Camp FAQs

Camp Davern is 1 hour from Ottawa or Kingston and 3.5 hours from Toronto. Parents are welcome to drive their child to camp on the first day and pick them up on the last one. This is a great way to see the camp and meet the staff.

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 Colour 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 strongly encouraged for children who are weak swimmers. 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 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 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. These are to be scheduled with the camp director.

We have found our electricity bills skyrocket when we heat the lake. So, the lake is brisk but beautiful. The temperature of the lake varies with 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, archery is for campers 12 and up. This is due to the projectile nature of the activity.

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

Most of our campers come from Eastern Ontario. However, we have many that come from across Ontario and Quebec. Returning again for our 2022 season will be campers from all over the world!

Camp Davern is proud of our expedition and out-tripping programs. Campers all participate in trips ranging from 1-10 nights. ***In 2021, canoe and hiking trips will take place on Davern property, and consist of 1-2 nights. We apologize for the inconvenience. We look forward to exploring more of Ontario in 2022.***

We encourage you to send snail mail to your child ahead of their time at camp to ensure its arrival. Emails can also be sent, but try not to flood our inbox.  Campers can communicate back through traditional snail mail, so be sure to pack paper and their finest writing pen.

Campers are assigned to cabins based on gender and age – typically grade level. 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.

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

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.