Camp FAQs

We accept e-transfer, cheque, or credit card. E-Transfers can be sent to info@campdavern.com. Autodeposit is set up so no need for a password. Cheques can be made to Camp Davern. Credit cards are accepted through our registration portal, or over the phone.

Camp Davern is 1 hour from Ottawa or Kingston and 3.5 hours from Toronto. We offer bussing from Ottawa and Kingston. Parents are also able to drive their child to camp on the first day and pick them up on the last one, however bussing is encouraged due to limited parking on site.

A traditional camp to the core, we are proud of the simplicity of our cabins on each residential side of the camp. Camper cabins are equipped with 5 bunks and sleep up to 8 campers and 2 counsellors each. Each cabin is conveniently situated close to a general washroom facility. Check out the interior here.

All waterfront areas are strictly supervised and closed when not in operation. Camp Davern ensures all staff supervising on the water are certified with their National Lifeguard (NLS) and we adhere and excel on the standards for waterfront supervision presented by both Red Cross and our provincial camping association. When not in use, our waterfront area is closed and clearly marked to ensure campers don’t enter at prohibited times.

Each two-week session consists of 10 regular programming days and four special days. On regular activity days, campers rotate between two majors in the morning and two electives in the afternoon followed by a period of free time. Our special programming days are a highlight of the camper experience. These days include Themed Special Days and Team Challenges.

Swimming is a big part of the camp experience. However, your child is not required to perform at a certain level. Providing your child is comfortable in the water, they would be able to participate in boat sports. Depending on your child’s level of swimming, they may be restricted in some water sports. Swimming lessons are encouraged and available for children who are at amp for 2 or more weeks. PFDs are required to participate in all our boat activities.

Davern is accredited by the Ontario Camps Association and the Canadian Camps Association. We maintain their operating standards as well as others recommended by applicable governing bodies such as the Red Cross, Ontario Ministry of Health, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

In the mornings at camp, each cabin is scheduled to participate in the major camp activities as a group. Electives change each day, and are picked daily after lunch by the camper.

The Health Centre at Camp Davern is simple yet effective. Our health staff oversee the administration and storage of all camper medication as well as all first aid supplies. In addition to residential rooms for our health staff, the centre is also equipped with camper sleep rooms in the event that a child needs a quiet nap or is feeling ill.

Parents and families are welcome to schedule a visit to camp any time during the off season. These are to be organized with the Camp Directors. We ask that parents not visit during camp sessions as it causes more harm in the development of independence than we feel it’s worth.

Please don’t send money with your camper!
Tuck, aka Candy, is available every second day from out Tuck Shop. We suggest sending your kids with no more than $10 per week.
Tuck, aka Merchandise, is only available during arrival and departure days so that parental approval is made on each purchase. The Merch Table accepts credit card, cash and e-transfers (send to: info@campdavern.com).

While some activities do have age restrictions, we work hard to ensure that alternative programs are offered. Often, restrictions are due to safety, skill levels or even child size. For example, some of the high ropes elements require special harnesses that are too large for our smaller campers.

While structured religion is not part of our program at all, Camp Davern welcomes all faiths.

Campers at Camp Davern come from all over Ontario, Canada and the world.

Each group is encouraged to go on a 1-2 night camping trip at one of our campsites on-property, across the lake. This is a great opportunity for cabin bonding and an introduction to the outdoor living skillsneeded for longer trips.
Our leadership candidates take part in a 7 day canoe trip. We look forward to growing this area of camp and introducing more trips for the different age groups.  back

“No news is good news!”
We encourage you to send snail mail to your child ahead of their time at camp to ensure its arrival. Campers can communicate back through traditional snail mail, so be sure to pack paper and their finest writing pen. Emails from home are welcome, however please limit them to one per day. Also -please don’t tell your child they can call home. Calls usually make homesickness worse than better.

Campers are assigned to cabins based on gender and age – typically grade level, based on the camper demographics of the particular week. While not guaranteed, at Davern we work diligently to meet all cabin mate requests to ensure kids are able to experience cabin life with their friends. *Cabin requests must be mutual and align with age and gender.

Davern does not require specific clothing, but think “outdoor active” as a theme. We also ask that clothing not display any derogatory comments. A suggested packing list for camp is available on our website under the Parental Resource tab, or click on our “What to Pack” page under the “Camp Life” option at the top of the page.

Awesome. The staff team at Camp Davern consists of committed, motivated and energetic young adults who are passionate in their work supporting the campers of our community. These individuals come from all over the world and are dedicated to creating moments that matter for our campers.

All Davern staff undergo detailed screening, interviews and reference checks. Police and background checks are standard practice to ensure the safety of our campers. Camp Davern is proud to adhere to the standards outlined by the Ontario Camps Association in regards to staff screening and hiring.

No thank you! Camp is an opportunity to take a break from big data, internet connectivity and screens. We encourage families to send their child “electronic free”. Campers who arrive with a cell phone will be asked to check it in at the office on the first day of camp. The phone will be returned at the end of their stay at Davern. Any phones found at camp that have not been properly checked in will be confiscated and donated to a local charity.