Camp Q & A

• Registration for summer camps open January 8, 2024 at 4:00 AM.

• Registration happens online through our registration portal. If you need a paper copy of our registration form, please email info@keemokee.com

• Please review our Registration, Fees and Refund Guidelines for full details.

• A deposit as outlined in our Registration, Fees and Refund Guidelines must be paid when submitting your camper’s application.

• Fees must be paid in full by May 31st, 2024. If you register after May 31st, 2024 full payment of fees is required at time of registration.

Applying for camp adds a step to our registration process so that our Camp Director can review each application to ensure all campers have the best experience possible when they come to Camp Kee-Mo-Kee. The intent of the application is to ensure the camper is registered in a program that they will be successful in and engages parents/guardians in the registration process if we have questions about how to best support your camper.

We will reach out to you to discuss your camper’s application if we see opportunity to enhance your camper’s time at camp. Otherwise, we will email you within one week of receiving your application to confirm your camper’s registration.

No, if you did not get an email immediately after you applied, then your registration did not process. Please log back in to the registration portal and ensure you have submitted your application.

The $75.00/session deposit:

• covers administration expenses, overhead and liquidated damages.

• will be returned should a camper’s application not be accepted.

Once registration is confirmed, your deposit is non-refundable and will not be refunded under any circumstances, including cases of force majeure.

Exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of the Executive Director. More details can be found here.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee offers a three-tiered payment system for our overnight camp programs. We recognize that our camp families have different abilities to pay for their camp experience and we encourage you to choose the tier that is most suitable for your family.

• TIER 3 Is close to (but still less than) the true cost of our camp program. We calculate the cost to have your camper stay with us is just over $175.00 per day. You will find our Tier 3 rate to be comparable to similar camps in our region. Families who select this rate more actively support their child’s camp experience.

• TIER 2 is a slightly discounted rate for those who can not afford the Tier 3 rate, those with multiple campers, or campers coming multiple sessions..

• TIER 1 is our subsidized rate. This tier will apply to all campers receiving support through our subsidy program. If you are unable to afford the cost of Tier 2 or 3, please complete the subsidy application and submit it to the camp. Subsidy funds are limited and applications are due by May 15th.

Please, rest assured that the tier selected in no way impacts the experience that a camper will receive during their time at camp. All camp activities and services will be the same, regardless of the amount paid to attend camp

• Overnight Camp Tier 1 is the subsidized rate. Subsidies are also available for Day Camp.

• Subsidy information and application can be found here

DAY CAMP Waitlist

If the Day Camp session you wish to attend is FULL, please login to the registration portal and put your camper’s name on the waitlist by:

• Selecting Day Camp Waitlist from the bottom of the list of Day Camp Sessions.

• Click “continue”.

• Fill out the required forms, including the “Waitlist Session Selection” form. (ensure you click “complete”on the form).

OVERNIGHT CAMP

If the Overnight Camp session you wish to attend is FULL, please login to the registration portal and put your camper’s name on the waitlist by:

• Clicking on the session.

• Click “ add to waitlist” and submit.

• Fill out forms as required and submit..

Session and camp capacities will not be changed or reviewed until May 1, 2024. Please do not contact the camp with inquiries regarding your camper’s place on the waitlist as we will not be able to provide further information.

We will notify you if we are able to move your camper off the waitlist.

We want every camper to be successful at camp and have a positive experience. Some campers need individual support to do so. Does your camper need extra assistance at school or at home? They may be a good fit for the Inclusion at Camp (IAC) program. Please contact the Camp Director to discuss eligibility.

If this is the case, please ensure your camper’s age is entered correctly on their profile. If they do not meet the age requirements for a session, the session will not appear for selection.

This also applies to adults when they are registering themselves for programs.

Over the past couple years, we have learned a great deal about managing infectious disease at camp. The prevention strategies we have implemented have been successful in preventing outbreaks in our unique setting.

COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend summer camp or other programs in 2024. if this should change, we will provide prompt and clear communications. Our Board of Directors will continue to monitor and follow any health and safety directives imposed by public health officials.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee’s Communicable Diseases Procedures can be found here.

Our regulatory bodies require us to collect certain information about participants. In some cases, the information may not seem relevant to your camper’s time at camp. However, the information is gathered in case of emergency. It gives our staff as much information as possible to provide to health care providers in the absence of a parent or guardian.

Yes! We want campers to feel comfortable when they come to camp. Here’s how you can visit before the summer:

• email to arrange a tour with our Camp Director.

• attend one of our PD Day programs.

• come to a Community Campfire or Open House.

  • visit our News & Event page for dates.

Campers are allowed to request ONE other camper to be in their cabin and the request MUST BE RECIPROCATED by the other camper in order for it to be considered. Having this policy encourages campers to get to know new people, prevents cliques and potential bullying. It is our intent to honour all requests, and we will call the parents to discuss if unable to do so. Please note that we cannot guarantee cabin-mate requests until 1 week before the session starts and we have a clear idea of the composition of the session participants.

Our age groups are used as a guideline to make camp enjoyable for your camper. Please contact the Camp Director to determine if a different age group would be suitable for your camper.

Age for program eligibility is calculated using the participant’s age as of December 31, 2024.

The Junior Day Camp is the only session that 5 year olds are eligible for. We cannot accept campers who will not have turned 5 within the calendar year under any circumstances. Summer camp regulations do not apply to this age group and we are not accredited under the Child Care and Early Years Act.

Parents/guardians can greatly alleviate some anxiety before camp. Some suggestions include:

• Come to the camp for a tour in the spring. Tours can be arranged by emailing the camp. Or…come to our a PD Day Camp, Open House or Community Campfire. Dates will be posted on our News & Events Page.

• Visit the website and show them pictures of camp.

• Talk about all of the exciting things they are going to do at camp.

• Give them lots of time to get adjusted to the idea of camp.

• Do not suggest that they can call/come home if they aren’t happy at camp. This distracts the camper from being open to the camp experience and can create behavioural issues.

• Send them with personal comfort items that will remind them of home and comfort them.

• Tell them about your past experiences about being away from home and how you coped with it.

Packing lists can be found here.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee does not offer bussing to and from camp for any of the camp’s programs.

The camp is conveniently located in the heart of Middlesex Centre, just off Highway 402 and 25 minutes from downtown London.

Overnight campers arrive Sunday AFTER dinner (except Session E when campers arrive on Tuesday morning). Departure is Friday afternoon. Exact times will be posted as we get closer to finalizing schedules.

In general:

• DAY CAMP cabin groups are determined by age.

• OVERNIGHT CAMP cabin groups are determined by age and gender identity.

• NEW in 2024: TEEN SESSION C will have an all gender cabin option for campers.

There may be some circumstances where a large age gap occurs within a cabin group. This only happens after careful consideration is taken to ensure the needs of all campers are met and have a positive experience.

Campers sleep in bunk beds in one of our dormitory-style camper cabins. The cabins are simple, rustic cedar structures with windows and a door at either end. Some of the cabins have ramps for increased accessibility. Washrooms are in a separate building close by.

There are usually 10-14 camper per cabin, with 2 counsellors caring for them. The counsellors, and sometimes another staff person, sleep in the cabins with campers.

We supply mattresses for all bunks and ask campers to bring their own bedding, pillows and containers for their personal items.

Photos of the cabins can be found here.

Each cabin cluster (the Uppers & Lowers) has a KYBO close by. These buildings contain 3 fully enclosed and private washrooms containing sinks and toilets, along with a long outdoor sink for all to share. Staff always supervise campers when at the washrooms. Washrooms are non-gendered, with campers being able to maintain the level of privacy for hygiene and changing they are comfortable with.

The UFO is the camp utility building and houses a private, fully accessible washroom with shower and change table, a gender-neutral washroom with stalled toilets and open sinks and a shower room containing 9 curtained shower stalls.

Your camper WILL get dirty at camp. They spend their days outdoors and our terrain is sandy. Campers have opportunity to shower every day; it is up to them how often they do so. Counsellors ensure campers shower at least once during their stay at camp. Campers go to the shower with their cabin mates and shower in their bathing suits. If needed, campers can ask to use a private shower.

Day and overnight campers follow the same schedule when they are at camp. You can view an example schedule and see what a typical day MIGHT be like here.

At Camp Kee-Mo-Kee, we're all about giving our campers the power of choice! During summer camps, campers can let their inner creativity flourish by picking and choosing activities that spark joy in them.They can join in activities with other campers from different cabins which means they can bond with new friends, explore different hobbies, and spend time with old pals too. By giving our campers more say in what they do, we're creating a recipe for fun and unforgettable experiences.

TNT stands for Try New Things and is a program where overnight campers can choose one activity to participate in over several days. Whether it's crafting a masterpiece, sharpening archery skills, or perfecting a talent show act, TNT is all about diving into a treasured camp activity to maximize the fun.

We know that campers have a variety of appetites, need nutritious food to fuel them for their day and that everyone has a better time when they have satisfying meals in their bellies. We also know that at camp we can have some fun with meals and there is sometimes dessert after a meal and always TUCK (Totally Unnecessary Candy For Kids) for afternoon snack.

The menu at camp is simple, tasty and nutritious. Usually, there is an entree with an option or adaptation and there is always a selection of alternatives on our salad bar. Most meals are served cafeteria-style, but we mix it up on occasion. Pictures of our Dining Hall and Kitchen can be found here.

Here are some examples of the types of food we serve:

Breakfast:

• Pancakes and sausages

• Baked French Toast and Bacon

• Scrambled eggs and tater tots

• Salad Bar alternatives: milk, cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, granola bars, fruit salad

Lunch:

• Hot dogs and dipping veggies

• Grilled cheese and tomato soup (a favourite!)

• Pizza

• Salad Bar Alternatives: Salad veggies and lettuce, chickpeas, crumbled cheese, dressing, fresh fruit

Dinner:

• Mac and Cheese with diced ham and peas on the side

• Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables

• Stir fried vegetables with chicken and rice (sauce on the side)

• Salad Bar Alternatives: Salad veggies and lettuce, chickpeas, crumbled cheese, dressing, fresh fruit

Snacks:

• Granola bars or muffins and fresh fruit

• Cheese and crackers with grapes

• popcorn and apples

It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the camp IN WRITING of any dietary restrictions AT LEAST ONE WEEK before the start of camp. If necessary, the Health Care Provider will contact you for more information so that we can provide the necessary accommodations. The Food Service Team will be informed of the restrictions, camper’s name and their cabin. If the restriction is an allergy, the Health Care Provider will ask the parent/guardian to complete an Emergency Action Plan for the camper which includes a photo of the camper, details of the camper’s reaction to the allergen and response needed (eg. hospital, Benadryl, EpiPen).

• All campers complete a swim assessment prior to their first program in the pool. Any campers uncomfortable in the deep end will be identified by the lifeguards. We also encourage campers to let the lifeguards know their water comfort level when they arrive at the pool.

• A few life jackets are available for campers to use, although we recommend campers bring their own with them if possible.

Privacy regulations require us to obtain permission to post or share camper pictures; every picture must be screened before we share it. Furthermore, in order to ensure our campers feel safe and that their privacy is respected, we do not allow campers to have cameras and take photos of others.

While our goal is to post pictures within a week of the end of each session, managing camper photos and social media takes time and internet access. These are both limited at camp.

• The only internet service for the camp is satellite with limited connectivity and upload speed. This makes online screening and posting very time consuming. Uploads often happen on weekends when staff are at home and can use more reliable and efficient internet.

Our staff never use the word homesickness with campers, and we ask parents to follow our lead. We use the term "missing home". This allows campers to identify how they feel and know that missing home is an okay and normal thing. Furthermore, it helps them understand they cannot get sick from missing home. To help campers who may be struggling with the camp adjustment our staff use tried and tested diversion and distraction techniques. We write letters home, play ‘oranges and lemons’ to identify what we loved or didn’t love about the day (and throw it away), talk about what is upcoming in the schedule, have a snack, read a story, listen to music or maybe make a warm fuzzy craft.

If your camper continues to struggle with missing home, the Camp Director will contact you to discuss strategies to support your camper. Our intent is to keep your child at camp and help them adjust to camp life.

If you aren’t hearing from us or your camper, it’s usually because they are having too much fun!

• The camp phone is used for administration purposes and for exceptional circumstances. Also. there isn’t always someone in the office to answer it as we are focussed on camper experience.

• We ask that you refrain calling the camp to check in on your camper, as this diverts staff’s attention from camper care.

• We encourage overnight camper parents and campers to write letters during camp.

• If needed, we will communicate with you through your the preferred method you noted when registering.

Campers love getting hand written letters! Mail is delivered to campers daily. You can write letters to your camper and drop them off in the camper mailbox when you drop off your camper.

If you prefer, please feel free to email your camper using our camper mail system.

Please DO NOT include candy (or other food items) in your camper’s mail. Camp is a community, requiring us to ensure the safety of all campers. Food is not allowed in cabins as campers can have a variety of allergies. If we feel your package has more that a letter in it, we will open it and remove food and candy. It will be returned to you when you pick up your camper.

Generally, visitors are not permitted on site when camp is in session.

For the safety of all campers and staff, any new arrival to the camp MUST check in at the Camp Office upon arrival. The Directing Team will authorize them to be on site and give them a Visitor’s Tag. Any person found on site without checking in is considered trespassing.

A camper either temporarily leaving the camp (ie. soccer game) or leaving earlier than their allocated departure time is required to be signed out. Any information regarding changes to camper departure must be emailed at least 3 hours prior to departure. This allows us time to get the information to the correct people to facilitate the departure.

The person picking up the camper MUST come to the Camp Office; staff will bring the camper to meet you. If the camper is returning while the camp is still in session the camper must be signed back in at the Camp Office.

Anyone picking up a camper at any time MUST present photo ID to verify they are the authorized person to depart with a camper. If someone other than those listed in our records is picking up your camper, you must inform camp in writing by email.

Cell phone use is not permitted at camp. Campers are to leave their cell phones at home.

Cell phone use by staff is restricted to during breaks, and phones are only permitted in certain areas, except:

• as required by the Directing Team.

• if previous arrangement has been made with the Camp Director for special circumstances.

• IAC 1:1 counsellors using technology to support campers.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee strongly recommends not bringing other valuable technology such as music players (cd, ipod etc), digital cameras, tablets or ipads. The camp assumes NO responsibility for the loss or damage of these items.

We highly recommend you label EVERYTHING sent to camp with your camper. Please consider purchasing Oliver’s Labels when you register to make it easier.

At the end of each session, staff search the camp and collect Lost & Found items. At camper departure on the Lost & Found is available for viewing. Any remaining items are kept until the end of the summer, and families will be invited to the camp at a designated time to claim their camper’s items. Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the beginning of September.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is, and always has been, based on the principle of youth leading youth.

Counsellors start at age 16 or 17 and seasonal staff ages go up from there; the Summer Director is in their mid-20s. All team member complete online training sessions, participate in a team training weekend and are required to attend 5-day intensive training week.

Full-time, year-round camp professionals support the seasonal staff.

More information on the team can be found here.

Camp fees are approved by the Camp Kee-Mo-Kee Board of Directors. As a non-profit organization we struggle each year to keep fees as low as possible, while ensuring:

1. Programs are led by well trained and high quality staff.

2. The facility is well maintained with safety and accessiblity as priorities.

3. The overhead and program-related expenses are covered.

In 2023 the cost to have a camper on site for was $175.00 per day. In 2024, we expect it to increase due to rising inflation and minimum wage increases. Camper registration fees for 2024 are considerably lower than the forecast cost, with the difference being funded by the generosity of individual donors and granting organizations.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee applies for several grants each year which help supply the ‘extras’ that don’t fit in to the approved budget. Recent grant-funded items include:

• musical instruments for 2024 program use.

• a bouldering wall to be builtin 2024.

• a fireplace insert in the Craft Lodge.

• hand washing sinks on the Breezeway.

• a year-round Camp Director position.

• ramps and automatic doors on 3 cabins.

• an adult change table.

• program supplies such as a weather station, canopies, sports equipment, office technology and Ipads.

Our Board of Directors also implemented the Revitalize Kee-Mo-Kee Campaign from 2018 - 2021 which raised funds for capital improvements including:

• new windows, lights and automatic doors in the Craft Lodge and Dining Hall.

• new KYBOs (the washrooms in the cabin clusters).

• Health Hut and Craft Lodge renovations.

• new utility building as you enter the camp which houses showers washrooms, laundry, water treatment and maintenance space.

• improved ventilation in all buildings.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is affiliated with the United Church of Canada and models the Christian values of inclusion, diversity, truth and reconciliation, intercultural understanding and environmental stewardship. Personal growth and development, leadership, community, and (most important) friendships and fun are what our campers and participants experience through our programs. These values are interwoven into everything we do, with the purpose of encouraging campers to understand what it means to “be a good human”.

Although we are a United Church camp, we are not a bible camp. Staff might use Christian stories, teachings and camp songs, but they will also show other spiritual perspectives. A value-based theme is introduced each day at Morning Circle, grace is sung before meals, and Vespers ends the day. Our website's content is an accurate representation of the language, activities and emphasis of the programs we offer to our campers and the community.

Our camp is nestled in 20 acres of Environmentally protected Carolinian Forest. The 8 camper sleeping cabins can accommodate 110 people in Bunk beds. There are 2 additional staff cabins, Camp Office, Dining Hall, Craft Lodge, kitchen, pool, outdoor spaces, breezeway, washrooms, campfire circle and basketball court. The buildings are rustic, cedar sided and not climate controlled.

A map of the camp can be found here.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is located in a Carolinian Forest and has no access to a lake or river. Komoka Creek borders the property to the east and campers visit the creek for nature exploration, but it is not suitable for swimming or boating.

We have a large, outdoor swimming pool that operates for our summer camp programs in July and August.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is located in an environmentally protected Carolinian Forest. We are restricted from cutting down trees, paving areas or anything that would increase our ‘footprint’ in the forest.

The laneway will be never be expanded to facilitate two way traffic. Please remember to drive slowly, obey signs, follow instructions of staff and use wider sections to pull over and allow others to pass. We appreciate your patience and cooperation in keeping everyone safe as they enter and exit the property.

Each spring, we resurface the gravel laneway and try to fill the potholes as they surface throughout the summer,

When you registered online, your tax receipt was automatically emailed to you. If you have misplaced it, you can also access it through your CampBrain account. All other receipts will be provided upon request.

No. Please do not bring your pet to camp, this includes during camper drop-off and pick up. Dogs and other animals are NOT PERMITTED on site, except for service animals. This is part of ensuring the camp is welcoming to everyone. Some campers are not comfortable around animals or may have allergies.

• Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is a nut-free facility. Please ensure food items containing nuts are not brought on site.

• Dogs and other pets are not permitted on-site, except for service animals.

• Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, marijuana, alcohol and use of other recreational drugs is not permitted on Camp Kee-Mo-Kee property, nor is it acceptable for anyone under the influence of any substances to be on site.

• Motorized vehicles are only permitted in designated areas of the camp (parking lot, driveway or sports field as needed). Use of motorized vehicles on our wooded trails is prohibited, unless approved by the Executive Director. Furthermore, the use of bicycles is not permitted on our wooded trails.

KYBO - buildings holding bathrooms and sinks located in each cabin cluster

Uppers and Lowers - the two cabin clusters, each having 4 camper cabins and a KYBO

Swales or Aminal - the names of the cabins which staff stay in.

Health Hut - the camp medical centre where the Health Care Provider tends to the medical needs of the campers and staff.

UFO - main utility building at camp, housing a fully accessible washroom, stalled toilets, showers, laundry and maintenance rooms.

FOB - Flat On Bunk; a time for quiet cabin activities or campers to rest.

Get Wet, Go Wild, Challenge, Create, and Move - the five program areas which ensure there is something for every camper to enjoy each program session!

SPARK! - SPirituality And Real Kindness; value-based programming which is integrated throughout the camper’s day. Inclusion, respect, diversity, intercultural understanding, safety, environmental stewardship and kindness are modelled for campers, encouraging personal growth and development. From the moment campers wake up and start the day with Morning Circle, to winding down with Vespers in the evening, these principles are woven into the very fabric of the camp experience.

True Colours - the camp’s fall retreat for 2SLGBTQIA+ teens, allies or those interested in exploring the spectrum of identity.

Camp Kee-Mo-Kee welcomes feedback about your experience with all aspects of the camp. Please feel free to email questions, concerns or compliments to the Executive Director.

As part of our continuous improvement plan, an online survey will be sent to you at the end of your program. We appreciate you taking a few minutes to fill it out. The Executive Director, monitors all feedback and personally responding when necessary.