May News

President's Message

Dear OCA Members,

This month has been another exciting time for the Ontario Camps Association. Since receiving the last newsletter in April, we have sent all Members the following important information:

a newly revised Crisis Response Resource Manual (now on the OCA website's homepage bookshelf);
a progress report on the new marketing plan we are developing with the support of Members and The Connected Brand;
information regarding the "Camp Marine Module" with the attachments, advising Members that they can also go directly to the OCA website under Membership to find these details. You may also click here for further information;
new regulations from the Ministry of Health and Safety, and;
the new Toll Free number for the OCA office 1-844-485-0425.

More good news! Jen Gilbert has joined the OCA's staff as Membership/Volunteer Coordinator. Jen has 14 years of camp experience, a cross disciplinary degree focusing on business studies and an honours degree in psychology. Jen is also a trained distress and crisis call responder. She is really excited to join the OCA team -- when you call the office please welcome her.

Your staff won't want to miss our final Conference of the year:

2015 Counsellor Conference
Saturday, May 23, 2015 - 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
hosted by the Educational Committee
Camp Robin Hood
Online Registration - Click Here

Standards training has been very busy for camps, First-Time Visitors and Senior Visitors. This summer, approximately 111 camps will be visited by 85 Senior Visitors and 96 First-Time Visitors. Thank you to everyone involved in this very important annual process!

Only 42 days before camp starts, lots still to do and I can't wait for it to start.

**If you have any information you would like to share with other members in the newsletter, please send it to heather@ontariocamps.ca before the first of each month.

If you have any questions regarding the Association, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Adam Kronick


2015 Calendar of Events For a list of upcoming events taking place in the OCA community, please visit our calendar here.	Counsellor Conference May 23, 2015 Calling all camp counsellors! Join us for a day full of educational and exciting speakers and workshops. A great way to kick off the summer! Register Now!	Health Care Resources For all of our up-to-date Health Care information and resources, please visit the OCA website here. You will find newly added information on Lyme Disease and a SAMPLE Health Form.


ORCKA Canoeing Instructor Courses Dragonfly Paddling is hosting three great ORCKA Instructor courses: Basic Canoeing, Camp Canoeing and a Bridge course, in May and June. Register Now!	Wilderness First Aid Certification Courses Kandalore is excited to offer WFR/WAFA/Bridge and WFA courses throughout the month of June! Room and board are included in the course fee. Register Now!	Canadian Camp Director Course Led by Jane McCutcheon and Jeff Bradshaw, this course invites camp directors from across Canada to partake in a program geared directly to full-time camp professionals. This year it's in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Register Now!


Special Needs Resource Committe and the Campfire of Inclusion On April 14, the Special Needs Resource Committee hosted their annual Campfire of Inclusion honouring Jim McHardy with much success. Read more	Preferred Vendor's Advertorial Welcome New Vendor click on logo for more info Clothing Culture	Melanoma Network of Canada: ScreenMe.ca Looking to gain a competitive edge at your camp this summer? Then become a SUN AWARE Certified Camp now with the Melanoma Network of Canada's fantastic program! Read more