Director's Message
I believe that a camp must encourage a co-operative environment where campers learn to live together, make choices together and grow together as friends. A successful camp must create a family-like atmosphere, where humour combined with a positive outlook is the basis of each and every day. At Sparrow Lake Camp we foster a respect for people and an appreciation for new ideas and differences. Our goal is that every camper feels a special sense of belonging, the feeling that "this is my camp". Once that family feeling is created, it is then that we can focus on accomplishing the objectives of a Sparrow Lake Camp experience: Fun, Friends and Fulfillment for each and every camper.
Sparrow Lake camp is operated by the United Church of Canada and accredited by the Ontario Camping Association. For almost 100 years our program has prided itself in offering a safe, fun-filled Christian atmosphere for children and youth. We are most proud of the learning at Sparrow Lake that occurs in a relaxing, accepting and flexible atmosphere, where fun is the medium through which skills develop and confidence accumulates. Our caring and energetic staff is already working hard to create another amazing summer.
Most importantly, at Sparrow Lake Camp we want to ensure that campers always have fun, create lasting memories and form unique and special friendships that will follow them for a life-time. It is these friendships that become the greatest benefit of the Sparrow Lake Camp experience.
- Rob Crew, Executive Director
Facilities
100 wooded acres, over a mile of lake front, large cabins with bunks and mattresses, modern washrooms and showers, safe sand beach, huge recreation hall, excellent meals in our dining hall, and on-site, trained medical staff.
Activities
There are a number of activities for campers to choose from:
Each camp features an overnight trip where campers sleep out in tents with their cabin group. The sites are located both on and off camp property.
Campers sign up for 4 activities on the first day of camp. For example, a camper might sign up for Swim, Canoe, Nature and Sports and Games. This will mean that during the weekdays (things work differently on weekends) they would take Swim every morning at 9:15, then Canoeing every morning at 10:15, Nature at 2:15 and Sports and Games at 3:15)
We change up our routines on the weekends. On Saturday, we have Special Day. This is a themed program that often includes fantasy, mystery and surprise! Every session, the day is different however in the past we have had Dr. Seuss days, Peter Pan Day, Survivor: The Orillian Adventure Day, Sparrow Lake Movie Festival, Hawaiian Adventure Day, Choose Your Own Adventure Day, etc. This is often the day the campers look forward to the most at SLC and we always keep it a surprise! You just never know what the day might bring!
On Sunday we have a more relaxing day with a sleep in (till 8:30 am!) , breakfast, chapel (approximately 40 minutes in the same format as our evening vespers), a camp wide game, lunch, another afternoon of theme events (for example, a water carnival involving a free dip, volleyball with a fire hose, canoeing, and fun fair activities involving water) and an evening campfire.
Transportation
Bus Transportation
The bus pick up and drop off location is at YORKDALE SHOPPING MALL located at 3401 Dufferin Street, Toronto.
The bus stop is located, near The Bay, in the North West area of the Parking Lot at Pole #8.
| Camp Session | Boarding bus to camp on the first day | Arrival at Yorkdale on the last day |
| Sessions 1-4, LIT/CIT A & B | 9:30am | 11:30am-12:00pm |
| 1 Week A, B & C | 9:30am | 11:30am-12:00pm |
| Pee Wee | 9:30am | 11:30am-12:00pm |
Campers who miss the bus must get to camp at their own expense. We suggest campers take the bus in order to feel part of the camping experience right away. It provides a valuable opportunity to start building long lasting bonds with their cabin-mates. Children will be seated on the bus according to their cabin groups. If you live north of Toronto or you feel it necessary to drive your child, our staff will make your child feel welcomed on arrival.
Dropping Your Child Off at Camp
Get Map of Driving Directions to the Camp
If your child is not using the bus transportation, please indicate this on the Information/Health Form. If you are dropping off/picking up your child at camp please arrive at the camp at the following times. Please do not arrive before the times listed below as the staff are not available and the main gate will be closed. At the end of camp, any child not picked up by the time the buses leave will be sent to Toronto on the camp bus. This arrangement is necessary because, once the buses depart, there will be no staff on site to care for your child.
| Camp Session | Drop off at camp | Pick-up from camp |
| Sessions 1-4, LIT/CIT A & B | 11:00 am - 11:30 am | 8:30 am - 9:30 am |
| 1 Week A, B & C | 11:00 am - 11:30 am | 8:30 am - 9:30 am |
| Pee Wee | 11:00 am - 11:30 am | 8:30 am - 9:30 am |
