Frequently Asked Questions

Tip: Mark your calendars! Staggered registration ensures returning campers have the best chance to secure their preferred weeks and sessions. 

Please include all relevant health and dietary information, as well as details about your camper’s home environment or any support they receive at school. This helps us prepare for a successful and safe stay at camp, ensuring we can meet your camper’s needs and provide the best possible experience. If any of this information changes after registration, please email us at johnislandcamp@ymcaneo.ca 

Campers are expected to register for programs that match the age requirements listed on our website. Keeping cabins within a close age range helps support positive relationships and meaningful friendships. If you have questions or special circumstances you’d like to discuss, please contact us at johnislandcamp@ymcaneo.ca 

For a complete list of items to pack, please refer to the Packing List available in the 2026 Camp Guide section on our website. This list includes clothing, personal items, and any special equipment needed for activities, helping to ensure your camper has everything they need for a safe and fun experience. 

At John Island Camp, we take all dietary restrictions seriously and provide alternatives at each meal. Our kitchen can accommodate most allergies or dietary restrictions when given advanced notice. Please include all allergies and dietary needs when registering, and contact us at johnislandcamp@ymcaneo.ca for severe or life-threatening allergies. 

We also take extra precautions for campers with nut allergies. Our menu is designed to minimize risk, and our Tuck Shop does not sell items containing nuts. Please do not send any food products containing nuts with your camper. 

Please talk with your camper about their responsibility in following their required diet and encourage them to speak with a staff member right away if they have questions or concerns about the food provided. 

We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all campers. If your camper requires additional support, we encourage you to reach out to us in advance so we can discuss their specific needs. Our team will work with you to explore accommodations and ensure your camper has a positive and enriching experience in our program. 

To support your camper’s participation, we ask that you provide a dedicated support worker or individual over the age of 18 who is well-versed in your camper’s needs. The support worker will need to provide a Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sectors prior to the start of the program to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. 

For further details or to discuss your camper’s needs, please contact us at johnislandcamp@ymcaneo.ca. 

To request a cancellation or refund, please email a written request to johnislandcamp@ymcaneo.ca.

Please note that refunds are not granted for:

• Inclement weather.
• If a camper is withdrawn early by a parent/guardian.
• If a camper is sent home due to misconduct.

Cabins at YMCA John Island Camp typically house 8–10 campers and are supervised by two counsellors. Campers are grouped by age and gender, usually within 1–2 years of each other, and may choose the cabin that best aligns with their lived gender identity. We do our best to honour one mutual cabin-mate request when ages and space allow; however, requests with significant age differences cannot be accommodated to ensure age-appropriate programming and group dynamics. 

We do our best to honour one mutual cabin-mate request when ages and available spaces allow; however, because our programs are designed with age-appropriate progression in mind, we cannot accommodate requests with significant age differences.  

Please note that cabin requests cannot be guaranteed. Cabin groups are finalized one week before each session and may be influenced by registration numbers, program needs, and other important factors. 

Our cabins are rustic and cozy, each housing 8–10 campers with two counsellors. Cabins feature bunk beds, shelves, and solar lighting but do not have electricity, helping campers embrace the natural camp environment. Campers should bring a flashlight or headlamp for use at night.  

Washroom facilities are a short walk from the cabins and use eco-friendly composting toilets, affectionately called “Rub-A-Dubs.” Each facility includes toilets, handwashing sinks, and solar-powered lighting. 

Campers also have access to a centralized shower facility with private stalls. Each cabin is scheduled for one designated shower time per week, with priority given to cabins returning from out-trips. Campers who want additional showers can request extra time with their counsellor during rest hour or before bed. 

For added convenience, campers can also “Swim & Wash” in the lake during free swim sessions (up to three times daily) using biodegradable shampoo and conditioner. 

Our staff are trained to support campers with gentle reminders for daily tasks like brushing teeth and changing clothes. We encourage good personal hygiene while providing guidance so campers can care for themselves independently. 

The Tuck Shop is our camp store, offering a variety of fun items like candy, chips, stickers, patches, shirts, sweatshirts, postcards, and more. 

New this summer, families can now add their camper’s Tuck Shop money to their registration, making it easier to pre-load funds.  

For general spending, we recommend sending your camper with $25 to $50 for the week. If your camper is interested in ordering larger items, such as sweatshirts (typically $45), we suggest bringing a bit more money to cover these purchases. 

A typical day at camp might look like this: 

• 7:30 A.M. — Polar Bear Swim 

• 8:20 A.M. — Morning Circle 

• 8:30 A.M. — Breakfast 

• 9:00 A.M. — Cabin Clean-up 

• 9:30–11:45 A.M. — Cabin Program & Morning Snack 

• 11:45 A.M. — Free Swim 

• 12:30 P.M. — Lunch 

• 1:00 P.M. — Rest Hour 

• 2:00–4:45 P.M. — Skills or Streams & Afternoon Snack 

• 5:30 P.M. — Dinner 

• 6:30 P.M. — Happy Hour 

• 7:45 P.M. — Evening Program 

• 8:45 P.M. — Evening Snack 

• 9:00–10:00 P.M. — Bedtime (Junior/Senior Campers) 

Campers at John Island Camp have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of exciting activities designed to spark curiosity, build skills, and create lasting memories. Activities are organized by age and program. 

Sample Activities: 

• Waterfront: Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming, Sailing, Paddleboarding 

• Adventure: High Ropes, Low Ropes, Climbing Wall, Initiative Games 

• Outdoor Living Skills: Fire Building, Shelter Building, Nature Hikes, Archery 

• Creativity: Arts & Crafts, Drama, Music 

These activities encourage campers to discover new interests, develop skills, and enjoy meaningful experiences in a fun, supportive environment. 

At John Island Camp, we’re committed to healthy, delicious, and nutritious meals that fuel campers for all the fun and adventures of the day. Meals are hearty and served family-style in the Dining Hall or outdoors on out-trips. Campers also have access to a stocked salad bar for lunch and dinner and a toast station at all times. 

Please make sure to indicate any dietary restrictions or special needs on your camper’s registration form. 

The following menu is provided as an example of meals we may serve. Actual meals may vary. 

At John Island Camp, we encourage campers to try new experiences, including different foods, while respecting their preferences. Our child-friendly menu offers a main dish along with a variety of sides at each meal. There’s also a toast station and fresh fruit available between meals, ensuring there’s always something for every camper to enjoy. 

Feeling homesick is normal, especially for first-time campers, and can range from mild worry to physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches. Our staff are trained to recognize early signs and provide support to help campers feel comfortable and engaged. 

Before arranging a call home, we often use other ways to reassure campers, such as a quick note or email from family. In most cases, homesickness passes with time and support. 

Families can help prepare their child by: 

• Talking about camp and the activities they’re excited for 

• Arranging short overnight stays beforehand 

• Packing a personal item from home 

• Using a calendar to show how long they’ll be away 

• Sending letters in advance for the camper to receive at camp 

Positive send-offs are important. Avoid making promises to bring a camper home if they feel unsure, as this can unintentionally undermine confidence and shift focus away from enjoying camp. 

We generally discourage phone use by campers to help them stay engaged in camp life. However, if homesickness becomes severe, we will contact you. In these cases, a phone call may be arranged on a camp phone, on speaker, with the Camp Director or Wellness Staff present. 

Before a call home is needed, we often explore other ways to reassure campers. A quick note or email from family can help them feel supported and encouraged to enjoy camp. These small gestures can make a big difference in helping children feel connected while away. 

Campers should not bring personal phones or electronics to camp, as this goes against our electronics policy. Limiting devices helps campers stay engaged in activities, friendships, and the camp environment. 

In cases of severe homesickness, staff may arrange a phone call home using a camp phone, usually on speaker, with the Camp Director or Wellness Staff present. Families can also send emails or notes to reassure campers while allowing them to enjoy the full camp experience. 

At John Island Camp, we want campers to unplug, enjoy the outdoors, and focus on building connections with nature, peers, and themselves. To help create a safe and positive environment, the following items should not be brought to camp: 

• Cell phones and personal electronics (e.g., iPods, laptops) 

• Bluetooth speakers 

• Valuable items 

• Hair dryers 

• Food, gum, or candy 

• Matches or lighters 

• Knives 

• Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco products, or vaping devices 

Any prohibited items brought to camp will be collected by the Camp Director and returned to the parent/guardian at the end of the session. John Island Camp is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. 

Participants who bring drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco products, or vaping devices may be asked to leave the program at the discretion of the Camp Director. 

Yes, bus transportation is available for campers for a fee of $50.00 + HST per trip. Bus service is offered from North Bay, Sudbury, Espanola, and Spanish. Please note that the North Bay bus is subject to an additional $18.00 +HST fee and only operates in July for Saplings, Challengers, Youth Camp A (12-day), Explorer Canoe, Adventure Camp A (July 27–August 1), Greenway A (4 weeks), and Norquay (to camp only). Space is limited on all buses, and last-minute additions cannot always be accommodated. Please indicate on your camper’s registration form if they will be taking the bus, and any changes to transportation must be submitted in writing to johnislandcamp@ymcaneo.ca at least two weeks before the start of your session. 

Parents and guardians must stay until sign-in is complete and their camper has checked in with their counsellor. Please ensure your camper has eaten breakfast before arrival. A snack will be provided on the bus and lunch will be available once they reach camp. 

Yes, families may drive campers to and from camp. The drive is about 2 hours from Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie. 

Arrival Day: Plan to arrive around 12:30 p.m. Many campers will be arriving, so drive carefully on Walkhouse Bay Road (40 km/h). Parking is limited. 

Departure Day: Plan to arrive around 1:00 p.m. Campers travel to the docks by boat in small groups. Watch for pedestrians and other vehicles. 

Directions to Walkhouse Bay Docks: 

• Turn off HWY 17 onto Weegwas Road in Cutler 

• Turn left at the stop sign onto Village Road 

• Cross the train tracks, turn right onto Walkhouse Bay Road, and continue 5 km to the docks 

• Drive slowly—road conditions can be rough and children may be present in the community. 

YMCA John Island Camp is located near Spanish, ON, in the unique, inspiring setting of Lake Huron! As an island, campers travel to John Island Camp on one of our three motorboats, each carrying 10–12 campers with Camp Staff. The boat ride takes approximately 10 minutes each way, and staff will meet campers at the docks to guide them aboard. For safety, lifejackets (PFDs) are mandatory for all campers and staff while on the docks or on the boat. Lifejackets are provided, though campers are welcome to bring their own. Luggage may travel separately on a designated boat with Camp Staff to ensure a comfortable ride. 

Upon arrival at James Jerome Sports Complex (bus departure) or the Walkhouse Bay Road docks (camp drop-off), you will see a check-in table set up for intake. Campers boarding at other bus stops will receive their head lice check upon arrival at the Walkhouse Bay Road docks.  

The check-in process is as follows: 

1. Luggage drop-off: Place all camper luggage in the designated area (please keep water bottles and any medications with you). 
2. Sign-in: Line up to sign in at the check-in table. Please notify staff of any changes to your camper’s personal or medical information. 
3. Wellness check-in: Submit medications and the Medication Authorization Form to our Wellness staff. Blank forms will be available if needed. This form is required for all campers, even if they do not take medication. 
4. Lice check: Prepare your camper for a quick head lice check. 
5. Meet your counsellors! 

Yes. All campers are required to undergo a check for head lice by our staff prior to boarding the buses. If head lice or nits are found, treatment must be started before arrival at camp. We strongly recommend that caregivers check their campers for lice prior to the start of camp. The Camp Director reserves the right to turn campers away at drop-off who have untreated head lice or evidence of head lice. If you are concerned about your child’s head lice, please feel free to contact the Camp Director for advice. 

Campers will only be released to parents, guardians, or individuals listed as authorized pick-up in the registration system. To add additional contacts, submit the request in writing or update it in the registration system at least 3 days before the last day of camp. 

Anyone picking up a camper must present official photo ID. Campers will not be released without proper identification. 

On departure day, parents and guardians will receive an envelope with their camper’s name, which must be presented to staff for release. 

• Dock Pick-Up: Wait by the docks with the envelope while staff bring campers over by boat. Your camper will only be released once the envelope is shown. 

• Bus Pick-Up: Bring the envelope to the bus. A staff member will call for your camper and escort them off the bus once the envelope is shown. 

Each envelope contains your camper’s cabin photo, 48-hour camp check-in form, skills or streams growth report, and any medications brought to camp. 

If bedwetting is a concern, our staff are trained to handle it discreetly and supportively. Campers are encouraged to ask their counsellors for help day or night, and every effort is made to prevent accidents. 

Campers who may wet the bed should bring extra bedding, which camp staff can launder quickly if needed. While there are no regular camper laundry facilities, laundry is available for bedwetting or accidental soiling of clothing. Please ensure your camper has enough clothing for the full session. 

If your child is likely to wet the bed, please indicate this on their registration form so staff can provide appropriate support. 

Regular laundry services are not available for campers. Please ensure your child has enough clothing for the full session. Laundry is available only in cases of bedwetting or accidental soiling of clothing, and staff will handle it promptly and discreetly 

Camp is a busy environment, which can make managing contagious illnesses challenging. We work hard to know the health of all campers and staff and take every precaution to minimize the spread of illness. Our approach to injury, illness, and infectious disease follows local public health recommendations. 

For common illnesses or viruses, campers may use beds in the Wellness Centre for short-term rest. If it becomes clear that a camper requires longer-term recovery, they will be asked to recover at home until they are no longer contagious. We do not have the staff to support long medical stays in the Wellness Centre, and recovery at home helps protect the rest of the camp community. Families are responsible for any prescription costs, and reimbursement for missed camp days due to illness is at the Camp Director’s discretion. 

We do not collect or require specific vaccination information as part of registration unless directed to do so by Public Health. If an illness were to arise at camp and Public Health guidance required it, we would follow their direction and communicate any necessary precautions to families. In the absence of Public Health directives, vaccinations are not a prerequisite for participation in our programs. 

In the event of high community transmission of infectious diseases, we may implement additional measures to reduce risk, such as masking, testing, or cohorting.  

At John Island Camp, we believe children thrive when they know what to expect each day. Our goal is to help campers develop self-discipline, responsibility, and respect—for themselves, others, the natural world, and camp property—while keeping everyone safe and healthy. 

Our rules are guided by our core values: Honesty, Caring, Respect, Responsibility, and Inclusion.  

General expectations include: 

• Respect each other 

• Respect yourself 

• Respect the natural world 

• Respect John Island Camp 

When rules are not followed, campers may experience age-appropriate natural consequences. Corporal punishment, food withholding, or harsh/humiliating measures are never used. Conflicts—from minor disagreements to more serious disputes—are treated as learning opportunities, with staff helping campers resolve situations positively and constructively. 

Serious behaviors that may result in a camper being sent home at the parent/guardian’s expense include: 

• Violence toward others 

• Abuse, harassment, or bullying of any kind 

• Endangering themselves or others 

• Abusive or threatening language toward staff or other campers 

• Possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping devices 

• Defacing camp property or the natural environment 

• Sexual activity 

John Island Camp strives to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community. All members—staff, volunteers, campers, and families—are expected to contribute to this environment. Parents and guardians are welcome to contact the Camp Director at any time for clarification on rules or expectations. Please review this information with your child before camp.  

Campers love receiving letters and packages! We encourage positive, light-hearted messages—any sad news is best saved for when your child returns home. Because John Island Camp is remote, mail takes time to arrive, so please send letters and packages well in advance of your camper’s session. If you bring mail on arrival day, staff can collect it and distribute it later in the week. 

Please address mail to:
Camper Name and Session
c/o YMCA John Island Camp
Spanish, ON P0P 2A0 

Important: Packages containing food should not be sent or brought to camp, as food can attract animals, cause damage to clothing or equipment, and sometimes create conflicts among campers. Mail arriving after a camper’s session will be returned to sender, so always include your return address. 

Yes! We use Bunk1, a convenient system for families to stay in touch with campers. Bunk Notes allow you to send encouraging messages, jokes, or love from home without waiting for regular mail. Messages are printed daily at camp and delivered to campers during Rest Hour. 

Please note that Bunk Notes are one-way only—campers cannot reply through the system. There is a fee to use Bunk1’s email service. Families will receive the Bunk1 Parent Letter with their confirmation email, which includes instructions on how to register and get started. Messages sent through Bunk1 arrive at camp with a one-day delay. 

If you experience any issues with Bunk1, you can contact their support team directly at: 
Phone: 1-800-216-9472 
Email: support@bunk1.com 

At John Island Camp, we encourage campers to immerse themselves in the experience, build independence, and enjoy camp life. Our motto is: “no news is good news”—if you don’t hear from us, it means your camper is having a great time, settling in, and making memories. 

We will contact you in specific situations, including: 

• Family Update: After the first night of camp, we email all families with a general update on arrival, how campers are settling in, and planned activities. 

• Medical Situations: For significant illnesses, injuries, or clinic/hospital visits. 

• Behavior Support: If we need your guidance regarding a challenging situation or behavioral incident. 

• Severe Weather: If weather affects programming or out-trips. 

For urgent matters or family emergencies, you can reach us immediately at (705) 929-0923 or johnislandcamp@ymcaneo.ca. 

We understand it can be hard to be away from your child, especially for first-time campers. We encourage families to relax and recharge, while ensuring that you or your emergency contacts are reachable by phone if needed. 

At John Island Camp we do our best to take photos of our campers (whose caregivers have signed our media release) and make them accessible to our families. Over the years, there has become an increasing expectation for frequent photo updates from camp. While we strive to provide photo updates, we want our campers to remain engaged in program and with the natural world. 

Please note that we do not have a dedicated photographer — photos are taken by our senior staff when possible. All photos must be uploaded onto a computer and reviewed to ensure campers without a media release form are not present in any photos. While we strive to share timely updates, we appreciate your understanding that photo posts may not be daily. We aim to post photos approximately once per week. 

Weekly camp photos are uploaded to Bunk1, where families can view and enjoy images from the session. Each camper also receives a cabin photo, shared only with families whose campers were in the same cabin. Bunk1 albums are password-protected, with the password sent exclusively to families registered for your camper’s session. By uploading a profile photo of your camper, Bunk1’s facial recognition feature can help identify and organize photos featuring them. Families can also purchase prints, magnets, and other keepsakes directly through Bunk1. 

We encourage campers to keep track of their belongings and take responsibility for their personal items. On the last day of each session, we hold a Lost & Found show so campers can look for anything they’ve misplaced. Unclaimed items are then brought to the Lily Creek bus pick-up spot for parents to check. 

If your child is missing something after camp, please email johnislandcamp@ymcaneo.ca. We also host a final Lost & Found event at the end of the summer, and any items still unclaimed after that are donated to local charities. 

May to September
YMCA John Island Camp
General Delivery
Spanish, ON P0P 2A0 Canada
705-921-6583

October-April
YMCA John Island Camp
140 Durham Street
Sudbury, ON P3E 3M7 Canada
705-688-7300 ext.2114

Emily McIlroy
Health & Wellness Administrative Supervisor
emily.mcilroy@ymcaneo.ca
705-923-7541

Cashel Moss
Director, YMCA John Island Camp
705-688-7300 ext. 2114
705-929-0923
cashel.moss@ymcaneo.ca 

Scott Thomas
General Manager, Camping and Youth Leadership
705-688-7300 ext. 2141
705-690-9288
scott.thomas@ymcaneo.ca