Our Camp's Sun Safety Policy

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Over exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is the primary risk factor for skin cancer. Reducing exposure to the sun’s rays when the UV Index is moderate, or high can prevent most skin cancer.

Please remember to send sun screen protection (minimum SPF30+) and a hat (preferrably wide brimmed) with your child to Camp.

Our Camp will follow the measures outlined below to protect campers, volunteers and staff themselves against the harmful effect of the sun:

• If campers are outside and not sheltered by overhead protection or under shade, staff are to encourage campers to wear hats (except when it may not be safe to do so such as swimming for example).

• Staff will make reasonable effort, to the extent that it is possible, to see that sun screen (minimum SPF 30+) is applied on all campers and program participants 30 minutes before going outside. Once outside, staff will make a reasonable effort to see that sun screen is reapplied every 2 hours and directly after water activities.

• Staff will encourage campers to apply their own sun screen. Staff are to supervise the application of sunscreen by the campers and program participants. Campers may pair up with those of the same gender for the application of sunscreen.
  If a camper needs assistance to apply sunscreen, Staff will help apply sunscreen in public, open areas.

• Staff will receive training and orientation in the Camp’s Sun Safe Policy

• When designing and implementing outdoor programs and special events the Camp Staff will check the Environment Canada for the UV index report and adjust the Camp program plan accordingly.

• When the UV Index is moderate, Camp Staff will seek to schedule, when possible, the bulk of outdoor programming before 11:30 am or after 1:30 pm.

• When the UV Index is high, Camp Staff will seek to schedule, when possible, the bulk of outdoor programming before 11:00 am or after 4:00 pm.

• The Camp Director / Assistant Camp Direcector will advise staff at breakfast and/or post the expected UV index daily outside the infirmary door.

• Camp Staff will ensure adequate shade is availabe for program participants and themselves, either through setting up or accessing overhead protection or having outdoor activities take place as much as possilbe in well-treed areas.

• As concrete, sand, glass, and water are surfaces that reflect UV rays increasing the amount of exposure Camp Staff will seek to limit time spent on or near reflective surfaces when possible.