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 | Message from the President | 
Dear OCA Members,
Thank you for your continued support and for your commitment to the Ontario Camps Association. Your personal volunteerism and expertise over the past years has made the OCA vibrant and productive. Whether you spoke briefly to a prospective Member about OCA and the benefits of joining the Association or devoted your time to a committee your kinship makes a difference. I would also like to thank the many new Members who have become involved on committees; we are grateful for your time and for becoming part of this valuable Association.
Since January, when I became President, OCA's Member Volunteers have been very busy:
►An Awards Banquet was organized and implemented as a separate function on January 10th, bringing a much deserved focus on recognizing Members for their work in 2012.
► The Annual Conference in Niagara Falls, with the ACA Upstate New York Camps Association held in February, was a great success. Many new ideas were presented to a young and enthusiastic audience.
► The Government Lobby Committee has kept Members informed about the Committee's lobbying efforts for change with Federal Government Agencies regarding vessel licensing, operators' licenses, insurance, wages, and now Zip Lines. Global Public Affairs (lobbying firm) was hired to represent OCA. Transport Canada has made come concessions to smaller issues; however, we are still working on many of the larger issues at hand.
► In May the Health Care Committee produced a very successful and informative Conference for Camp Nurses and Doctors around the province.
► The first weekend of June, the Counsellor Conference attracted approximately 200 young adults to a day full of educational workshops.
Your membership fees have enabled us to accomplish so much this year. We're proud of what we've been able to do and we could not have done it without you!
Plans for the upcoming year beginning in October include:
October - 2013
► A Volunteer Showcase to introduce and inform Members about the many opportunities you have to become involved with the OCA.
► Day Camp Workshop - YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre, October 18th
► A Town Hall Meeting, will take place, Tuesday, October 29th from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the North York Central Library - Meeting Room 1 (5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, M2N 5N9) - where Members of the Board and Constitutional Committee will be accessible to discuss and answer any questions Members may have regarding the draft new OCA Constitution.
November - 2013
► The deadline for receiving OCA Awards' nominations is November 15,
2013.OCA Awards and the nomination process will be included in your
Membership Renewal package. All nominations are to be sent to the OCA
office via fax at 416-485-0422, email at info@ontariocamps.ca or by
mail.
January - 2014
► OCA Annual Conference January 29 to 31 at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel;
this year the Conference will include the Maintenance & Facilities
Conference and Food Services Workshops
► OCA Awards Banquet (date and location to be confirmed)
► OCA Annual Meeting (date and location to be confirmed)
May - 2014
► OCA Health Care Conference May 2, 2014 at Bayview Glen Lower School
► OCA Counsellor Conference (date and location to be confirmed)
You will be receiving your OCA Membership Renewal package in August. At this time I am asking that you please renew your membership before September 30th. Revenues received from Members sustain all of the activities of the Association. OCA's fiscal year ends on September 30th; October 1st is the beginning of our new year, and funds are needed to support all of the activities planned for 2013-14 programs and projects.
Thank you again for your support. Please contact me with any questions you may have and I will be happy to assist you to the best of my ability. Your time and attention to all of the information included in your renewal package is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Adam
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| OCA Upcoming Events...  | |
1. DAY CAMP WORKSHOP - October 18, 2013
YMCA Cedar Glen
2. TOWN HALL MEMBERS MEETING
- October 29, 2013
North York Central Library
Meeting Room 1
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
3. OCA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - January 29, 30 and 31, 2014
Sheraton Parkway Hotel
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| | e-News for Camp Nurses | |
Keeping in Touch July 2013
by Mary Casey
We're back! Last year the Healthcare Committee developed a newsletter for the nurses who attended the OCA Nurses Workshop. Positive responses encouraged the editorial staff to do this again and so we are preparing further newsletters. We try to include short, abbreviated information 'bites' to remind you about a variety of topics.
In addition, and for your support, we want you to know that the permanent members of the committee will be available to you for consultation about your nursing practice throughout the summer. If you have a question for a Camp Nurse, the OCA has a list of Nurses you may contact. Please call the OCA at 416 485-0425, Monday thru to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or you may email the OCA at info@ontariocamps.ca
A Short Quiz about the Management of Sun and Heat at Your Camp
* Do activities at your camp take place in the shade whenever possible?
* Has sunburn been identified as a preventable injury at your camp?
* During 'high heat days' are activities adjusted to lower the level of exertion?
* Are campers and staff kept well hydrated (a drink every hour)?
Exposure to sunlight is enjoyable, but too much can be dangerous: skin cancer, cataracts, immune system suppression. Camps should try to prevent overexposure to sun. The following practices are suggested:
Carry out a shade audit of the camp - urge use during high heat
days.
Wear sunscreen with DEET, applied generously.
Wear UV-rated sunglasses.
Wear protective clothing (cool & loose)- hats, cover arms, legs.
Use caution near water, sand (reflection).
Seek shade from 10:00 to 4:00.
Burns are not acceptable.
Infection Control
Camps are often classified as 'high-risk' for outbreaks of communicable illnesses; one way to mitigate this possibility is to assure that everyone on site (including the nurse) has the required immunization. The current requirements follow.
Required Immunization for Children and Youth
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends the following immunization (2013):
5-in-1 vaccine -diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib disease
dTap - youth without 5-in-1
Chickenpox vaccine
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
PV vaccine for girls, now suggested for boys
MMR vaccine - measles, mumps, rubella
Meningococcal vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine
Rotavirus vaccine
Influenza vaccine - annually
Is it A Communicable Illness?
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Feel feverish, chills in last 24 hours
Gastro-intestinal symptoms
Rash
Contact with an ill person in last week
Travel out of country recently.
If the body temperature is normal, the immunization report is complete, and there are no symptoms of illness, you can be fairly sure there is no one on site with a communicable illness.
Tips
1. Sign up for regular smog alerts for the camp area:
tp://www.airqualityontario.com/alerts/signup.php.
2. A sunburn should be reported as an incident.
3. There should be no eating while campers are being transported on a bus;
severe choking or an allergic reaction may not be noted and treatment
would be difficult.
If you have a question for a Camp Nurse the OCA has a list of Nurses you may contact. Please call the OCA at 416 485-0425, Monday thru to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or you may email the OCA at info@ontariocamps.ca
Is the Camp Ready for a Crisis?
The nurse should know the contents of the camp's Crisis Response Plan (CRP). Having a CRP is a mandatory OCA Standard. If there is no written CMP, the nurse should work with the Camp Director to develop and implement a plan to include managing health needs during a crisis. See below.
Getting a MASTERS in Crisis Management
- Mobilize the crisis Team, move to the crisis headquarters.
- Analyse the known facts, ensure the safety of team members;
other staff and campers move to another part of the site. - Stabilize the situation; contact EMS, the Public Health Unit,
camp physician, other. - Treat the victim(s) or care for the ill and move to isolation area.
- Emergency measures personnel take over once on site; the staff,
yield to competent authorities. - Relay information to staff members, campers, board members,
parents.
More About Asthma at Camp
Goal (of the camp): to help children with asthma control their asthma so that they can be active all day and sleep all night. (NAEPP USA.2007). Despite the many changes at camp, we try to maintain normal activities for those with asthma. Asthma does not take a day off; children should stay on their medications even when they feel well.
Common asthma triggers in the summer:
Mould - tents, cabins, in the woods.
Pollens- different plants pollinate at different times, (Ragweed-
late summer).
Smog- even in cottage country; higher spring to fall, on dry,
sunny and windy days.
Exercise- warm up before and cool down after.
Dust-lots in rustic settings.
Campfire- aroma of burning wood (toxins in the air).
The nurse needs:
An up-to-date, written Action Plan for each camper with triggers
and treatment.
A basic understanding of the action of asthma medications.
There must be enough asthma medication to last long after the
entire summer camp.
Note: the NAEPP discourages the use of home remedies in an acute asthma exacerbation, such as:
- breathing warm, moist air,
- drinking large volumes of liquids,
- the use of antihistamines; there is no valid evidence that demonstrates their effectiveness.(their use will delay campers from obtaining necessary care)
Food Service Summer Guidelines
Special care in the kitchen can avoid food-borne illness. The nurse's observations and reporting may catch poor practices. The nurse should observe whether the food service policies and procedures are carried out correctly:
Clean hands, work surfaces, and equipment,
Perishable food refrigerated - never left out except during meals,
Monitor dates on leftovers - never used after 3 days,
In hot weather, the food in a well-packed, insulated cooler with
ice is not safe to use after about 3 hours,
Review and follow the standard 6-step hand wash. Cleansing solution: bleach 1 tsp. (5ml) and water 3 cups (750 ml).
Six-Step Hand Washing:
Wet hands under warm running water,
Apply liquid soap, rub to soapy lather on front and back of hands
(antibiotic soap not required),
Rub lather in for at least 15 seconds,
Rinse thoroughly under running water,
Pat hands dry with paper towel,
Use paper towel to turn tap off. Dispose of towel in proper
receptacle.
Health Care Committee e-News
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SUMMER 2013
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
In the event of an emergency at camp,
OCA is here to help.
Please call or leave a message on either the
OCA Cell - 416-708- 8131
at anytime
Or
OCA Office - 416-485-0425
Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE SUMMER!
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Ministry of Labour Information
Critical Injury Report + Flu Virus Jennifer Wolfenden RN, BHScN, CPHON, OCA Health Care Committee forwarded the following important information and links. OCA Members should be aware that there is a mandate to report deaths and critical injuries of staff, volunteers, and campers to the Ministry of Labour. The Occupational Health and Safety Act RRO 1990 Reg. 834 explains, Critical Injury... "one's life is critically injured if: 1. It places life in jeopardy 2. Produces unconsciousness 3. There is substantial loss of blood 4. It involves fracture of leg or arm (not toe or finger) 5. There is an amputation of leg, arm, hand or foot
(not toe or finger) 6. There is burn to major portion of body 7. There is loss of sight in an eye" In addition a recent Registered Nurses Association of Ontario webinar discussed new Avian Flu H7N9 and the Conovirus for camps with international staff and campers. Please see the following links for information:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/news/bulletin/2013/hb_20130405_1.aspx
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2013/h7n9-0403-eng.php and the Conovirus.
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/en/
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 West Nile Virus on the Rise
The American Camp Association® (ACA)
© 2011 American Camping Association, Inc. Indianapolis, IN (July 2, 2013) - West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness that, according to the CDC, can sometimes be deadly. The American Camp Association (ACA) has some great resources for camps to help prevent the transmission of the virus. Top 5 Tips for Camps: 1. Encourage body cover.
2. Apply an insect repellent.
3. Be on the lookout for mosquitoes.
4. Avoid mosquito-borne habitats.
5. Monitor and maintain activity areas. Find information on the tips above and more, such as the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of West Nile Virus at ACA's resource page. Provide this information to your staff and prepare for a safe summer!
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder- The Invisible Disability
By, Nancy Hall, FASD Ontario Network of Expertise
In the last newsletter, a general overview of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) was provided. In this article, we will share more details about diagnosis within the spectrum of FASD and why these children are often misunderstood and/or overlooked.
FASD is not a diagnostic term. This is the term used to describe the different disabilities that could affect a child if he/she is exposed to alcohol prenatally.
The first form of FASD is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). This is characterized by a small birth size, slow growth, three characteristic facial features and central nervous system damage. Brain damage is the true disabling feature of all forms of FASD.
The second form of FASD is Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS). This should not imply that the person is 'partially' or 'less' disabled. This simply means that of the three facial features present in FAS, the person will only have two of the three features. This difference is purely superficial. The person may or may not have a small birth size and slow growth. Some of these children are of average size and stature. However, they will have central nervous system damage.
The third form of FASD, we would like to review, is Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND). Individuals with ARND display central nervous system damage or brain damage yet do NOT display any physical features. You cannot look at these children and see a disability...instead what you see is behaviour. The fact that FASD is a result of physical brain damage makes FASD a disability we cannot see. As a result, many of these children will never be recognized or diagnosed.
When we review the distribution of cases within the spectrum of this disability, we find only 15-20% of the individuals will fall under the categories of FAS or pFAS. This leaves up to 80% under the category of ARND. In addition, facial features can become less noticeable with age. Therefore, distinct facial features are a real rarity within this population. (http://depts.washington.edu/fasdpn/pdfs/astley-profile-2010.pdf )
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FETAL ALC0HOL SPECTRUM DISORDER
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Form of FASD
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Characterized by
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Distribution
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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
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Small birth size
Slow growth
Three characteristic facial features
Permanent CNS/Brain damage
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Approximately 20% of all cases
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Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS)
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May have small birth size and/or slow growth
2 out of 3 characteristic facial features
Permanent CNS/Brain damage
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Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)
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NO physical features
Permanent CNS/Brain damage
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Approximately 80% of all cases
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Since most children are not diagnosed, how do we identify those children that may be impacted?
This section reviews a list of 'primary disabilities' which are the problems or behaviours that are a direct result from the brain damage associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol. It is important to note that not all children will have all symptoms. It is also important that we recognize the following descriptors as symptoms of the disability. These can be compared to the symptom of not seeing, if you were blind. Therefore, it makes sense that we cannot use punishment to reduce or eliminate behaviours. Primary disabilities include;
- physical birth defects
- facial abnormalities
- physical health problems
- learning disabilities at school
- memory problems
- short attention span
- difficulty communicating feelings in an appropriate manner
- difficulty understanding the consequences of actions
It is important to remember that these individuals have a strong cloak of competence, often appearing much more capable than they really are. There are limited diagnostic services in Ontario for FASD. The result is the majority of this population will never be identified as having FASD. They may, instead, have a collection of other diagnoses, most commonly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and a learning disability(Todorow, Moore, Fantus, Sorbara, & Nulman, 2011). This misidentification and lack of specialized supports leads to adverse, secondary disabilities which may include;
- difficulty communicating thoughts and inability to control behaviour
- disrupted school experiences
- drug and alcohol abuse
- difficulty holding a job
- difficulty handling money
- interacting with others
- inappropriate sexual behaviour
(For more information visit the following website from Public Health Agency of Canada. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/dca-dea/prog-ini/fasd-etcaf/publications/index-eng.php )
These adverse long term outcomes are NOT inevitable! With informed caregivers and appropriate supports, these outcomes CAN be avoided. People impacted by FASD, who have had appropriate supports have accomplished many things including becoming; electricians, boat builders, mechanics, child care workers, special education teachers, counsellors, and adult care workers, to name a few. In the next article on FASD, we will focus on the many strengths of people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
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Heat Illness - Do you know what to do?
Most of us can hardly wait to get out there and start enjoying spring and summer activities in Canada, especially after a long, cold winter.
By all means, enjoy the warmer temperatures. Remember, though, that extreme heat (or heat waves) can affect your health, especially if you are physically active when it's very hot, even if you're healthy.
Weather conditions affect your body's ability to cool itself. Make sure you recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness such as dizziness, nausea, headache, or unusually rapid breathing and heartbeat. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
The good news is that heat-related illnesses and death can be prevented. That's why Health Canada has attached an electronic version of a brochure entitled "You're Active in the Heat. You're at risk! Protect Yourself from Extreme Heat". Targeted to those who are active when it's hot, the brochure clarifies understanding your risks, and provides tips on how to protect against heat/health impacts.
Hard copies of You're Active in the Heat. You're at Risk! are available online free of charge, or by calling 1-866-225-0709.
For more information on how to protect health from extreme heat, visit Extreme Heat on the Healthy Canadians site at healthycanadians.gc.ca/Heat.
Sincerely,
Jim Frehs
Manager, Climate Change and Health Office
Safe Environments Program
Environmental Health Bureau
Health Canada
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www.cyainternational.com
Making YOUR camp a "Kamp Kindness"...
Terie Vickers-Craig
At our February OCA conference, Terie Vickers-Craig spoke at our Friday luncheon about C2BK [It's Cool to be Kind]. C2BK is a pro-kindness program designed to promote genuine inclusion and intentional kindness in camps, schools and youth groups around the world.
The concept is represented by a virtually indestructible silicone bracelet that can be worn 24/7 as a constant reminder to look for ways you can help others. When you do, pass on your bracelet and ask them to "Pay It Forward" to someone else, keeping the kindness chain moving forward around the camp, the community and even the world! The idea is to promote the bracelet as the new symbol of "cool" and acts of kindness the behavior of the "popular".
C2BK (a Pay It Forward initiative for youth) has absolutely NO BARRIERS. Everyone can participate regardless of age, gender, education, race, religion, culture, socioeconomics, IQ, politics or affiliations. EVERYONE can be kind to others and the program helps children understand the joy in giving and their ability to change the world.
C2BK encourages the "one to wear, one to give" - 1TW-1TG - philosophy. The children receive 2 bracelets. One to wear as the constant reminder to keep their eyes open for ways to care for others, and the other to pass on when they do an act of kindness. This works best because most kids want to keep the bracelet (because it is "cool") so this gives them the opportunity to wear one and pass the other on to create a ripple effect of kindness.
Bracelets are available NOW and can be shipped from the Burlington, ON warehouse within 48 hours of your order so there is plenty of time to incorporate C2BK into the 2013 camp season. Stock bracelets have the Pay It Forward words in purple and the C2BKpif.org website on the back. Minimum order is 500. Camps also have the opportunity to order CUSTOM bracelets, which have the PAY IT FORWARD words in purple on the front of the bracelets and YOUR CAMP WEBSITE debossed on the back, offering priceless PR for your camp and the opportunity to explain to parents of existing and potential campers how being a Kamp Kindness will provide an inclusive and accepting camp experience for their children, especially those coming alone for the first time. CUSTOM bracelets will be delivered directly to your camp within 4 weeks of your order. The minimum quantity is 5000.
C2BK welcomes Camp Wabikon as the first Kamp Kindness, followed shortly after by the YMCA of Brockville. Camp Wabikon is excited to share with their kids that it is not about "having" but instead is about "giving". They will start by giving bracelets to camp counselors in pre-camp week, who will then pass then onto senior staff who will make sure that they do nice little things for each child specifically and give them a bracelet when they do! The goal? To have each camper receive and wear a bracelet by the end of the session.
On the heels of Camp Wabikon, C2BK heard from Ruth Carter at the YMCA Brockville. Ruth is truly impressed with the concept and can't wait to make their 2013 camp culture a Kamp Kindness by giving each camper a bracelet upon arrival, and then encouraging them to perform a kindness action during their session, then share their story with their camp mates and counselors to receive a replacement bracelet.
FREE BRACELETS WITH EVERY ORDER: Innovatex is generously providing 200 C2BK bracelets with each order of promotional camp gear placed - to help you get started with your own Kamp Kindness!
Together we will educate their hearts as well as their minds.
For more info on C2BK contact Terie Vickers-Craig terie@cyainternational.com (416)917-5229
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ChariTREE Foundation - Tree Planting Program
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Canadian Camping Association &The ChariTREE Foundation Tree Planting Program
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A huge thank you to the Canadian Camping Association / Association des camps du Canada and the ChariTREE Foundation for inviting Ontario Camps to participate in the 2013 Tree Planting Program.
Throughout Ontario, over 35 camps planted over 8,500 trees with their campers!
ChariTREE strives to support "environmental education programs for children by giving kids an opportunity to connect with nature and contribute positively to their world...to teach kid that they can make the world a better place simply by taking an interest in their environment and making greener choices."
Thank you to the camps that took part in is program and contributed to fulfilling ChariTREE's mission - we hope you and your campers look forward to watching your trees grow and flourish over many years to come.
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Shendy's Swim School
As we begin our summer season, I wanted to share some information about a great new swimming aid if you provide learn-to-swim programmes at your camp. This teaching aid is called the SwimFin. It is the only vertical swimming aid available in the world suitable for all ages. From the youngest of children entering the water for the first time, to the most seasoned swimmer who wants to improve stroke technique, SwimFin is ideal for your camp (great in pools, lakes, oceans). I have personally been utilizing this product for the last 4 years and have recently expanded its use at my swim school. I am happy to share how great the SwimFin is with you. It certainly helps the swimmer gain confidence when swimming specific distances or practicing stroke techniques.
SwimFin was designed by a highly qualified UK swimming coach with over 25 years of experience and it is the only swimming aid to have been endorsed by the ASA, Amateur Swimming Association. It boasts endorsements and partnerships from leading organizations around the world, but hasn't been widely available in Canada, until now!
Product Features:
* Fin-shaped teaching/buoyancy aid for swimmers of all ages and abilities
* Works in harmony with the body, helping to develop a better natural
swimming position
* Worn on the back allows the user total freedom around the arms
and body
* Speeds up the learning process across the four main strokes
* Inspires imagination and play - is FUN to use
* Attaches quickly and securely with two Velcro straps (no need to inflate
or deflate)
* SwimFin is used by swim schools, camps and organizations around
the world
Kids love SwimFin! It is easy to put on, comfortable to wear and gives them confidence to try new things. It also appeals to parents and instructors as it makes learning to swim so much fun. Tests have proven that learning to swim with SwimFin can reduce the process by up to a third of the time. Teachers and parents agree they would rather use SwimFin than armbands or other teaching aids. SwimFin is great for playing games and encouraging imagination. So unlike armbands or other teaching floats; kids will want to strap on their fin before jumping in with their friends. The feeling of security encourages even the most nervous children to swim more independently in the water. It is considered a teaching aid and not a lifesaving device. When utilizing the SwimFin, children must still be supervised to ensure complete safety in the water.
If you want to see the SwimFin in action, I'd be happy to welcome you to my facility in Toronto (25 Scarsdale Rd. Unit #10 - Leslie and York Mills) - or find more info at www.swimfin.co.uk
To order your SwimFins today email robbie@shendys.com or call Robbie at (416) 629-5208.
Special OCA Member Camp rate of $35 + HST ($39.55) per unit while supplies last!
Colours Currently Available: Blue/Pink/Black.
*Delivery charges may apply depending on size of order and location.
All the best for a safe and fun Summer!
Eric Shendelman, OCT
President, Shendy's Swim School Inc.
Contact #: 416-576-SWIM (7946) extension #204
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Gary Price, Starting Time Golf and PGA of Canada Teaching Professional, invites you to send youth to free golf clinics. Please see below.
The CN Future Links Mobile Clinics introduce children to the game by bringing the game to where they are. The Mobile Van travels throughout Ontario conducting FREE golf clinics at schools, in parks, at recreation centers, and golf facilities. Geared towards kids ages 9-16 with age appropriate equipment and instruction. The clinics focus on the fundamentals of the game with FUN being a major component.
During each clinic, participants will take part in an introductory lesson covering things like grip, body motions and ball position. The children then have an opportunity to hit in a range like setting, while getting individual instruction and tips by the professional.
If you are interested, please contact:
Mallory Dayman
Manger, Sport Development
Golf Association of Ontario
905-852-1101 x 237
mdayman@gao.ca
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Please note:
The OCA Newsletter is distributed the 15th day of each month. Please submit your articles by the 1st of each month. Some months have more information than others. If you submit an article it may or may not be printed until the following month.
Ontario Camps Association
70 Martin Ross, Toronto, Ontario M3J 2L4
www.ontariocamps.ca
T. 416-485-0425
F. 416-485-0422
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