About the Camp Christie Lake Kids Camp gives kids the chance to learn to swim, paddle a canoe, and experience the magic of the natural world year after year, creating lasting memories and lifelong skills.
Every year, children and youth aged 9 – 15 attend summer camp at our picturesque 88-acre camp near Perth.
On the surface, our summer program resembles that of many other camps. The difference is that our programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of children living in low income households. Exceptional staff ratios allow for dedicated behaviour management, all activities are geared towards the development of physical and socio-emotional skills, and our programs are cost-free for families who are eligible.
During their time at camp, children learn core skills in the areas of swimming, canoeing, camping, ecology, art and drama, rock-climbing and leadership. Each summer campers earn a new, higher level of badge in each of these skill areas. In working through the program, children find they have accomplished things they never thought were possible, and are more resilient to face challenges in life. They have learned they can succeed, and they take this improved self-image back to their activities in the city.
Our camp programs do more than just provide children and youth with life-long memories. Our programs help develop resiliency, allowing these children to lead happy and successful lives.
Frequently Asked Questions Get answers to your questions about Christie Lake Camp
Our camp is completely free and only available to children/youth whose families are living below the Low Income Measure (LIM) as defined by Statistics Canada.
Please reference our Program Eligibility document for more information.
Children and youth from 9 to 15 years of age can attend camp
If you are new to Christie Lake Kids, please ensure you have read and understood our Program Eligibility document before you consider applying.
Christie Lake Kids requires all applications to be completed by a parent or guardian.
If you have any questions about the application process or require support navigating the online portal, you can email us at camp@christielakekids.com or call us at 613-742-6922.
Our camp management team will start by reviewing your application; once it has been reviewed, you should receive an email or a phone call with more information regarding whether or not your camper has been registered and which session they have been placed in. In the event that our program is full, your camper may be placed on a waitlist. Waitlist campers are contacted whenever a spot becomes available, up until the first day of each session.
Once your camper has been registered or placed on the waitlist, you will be prompted to fill out our Camper Information Form and Medical Form in your account which helps us learn more about your camper and their needs. It is important that guardians take the time to submit these forms as they support our summer staff in ensuring that everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable camp experience. You will also receive our Parent Handbook which has all the necessary information about our camp program including what to pack, dates, drop-off arrangements, etc.
As a rule, random visitors are not permitted when children and youth are onsite to attend camp or any educational or recreational experience in our care, with three category exceptions:
- The visitor is essential to provide care directly to a camper or staff, e.g, health, safety or wellness reasons.
- The visitor is providing training applicable to campers and/or camp staff.
- The visitor has received prior written permission (with min. 48 hours advance notice) from the Executive Director, Camp Director, Facilities Manager or Director, Fundraising and Communications for a business reason not captured in category 1 or 2. For example: vendors, construction or donor visits.