FAQ

List of 6 items.

• General Information

  Are LCS Camps Ontario Camping Association (OCA) accredited?

  LCS Camps meet or exceed all of the Ontario Camping Association (OCA) standards, policies, and best practices for our programs. We are a current member of the OCA and received our P1 Accreditation Status in Summer 2025. We also follow CAIS (Canadian Association of Independent Schools), Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA) and Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) regulations for waterfront and physical activities as well as all local public health guidelines.

   

  Who will be teaching and staffing summer programming? What are their credentials?

  All academic courses are taught by certified teachers. Teachers have relevant experience for the particular course area they teach. LCS Camps Staff have or are working towards a relevant undergraduate degree or post-secondary diploma, have experience in a camp, daycare, school, or coaching environment, are certified in First Aid and CPR/AED, and have relevant certifications to their assigned area (e.g. waterfront staff have their NLS certification).

   

  What is the average group size?

  Campers at LCS benefit from an overall camper-to-staff ratio of 8:1, with even smaller group sizes for our youngest campers. Our small groups allow campers, students, and staff to build meaningful connections and receive more individualized attention. We proudly follow Ontario Camps Association (OCA) guidelines to ensure a safe, high-quality camp experience for every camper.

   

  Will attendance be taken?

  Campers and students are checked in with their assigned counselor at the start of each day, with attendance taken regularly between periods. Campers are signed out by an adult on their "Authorized Pick Up" list at the end of the day. If you are running late or if your camper will be absent, please email camps@lcs.on.ca to let us know.

   

  Some of the programs mention camping. Do campers need to bring camping equipment or will this be provided?

  General camping equipment (e.g. tents, paddles, canoes, and stoves) are provided, but individual camping items may be required (e.g. headlamp, biodegradable soap, sleeping bag, etc.). Please refer to your program-specific packing list before the start of the program.

   

  When can I expect to receive more detailed information about my program and how to prepare?

  You will receive a welcome email prior to the start of your program. You can also expect to receive more detailed information and answers closer to the program start date. For

  general orientation information, please visit our Orientation Essentials. Questions? Please contact us.

   

  Will a packing list be provided?

  Yes, you will receive a link to the Orientation Essentials where you can view your program-specific packing list closer to the start of your program.

   

  Do LCS Camps provide transportation? 

  We currently provide airport shuttles to and from Toronto Pearson Airport for an additional fee. At this time, we do not offer regular bus service to and from camp, but we are exploring this as a possible option for local families in the future.
  
  

  Is there a nurse or medical staff on-site?

  Our Health Centre is open each day while our Junior Day Campers are on site.

  
  Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies ?

  Our dining hall services, provided by Aramark, routinely accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Families will be asked about dietary restrictions when completing their health forms. Once we are aware of an individual's needs, we will do our best to work with dining hall services to accommodate them.

   

  Can campers with severe allergies attend LCS summer programming?

  We are accustomed to having students on campus during the academic year who have anaphylactic reactions. For any allergy, it is essential that its existence and severity are documented on our medical information forms. Campers who do not have health information on record before arriving on campus for their session will not be allowed to take part in the summer program. Campers who have anaphylactic reactions will also be required to bring two EpiPens (one to carry with them, and one available for our Health Centre staff). Our First Aid Kits, at

  all program stations are also equipped with EpiPens.

   

  How far is the nearest hospital?

  The nearest hospital is the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, which is 25 minutes away.

  
  
  

• Registration, Payment, and Withdrawals

  What if there aren’t enough campers to run a session?

  We will make every effort to meet our minimum enrollment number for each program. However, if our minimum enrollment is not met, we will need to cancel that session. Decisions about cancelling programs where enrolment is low will be communicated to families a minimum of two weeks before the program start date and we will make every effort to provide you with alternative options.

  
  

  What are the chances of being able to register if we’re on the waitlist?

  We continuously review our waitlists to see where we can build greater capacity to accommodate the needs of our campers and community. When families need to cancel or change their camp bookings, we reach out to families in order of the waitlist to transfer spaces. We strongly recommend joining the waitlist for weeks there are spaces currently unavailable to increase your chances of securing a space to join us this summer!

  
  

  How long will external student credit course applications take until the decision is received?

  The LCS Summer Academy committee meets weekly to review applications. Students external to LCS are required to submit supporting documents, such as a reference letter, a

  recent report card, and/or an English language proficiency assessment (if English is not the student’s first language). Applications cannot be reviewed until all documentation has

  been received, so be sure to encourage your referee to complete the form at their earliest convenience. Once we have received all the necessary supporting documents, the

  application will be reviewed and an enrolment decision will be communicated.

  
  

  Is there a registration deadline for any of the programs?

  Registration will close approximately one week before the program start date or when the program is full. We suggest that you register as early as possible to secure your choice

  of sessions.

  
  

  Can LCS students pay for summer programming at the same time as paying for their academic year tuition?

  No. The billing process for summer programs is separate from that of the school year.

  
  

  Can I pay in installments?

  Yes - we offer two different payment options.

  1. Full payment at point of registration.
  2. Deposit at point of registration with the balance split into equal payments to be processed on the last working days of January (30), February (27), and March (31) 2026. 

  
  What forms of payment are accepted?

  Payment is made through our LCS Summer Academy registration website by credit card, and we accept Visa, and MasterCard.

  
  

  Is tax included in the program costs?

  Yes, tax is already included in the program cost.

  
  

  Are there additional costs that we can plan for that are not included in the program fee?

  Program fees do not include airport transfers or taxi services (if applicable), additional excursions (e.g. if a student decides to buy snacks during a group walk into town), additional tutoring/training, or personal items, including laptops, textbooks (if applicable) and notebooks. Items that campers will be expected to bring will be included in the packing list. It is a good idea for students to have access to a nominal amount of pocket money for snacks and personal items they may wish to purchase. Depending on the camper's age and weeks, day campers can sign up for additional evening, sleepover, camping, and weekend excursions. These are available as "add-ons" at the point of registration.

  
  

  Withdrawal and Credit Courses/Transcript

  For students in Grade 9 and 10 courses who withdraw after their course has begun, the course will not appear on their Ontario transcript no matter when they withdraw. For students in Grade 11 and 12 courses, the course will not appear on their Ontario transcript provided they withdraw earlier than five instructional days after receiving their mid-term report for the course. If the student withdraws after that time, the withdrawal is noted with a W on the transcript, and the percentage mark at the time of withdrawal is recorded.

  
  

  Refund Policies

  For all LCS Camp Programs, we will provide full refunds until April 30, 2026 minus a 10% of program cost administrative and processing fee.

  From May 1, 2026 to June 26, 2026 a refund of 50% of the program cost can be received. No reduction in or refund of fees will be given for any reason once the summer season has begun. This includes:

  • A camper or student who withdraws from their program during the period for which they are registered for any reason including, without limitation, as a result of illness or a
  • medical condition;
  • A camper or student who arrives late or leaves early in the period for which they are registered; or a camper or student who is expelled from the LCS Summer Academy for breaking the camp rules or otherwise.

  All programs are subject to enrolment and may be cancelled; in this case, campers will be offered a refund. Campers and students will also be given the opportunity to transfer to

  another program should their primary selection be cancelled.

  
  
  

• Day Camps Programs

  What activities are offered in your Junior Day Camp?

  Our Junior Day Camps offer a fun-filled week of activities that encourage campers to connect with nature and each other, leaving them feeling self-confident and fulfilled. Campers will spend time outdoors every day exploring different activities by and on the water, making arts and crafts, playing games, exploring our Northcote Farm, trying out our climbing wall, and making the most of all of the wonderful amenities our campus has to offer!

  
  

  Junior Day Camp Schedule 

  7:45 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Club

  8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Camper Drop-Off

  9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Period 1 (e.g. Swim Tests)

  10:30 - 12 p.m. Period 2 (e.g. Arts and Crafts)

  12:00 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch

  12:30-1:45 p.m. Period 3 (e.g. Indoor Climbing (Bouldering))

  1:45 - 3:00 p.m. Period 4 (e.g. Beach Volleyball)

  3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Period 5 (e.g. Trails Hike)

  4:30 p.m. Camper Pick Up - The Grove

  4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Extended Care

  
  

  11+ Day Camp Schedule 

  7:45 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Club

  8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Camper Drop Off

  9:00 - 12:30 p.m. Program Rotations

  12:30 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch

  1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Camp Wide Group Games

  1:45 - 4:15 p.m. Campers Choice Activities

  4:30 p.m. Camper Pick Up - The Grove

  4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Extended Care

  
  

  Are all Day Programs Monday to Friday?

  Our  Day Camp programs are five days long unless otherwise noted. For summer 2026, Session 6 (August 4-7) is a four-day program (Tuesday - Friday) due to the long weekend.

  
  

  Do your Day Programs require minimum English proficiency?

  Due to our expansive waterfront campus, it is essential that campers possess a basic understanding of English, particularly for safety instructions. This ensures their ability to navigate the environment safely and effectively. However, we warmly welcome campers with diverse levels of English proficiency and are excited to offer a vibrant and immersive English camp experience. If your child's first language is not English, please ensure they understand that the program will be conducted in English, promising an enjoyable and enriching language immersion experience.

  
  

  Is lunch included?

  Yes! We’re pleased to share that a delicious lunch is provided each day. A fresh fruit snack is also provided in the mornings. If you would like to send snacks with your camper, please ensure they are nut-free.

• Overnight Camp Programs

  Overnight Camp Schedule 

  7:00 am Wake Up 

  8:00 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 

  8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Overnight Camper Program Check in

  9:00 - 12:30 p.m. Program Rotations

  12:30 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch

  1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Camp Wide Group Games

  1:45 - 4:15 p.m. Campers Choice Activities

  4:30 p.m. Overnight Camper House Check in

  4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Overnight Camper Programming

  5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner

  6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Evening Programming

  9:00 p.m. In-House Curfew
  
  

  Many of your programs for campers ages 11 - 14 are five-day programs. Is it possible for a student to take multiple overnight programs and stay on campus during the weekend between?

  Yes! We offer a range of "bridge weekends", which allow campers to register for multiple weeks at LCS. This is a great options for campers hoping to immerse themselves fully in

  camp and enjoy more time on our beautiful campus! Bridge weekends include an off-campus excursion, which is included in the registration fees.

  
  

  When should we pick up our child from LCS Summer Academy if they are part of the overnight program?

  Campers should be picked up at their scheduled time (approximately 4:30 p.m.) on the last day of programming.

  
  

  If travelling by plane, when should flights be booked?

  We request that all students who are travelling by plane share their travel plans with Jen Horrigan (Coordinator of International Students and Travel) before booking their flights

  as there may be additional protocols that could impact travel dates. Please contact Jen Horrigan (Coordinator of International Students and Travel) directly to arrange airport pickups (at an additional cost).

  
  

  Where do students sleep?

  Students will stay in a double, or triple room in one of our air-conditioned houses on our beautiful waterfront campus. Live-in residential staff provide supervision and

  support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  
  

  Do you accept and honour rooming requests?

  We accept rooming requests and do our best to accommodate them where possible.

  
  

  Where will students eat?

  Our overnight campers will enjoy all of their snacks and meals on campus, with our day campers joining us for a delicious lunch. Meals are served in the Dining Hall and

  outdoors on our campus. There are always a variety of options for meals and most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Please ensure that you share any dietary and allergy restrictions in your health form at registration.

  
  

  Will Incoming LCS Students be placed in the same room that is assigned to them in the fall?

  No. However, for incoming students attending one of our August programs, we will support them in transferring their belongings to their new residence at the end of the summer. We would recommend packing their summer program belongings separately to their school-year belongings to help them manage their space effectively during camp.

  
  

  What about laundry?

  Machines are available for overnight campers and students to do their own laundry. Multi-week campers will have specified times to sign up for laundry time slots.

• Summer Academy: Credit Courses

  Do your summer academy courses require minimum English proficiency?

  Yes. Any student who is not currently enrolled at LCS, for whom English is not their first language, will be required to complete an online English proficiency assessment before admission. This helps ensure that the student will function safely and successfully in LCS Summer Academy. We will send you the web-based assessment when we acknowledge your application. If you have an alternate recent English Language Proficiency test you would like to use, please connect with us to further discuss.

  
  

  My child is enrolled at a school in a different province or country. Are they eligible for the LCS Summer Academy credit courses?

  Any student is welcome to apply for LCS Academy and Summer programs and, if applicable, earn an Ontario Secondary School credit. The student should consult with the guidance department at their school to determine whether the credit can be given equivalency in their home province/country. Equivalency will vary from province to province, country to country and from course to course.

  
  

  My child is interested in a course that is meant for a different grade level. Are they able to sign up?

  The courses designated for Grades 9, 10, and 11 are usually open to students who are at or above that grade level (meaning a Grade 11 student can take Grade 10 Science if they don't already have this credit and have the correct prerequisites). Please check with a guidance counsellor about what might be right for you.

  
  

  What if a student needs to miss a block of time?

  Summer Academy credit courses are condensed and move very quickly. A student may be able to catch up from missing one or two days of classes, but more than that would make it very difficult to complete the course successfully.

  
  

  Are there exams or culminating projects for all credit course programs?

  All credit course programs have a culminating project or a final exam. There are also numerous assessments, large and small, throughout the course.

  
  

  How will student progress be reported?

  All students in credit courses will receive a midterm and final report card, with a numeric grade, comment, and learning skills. These reports will be available electronically. For external students who go to high school in Ontario, a copy of their final grades will be submitted for their Ontario Student Record (OSR), if applicable.

  
  

  I have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) at my current school. Will this apply during my course with LCS Summer Academy?

  If you require any course accommodations, please contact us and include a copy of your Psychoeducational Assessment and Diagnostic Letter. You are welcome to include your

  current IEP as well. LCS students who have Course Provisions will be contacted by our Learning Strategies team to discuss accommodations for the summer programs.

  
  

  *On Campus Credit Course*  What is the time expectation for on-campus courses while students are working remotely or for online courses?

  Students should anticipate working approximately four to five hours per weekday on their course while learning remotely. Teachers will arrange a minimum of two hours of mandatory live (synchronous) meetings with students per week, and there will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous work.

  
  

  *On Campus Credit Course*  What will weekend programming look like for overnight Credit Course Students on days when there are no classes?

  Credit Course Students will have some time allotted to study, some recreation/free time, and some off-campus excursions to local attractions such as Canada’s Wonderland.

  
  

  *On Campus Credit Course* What is the dress code while on campus?

  No uniform is required for our Summer Academy, but during the academic portion of the schedule and at all meals, campers should be in clean casual dress, and during the

  activity portion, they should dress for the specific activity in which they are participating. More information can be found in the LCS Summer Academy Life Guide.

  
  

  *Online Credit Course* What is the expectation for time spent online for courses?

  All Ontario credit courses require 110 hours of instruction. For online courses, students should anticipate at least 4-5 hours per day of time devoted to the course throughout its duration—in independent studying, collaborating with other students, and virtual synchronous classes.

  Teachers will arrange times to meet with their class that accommodate the various time zones of their students, and students can anticipate at least two live (synchronous) meetings per week. Teachers will also have hours available for individual check-ins with students.

  
  

  *Online Credit Course* Are the online portions of courses taught live or pre-recorded?

  A combination of live (synchronous instruction) and pre-recorded (asynchronous) sessions will be offered within a course. Teachers will arrange times to meet synchronously

  with their students at least twice weekly.

  
  

  *Online Credit Course* How will students joining from a different time zone access the online courses?

  Our faculty are experienced with teaching across multiple time zones. Students will be able to access the course (24 hours per day) from wherever they are as long as they have reliable access to high-speed internet. Within one week before the start of the course, taking into consideration the various time zones, the teacher will arrange to meet with all

  of the students.

  
  

  *Online Credit Course* What are the attendance requirements for online programs?

  Students are required to attend all synchronous meetings. Missing these meetings will be documented as an unexcused absence (and parents will be notified). Students are required to attend scheduled synchronous meetings (attendance will be taken), log into their course regularly, submit assessments on time, and track their learning progress in a learning log to show time spent on asynchronous work.

• LCS Camps Phone and Technology Policy

  Are students required to have their own computer for credit courses? 

  For all programs where there is a credit course involved, students should plan to bring a laptop. Our Information Systems department will support students in accessing the school network and any relevant software programs.
  
  

  What is LCS Camps policy on the use of mobile phones? Are campers allowed to bring them to camp?

  Starting in Summer 2026, LCS Camps will be phone-free. We believe camp is a unique opportunity to unplug, be present, and experience the outdoors with authentic connection that's increasingly rare in daily life. Campers should leave devices at home, though international travelers may submit phones to the camp office for safekeeping along with their passport during their stay. Students enrolled in credit courses should bring their laptops if listed on their packing list - devices will be distributed at the start of each class and stored securely during activity time. Families can stay connected by sending emails to their camper at camps@lcs.on.ca (we'll print and deliver messages during quiet time). For emergencies, the camp office is reachable at 705.652.3324 ext. 379, and we're happy to provide a personalized update within the first 48 hours to let you know how your camper is settling in.
  
  

  Will campers have access to their phones during bridge weekends and off campus excursions? 

  We allow campers to bring phones on all off-campus excursions as an added layer of safety and connection. Having phones with them makes it easy for campers to stay in touch with each other and with staff if they ever need assistance, and it also gives them a fun chance to take photos and share updates with family while they’re out exploring! On campus, phones aren’t needed since we’re a close-knit, closed community where help and support are always nearby and readily available.
  
  

  May campers bring an electronic dictionary or other communication tools if they are not using a cell phone? 

  Campers are welcome to bring and use any tools that help support communication, including electronic dictionaries. Our team is always committed to helping campers reduce or overcome any communication barriers that may arise. We always encourage campers to come prepared with alternative devices or tools that support their communication needs.