Welcome to Camp Kanata - Opening Day

Vista! 

We’re so glad you’re here! For first-time campers and even those returning, opening day at Camp can be a little overwhelming. From camper drop-off to parking to med check-in, our goal is to set your camper up for the best week possible. We’ve outlined a few key components of opening day below to help you familiarize yourself with the process. 

Arrival at Camp 

• Drop-Off Time: Before you arrive at Camp, you’ll receive a drop-off time in your cabin assignment email (this will be sent out approx. 2 weeks before Camp) based on your last name for your arrival time. This is a 30-minute window that specifies when you should arrive at Camp; please note that you are more than welcome to stay beyond those 30 minutes. This simply indicates when you should arrive to ensure a smooth process for everyone. 

• First-Time Campers: First-time campers will receive an optional sticker upon arrival that indicates it’s their first time at Camp. Counselors and Staff will be on the lookout for these stickers to make sure those campers especially feel welcome and receive extra assistance if needed. 

• Temp-Check: Upon arrival, every camper receives a temperature check to ensure everyone’s safety. 

• Parking: Kanata Staff will assist you with parking closest to your camper’s cabin assignment. Tip: Most cabins are farther away from parking areas; we recommend bringing a wagon to help carry luggage and items. Lower Lake campers will have their items driven down to their cabins. 

• Head-Check: Counselors conduct a head-check for lice on each camper before they settle into their cabins. We encourage parents to remain on-site until these checks are completed as evidence of lice will require impacted campers to leave Camp and return only once cleared of any nits or bugs.

Med Check-In

• Camp Kanata is committed to providing a safe environment for all campers, and we have dedicated healthcare staff who manage the administration of camper medications for that reason. We do not allow any medications in the cabins. 

• If your child takes any medications, please be sure to drop those off at the Health Center before you leave. This includes daily medications as well as inhalers, rash creams, melatonin, etc. All medications, even those that are not considered “daily medications,” must be checked-in by a parent on opening day. 

• Please note that the Camp Kanata Health Center has a stocked selection of over-the -counter medications, including Benadryl, ibuprofen, etc. You do not need to bring these “in case” medications with you for this reason. 

Bunk Set-Up

• Cabin bunks are typically pre-assigned, with name tags already on the bunk when you arrive, so you should be able to find your child’s bunk easily. 

• Parents are encouraged to help their children with bunk set-up, especially for younger campers. 

• Camp Kanata has a variety of different cabin types, with different storage capabilities. To find out more about our cabin types, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated office staff. 

• Parents with Multiple Campers: If you have more than one camper, and your partner is available to come to Camp with you, we recommend saying goodbye at the car and dividing and conquering cabin set-up. This is certainly not required, but it is a helpful tip if you have campers in different units spread throughout Camp. Each cabin set-up usually takes around 45 minutes, so by the time you are able to get across Camp, campers are often already bonding with their cabinmates. For younger children, seeing you after this bonding has begun can trigger homesickness. 

What Comes Next? 

• Once you leave, campers get to select their activities for the week by choosing a first and second choice for all 3 activities. We encourage campers who come with a friend to select different activities from each other to meet other campers and friends. 

• Cabin Photos: Cabins will take cabin photos one by one; these will go home with your camper on closing day, so they can always remember the special times they had at Camp. 

• Swim Assessments: When campers are finished taking their cabin photos, they will report to the pool for swim assessments. 

• When cabins are not taking cabin photos or swim assessments, they will either be given a tour of Camp or play bonding games with their cabins. Counselors are trained in facilitating friendships and cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment so that everyone feels welcome. 

• Dinners on opening day are so special. There is often a warm, home-style meal like spaghetti and meatballs to welcome campers, followed by a super fun cheer-off between units. 

• Finally, campers will head on down to the lakefront for the opening campfire. This kicks off Camp in true Kanata fashion and sets campers up for the best week of their lives.  

We can’t wait to welcome your camper to Camp! If you have any questions at all about this process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.