Camp Walden

Parent FAQ's

These are some of the questions that parents have asked us, but we feel that no question should go unanswered so we encourage you to contact us with your own questions if they are not already answered here.

Why is Walden's fee all inclusive? Most camps charge a variety of extras.

A number of years ago, we decided to institute an all inclusive fee because we felt that parents had a right to know - up front - what the total camp fee would be. Most camps bill an additional $100 - $200 in all kinds of extras. We see no reason for this. Walden's fees are lower than some and higher than others. In comparison with most of the major camps that draw from a similar community as ours, our all inclusive fee is lower than their regular price - even before they add the extras. Please see the see section of this web site for further details.

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Why doesn't Walden sell snack foods (junk food) in its Tuck Shop?

We give the campers all kinds of snack foods during the summer - pop, chips, ice cream, candy bars, special snacks, etc. We feel there is no need to have the campers purchase more. Again - this is part of our all inclusive fee. The campers can get sundry items - toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, stamps, etc. - from the Tuck Shop. This is also part of the all inclusive fee.

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My child is coming to Walden for the first time. We would like to register him/her for the first 4 weeks and then if they are having a good time, would like the option of having them stay on. Is this possible and how do we do it?'

Many parents let us know on Visiting Day if they wish their children to stay on for the final 3 weeks. If space is available, then there is usually no problem.

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My child is coming to Walden for the first time. Is it possible for us to call you after the first few days to find out how they are doing and if they adjusted well?

We'll do even better! It is our policy, for a member of our Leadership Team, to call the parents of all new campers after 3-4 days to let you know how your children have adapted to Walden. We recognize you might be feeling anxious-particularly if your children are young, so we welcome your calls anytime. You can also e-mail us at office@campwalden.ca

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How can you know how all these children are doing in so short a time?

The reason we get to know the children so well is due to Walden's UNIQUE Camper Tracking System. In short, all campers at Walden are evaluated once a week with the Leadership Team sitting down with the unit heads and counsellors of each cabin on an individual basis. We talk about each camper - their adjustment to camp, relationships, activities that they are strong or weak in and anything pertaining to their stay at camp. In this way, we build up a picture of every camper at Walden. For more information on our Camper Tracking System, click HERE.

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What is your philosophy about cabin grouping?

We have always felt that one of the greatest benefits of camping is the development of good social skills. When campers are supported by their parents and camp staff, camp can offer an opportunity for campers to learn how to be accepted as part of a group. Although we do not encourage grouping requests, we will consider them. Parents should be aware that there are a number of issues that affect our ability to accommodate these requests. It is for these reasons that we ask parents to consider the following carefully before influencing the grouping process:

a. Being grouped with friends may sometimes create more anxieties than they alleviate.

b. Requests (and disrequests!) should be made by the families of both campers, in writing, either on the application form or on a separate note.

c. Cabin groups have a maximum size and as a result, we may have to limit the number of requests for any one group.

d. When friendships interfere with the success of group relations, we will need to work with families as a team to make appropriate changes.

e. Of course, if at any time a camper has difficulty adjusting to camp or to the group, it is our policy to partner with parents in resolving any issues as quickly and effectively as possible. Parents requests are a part of the puzzle. Only when campers arrive at camp are our final groups completed. Please recognize that although we collect requests, we do not (and sometimes cannot) always accommodate them. Although we can make guarantees about spaces available in each unit, we cannot guarantee cabin grouping at any time. We are thankful for your registration and the trust you have placed in us to do everything possible to assist your camper in enjoying his/her camp experience. As you know from our application, we have not accepted registrations that are contingent on cabin grouping requests.

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