10 Questions to Ask a Camp Director

The Ontario Camps Association suggests all families should ask the following questions of their camp director. To make your life easier, we’re answering them right here!

1. What are the qualifications of your camp staff?
All our program directors have degrees in their specialty area, or equivalent professional experience. Our arts instructors include PhDs, as well as award winning actors, writers, artists, dancers and filmmakers. More importantly, our arts professionals all having significant experience and talent as teachers. There is no point being a terrific arts professional if you lack the ability to effectively communicate your passion to young people!

Our camp counsellors are all aged 18 and over, and are university students. Most are studying arts at the university level. The vast majority hope to be teachers or arts professionals in the future. Nearly all of them grew up with us at camp.

A high percentage of our staff return to us year after year. For example, in session three this summer, we have 10 instructors on our arts faculty. Between them, they have spent well over 100 summers with us!

Our camp directors are the original owner-directors, Julie and Craig Hartley, who have lived on camp every summer for the past 20 years. Our Assistant Director, Katie Hemingway, is joining us for her 14th summer.
Learn more about camp staff here

2.  What are you camper to staff ratios?
In each dorm we have 6-10 campers. Most dorms have 2 counsellors working with them, and at least one lives in with the campers. For our oldest campers, there is 1 counsellor full time, and another with the dorm for part of the time. In each arts program, we accept a maximum of 16 campers. The programs each have a specialist instructor, as well as 1-3 assistant teachers.

3.  What methods do you use to ensure effective supervision?
Our campers are supervised all of the time, even though some of our campers may be 17 years old. Our counsellors are outstanding role models, and their presence ensures the atmosphere in groups is always positive and wholesome. Counsellors eat meals with campers, hang out with them at free time, and sleep in the same bunk areas.

4.  How does the camp deal with dietary restrictions?
We have outstanding vegetarian options at all meals, as well as a salad bar which has many choices, including breads, cheeses and other proteins. We can cater to allergies (eg., gluten) with prior notice. We are nut and peanut aware, never serving nut and peanut products in the dining hall.

5.  What methods does your camp have for communicating with parents regarding issues and emergencies?
Small issues that pass quickly (such as a dispute with a friend) are dealt with sensitively by our counsellors, applying the training they have received. In the case of more ongoing issues (such as homesickness) a parent is contacted, and we work with the family to create appropriate responses and ensure the best possible outcome for the child. Parents are always called if a child requires a visit to the doctor (for example, for a suspected throat infection). Of course, if there was ever an emergency, our first priority would be to ensure the best possible care for the child. Parents would be contacted at the earliest opportunity.

6.  Does your camp have one or more of the following staff on site at all times: licensed physician, registered nurse, registered practical nurse or certified first aider?
The majority of our staff are certified first aiders, and all counsellors receive first aid training during pre-camp. We also have a registered nurse on site in most sessions. We are within an 8 minute drive of all medical services – camp doctor, hospital, dentist – should that ever be necessary.

7.  Do you follow the Canada Food Guide for meals?
Yes. In addition to the meat and vegetarian options at all meals, we offer a salad bar with ample additional choices. Sample menus can be found on our camp website.

8.  How are the campers supervised at night?
The counsellors are right there, whenever they need them. Senior staff (and the camp nurse) live a 1-minute walk from the dorm buildings.

9.  What certification do Waterfront/Pool staff have and what certification do you offer for campers?
This question is not really relevant to us, since we are not waterfront, and specialise in the arts! We do have a small pool. We have several qualified lifeguards on staff.

10.  What are the camp’s written policies on payments and refunds?
A non-refundable deposit of $200 is due at the time of booking. Campers can transfer between sessions and programs without penalty. The balance of fees is due in May.

The OCA article goes on to say that parents should always check their camp of choice is a member of the OCA. Centauri has been an accredited member in good standing since 1998. Craig Hartley has served as the representative for all private camps in Ontario, and was also involved with a review of accreditation Standards.

Have more questions? Check out our FAQs here

Julie Hartley
Director
Centauri Summer Arts Camp
www.centauriartscamp.com