Planet Kids

Camp Hours

• What are the hours at the Kelso location?

  Kelso Location with Bussing

  If your child is attending one of our camps at the Kelso location with bussing, please drop them off and pick them up at their selected stop within the time frame listed on our Kelso Bus Schedule. Times vary from stop to stop.

   If your child is pre-registered for the bus Extended Care option(s), please drop them off at their selected stop up to 30 minutes before the posted regular drop off time, and pick them up from their selected stop up to 30 minutes after the posted regular pick up time.  See Kelso Bus Schedule for times. Extended Care is available at select stops only and your child must be pre-registered. An additional fee applies.

  Kelso Location without Bussing

  If your child is attending one of our camps at the Kelso location without bussing, the hours are as follows:

   Regular Morning Drop Off

  8:45 – 9am at *PK Hut

  Extended Care Morning Drop Off (Must be pre-registered. An additional fee applies.)

  Starts 8am at *PK Hut

   Regular Afternoon Pick Up

  4:15 – 4:30pm at **Picnic Area #6

  Extended Care Afternoon Pick Up (Must be pre-registered. An additional fee applies.)

  By 5pm at *PK Hut

   *PK Hut: Upon entering the gates at Kelso, take an immediate right and drive ahead a short distance to parking area. Park and sign your child in/out with the Planet Kids staff on duty at the small cabin – like building on the right with the PK sign on it.

  **Picnic Area #6: Upon entering the gates at Kelso, take an immediate right, then another immediate right down the hill into Picnic Area #6. Park and sign your child in/out with the Planet Kids staff on duty.

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• What are the hours at the King’s Collegiate location?

   

  King’s Location with Bussing

  If your child is attending one of our camps at the King’s Collegiate location with bussing, please drop them off and pick them up at their selected stop within the time frame listed on our King’s Bus Schedule. Times vary from stop to stop.

   If your child is pre-registered for the bus Extended Care option(s), please drop them off at their selected stop up to 30 minutes before the posted regular drop off time, and pick them up from their selected stop up to 30 minutes after the posted regular pick up time.  See King’s Bus Schedule for times. Extended Care is available at select stops only and your child must be pre-registered. An additional fee applies.

  King’s Location without Bussing

  If your child is attending one of our camps at the King’s Collegiate location without bussing, the hours are as follows:

   Regular Morning Drop Off

  8:45 – 9am

  Extended Care Morning Drop Off (Must be pre-registered. An additional fee applies.)

  Starts at 8am

   Regular Afternoon Pick Up

  4 – 4:30pm

   Extended Care Afternoon Pick up (Must be pre-registered. An additional fee applies.)

  By 5:30pm

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• What happens if I am late to pick up my child?

  It is important to adhere to our schedule and pick up your child on time each day; however, if you are late, you can be assured that your child will not be left unattended.

  For late arrivals, a Late Fee of $5.00 per child for every 15 minutes or part thereof will apply. Whenever possible, please call our Administrative Office to let us know of any unexpected delays to your arrival so that we can advise your child & our staff. 

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Camp Staff

• What is the age of your staff?

  Senior Staff – 17 to 26 years of age + up
  Junior Staff – 15 or 16 years old

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• What training does your staff receive?

  All Planet Kids staff receive an extensive 40-hour training course and are CPR and First Aid Certified. Potential candidates are well screened before being hired and must submit a Police Criminal Check, a resume and application, as well as meet with the Senior Director for an interview. Further information about our staff can be found on the Our Staff page.
  

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• What is the ratio of supervision?

  Our counsellor to camper ratio is 1 : 8.

  On occasion, for some groups with children finished Grade 4 & older, the counsellor to camper ratio may vary slightly, up to a 1: 10 ratio.
  

  We take pride in the fact our ratio of supervision exceeds industry standards!

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General Questions

• My child is shy and does not know anyone - Will they enjoy themselves?

  Staff are trained to be sensitive to the needs of all children and in particular those who are shy and apprehensive. Campers will not be forced to participate but staff will encourage them to join in all the group’s activities — a big part of a child’s camp experience is their attitude and willingness to try new things and make new friends, and at Planet Kids we do what we can to motivate campers to make the most of their time spent with us.

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• Can my child walk to/from their bus stop or camp location on their own?

  It is our preference that campers are accompanied to and from their bus stop or camp location by an adult. If however you wish to arrange for them to walk to/from their bus stop or camp location on their own, you must accompany them on the first morning of camp (no exceptions) and  provide written consent to our staff of your arrangement for the remainder of the first day and week.

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• Can my child be placed in the same group as siblings? Friends?

  Yes, campers can request to be in the same camp group as a friend or sibling as long as they are in the same completed grade level, and of course, that they are registered for the same week & camp program. When registering, please provide the first and last name of the friend(s) or sibling. This information will be included on our weekly attendance lists for reference by our staff. If registering online, please go to the Your Child page after you are logged in. If registering by mail or fax, please include the name of friends/ sibling they want to be in the same group with in the space provided.

  Although sharing a camp experience with a friend or sibling is comforting, campers should also be encouraged to make the most of their camp experience by meeting new friends – they’re always glad they did! Please be advised we reserve the right to separate campers whose combined behaviour hinders the safety and enjoyment of other campers, staff or themselves, at the sole discretion of the camp’s Senior Director. Parents will be notified.

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• My child has lost something at camp. What can we do?

  Although every effort is made by our Counsellors and Directors to ensure campers have all their belongings throughout the day, children often leave things behind and  lose things at camp. To reduce the amount of lost items & disappointment, please ensure your child’s belongings are properly labeled with his/her first & last name so that we may return lost items to them if found, and that you do not send their most valued possessions to camp.

  All items left behind at camp and found by our staff are laid out daily for campers to look through the next day – parents, please advise the staff at your child’s bus/ camp location about the lost item. Parents are also welcome to come by the camp during operating hours to check the lost and found themselves.

  All unclaimed items are held for 1 week, after which, they are disposed of or donated to a charitable organization. Items of particular value that are found by our staff, such as personalized earplugs and medicines, are not  put in the Lost & Found. Instead, they are held onto by our Site Director pending return to the rightful owner.

  Remember: Campers are not permitted to have items such as ipods, cell phones, hand-held gaming devices, cameras (except in Photography Camp), jewellery or toys at camp. PLANET KIDS AND ITS STAFF ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS.

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• What happens if my child is sick and can not attend their full week of camp?

  If your child misses camp due to an illness, we are happy to provide you with a credit equal to the value of the day(s) missed or your child can make up the day(s) missed. For either option, a doctor’s note is required, dated within 1 week or less of the absence.

  The credit option will apply to new registrations only, up to 1 year later.

  Make up days are pending availability.

  Please contact our Administrative Office at 1-877-322-KIDS (5437) to advise of your child’s absence and to arrange your credit or make up days.

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• Can my child take medicine while at camp?

  If your child requires medication of any kind while at camp, you must sign a Medication Release Form giving permission for our staff to administer the medicine to your child. This form can be found online (click ‘Camp Info’) and from our staff at your child’s bus stop or camp location. Only the daily dose of medicine can be accepted at camp.

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• Can I pick up my child early from camp?

  It is preferred that campers ARE NOT picked up early from camp. This causes a great deal of extra time and planning, and interrupts the daily camp routine for your child, other campers and the staff. Please make appointments and personal plans around your child’s camp schedule. 

  If however an emergency arises, please contact our Admin staff via email or phone (see Contact Us) to advise them and make arrangements. 

  Please note also that we no longer allow changes to a camper’s means of transportation to/from camp – if they are booked for the bus,  it is expected they use the bus to/from camp as scheduled. If they are not booked for the bus, please drop off and pick up your child according to the camp regular hours, or Extended Care hours if applicable.

  We appreciate your understanding, courtesy and co-operation in this matter.

   

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• What if I am unable to pickup my child and wish to send someone else in my place?

  Campers should be picked up by one of their parents however when this is not possible a written note must be sent to camp naming the alternate caregiver and giving your permission for them to pick up your child (ren). If a situation arises at the last minute, you MUST call our Administrative Office to make suitable arrangements. Camper safety is our top priority and your child will not be released to anyone other than yourself unless your permission has been documented by our staff. You will be responsible for late fees if applicable.

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• How many children are in each group?

  Our camp groups vary in size depending on age level, type of camp and activities. A typical camp group consists of 16 children with two staff. At times, smaller camp groups may be joined with other camp groups. 

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• How are children grouped at camp?

  On the first morning of camp, campers are placed in groups based on the program they are registered for and the completed school grade indicated on their profile (It is important to ensure your child’s profile is up to date before registrations are made).  In some cases, campers may move up or down by 1 grade level. Please contact our Administrative Office in advance of registration, to determine if the program/ age group accommodates such changes and/or immediately if an error has been made with your child’s registration/grouping. 

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• Can my child bring electronic devices/ toys to camp?

  NO. Campers should be encouraged to enjoy their day of fun, stimulating camp activities and are not permitted to bring electronic gaming devices such as ipods, mp3s, game boys, cell phones, toys, etc. to camp. Please keep these and other valuable items at home. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

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• Can I change my existing registration?

  To make a change to your child’s camp registration after it is submitted, please Contact Us at least 7 days prior to the start of the camp. We will do our best to accommodate your request, based on camp and/or bus availability, staffing, and group sizes.

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Lunch & Snacks

• Is lunch or snacks provided?

  Yes! We do offer a lunch program at our King’s location only.  Parents are required to provide snacks for their child attending Kings when on the lunch plan.  For our Kelso location parents are required to provide their child with drinks, lunch and snacks. (Must be nut – free).

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Payments

• What is the payment process?

  Payment options vary depending on your method of payment and the time of your registration.

  Up to June 1st, registrations may be secured with a deposit payment of $50 per child, per camp, or may be paid in full. On or after June 1st, all camp fees are due in full.

  If registering online, you must pay with a credit card. Our site is secure and you will receive camp confirmation via email instantly.

  If registering by fax, you must pay with a credit card. Once we receive and process your registration, you will receive camp confirmation via email. 

  If registering by mail, you may pay by credit card or money order, or by cheque if registering at least 4 weeks in advance of the camp start date. Once we receive and process your registration, you will receive camp confirmation via email.

  If registering in-person at our Admin Office, you may pay by credit card, money order or cash, or by cheque if registering at least 4 weeks in advance of the camp start date.

  For credit card payments, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

  For cheque and money order payments, make payable to Planet Kids Ltd.

  Feel welcome to contact our office staff if you require further information about our payment process. 

   

   

   

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• What are the camp fees?

  Our camp fees vary depending on program and location. Please view our Camp Quick Reference Guide for a list of all the camps we offer, and their respective cost. This Guide may be accessed on our Camp Forms page.

  All camp locations offer transportation service at no added cost from select locations.

  Some camp options are extra, where selected. This includes the Sleepover for Kelso Traditional Camp and Multi-Sport Camp($40 + tax), and Extended Care Service ($20 + tax /week/family for AM or PM care; $40 + tax /week/family for both if at same location).

  All camp fees and services are subject to tax (HST). 

  Camp and Option fees subject to change.

   

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• Are camp fees subject to the Harmonized Sales Tax?

  Yes. The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is applicable to our services.

   

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• Are refunds available?

  Yes, as follows:

  Full refunds are provided if cancellations are made online or requested in writing by June 1, 2012.

  Partial refunds are provided if cancellations are made online or requested in writing after June 1, 2012 AND at least 7 days prior to the start of the camp(s) cancelled.  The refund amount is equal to the amount paid LESS a $25 Admin Fee + tax,  per camp cancelled.

  NO refund is provided if cancellations are made less than 7 days prior to the start of the camp(s).

  We will make every effort to process refunds as quickly as possible. Payments made by credit card will be refunded by credit card. Payments made by cheque, cash or money order will be refunded by cheque.

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Safety

• What happens if it rains?

  Unfortunately we cannot control the weather, and at times, we are required to modify our regular camp program due to unfavourable weather conditions, but we are certainly prepared to ensure your child has a great camp day, rain or shine!

  For our Kelso location, camp groups can seek shelter under one of many covered picnic pavilions, or at one of the buildings we may have the use of such as the Halton Museum, West Concession, Ski Chalet, or at Country Heritage Park, located next to Kelso.  We cannot guarantee though that your child will not get wet.

  For our King’s location, campers can seek shelter indoors at the facility.

  Please be sure to check weather conditions daily and ensure your child is clothed appropriately for the predicted weather conditions. e.g. send a light weight, roll-up rain jacket.

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• What happens if there is a heat advisory in effect?

  We cannot control the weather but we do monitor weather warnings closely and implement a modified program when necessary. This includes reduced physical activity and increased water breaks throughout the day when a heat advisory is in effect.

  In addition, campers at our Kelso location will also enjoy extra time at the refreshing beach as the schedule permits, and the advantage of several breezy, shaded treed areas to take shelter from, while campers at our Hershey and King’s locations, will have the advantage of ample air conditioned indoor areas to take shelter from.

  All parents should check daily weather conditions to ensure their child has the proper supplies each day including waterproof sunscreen, a hat and a filled cold water bottle (which can be re – filled at all locations).

  Staff will schedule regular sunscreen breaks throughout the day and ensure campers re – apply their sunscreen at least every 3 hours while at camp (staff will assist younger campers to do so, while older campers will apply their own/ buddy up with a friend to do so).

  **Parents should be sure to apply sunscreen on their child before dropping them off at camp/ the bus.

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• How is inappropriate behaviour handled?

  We want all campers to enjoy themselves at camp and PK staff are trained to ensure this is possible for  everyone. Behaviour that jeopardizes the safety and enjoyment for other campers or staff will not be tolerated. Please see Code of Conduct for further details and our disciplinary procedures. Please advise our Admin Office if you or your child has any concerns about behavour at camp.

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• What happens if my child becomes sick or injured at camp?

  All our staff are CPR and First Aid Certified and are trained to address routine illness or injuries (upset tummy, headache, scraped knee, etc.) Parents will be notified if the Camp Director feels it is necessary for the camper to be picked up early due to his illness or injury. In the event of a more serious injury or illness, telephone service is readily available to call 911. Vehicles are also on site to transport a child to a nearby health care center if our Director feels they should be looked at by a doctor.

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Swimming

• Does swimming take place everyday at Kelso?

  YES!  Campers attending any program at our Kelso location will enjoy swimming for 1 hour everyday. 

  All campers will swim at Kelso beach, where we have a private section for Planet Kids staff and campers only.  

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• My child is not a strong swimmer. What is the level of supervision during swimming times?

  Your child’s safety and well – being are very important to us and we ensure campers are well supervised during swim times by both Planet Kids staff and certified facility lifeguards.  
  
  For camps at our Kelso location, swimming takes place daily (for most groups) at the beautiful on-site sandy beach, where Planet Kids has a stretch of private use. There are 2 life guards on duty, and no members of the public or other groups permitted in our area during our scheduled swim times.  
  
  For camps at our King’s location, campers Grade 1 & up will enjoy swimming 2 times per week, all of our Kinder Program Campers will enjoy swimming once a week at an off-site pool facility,  with a team of life guards on duty.

  Lifejackets are available at all swimming facilities, including Kelso.

  Kelso Lifejacket Policy: All campers under the age of 7 are required to wear a lifejacket (provided by Planet Kids) while in and around the swim area unless their parent requests otherwise. Lifejackets are also provided to campers aged 7 and older who must wear a lifejacket at their parents’ request. Please indicate ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to your child wearing a lifejacket when registering for camp. Life jackets are mandatory for all staff and campers of any age while using a water craft (paddle boat, canoe, etc).
  
  Kings Lifejacket Policy: All campers 9 and under are required to wear a lifejacket (provided by Planet Kids/Pool Facility) while swimming, regardless if parent consent is given and if the child is stronger swimmer.  This policy is in place to meet the requirements set by the Municipal Pools.
  
  Our life jackets accommodate children up to 90 pounds.
  
  Any changes in your child’s lifejacket status must be put in writing and forwarded to a Planet Kids staff member or you may send written notice to our Administrative Office via fax 1-866-350-6922 or via email to pkinfo@planetkids.ca. Please provide your child’s first & last name as well as his/ her camp program & grade level.

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• Does swimming take place everyday at Kings?

  No.  Campers attending programs for completed Grade 1-6 at our Kings location will enjoy swimming twice a week, every Tuesday & Thursday, for 1 hour. 

  Campers in our Kinder programs at our Kings location will enjoy swimming once a week, on Wednesdays, for 1 hour. 

  Please note:  Campers are bused off-site to David Ramsey outdoor pool, for swim time.  While at the pool Planet Kids has private use of the pool facilities. 

   

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Transportation

• Is transportation provided to your Kelso location?

  Yes! For camps at our Kelso location, transportation is provided at no added cost, from several stops in different communities including Mississauga, Oakville, Georgetown, Burlington, Milton, Waterdown, Cambridge and Guelph.  See Kelso Bus Schedule for further details.

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• Is transportation provided to your King’s Collegiate location?

  Yes! For camps at our King’s Collegiate location, transportation is provided at no added cost from Oakville, Mississauga and Burlington. See King’s Bus Schedule for further details.

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• Are the children supervised on the bus?

  Yes! We have Bus Monitors at almost all of our bus stops. Bus Monitors are Planet Kids camp staff scheduled to supervise children at select bus locations and on the bus to/ from camp, providing parents added convenience and piece-of-mind. Bus monitors also take attendance, convey important notes, forms and messages between parents and camp staff, including medication & medical forms, and provide copies of forms to parents who may require them.  

   For certain stops and/or weeks, a Bus Monitor may not be available. Please view our Bus Schedules for further details.

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Website

• I forgot my username/password to login. What should I do?

  To login, enter the email address and password you provided when creating or last updating your family file. If you do not recall what email and/or password to use, Contact Us for assistance. 

   If you are new to Planet Kids, and do not yet have a family file, click Register Now then click Create a New Account to get started.

  You can change your email and/or password anytime upon login and going to the Your Information page. 

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