Ontario Camps Association

As we head into July and the rest of the year, please remember: no matter who you love or how you identify, you are seen, valued, equal, and welcome at the Ontario Camps Association. Resources are available year-round on the OCA website!

Today we celebrate all the dads and father figures who support us with strength and kindness. Happy Father’s Day!

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated on the summer solstice. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.
The Ontario Camps Association recognizes the importance of truth, respect, and reconciliation — today and every day. Through professional development and educational resources, we support and encourage the efforts of our camps and outdoor education centres as they engage in their reconciliation processes.
Members can show their support by attending a community celebration, reading books by Indigenous authors, supporting Indigenous artists and businesses and engaging with their local Indigenous community.
View our Land Acknowledgement on our website. For more information and resources, check out Orange Shirt Society, Downie Wenjack Fund and GCIndigenous.

As an Association, the OCA operations receive inquiries from parents and caregivers. OCA is here to answer your common camp questions! Today, we are answering the question: What to pack for camp?

If your camper is attending a DAY CAMP, you need to pack enough to get them through the one-day camp. This includes water, sun protection and clothing for the day. Check with your camp if they have policies around lunch and snacks, like a nut-free policy.

Check what activities your camper is participating in that day, such as swimming or sports, to ensure they have the proper clothing. And look at the weather forecast; most camps run rain or shine, so pack those rain boots and jacket! Pack everything in a backpack that your camper can carry themselves. And PRO TIP: label everything with your camper's name, in case they lose something!

If your camper is attending an OVERNIGHT CAMP, you need to pack enough to last them through their entire stay. This includes enough clean clothing and toiletries.

PRO TIP: many overnight camps will provide a packing list with recommendations, such as what bedding your camper will need. Don't forget to add a few items that will remind the camper of home to help with homesickness.

What items should stay at home? Check what your camp's cell phone policy, as no two camps will have the same policy. Most will agree to leave valuables at home. A good rule is to not bring anything to camp that you would be sad it didn't come home at the end of the day or overnight stay.

Finally, check what your overnight camp's policy is around food. Some camps don't allow any outside food, so make sure to check before you pack anything! PRO TIP: When in doubt, reach out to your camp to check if an item is allowed at camp.

Do you have any questions you'd like OCA to answer? Leave them in the comments, and we may do a dedicated post on it!

As an Association, the OCA operations receive inquiries from parents and caregivers. OCA is here to answer your common camp questions! Today, we are answering the question: What are OCA’s Standards?

If you are a parent or caregiver, you might be curious what we mean when we mention OCA Standards. OCA requires Accredited Members to follow and maintain standards for operational excellence. In 2026, we have more than 600 OCA Standards based on research, regulation, and best practices. For parents and caregivers, it means peace of mind that the facilities they send their children to are safe, accessible, and professionally operated.

The OCA Standards cover a variety of topics, ranging from Human Resources, Child Protection, Food Service, Tripping, Swimming and more! To view our 2026 OCA Standards, visit our website!

To qualify for accreditation, all OCA camps and OECs must follow our OCA Standards, follow all relevant provincial and federal legislation and be visited regularly for re-accreditation. How do you know if a camp or OEC is accredited? Look for the OCA Accredited logo on their website - if you don't see it on their website, ask the operation directly if they are OCA Accredited. Or visit our website for our directory: https://ontariocampsassociation.ca/find/camp-directory/

June 15 is Nature Photography Day. This day is the perfect reminder to step outside, explore your surroundings, and let nature inspire your next shot. You never know what magic you’ll find when you take a closer look!

Steph, OCA Standards Accreditation Associate, recently went to Camp Pathfinder to attend Spruce Root! The weekend was full of professional development for wilderness and tripping camp professionals. Steph had a great time reconnecting with familiar faces and making new friends, including Mike Sladden, HLM and Standards Review Co-Chair. Steph is excited to bring back what she learned to help support the tripping community and share ideas for professional development!

As an Association, the OCA operations receive inquiries from parents and caregivers. OCA is here to answer your common camp questions! Today, we are answering the question: Who are OCA Preferred Vendors?
Our Preferred Vendors are businesses that offer products or services relevant to the camps and outdoor education industry. To become a Preferred Vendor, businesses must go through our vetting process. Our Members, along with parents and caregivers, know they can trust their products or services.
We have over 100 Preferred Vendors who work in a variety of industries. Preferred Vendors service more than just camps and OECS. They are great for families, cottages and other businesses.
How do you know if a business is a Preferred Vendor? Look for the OCA Preferred Vendor logo on their website - if you don't see it on their website, ask the operation directly if they are OCA Members. Or visit our website for our directory: https://ontariocampsassociation.ca/resources/for-camps-and-centres/preferred-vendors/

June 5 is World Environment Day — a time to reflect, recharge, and recommit to protecting our planet. Together, we can consider ways to be more environmentally conscious at camp and in our everyday lives.

June 3 is ! Created by Easter Seals, this is a day during National AccessAbility Week to visibly display solidarity and support for disabled people and their families. Join us in celebrating the achievements of disabled Canadians and commit to creating a fully accessible and inclusive society!