-699-5100 or camp@ytr.ymca.ca

On the CampBrain login page enter your email and select “Forgot my password” to receive a reset link.

Tax receipts for this and previous years are always available in your CampBrain account. 

Mandatory for All Campers 

These forms must be completed for every camper. Most families complete them in under 10 minutes. 

Household Form 

Includes emergency contacts and an authorized pickup list. Important: Campers will only be released to individuals listed on this form.

Camper Code of Behaviour 

Outlines our expectations for behaviour and how we respond if those expectations are not met. 

Medical Form 

Helps us understand medical conditions, allergies, and medication needs so we can plan accommodations and provide safe, appropriate care. 

Consent & Waiver 

Includes: 

• Assumption of risk and limitation of liability 

• Photo consent 

• Swimming ability information so we can plan safe water activities and support confidence in the water 

  
  

Mandatory If Needed 

Complete these forms only if they apply to your camper: 

Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan 

For campers with severe allergies who may require an EpiPen. 

Seizure Plan 

For campers with a seizure history or diagnosis. 

External Support Worker Application 

For campers bringing their own external support worker. This helps us integrate that support smoothly into camp life. 

Optional Forms 

Cabin Mate Request 

Campers may request up to two friends as cabin mates. All requested campers must be within two years of age. 

We do our best to honour requests while still creating inclusive cabin groups where everyone feels welcome and has opportunities to build new friendships. 

If Your Plans Change: Modifying or Cancelling a Registration 

Need a change? 

Program changes or cancellations: Email our camp team camp@ytr.ymca.ca

Adding towel service or bussing to Camp Waabanaki or Belwood: email camp@ytr.ymca.ca or call 519-699-5100 and we will update your registration. 

If something looks incorrect in your child’s registration, let us know right away. 

Please refer to the Cancellation Policy in the Before You Register section. https://www.ymcathreerivers.ca/camp-registration

Three easy ways to shop:

1. CampBrain Wallet 

Best for snacks during the week 

What campers can buy: 

Snacks, drinks, camp clothing, accessories 

How it works: 

• Add money to your camper’s virtual tuck shop wallet in CampBrain 

• Campers use these funds throughout the session 

• Suggested amount: $10–$20 

  
  

Good to know: 

• Please leave cash at home 

• Wallet funds are used for tuck shop purchases during camp 

• Remaining funds over $5 will be refunded to the credit card on file 

  
  

How to add funds: 

Log in to your CampBrain account: https://ytr.campbrainregistration.com/ 

1. Select View Existing Registrations 

2. Scroll to Camp Store on the right 

3. Click Add Deposit and choose your amount 

2. Online Store (Pre-Order) 

Best for clothing and camp swag 

What you can buy: 

Camp clothing and accessories 

How it works: 

• Order ahead of time (beginning in March) 

• Items are ready for your camper when they arrive 

  
  

Shop here: 

https://ymcathreerivers-camps.square.site/ 

Important: 

• Add your camper’s name and session in the “Note for Seller” box 

• Purchases here do not come out of the CampBrain wallet 

  
  

3. Onsite Tuck Shop (In Person) 

Best for families at Monday drop-off or Sunday pick-up 

Payment methods: 

Debit, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay 

We will email helpful reminders and information to get your camper ready and excited for summer. Please ensure your email address is up to date in CampBrain and check your inbox (and junk folder) regularly. 

YMCA Camp is fun. 

YMCA Camp is safe. 

YMCA Camp is a place to build friendships. 

YMCA Camp is a place to belong. 

YMCA Campers learn valuable skills at camp. 

YMCA Camp values nature. 

YMCA Camp provides a high quality of care. 

YMCA Camp is a place to return. 

These eight promises shape every decision we make at camp. 

We care about every camper’s physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being. Camp is a place to belong, build confidence, and be supported. 

To help us support your camper: 

• Share relevant information in the Medical Form or speak directly with a Camp Director. 

• Information is kept confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis. 

  
  

How we support campers 

Health Centre teams are on-site and available around the clock. 

Trained, caring staff receive training in Mental Health First Aid and strategies to support common challenges like homesickness, anxiety, or overwhelm. 

If a camper needs more support, we collaborate with families and, when appropriate, healthcare professionals to create a plan that keeps them safe and connected at camp. 

If a camper’s needs exceed what we can safely provide, we may need to involve medical professionals or discuss leaving camp early. Safety and wellbeing come first, and we will walk through this with you. 

Camp is exciting and it is normal for campers (and parents) to have big feelings before arrival. Our goal is to help your camper arrive ready to jump in.  

Helpful tips:  

• Keep your tone positive when talking about camp.  

• Start packing early to avoid last-minute stress.  

• Spend a bit of intentional one-on-one time before they leave.  

• Encourage independence and remind them they can always talk to their counsellor. 

• Explore camp photos and info together on the website.  

• If this is their first time away, try a practice sleepover at a friend’s or relative’s house.  

  
  

What not to do:  

• Do not promise a visit during camp.  

• Avoid saying they can call home if they are sad. Phone calls often make homesickness harder, not easier.  

  
  

Addressing homesickness 

• Talk openly about missing home and how normal it is.  

• Decide together on simple coping strategies like writing letters or talking to a counsellor.  

• Send a short, upbeat email or letter for the first day.  

• Avoid offering “If you are sad, we will pick you up right away.” Instead, assume success while validating feelings.  

  
  

Our staff are trained to respond with patience, set predictable routines, and offer individual attention to help each camper settle into cabin life. 

• Meals are served family-style in the dining hall. 

• Menus follow Canada’s Food Guide and are designed with kids in mind. 

• Dietary needs and allergies must be listed in the Medical Form at registration. 

• Kitchen and Health & Wellness staff review all dietary needs on opening day. 

  
  

At Every Meal: The Health Hut 

• Breakfast: yogurt, oatmeal 

• Lunch: fresh fruit 

• Dinner: salad bar 

  
  

Food Safety & Standards 

• Camps are inspected by local health units and are OCA accredited. 

• We are peanut aware. We do not serve foods that contain or may contain peanuts. 

• Please do not send any nut products to camp. 

• All camp drinking water systems are registered with the Ministry of the Environment and meet Ontario Regulation 170/03 testing requirements. 

Your camper’s safety is our first priority. 

• All camp staff are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. 

• Counsellors carry basic first aid kits and each camp has a number of full kits on hand. 

• For minor incidents, staff provide immediate care. 

• If your child needs medical attention beyond minor first aid: 

• Staff will arrange transportation to the nearest hospital, usually by ambulance. 

• We will contact you or an emergency contact as soon as possible. 

• A staff member will stay with your camper until you arrive. 

  
  

Any additional costs, such as transportation fees and prescriptions, are the responsibility of the family. 

Families receive daily email updates when a camper receives medical care while at camp. 

Camp staff can support medication administration, but whenever possible, doses should be given at home. 

If your child requires medication by injection (for example, insulin), please speak with the Camp Director in advance, as an Individual Care Plan is required. 

Medication requirements 

All prescription and over-the-counter medications must: 

• Be in original packaging 

• Be labeled with the camper’s name 

• Be placed in a labeled plastic bag before arrival 

• Have clear instructions recorded in the Medical Form 

  
  

Medication must be given directly to the Health and Wellness staff. It cannot be kept in cabins. 

Inhalers and EpiPens 

If your child uses an inhaler, EpiPen, or other lifesaving medication, we recommend sending two: 

• One carried by your child (a hip pack works well) 

• One kept with the counsellor 

  
  

At your request, the counsellor can carry both. 

Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected at camp. 

The YMCA of Three Rivers Camps has zero tolerance for harassment, hate, or discrimination. 

This includes prejudice or intolerance based on race, ethnicity, faith, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. 

If any parent, camper, or staff member feels threatened, bullied, abused, or belittled, they may end the conversation and report the situation to the Camp Director. Serious incidents can result in removal from the camp program. 

YMCA Camps are inclusive spaces where we expect all campers, LITs, CITs, and staff to follow behaviour and safety guidelines and live out our core values: Equity, Inclusiveness, Advocacy, Health and Wellness, Accountability, Empathy, and Respect. 

We recognize that some expectations may be challenging for Inclusion campers due to individual needs, and we offer flexibility and support where possible. However, behaviours that put others at risk or significantly disrupt camp cannot be allowed. 

Five Simple Camp Rules 

1. Keep hands and feet to yourself. 

2. Speak kindly and positively. 

3. Touch only what belongs to you. 

4. Stay within camp areas. 

5. Listen to your leaders. 

We use a simple Stoplight system to guide responses to behaviour: 

Green Light: Campers follow expectations and contribute positively. Staff use praise and positive reinforcement. 

Yellow Light: Camper behaviour breaks one of the five rules and needs redirection. 

• The camper receives a verbal warning and a check-in from a supervisor. 

• It is explained that if the behaviour continues, they may need to take a one-day break from camp. 

  
  

Red Light: Camper engages in dangerous, violent, or highly inappropriate behaviour, or possesses unsafe items. 

• The camper is suspended from camp. 

• Returning to camp depends on the severity of the behaviour and the Camper’s willingness to take responsibility and ownership. 

Suspensions and removals 

Removal from camp is a last resort, but sometimes necessary to keep everyone safe. 

• Suspensions or removals due to behaviour are not eligible for refunds. 

• A camper’s ability to return will depend on the severity of the behaviour, safety of others, and the commitment of the camper and family to address the issue. 

• If a camper returns after a one-day suspension and engages in further Yellow or Red Light behaviour, they will be removed from camp. 

Behaviour logs 

Staff document Yellow and Red behaviours in a behaviour log so we can: 

• Communicate clearly with families 

• Track patterns 

• Work together on strategies to support your camper 

We maintain high standards of safety and care: 

• Strong staff-to-camper ratios 

• Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C) 

• Lifesaving Society certifications 

• Vulnerable Sector Police Checks 

• Extensive pre-camp training and ongoing coaching 

YMCA Camp Belwood, Camp Ki-Wa-Y, Camp Waabanaki, and Camp Heidelberg are accredited members of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA), with more YMCA Day Camps working toward accreditation. 

What OCA accreditation means

Our camps meet or exceed over 600 standards related to health, safety, staffing, programming, food service, emergency procedures, and overall quality.  

Swimming is a core part of camp and we follow Lifesaving Society and OCA standards. 

Campers complete a swim assessment to determine where they can swim safely. Lifejackets are required in all boats, and any time campers are on or in the water. 

Camp runs in all kinds of weather. Sun safety is a shared responsibility.

Families can help by sending:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen

• A wide-brimmed hat

• Sunglasses

• Lightweight long sleeves

• A refillable water bottle

  
  

Staff support sun safety by:

• Reminding campers to reapply sunscreen every two hours and before/after water activities

• Encouraging hydration and shade breaks, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Modeling sun-safe behaviour themselves

• Planning activities with UV and heat in mind

Pick-up authorization 

Only individuals listed in the Authorized Camper Pick Up in CampBrain may pick up a camper. 

Government-issued photo ID is required at pickup. 

Camp is a chance to unplug, connect with nature, build independence, and focus on their experience. You can still stay in touch in a simple, camp-friendly way.  

One-way emails  

• You’re welcome to email your camper. Messages are printed and delivered by our team. 

• Please include your camper’s full name and cabin in the subject line. 

   

Letters and care packages  

• Mail letters about a week before camp starts or leave them with staff at drop-off.  

• If food is sent, it will be stored in the kitchen to keep other campers safe and prevent wildlife from being attracted to cabins. 

• Keep messages light and encouraging: Save big updates or worrying news for an in-person conversation after camp. 

• Please do not order food delivery services (such as Skip the Dishes) for campers.  

• Campers are encouraged to write letters home. Pre-addressed and stamped envelopes make this much easier. Stamps are available for sale in the tuck shop. 

  
  

Please Note: Not every camper receives mail or packages, and simple notes help keep camp focused on connection and belonging. 

We encourage campers to take responsibility for their belongings while at camp. Counsellors are there to help, but it’s important that your camper knows what they packed and can manage their own items. 

Camp is an active, outdoor environment, and activities can be tough on clothing and gear. Please send comfortable, durable items and avoid anything new, expensive, or hard to replace. 

Closed-toe shoes are required for certain activities such as archery and rock climbing. Camp runs rain or shine, so please pack for a variety of weather conditions. 

Laundry facilities are typically not available except in emergencies, so please pack enough clothing for the full session. 

Personal Items 

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush or comb) 

• Sunscreen 

• Insect repellent 

• Refillable water bottle 

• Towels (1–2) 

• Laundry bag 

• Sleeping bag or blanket and fitted sheet 

• Pillow and pillowcase 

• Flashlight with spare batteries (for evening use and trips to the washroom) 

• Stuffed animal (optional, for comfort) 

  
  

Clothing (One Week) 

• T-shirts (4–5) 

• Long-sleeve shirts (1–2) 

• Sweaters (1–2) 

• Shorts (3–5) 

• Pants (1–2) 

• Pajamas (1–2) 

• Bathing suits (2–3) 

• Underwear (5–7) 

• Socks (5–7) 

• One neat, clean outfit for the end-of-session banquet (optional) 

  
  

Outerwear & Footwear 

• Hat (sun hat or cap) 

• Running shoes (closed-toe) 

• Sandals or water shoes 

• Raincoat (and rain pants, if available) 

• Sunglasses (optional) 

• Rubber boots (optional) 

  
  

Optional Items 

• Stationery for writing letters 

• Books 

• Musical instruments 

• Camera 

• Paddle 

  
  

For Out-Trips at Camp Waabanaki (If Applicable) 

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Optional. Camp can provide one if needed. 

• Whistle for PFD (available for purchase at the camp tuck shop) 

• Waterproof dry bag (up to 30L) 

• Hiking or portaging shoes 

To help keep camp safe, inclusive, and focused on the experience, please leave the following items at home: 

• Nut products (including peanut butter) 

• Electronics of any kind, including cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, and video games 

• Money 

• Knives or sharp objects 

• Matches, lighters, or other fire starters 

• Hairstyling tools (e.g., hair dryers, straighteners) 

• Cigarettes, vapes, non-prescription drugs, or alcohol 

• Water guns 

  
  

Items brought to camp that are not permitted may be held by staff and returned at pick-up. 

At YMCA Overnight Camps, we believe in the value of an unplugged camp experience. Being phone-free helps campers build independence, form friendships, and fully engage in camp life. 

If you need an update on how your camper is doing, you are always welcome to contact us directly. A team member will be happy to share how your camper is settling in. 

Thank you for helping us create a camp environment where campers can connect, grow, and thrive. 

With constant activity and unpredictable weather, keeping towels clean, dry, and accounted for can be a challenge. Our Towel Service helps reduce lost towels and keeps campers’ belongings dry and sand-free. 

Campers who sign up for this service receive a fresh towel daily, each labeled with their name for easy identification. 

Towel Service can be added during registration. If you wish to add it after registering, please call our camping office at 519-699-5100 or email us to make the change. 

We offer a selection of items families can order to remember their time at Day Camp. Watch your email for a notice when the Day Camp Tuck Shop is open.