Learn to Camp

Rules and Policies

Due to the nature and goals of Ontario Parks and the Learn to Camp program, the following rules and regulations exist so that participants may get the most from their experience and learn how to camp in a safe and fun way.

We ask that all participants adhere to all rules and policies

Ontario Parks Rules and Regulations

• A maximum of six persons, including children, are permitted on each campsite. An exception is made if a group is comprised of a single family of 2 parents/ guardians and more than 4 children. We limit numbers to prevent erosion and other environmental impact.
• The parks are yours to enjoy, so please help us protect them. Stay on marked trails, roads and campsites. Remember, it is against the law to remove or destroy anything in a provincial park.
• It is against the rules to collect firewood from the natural environment. Firewood must be purchased at the park store.
• Camping fees include parking for one vehicle. Additional vehicles will be subject to a daily additional vehicle fee upon arrival at the park.
• An administration fee of $10.50 will apply if your reservation is changed.
• For more on Ontario Parks reservation rules and regulations, please visit www.OntarioParks.com/reservations/rules

Specific to the Learn to Camp Program

• All bookings made are for the current Learn to Camp season. Bookings do not carry over from one year to another.
• The equipment supplied through the Learn to Camp program is for your group of up to 6 participants and may only be set-up on your assigned campsite.
• We ask that all participants attend all training sessions to make the most of the learning experience. Equipment can only be handed out after you have been taught how to use it or received refreshment training on the item (in the graduate program).
• Learn to Camp sessions run on a schedule. If participants are late to a session, Learn to Camp leaders will continue as planned with the scheduled session/curriculum and will attempt to cover missed information with late arrivals during recreation/resource time later in the day. However, there is no guarantee that the Learn to Camp leaders will be available or have the appropriate time to catch late comers up on a session(s). This could result in participants not being trained on certain equipment and therefore not receiving that equipment. Please respect the program schedule and everyone's learning (including your own) by attending the sessions on time.
• All Learn to Camp reservations are non-refundable and cancellations will result in a loss of payment. If you cannot attend your confirmed session we will attempt to reschedule if you inform the Learn to Camp office a minimum of 10 business days before the scheduled start date.
• Pets are not permitted at Learn to Camp or Graduate programs.
• All programs are offered in English.
• Programming runs in varying weather conditions (rain or shine).
• Participants may only participate in the Learn to Camp and Graduate program a single time.

Reservation Rules and Policies

Make a Reservation Request

To participate in the Learn to Camp overnight program or the Learn to Camp graduates program campers can make a request by:

• Internet
• Telephone (705-755-5103)
• Mail (Learn to Camp at Ontario Parks, 300 Water Street, 6th floor, Peterborough, ON, K9J 8M5)

Note: submitting a request does not guarantee a space in the program. Reservations are only guaranteed after payment is received.

Please make the request in the name of the person who is arriving to pick up the camping permit. If a name change is needed, you can contact the Learn to Camp office at 705-755-5103.

Groups Reservations

If there are more than six people in your group you will need to complete more than one program application. Consider the following tips when filling out multiple applications. Please be mindful that reservations are processed in the order they are received and groups may only participate in the Learn to Camp and Graduate program a single time.

• Each application must have a unique name, address and phone number (do not put the same name, address or phone number on more than one application)
• Communicate with the other group(s) ahead of time. The application form will ask you for your top four location and date preferences. It is recommended all groups list the same dates and locations in the same order.
• Submit your applications at the same time or as close together as possible. Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.
• Make a note on your application that you wish to camp with another group(s) and list their name(s). While we cannot guarantee program dates, locations or campsite placement, we will try our best to coordinate your group.
• Check the status of program locations and dates. We recommend that larger groups apply for sessions that are open.

Awarding Session Dates

We process all reservation requests in the order we receive them. After submitting an online request to participate in the program you will receive a confirmation e-mail within five business days. This e-mail will confirm your reservation details and provide detailed payment instructions. If your preferred sessions are not available, alternate options will be offered to your group.

Due to limited program space each group may participate in the Learn to Camp program and the graduates program a single time. If our records indicate your group has already participated in a Learn to Camp program, we will automatically register you for a graduates program. If our records indicate your group has already participated in a graduates program, we will contact you to discuss your camping options.

Paying for your Reservation

Upon receiving a confirmed date and location you will have 48 hours to submit payment. If you have not paid within 48 hours your reservation will expire and your space in the program will be released. Payment must be received by 12:00pm the day before the program to participate. Please note all reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance of arrival for the graduates independent camping experience.

For your convenience, payment can be made using Visa, Mastercard, by telephone, or by cheque or money order. If you are paying by cheque or money order please contact the Learn to Camp office at 705-755-5103to make payment arrangements.

Please remember to make cheques payable to the Minister of Finance and write the park name and your confirmation number on the back. Unfortunately, we can only accept cheques and money orders in Canadian funds. Cheques drawn on US banks will be deposited in Canadian funds; please calculate the currency exchange prior to issuing the cheque. NSF/cancelled cheques will cancel your reservation and be subject to a $35.00 administration fee.

To ensure fairness, cheques and money orders must be received within 14 days of receiving a confirmed date and location, and at least 21 days prior to your arrival date for cheques and 10 days prior to your arrival date for money orders.

The fee for one vehicle is included in your campsite permit - “Additional Vehicle Permits” can be purchased when you arrive at the park. Additional vehicles may have to be parked in a separate parking lot away from your campsite. Please consult the park upon arrival for additional information.

Confirmation Details

After payment is submitted your reservation is guaranteed. At this point we will send you a confirmation letter and information package by e-mail. In this package, you will find packing tips and checklists, helpful meal planning tips, a detailed program schedule and answers to frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your Learn to Camp experience.

Changing or Cancelling a Reservation

All Learn to Camp reservations are non-refundable. Cancellations will result in a loss of payment except under extenuating circumstances where appropriate documentation is provided.

If you cannot attend your confirmed session, please call the Learn to Camp office at 705-755-5103. We will attempt to reschedule your program if you inform us a minimum of 10 business days before your scheduled session and alternate program spaces are available.

An administration fee of $10.50 will apply if your reservation is changed.

Length of Stay

If you wish to make a change to your length of stay for any reason, the following policies apply:

Adding additional nights to your confirmed booking: Where available and upon request, we will add an additional night to your booking up to the maximum number of nights available for your session. This request may be made at any time before noon on the second day of your session. See dates and locations to determine if extra nights are available on your preferred dates.

Removing additional nights from your confirmed booking: All learn to camp reservations are non-refundable. This includes any additional nights included in confirmed bookings.

For More Information

For general information, check the Learn to Camp website or call the Learn to Camp office with specific questions: 705-755-5103.

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