Accreditation

We engage multiple licensing and accreditation agencies, consultants, partners and vendors in areas ranging from medical and emergency procedures to food service and staff training. Since 1997 we have been accredited by the Ontario Camps Association.

The OCA supports, advances, promotes and accredits camps throughout Ontario. Forest Cliff is also a member of Christian Camping International Canada.

Inflatable Amusement Devices requiring permits are licensed with TSSA.

Safety

Equipment & Activity Safety

Each activity area has a minimum of 1 or 2 highly trained individuals who directly observe staff in their interaction with campers, their proficiency in running the activity, conducting debriefs, keeping track of equipment use and pulling any worn equipment from service. Trained staff inspect all elements and equipment, including ropes, carabiners and boats, prior to each use. In addition, safety checks include the following:

• High adventure activities (Overnight Camp) are inspected annually by Adventureworks, an independent, certified high adventure vendor member  www.adventureworks.org
• Inflatables (Day Camp) are inspected annually by TSSA, and are maintained and supervised by staff who are TSSA certified inflatable amusement device mechanics (ADM-I) www.tssa.org 
• Archery equipment (Overnight Camp and Day Camp) is maintained through The Archer’s Nook  www.archersnook.com
• Boat/PWC maintenance (Overnight Camp) is performed by Hully Gully and Precision Power Sports  www.hullygully.com and www.precisionpowersports.ca.

The Forest Cliff waterfront is safe and fun, supervised by a team of NLS certified lifeguards.

Personal Safety

In order to protect children, our policy prohibits any staff person from being alone in a private location with a camper. If a one-on-one conversation is necessary between a staff member and a camper, it will always be in view of other people. 

Visitors are required to sign-in at the office at each site and wear a visitor badge for easy identification while on the property.

In accordance with the Duty to Report outlined in the Child and Family Services Act, Forest Cliff is obligated to report concerns regarding the safety and well-being of individuals under the age of 16 to the appropriate agency, such as the Children’s Aid Society. 

Staff participate in suicide alertness training to recognize if a person may be having thoughts of suicide and how to ask the individual. If a young person discloses thoughts of suicide or shows signs of self-harm, an eating disorder or other concerning behaviour, the parent/guardian will be notified. The parent/guardian and staff person will determine if it is appropriate for the young person to remain at camp or return home for the sake of their own safety and well-being.

In Case of Emergency

A signal system allows instant communication with all campers and staff in the event of an emergency. Staff monitor the weather radar, and we move staff and campers to severe weather shelters when there is an immediate threat of severe weather. All staff are trained in our Emergency Action Plan, which covers scenarios like severe weather, fire and medical emergencies. The focus is on accounting for and protecting campers in these situations. Our lead staff are connected via radios/cell phones. Our Overnight Camp health care team is trained to respond to emergencies 24/7. All of our staff are provided training in CPR and First Aid. All sites are accessible to police, fire and ambulance responders. Incoming emergency phone calls will be received by our Day Camps and Overnight Camp offices.

Behaviour Management

All group leaders are trained in behaviour management and anti-bullying. If a child requires correction, that child is removed from the situation and spoken to about the need for a change in behaviour. We partner with the camper to come up with a solution that works for everyone; grace is given and consequences are enforced, if necessary. If there is no change in the camper’s behaviour, the camper’s parent/guardian will be called to discuss options. The directors reserve the right to dismiss any child who has rejected the reasonable controls of camp.

Staff

Investment in Staff

Our staff receive detailed and specific training to meet campers’ diverse behavioural, spiritual and physical needs. These group leaders build relationships with campers and foster their spiritual growth. They emphasize the importance of teamwork, safety and respect, and build a strong culture of belonging throughout the week.    

Our activity staff receive special in-depth training in order to facilitate activities for children. Our lifeguards are certified by the Life Saving Society and have NLS certification (National Lifeguard Service) and CPR/First Aid certification. Our High Adventure staff are trained through Adventureworks Associates Inc., and our boating staff each possess a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) and driver’s license. 

All of our sites have staff members who have completed training in CPR and First Aid as well as suicide alertness training.

The Overnight Camp staff-to-camper ratio is 1:5. The Day Camp staff-to-camper ratio is 1:7. Campers who require 1:1 can register for additional support. Our ratios are constant and exceed accreditation requirements. The program design and low ratios allow group leaders to get to know each child individually. You’ll see these strong relationships in action when you pick up your camper.

Hiring Procedures

We only hire the best staff at Forest Cliff! Interview topics include their spiritual walk and maturity of faith, experience working with kids and overall competencies for the job. We require a minimum of 3 positive, non-family references. Staff are required to submit vulnerable sector checks as this level of record check is for persons who are directly responsible for children under 18.

Compensation

While many camps use volunteers, we’ve found that hiring staff helps ensure consistent, quality experiences for campers all summer long. There is a high demand for competent workers, and the reality is that they need to make money in the summer. We attract and retain the best Christian young adults in the workforce for summer positions

Staff Training

Our PAID STAFF are trained in the following areas:

• Camper Care focuses on camper behaviour, how to deal with bullying, how to help with homesickness, how to discreetly handle accidents or bedwetting at Overnight Camp and making sure that every camper gets individual attention. Staff are trained to recognize that every camper learns differently and has unique needs. Group leaders are trained to identify where each child is spiritually and will meet them where they are, while challenging them to grow
• Safety Protocols provides training in scenarios like severe weather, fire and medical emergencies
• Child Protection focuses on two aspects: prevention and reporting suspected abuse  
• Conflict Management trains staff to help campers work through conflict with each other
• Guest Services teaches staff how to address and greet campers and parents to provide an exceptional camp experience
• First Aid training addresses how to deal with typical camp ailments such as bee stings and stomach aches. Staff work in conjunction with the Health Centre to get camper medications on time
• The Gospel is at the heart of everything we do at Forest Cliff. Staff are trained to share God’s Plan For Kids in a way that is truthful, sensitive and age appropriate. They are also taught how to share their own spiritual journey, which often happens in one on one conversations, in an appropriate way. Our hope is that every child feels like they belong before they believe

Our VOLUNTEER child-care providers receive the same type of training but are not required to complete first aid training.

ACTIVITY STAFF receive training specific to their activity area with an emphasis on safety, proper use of equipment and engaging all campers. In some high-risk areas, certification by national or third-party professional associations is required.

Registration

Registration Tips

Register early for best availability. Registration opens on December 2, 2024 at 6 AM at www.forestcliff.ca 

Only a deposit is required — 

• $50 / Day Camp session
• $200 / Overnight Camp session

Balances are due May 1. Payment plans are available. Need assistance during registration? Happy to help! 519-913-2744 x 100 or info@forestcliff.ca

Waitlist

Session full? Add your camper to the waitlist and click submit (you’ll know you’re on the waiting list when you receive an auto email). We encourage you to make another selection. You will be contacted right away if a spot becomes available to see if you would like to transfer your registration to your first choice.

Receipts

Parents/guardians can log into their account anytime throughout the year to view their statement or print their receipt.

Friend Requests

We know campers want to be with their friends, and we make every effort to accommodate them. We take great care putting our groups together, as many come without a cabin/group mate request. 

In the registration form you can request one cabin mate for your child’s Overnight Camp session (same gender, similar age) and/or one group mate for your child’s Day Camp session (similar age). 

Email info@forestcliff.ca if you would like to request more than one person, want siblings to be placed in different cabins/groups or would like information about filling a cabin.

Camper T-Shirts

Select T-shirt size in the Information Form. 

Day Camp: T-shirt is included with registration as a tie-dye activity. And our Activity Crew in Training participants receive a special ACT T-shirt.

Overnight Camp: Camper T-shirts are distributed the last day, followed by group photos and T-shirt signing. Thank you for purchasing your camper’s T-shirt when registering. SALT participants receive a special SALT T-shirt.

Referral to Overnight Camp

We love it when families tell other families about Forest Cliff Overnight Camps. As our thanks to you we will give you $50 off for each new camper you refer… check out the details! 

When you register for Kids Camp, Girls Week, Jr High Camp or SALT you can share your referral code with other families. The referral code will be emailed to you but it is the first 8 characters of your household ID in bold at the bottom of your invoice / statement. 

Then when a family new to Forest Ciff uses your code when they register for Kids Camp, Girls Week, Jr High Camp or SALT we will give you $50 off! Maximum $200 discount per family. And to welcome them to Forest Cliff we will give them $50 off as well! 

Can be used in conjunction with the family discount, but does not apply to registrations discounted by SummerFund or bursary, Junior Camp, Day Camp or ACT. Accounts will be adjusted as needed. Balances already paid in full will receive credit for next season.  

So tell your friends! Refer, refer, refer!

Payment Methods

Cancellation

All cancellations may be subject to a $40.00 administration fee: 

• 45 days prior to the start of the reserved camp session a complete refund (less administration fee) is available
• 8 to 44 days prior to the start of the reserved camp session a 50% refund (less administration fee) is available
• 7 days or less before the reserved camp session, registration fee is non-refundable 

Refunds are not granted for inclement weather, late arrival, early departure, withdrawal or dismissal. 

To cancel or transfer a session contact the registration team:

info@forestcliff.ca or 519-913-2744 x 100 

The Registrar makes the final decision about refunds. 

Refunds will be processed within 3 weeks of the cancellation. Credit card payments will be refunded to the same credit card. Expired credit card or auto-deposit payments will be refunded by cheque.

Financial Assistance

Subsidy

A subsidy may be available for certain Day Camp locations. Feel free to inquire with the church directly or contact Forest Cliff for further information: info@forestcliff.ca or 519-913-2744 x 100.

Family Discount

A family discount is available to assist large families when the parent or legal guardian is paying for camp. 

Day Camp—when registering 3 or more for Day Camp from the same family household, a $30 discount will be applied to the 3rd and additional Day Camp registrants. Can be applied for multiple sessions when the above household criteria are met. No other discounts or assistance will apply. Does not apply to ACT.

Overnight Camp—when registering 3 or more Overnight Campers from the same family household for Kids Camp, Jr. High Camp or SALT, a 50% discount will apply to the 3rd and additional lesser priced camper’s sessions. Not valid with volunteer discount, promotions, bursary, SummerFund, 3rd party, or for Junior Camp.

Bursaries

Overnight Camp bursaries are distributed as funds are available, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Based on net income, bursaries cover a percentage of registration for one full week of Overnight Camp. This provides assistance when the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) themselves are paying.

When completing the Information Form during registration, you will come to a question, “Do you anticipate fees will be partly or fully covered by one of the following” – click bursary and a few questions will pop up. 

The bursary deposit is $50/camper, rather than the usual camp deposit. The deposit is fully refundable if a bursary is not applied or the balance is not feasible. 

Send your most recent Notice of Assessment to info@forestcliff.ca. If there are 2 parents/guardians in the household or 2 parents/guardians contributing to the camper’s expenses, we require both NOA’s. Your bursary application will be reviewed and you will be contacted once the deposit and NOA(s) have been received. Bursary does not apply when another individual/agency is paying, or with discounts or promotions.

SummerFund

Forest Cliff’s SummerFund program operates on a referral basis, allowing organizations to request a subsidized registration for a child that is part of their care community. SummerFund experiences are made possible by generous donors that deeply value the positive impact and life-changing experience a week at Forest Cliff Camps provides. Are you interested in helping a child come to camp that could not afford it otherwise? Visit www.forestcliff.ca to donate today.

Volunteer

At Forest Cliff we value our Overnight Camp volunteers! A parent/legal guardian can receive 50% off their camper(s) registration fee when they attend the same week! Apply today for housekeeping, maintenance, cook’s helper, office or Health Centre as a regulated health professional. Babysitting for younger ones can also be arranged! Not valid for Junior Camp. Not to be used with any other discounts / promotions. Spaces not guaranteed and dependent on position availability.

Overnight Camps

Lambton Shores location – 8324 Glendale Drive, Lambton Shores, Ontario – 519-913-2744 x 101

Camper Health

As an important part of our sun safety plan, all our campers and staff wear t-shirts at the waterfront. 

Campers are asked to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen; cabin leaders will ensure sunscreen is applied regularly. 

Cabin leaders can assist with bug spray when needed. Please send with your camper. 

Send a water bottle with your camper to stay properly hydrated. There are water fountains/stations around the property. On especially hot days, we will take extra care to ensure kids stay hydrated.

Our kitchen is familiar with special diets and food allergies. Please provide details in the medical form to make proper arrangements for your child. An additional charge will apply for vegetarian options, dairy free, egg free and gluten free (max 1 fee per session).

Everything we serve is peanut/nut safe. We ask that no peanut or tree nut products be brought to camp or consumed on the property.

Medical Care

We depend upon volunteer Regulated Health Professionals (RHP), and we employ a health care team for Overnight Camp sessions. Medical staff respond to emergencies, distribute medications and provide basic first aid care for our campers and staff. 

All medications need to be turned in to the Health Centre staff in the original packaging during camper check-in. The parent/guardian will be consulted at check-in to determine if a camper’s EpiPen or inhaler needs to remain with the camper or kept in the cabin leaders’ room or nurse’s station.

Cabin leaders are given a list of camper medications and the times medication needs to be taken. During the camp week, campers will go to the Health Centre with their cabin leaders to get their medication at the designated time. 

We contact parents/guardians when: 

• a camper has significant bumps, bruises or cuts with the potential for scarring, especially on the face
• there is something out of the ordinary (ie. seizure/accident)
• a camper has had an exposure to a contagious disease, bug or parasite
• a camper is sent off-site for professional medical treatment
• any other concerning medical issue staff deems necessary to communicate with parents

Support

Forest Cliff wants campers requiring extra support to be able to attend and have a great experience at Overnight Camp. A camper with complex needs may be paired with a 1:1 cabin leader for support and individual attention. Through our integrative programming we strive to meet the complex needs of campers, whether it’s physical, behavioural, dietary or medical.

Additional information will be collected to determine if Forest Cliff is able to create an amazing integrated experience for your camper. The information will be shared with the 1:1 cabin leader so they can help to create the best camp experience for them.

If your child receives 1:1 support at school or if you believe that the assistance of a 1:1 support cabin leader would enable your child to best experience Overnight Camp, please contact support@forestcliff.ca.

Preparing for Overnight Camp

Open House at Overnight Camp

Saturday, June 7, 2025  – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM   

This is a great opportunity for new and returning families to meet the staff, wander the grounds, participate in activities and enjoy dinner with other camper families.

Prior to Check-In

• your balance must be paid in full prior to arrival
• report changes in address, email or phone number for you or your emergency contacts 
• update us if there are changes to your camper’s health or health card number
• make sure your authorized pick-up list is correct
• you will receive a “prior to arrival” email 2 1/2 weeks before camp starts
• at any time you can sign into your account to view or print your registration receipt

Moving? Add us to your list when changing your address! Help us save on postage.

Packing Guidelines

Pack together with your camper so they know what they have and where everything is.

We recommend two bags only – a suitcase for clothing/shoes/toiletries and a large duffle bag for your camper’s sleeping bag and pillow (no loose items please).

When getting sleeping bags out of storage, if you put them in a clothes dryer on high heat for 30 minutes, it will kill any bugs or eggs that may have made a home there over the winter.

Put toiletries in a plastic bag to reduce  spilling and make it easy to travel to the showers.

Label everything with your camper’s first and last name. Mabels Labels provides a percentage back to Forest Cliff. Unlabelled lost & found items will be donated to charity throughout the summer.

Use identification tags. Adding something brightly coloured to your bags makes it easier for you to spot them at pick up, and prevents others from accidentally taking yours.

Mail and Care Packages

Campers love receiving mail at camp! Camper mail can be left at the check-in table for delivery throughout the week. Include notes or small gifts and pre-packaged food if you’d like, provided it is peanut and nut free. 

To email your camper, use mail@forestcliff.ca. In the subject line put the camper’s name and cabin number (provided at check-in). Email received by 11:00 AM is printed and delivered at lunch.

Medication

If your camper has medication, please bring it with you, separate from their luggage. Once your camper is checked in, you will visit the Health Centre, where all medications are held and dispensed. The exception is EpiPens and inhalers as these can be kept with the camper if you choose, but still discuss this at the Health Centre. Common non-prescription medications can be dispensed as needed. At camper pick-up be sure to stop by the Health Centre to pick up your camper’s medications.

Check-In and Pick-Up

8324 Glendale Drive Lambton Shores, ON N0N 1J7

Arrival Times

• SALT – Sunday 2:00 PM

• Junior Camp
  • Sun-Tues sessions – 4:00 PM
  • Wed-Fri sessions – 2:00 PM

• Kids Camp / Girls Week / Co-ed Jr High / Leadership Camp – 4:00 PM

Arrival Details

You will be greeted by an enthusiastic Forest Cliff team to get your camper checked in. 

If you will be arriving much later please call the Overnight Camp office at 519-913-2744 x 101 so we can arrange to meet you. 

For families who have campers and SALT participants coming the same week, please know supervision is not available for campers at the SALT drop off time. 

All balances must be paid in full prior to arrival in order to check in your camper(s).

Authorized Pick-Up Times

4:00 PM for all sessions

Authorized Pick-Up Details

Only the people who are listed as authorized on the registration form will be able to pick up the child. Please notify the office as soon as possible to update permissions should something arise or if you need to pick up your camper early.

Photo ID must be presented at check-out. Go directly to the cabins to pick up your camper. Please note—those arriving early will report to the camp office with photo ID. On Friday, campers will be busy in programming until 3:30 PM.

Sunday Dinner

FOR PARENTS OF KIDS CAMPERS AND JUNIOR CAMPERS WITH A SUNDAY START

Once you have helped your camper get settled in their cabin, campers will be getting to know their group leaders and cabin mates. At 5:00 PM parents are encouraged to join us in the dining hall for dinner and a short Forest Cliff presentation. Feel free to bring along your children who are not attending camp. After dinner you’ll be able to watch the Opening Rally from the dining hall, and get a glimpse of how much fun your camper is going to have during the week. The Opening Rally is over by 6:00 PM.

Swag

Hoodies and other cool Forest Cliff Camps swag will be available for purchase Sundays and Fridays. Cash, debit and credit cards accepted. 

Be sure to purchase your camper t-shirt for Junior Camp, Kids Camp, Girls Week and Jr. High when you are registering. Campers will receive their camp shirts on Friday.

Day Camps

Located at various church locations across Southwestern Ontario

Camper Health

Day Camp locations have complete first aid kits. Medication required during the day will be kept by the Day Camp Administrator to be dispensed as directed. Parents indicate if a camper’s EpiPen or inhaler needs to remain with them at all times. 

We contact parents/guardians when:

• a camper has significant bumps, bruises or cuts with potential for scarring, especially on the face
• there is something out of the ordinary (ie. seizure/accident)
• a camper has had an exposure to a contagious disease, bug or parasite
• a camper is sent off-site for professional medical treatment
• any other concerning medical issue staff deems necessary to communicate with parents

As an important part of our sun safety plan, campers and staff wear t-shirts during water activities. Our staff will ensure the campers’ sunscreen is applied regularly (after every 2 hours of sun exposure). 

Campers’ water bottles are refilled regularly to stay properly hydrated. 

On especially hot days (ie. extreme heat alerts/advisories) we will take extra care to ensure campers are hydrated. Outdoor activities may be adjusted and campers will have limited time outdoors. Water breaks will happen every 15 minutes (whether campers are thirsty or not!). 

We work to limit all food allergen exposure at Day Camps as much as possible. We serve only peanut/tree nut free snacks, and parents are to send only peanut/nut safe snacks and lunches.

Support

At Forest Cliff, we want all children to feel like they belong and so we strive to ensure every camper is given individual attention and is included in our experiences.  At Day Camp, we do not provide 1:1 support but rather collaborate with families in order to provide a successful day camp experience for both camper and their existing support worker.  If your child has complex needs and has 1:1 support at school (ie. EA, Support Worker, Respite Worker, etc) or you believe the assistance of your existing 1:1 support worker would enable your child to best experience Day Camp, please email support@forestcliff.ca!

If you do not believe your child requires 1:1 support but you have specific information to ensure that your camper has the best week possible, please detail this information in the online registration.

Preparing for Day Camp

Prior to Arrival

• your balance must be paid in full prior to arrival
• report changes in address, email or phone number for you or your emergency contacts 
• update us if there are changes to your camper’s health or health card number
• make sure your authorized pick-up list is correct
• you will receive a “prior to arrival” email 2 1/2 weeks before camp starts
• at any time you can sign into your account to view or print your registration receipt

Moving? Add us to your list when changing your address! Help us save on postage.

Water Days

We’ll let you know which days are water days, to bring a swimsuit, towel, extra t-shirt and shoes that can get wet!

What to Bring

Please label everything with the child’s first and last name:

▢ hat
▢ sunscreen
▢ water bottle
▢ closed-toed shoes
▢ water shoes or shoes that can get wet
▢ bathing suit
▢ extra t-shirt (required for water activities)
▢ towel
▢ plastic bag for wet items
▢ lunch and snacks (peanut/tree nut safe)
▢ medication if needed, in original packaging

Swag

Looking for Forest Cliff Camp swag? Contact the London office, 519-913-2744 x 100.

Check-In and Pick-Up

Day Camp Welcome

You and your camper will be greeted enthusiastically at daily check-in, which begins at 8:45 AM each morning. At check-in, we will verify authorized pick-up and discuss any medications.

Authorized Pick-Up

Pick-up is at 4:00 PM every day. We require photo ID for pick-up every day – no exceptions! Anyone picking up campers must be on the pre-authorized pick-up list. Once ID has been verified, the camper(s) can then be picked up from their group(s) – this is a great time to chat with your camper’s group leaders and ask any questions.

Extended Care Afternoons

For your convenience, extended care allows you to pick up your child as late as 5:15 PM. Select this option during registration for a flat rate of $45 per camper per week ($36 for Tuesday through Friday Day Camp sessions). This option can be added after registration by contacting our office. Please note: we are not able to supervise children outside the hours of 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM.

ACT Program Times

Our ACT participants check-in at 8:30 AM and are ready to leave at 4:00 PM.