The health and safety of students, teachers, and all visitors to Wenonah has been, and continues to be our top priority in the delivery of our outdoor education experiences.
Accreditation
The Ontario Camps Association (OCA) was formed in 1932 with the goal of promoting quality and safe experiences within the camping industry. We are pleased to meet and exceed the rigorous safety and operational standards of the OCA as an Accredited Member Camp.
In addition, The Camp Wenonah Centre for Outdoor Education is an active member of and adheres to the safety regulations of a number of other organizations including:
- Canadian Camping Association
- International Camping Fellowship
- Camp Owners and Directors Association
- Ophea
- Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association
- Association for Challenge Course Technology
- Canadian Yachting Association
- Canadian Red Cross
- Lifesaving Society
Nut Policy
The Camp Wenonah Centre for Outdoor Education is a “nut aware” site and ‘nut free’ in practice. Each year we welcome many students, summer campers, and staff members with life-threatening nut allergies. In no way can we compromise their personal safety during their stay at Camp.
Nuts, nut products, or any products that may contain nuts, are NOT permitted at Wenonah. This includes any item from bulk food that does not come pre-sealed and clearly labeled with ingredients. It is important to encourage students and families to read labels carefully for ingredients. Products that contain nuts or cannot be verified to be “nut free” will be disposed of immediately.
Emergency Response
Located in the centre of Camp, our Health Centre is available for basic first aid needs. In addition, first aid stations and kits are located around major buildings and program areas. In the event of a more serious or suspected injury, the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge is located 25 minutes from Camp.
Various emergency response resources are kept onsite including automated external defibrillators, spinal boards and emergency Epi-Pens.
Staff
Outdoor Education staff hold current qualifications in program facilitation and lifesaving standards including:
- National Lifeguard Service (NLS)
- Bronze Cross
- Standard First Aid & CPR ‘C’
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
While Wenonah staff are trained in immediate first aid response, it is recommended that injuries be examined by the local emergency department or walk-in clinic located in Bracebridge.
Water Safety
Please check with your school board administration or organizing body to ensure waterfront programs are appropriate for your group and to ensure all participants meet the required swim check standards in advance of your visit.
Under the direction of our qualified staff, all boating programs involve both on-shore and on-water instructional components to ensure participants understand proper skills and safety procedures during each of their activities. Participants and visitors are required to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times on both the dock and in the boat while participating in these activities.
Swimming activities take place in our protected sandy beach under the supervision of our qualified lifeguarding team.