Camp FAQs

Camp Davern is 1 hour from Ottawa or Kingston and 3 hours from Toronto. Parents are welcome to drive their child to camp on the first day and pick them up on the last one. Alternatively, Camp Davern offers bus transportation from Kingston and Ottawa each session for $30 each way.

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.

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 Level (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 gate is closed and clearly marked to ensure campers don’t enter in prohibited times.

Each 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 consist of our Colour Challenge and Mystery Day.

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 strongly encouraged for children who are weak swimmers.

Davern has been an accredited camp for many years. In 2018, we are going through the process to re-accredit ourselves under the new management team.

On the first night of each session, campers will be introduced to all options for Major program selections. In their cabin with the support of the Program Director, they will select their majors for the week. Electives are picked daily.

The health centre at Camp Davern is simple yet effective. Our health centre 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 visit camp any time during the off season. 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. As a result, Camp Davern only has visitation days for campers enrolled for 4 weeks.

The lake is brisk but beautiful. The temperature of the lake varies by the temperature of the air. We love swimming and kids swim all the time!

While some activities do have age restrictions, we work hard to ensure that alternative programs are offered. Often, restrictions are due to safety and skill levels. For example, our Outdoor Living Skills program is for campers 12 and up. This is due to the use of carving knives and fire skills taught.

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

Campers at Davern come from across Ontario and the world. We welcome campers from a wide range of countries.

Camp Davern is proud of our camping and out tripping programs. Campers all participate in trips ranging from 1-10 nights.

While at camp, you are able to communicate with your child via mail or email. Campers can communicate through traditional snail mail.

Campers are assigned to cabins based on gender and age. At Davern we work diligently to ensure that all cabin mate requests are supported to ensure kids are able to experience cabin life with their friends.

A full packing list for camp will be provided in the spring in our Family Resource Guide. Davern does not require specific clothing, but we ask that clothing not display any derogatory comments.

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. Each staff member specializes in a program and excels in the instruction of that skill.

All Davern staff undergo detailed screening, interviews and reference checks. Police and background checks are also a 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.

While we encourage families to send their child “electronic free”, campers are permitted to bring a phone and check it in at the office on the first day of camp. Campers can schedule up to two calls home per week. Any phones found at camp that have not been properly checked in will be confiscated and donated to a local charity.