Preparing for the Youth Leadership Program

• 5-10 t-shirts
• 2 long-sleeved shirts
• 2 warm sweaters or sweatshirts (wool or fleece - avoid cotton)
• 3 pairs of shorts
• 1 bathing suit and towel (no bikinis or two-piece suits)
• 10 pairs of socks and underwear
• 2 pairs long pants, NO JEANS
• 2 pairs shoes - one for dry and one for wet (suitable for swimming i.e. no high heels)
• 1 pair of sandals (with heel straps)
• 1 pair pyjamas
• Rainwear (optional)
• 1 hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen/bug repellent (optional)
• 1 lip mosturizer
• Personal hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush/comb, deodorant, shampoo, soap)
• 1 towel and face cloth

Please note that scented items, such as insect repellent and deodorant are not brought on the canoe trip.

• Cigarettes, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Cell phones or pagers
• Discmans, Walkmans, video games, digital cameras, iPods etc.
• Knives or other weapons
• Food or snacks (due to camper allergies)

All other items, including bedding, essential camping/safety equipment for canoe trips, as well as nutritious food, will be provided for all campers.

Please remember to attach the coloured tags to all luggage prior to arrival at the airport or bus. Please limit your luggage to a maximum, of ONE carry on bag and ONE piece of luggage.

The Foundation fully arranges and covers the cost of transportation for all our participants from Canada and the United States.

Whenever possible, travel plans are organized so participants are travelling together on the same plane or bus. In some cases, participants may be travelling by bus or airplane without a Foundation member escorting them. Foundation staff will always be at the airport or bus stop once participants arrive at their destination.

One week prior to camp, participants will receive a Travel Information Package. This package provides all the details about travel to and from camp. Absolutely no changes will be permitted to the travel arrangements, session dates, designated departure or arrival locations and pick-up / drop off times assigned by the Foundation. Much thought and planning goes into the travel schedule to ensure a smooth travel day. For this reason, we must strictly adhere to our travel plans.

Participants' parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for providing transportation to and from the bus pick-up point or airport.

Participants flying across the Canada/U.S. border who are American citizens may require a passport. The Foundation Home Office will contact participants prior to their camp session to obtain the correct documentation. All questions or concerns regarding documentation or travel arrangements can be directed towards the Foundation Home Office at 1-888-585-0829.

Participants are allowed to travel with a personal cell phone for emergency purposes, but must be aware that camp staff will collect all valuables upon arrival at camp and will return them upon departure.

Foundation employees are a minimum of 19 years old with prior experience leading wilderness trips and/or working with youth. Our staff will encourage participants to try new experiences and make new friends in hopes that they return home with greater self-confidence and lasting memories.

All employees take part in an extensive training session at the beginning of every summer season. We want to assure you that all employees have experience providing challenging, fun and exciting adventures for youth.

Health and Wellness are priorities to us. It is our responsibility to create and maintain a healthy environment for all those who attend our camps. Camps have a Wellness Centre with a nurse on-site daily. Upon arrival, each participant will complete a health check with a nurse. Employees on wilderness canoe trips are certified in Standard and Wilderness First-Aid, as well as CPR.

The Foundation's programs are designed to give young people confidence in their abilities and pride in their accomplishments. It is important to understand that while under the leadership of skilled staff, the activities that campers engage in with the Tim Horton Children's Foundation involve risk - risk in choices made and physical activity undertaken by the participant. The health, safety and well-being of each camper are emphasized throughout all of our programs. It is hoped that through these experiences, participants will gain a more positive view of the world and their place in it.

Participants who have a change in health or medication since completing the application must inform the Foundation of these changes.

There is always lots of delicious food to choose from at meals and snack times. Please inform the Foundation of any allergies or special food requirements so an adequate menu can be prepared. When the camp is made aware of allergies, particularly food allergies, efforts will be made to ensure alternatives are made available. Participants and their parent(s)/guardian(s) must be aware that the Foundation cannot guarantee a completely nut-free environment.

Level 2, 3 and 4 participants will be eating meals at camp as well as on trip. The meals on trip are prepared by the whole group. This begins at camp when, as a group, participants pack the food and learn how to prepare meals in the outdoors. Almost any meal is possible to make while camping.