Process All camp registrations are processed through our forms, which you can link to at the "registration" button on our Big Top Circus Camp page.
You must register each camper separately. Once you have completed the registration form and submitted, you will automatically receive an invoice with your total for payment. Your spot is not yet confirmed. You must send an e-transfer for this amount to [email protected] . Upon receipt, we will manually send you confirmation of registration ensuring all information and payment is correct.
Your child will be automatically place in the camp program based on their age. If there are any special circumstances you must contact us directly so we can make required adjustments if needed.
Registration Fee Details of the cost of each camp can be found on our Big Top Circus Camp page.
Registration Policy Camp registration is completed online through the registration form found on your Big Top Circus Camp page. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs often fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged.
Full payment is required at the time of registration, by e-transfer. Be sure to watch for your auto-generated invoice in your email inbox once your registration form has been submitted. Once payment has been made we will manually confirm all registration and payments are lined up and send an email of confirmation.
Cancellation Policy Full refunds will be issued for cancellations for 2026 Camp programs received up to and including March 31, 2026. Cancellations received after March 31, 2026, are subject to a refund minus a $100.00 administration fee. Cancellations received less than 30 days before the start of camp will not be eligible for a refund.
Exceptions to this policy are only given in the event of a medical emergency supported by certification from a legally qualified medical practitioner. Refunds will not be provided for inclement weather or for days of camp not attended.
Currently, with this transition, we must do the required city inspections to ensure we can safely install our big top tents in the camp grounds. This inspection will be complete by April 1st. In the case where it is considered not safe and camp will not be possible in this location, we will do everything possible to ensure camp is not cancelled and seek alternatives. In the case that this is not possible, all registered families will receive a full refund.
We will always do everything possible to avoid program cancellations, however we reserve the right to cancel and/or combine sessions of camp due to unforeseen circumstances or if the minimum enrolment is not met. In any of these instances, we will notify camp families one week before the session start date or provide families with a full refund.
Transfer Policy All transfer or change requests must be submitted in writing by email to the us, and are subject to the Registration and Cancellation Policy. Transfer requests made less than 30 days before the start of camp will not be eligible for a refund when moving from a higher-fee camp to a lower-fee camp.
Parents must send transfer requests via email and should include the camper’s name, the camp and session they are currently registered in, and the camp and session they wish to transfer into. There is a $30 transfer fee per camper, per camp session.
Before March 31st, the $30 transfer fee is waived for single camp transfers. If a household makes multiple changes to their registration, they will be charged the $30 fee. From April 1st onwards, any registration changes will result in a $30 transfer fee. If a transfer is made after the 30-day cancelation cut-off, refunds will not be given if transferring from a more expensive camp into a less expensive camp.
Age Policy Big Top Circus camps are for children aged 6 to 15. Participant ages are determined based on the start date of the individual camp. Exceptions may be made for certain situations if a camper is turning that age in the calendar year. Requests for accommodation can be made via email. Proof of age may be asked at any point, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all.
Waitlist If a camp is full, you may join the waitlist online. If a spot becomes available, you will be contacted by email and must confirm within 24 hours. Once confirmed, registration forms and payment will be completed through the Registration form and typical process above.
Please note that you will only be contacted if a spot becomes available.
Special Requests and Grouping Any special accommodations or support must be communicated to us at the time of registration to discuss if appropriate arrangements can be made.
Grouping requests can be submitted at the time of registration, however we do not guarantee requests will be accepted.
Financial Assistance In partnership with SoCirC, a registered charitable organization, we have pending funding to offer financial assistance through a subsidy Program to assist families facing financial challenges by providing their children and youth with the opportunity to attend our camp. These subsidies, if applicable, will be announced in mid-late April, depending on success of funding application.
Session 1: Session 1A - Mon, July 6– Fri, Jul 10 Session 1B - Mon, Jul 13– Fri, Jul 17 Session 2: Session 2A - Mon, Jul 20– Fri, Jul 24 Session 2B - Mon, Jul 27– Fri, Jul 31 Session 3: Session 3A* - Tues, Aug 4– Fri, Aug 7 * Statutory Holiday – 4-Day Camp Week Session 3B - Mon, Aug 10– Fri, Aug 14 Session 4: Session 4A - Mon, Aug 17– Fri, Aug 21 Session 4B - Mon, Aug 24– Fri, Aug 28 Session 5 5A Monday, August 31 – Friday, September 4 (subject to cancelation if TDSB school start date is before labour day) CIT leadership program: Monday, June 29 – Friday, July 24 (1 session only) Training/Leadership week: June 29-July 3 *statutory holiday July 1 - 4 day week Placement: Session 1A, 1B & 2A (CIT's can request longer placement with Big Top management)
*Please note, there is no camp operating on Monday, August 3
Daily Schedule Times & Scheduled Activity
8:00am - Buses begin receiving Campers 8:00am – 9:15am - Extended Care Program, drop off at 6 Leslie 8:30am – 9:15am - All Camper Drop-off opens in the Main Campus 8:45am – 9:15am - Buses begin to arrive at 6 Leslie 9:15am – 9:45am - Late Drop-Off at camps office at 6 Leslie 9:15am – 10:00am - Morning Recreation Period – Campers participate in activities with their Counsellors. 10:00am – 12:00pm - Morning Circus Time with circus specialists and counsellors 12:00pm – 1:00pm - Lunch Time. After eating, campers spend time outdoors 1:00pm – 3:00pm - Afternoon Program Time (whether nature walks, outdoor play, crafts (intro) or circus 3:00pm – 3:30pm - End of day counsellor programming & cool down 3:30-4:00pm - All campers move to their end-of-day locations 4:00pm – 4:30pm - Camper pick-up opens, and Independent Travel campers are released 3:50pm – 4:15pm - All Buses depart 6 Leslie Refer to your bus route and stop for specific times. 4:30pm - Camper pick-up closes, any remaining campers are taken to the Extended Program 4:30pm – 6:00pm - Extended Care Program pick-up
Getting Here Getting your camper(s) to Circus Camp is easier than you think! Travel methods for your camper are selected at the time of Registration through the registration form. For information on how to get here, please visit our Big Top Circus Camp page. Where to ParkCamp families may temporarily park their vehicles on-site in the parking on the north side of the building. Spaces are limited so please keep your time there to 5 minutes. Alternatively, there is free street parking on the street running south of the 6 Leslie Circus Camp property. You may also make use of the parking lot on the property south of us: Tommy Thompson Park.
Camper Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Location All campers will be dropped-off and picked-up at 6 Leslie. Camper Drop-off and Pick-Up are at no cost.
Times Morning camper drop-off opens 8:30am and will remain open until 9:15am. Afternoon camper pick-up opens at 4:00pm and will remain open until 4:30pm.
If you wish to pick up your camper earlier than the designated pick-up time, please see the early pick-up procedure in the Early Pick-up section.
Late Pick-Ups When campers are not picked up by 4:30pm, they are moved to Extended Program. All late pick-ups are subject to a one-day Extended Program fee of $20.00.
At 5:30pm, campers will be moved to the Camps Office. Campers must be picked up prior to 6:00pm and failure to do so, will result in a charge of $20 for the first 15 minutes and $1/minute there after. If this happens on more than one occasion, it may result in the camper’s removal from camp.
Independent Travel Campers will independently sign-in and sign-out daily at with Camps office. The Independent Travel option is included in your registration at no additional cost for campers who meet the age requirements. This option is available for the following campers:
Campers aged 10 and older
Campers under 10, only if they are accompanied by a sibling 12 or older
Morning independent travel opens at 8:30am and will remain open until 9:15am.
Times Morning sign-in opens 8:30am and will remain open until 9:15am.
Afternoon independent travel releases campers between 3:30-4:00pm. Please note: Independent Travel campers cannot leave their camp travel location until the Independent Travel Supervisor dismisses them. Big Top Circus Camp staff are not responsible for the whereabouts of your camper(s) after 3:30pm, or when they are dismissed. If you wish to pick up your camper earlier than the designated self-sign out time, please contact the Camps Office.
Add-on Service: Extended Care Program A supervised Extended Care Program is available for your camper for an additional weekly fee. Campers can participate in various relaxed or active games or activities during this time. Pre-registration is required for this add-on-service.
SESSION LENGTH Cost One Week Fees – 5 Days (Sessions 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 4A, 4B)$95.00 +HST Short Week Fees – 4 Days (Sessions 3B)$85.00 +HST Please note: For two-week sessions, Extended Care must be registered separately for each week in the Registration form.
Location All extended day campers will be dropped-off and picked-up at 6 Leslie.
Times Morning camper drop-off opens at 8am and will remain open until 9:15am.
Afternoon Extended Care Program opens at 4:00pm and will remain open until 5:30pm.At 5:30pm, campers will be moved to the Camps Office. Campers must be picked up prior to 6:00pm and failure to do so on more than one occasion may result in the camper’s removal from camp.
Cancellation and Refund Requests Cancellation requests must be made in writing via email at least 30 days before the start date of your child’s camp session. There are no refunds for cancellations requested once camp has started. We do not pro-rate if the Extended Care Program service is added after the start of the camp session.
Authorized Pick-Up Procedures
Campers in Busing, Extended Care, or Camper Drop-Off and Pick-up will only be released to a designated parent/guardian, or other authorized person. Please note: parents and guardians’ names do not get added to the list by default., and must be entered on the registration form. All authorized pick-up persons must show a valid, government-issued photo ID (i.e., driver’s license, health card, passport, etc.) every day. This is for the safety of all our campers.
Please note: Forcampers who have opted to walk home from the bus and meet the age requirements for this travel option, parents and guardians,will not be asked to present identification if they are at the bus stop during afternoon drop-offs.
Absences For camper absences, please contact the office by call or email to notify us. We will follow up with families as part of our attendance check process. If a camper is unable to attend a scheduled camp, make-up dates, refunds or credits will not be provided.
Add-On Service: Busing Big Top Circus Camp provides bus service. Busing is a supervised round-trip transportation and is available for an additional fee per week. Registration for this service is on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required for this add-on-service. Bus Stops: In the registration form, families who select this add-on busing service will input their address (with option for secondary address). We plan to select bus stops based on registered campers locations. Once these details are released and sent out, there will option for full refund (registration fee included) if bus stops are not convenient for your family. With this approach, we hope we can accommodate as many registered families as possible.
SESSION LENGTH Busing Cost One Week Fees – 5 Days (Sessions 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 4A, 4B)$95.00 +HST Short Week Fees – 4 Days (Sessions 3B)$85.00 +HST Please note:For two-week sessions, Busing must be registered separately for each week in the Registration form.
Morning Drop-off at Bus Stops A Circus Camp Bus Marshall will meet you and your campers at the bus. They are responsible for bus attendance and checking in each camper entering the bus. Buses will begin receiving campers as early as 8:00am, with an estimated arrival time at Circus Camp between 9:00am and 9:20am. Please refer to your route schedule for specific timing. Buses will wait 5 minutes after their scheduled pick-up time before they continue with the route. If your camper misses the bus in the morning, please make arrangements to get to the Circus camp by other means. If you miss this bus, you are welcome to attempt to meet the bus at the next stop along its route. Please note: the bus can pick up campers only at scheduled stops. Afternoon Pick-up at Bus Stops A Circus Camp Bus Marshall is responsible for bus attendance and signing out each camper at each stop. They will follow the authorized pick-up procedure:
Campers will only be released to a designated Parent/Guardian or other authorized adult, as specified at registration.
For campers who have opted to walk home from the bus and meet the age requirements for this travel option, parents and guardians will not be asked to present identification if they are at the bus stop during afternoon drop-offs.
Campers will not be allowed to leave the bus stop unattended unless otherwise marked on the bus form during registration. Please be sure this information is indicated correctly on the bus forms.
If you miss your afternoon pick-up time, your camper will remain on the bus and be taken to the other stops. We will make every effort to contact you to advise you of this.
Cancellation and Refund Requests Requests for cancellation eligible for a full refund must be made in writing via email 30 days or more before the start date of the program. No refunds will be issued for cancellations requested less than 30 days before the program begins.
Cancellation requests must be received in writing via email.
No refunds will be processed once the camp session has started.
Big Top Circus Camp reserves the right to cancel a bus if a minimum enrolment number is not met. If Big Top Circus Camp cancels your bus, registrants will be notified up to a week before the start of the program, and registrants will be offered an alternative bus or a full refund for the bus service only.
Late Arrivals Campers arriving after the designated drop-off time must sign in at the Camp office.
Early Pick-up Request If you need to pick-up your camper earlier than the scheduled dismissal time at 4:00PM, please follow these steps to submit your request:
Contact the Camps Office: Email the office 24 hours in advance to request an early pick-up. If it is less than 24 hours, please call the Office directly to speak with someone.
Receive Confirmation: Ensure you receive a confirmation email of the request from the Camps Office before coming to get your camper.
Pick-Up Arrangements: The Office Staff will ensure campers are ready for their pick-up time in the Camps Office.
Late Arrivals: If you are running late, please call the office directly so your camper can remain in programming as long as possible to enjoy their camp experience.
Pick-up Location: Campers will be available for pick-up in the Camps Office.
Please note: Independent Travelers still need to follow the steps listed above.
The following forms of Early Pick-up requests are not accepted:
Day-of or last minute requests for early pick-up between 3:15pm and 4:00pm may not be accommodated as smoothly and families may need to wait until 4:00pm, or until campers are at their end of day locations.
Requests shared with non-office staff may not be communicated so be sure to contact the Camps Office directly.
Verbal notice from your camper or another camper’s guardian will not be accepted.
Travel Change Requests At the time of registration, you will select the method of travel for your camper: Camper Pick-up and Drop-Off, Busing, Independent Travel or Extended Care. If your plans have changed, you can make a change to your camper’s travel option by completing the following steps:
Contact the Camps Office: Email the office 24 hours in advance to request a Travel Change for your camper. If it is less than 24 hours, please call the Office directly to speak with someone.
Receive Confirmation: Ensure you receive confirmation of the request from the Camps Office to confirm that the change has been made successfully.
The following forms of Travel Change Requests are not accepted:
Day-of or last minute requests may not be accommodated.
Requests shared with non-office staff may not be communicated so be sure to contact the Camps Office directly.
Verbal notice from your camper or another camper’s guardian will not be accepted.
Please note: Travel Changes are not eligible for refunds.
Lunch Info All campers need to bring a litter-less lunch, including two snacks and a refillable water bottle.
All food items must be peanut-, tree nut-, and nut-free. Please do not send your camper with any products that contain or may contain nuts, including Nutella, nut-based or substitute nut spreads, or pesto. Prohibited nuts include: Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts (pinon, pignolias), pistachios, and walnuts.
We do not supply food to campers.
Campers do not share food.
There are no refrigerators or microwaves available for campers. Campers are not allowed to go off-site to purchase lunch. If you wish to drop off lunch, special arrangements must be made 24 hours in advance by contacting the Camp Office.
Lunch Checks Your camper’s lunch will be checked daily by the camp counsellors or senior camp staff. Campers with lunches containing nut products will have that meal/food item held back by camp staff and returned at the end of the day. Camp staff will contact you in the event your camper’s food is held back to arrange replacement food. While we cannot guarantee a nut-free camp, we make every effort to provide the safest possible environment for all our campers. Some of our campers and staff may have life-threatening food allergies. Please aid us by ensuring your camper’s lunch is entirely peanut/tree nut/nut free and that campers do not bring food to share with others.
Open House - Intro to Circus Camp Our Intro to Circus Camp (6-8) offers an Open House on the last Thursday of their session at noon, on site at 6 Leslie. They will demonstrate teh skills they have learned in a relaxed, low pressure environment. Open house lasts approximately 1 hour.
Circus Show Circus Camp campers (9-14) offer a 60-90 minute circus show performance on the last Friday of their session at noon at 6 Leslie, with exception to 5th session in which it will be a more relaxed open house on the Friday at noon.
Guardians will be reminded about Open House and show schedules by email prior to the date. If you choose to pick-up your camper after their scheduled Open House, a sign-out person will be present at the event on site at 6 Leslie, and staff will assist you. Standard sign-out procedures are in effect: campers will only be released to designated individuals with a valid photo ID.
If your camper chooses to stay after their Open House or performance, programming and end-of-day procedures will continue for the afternoon.
Field Trips A selection of our campers may travel offsite to local parks, which will be indicated in the parent newsletter/emails, so you can plan.
Essentials The following is a list to ensure you and your camper are prepared for the week of fun:
A litter-less lunch, including 2 snacks
A refillable water bottle (twist top or collapsible straw are recommended)
Clothing that is appropriate for various circus activities: comfortable clothes, pack hair tie for long hair, tights or soft long pants for some aerial activities, shirts that will not ride up while upside down (or can that be tucked in when needed), pants that will not slip down during circus activities, shorts that fit so they will not ride up. If wearing a skirt, please ensure shorts are worn underneath for moments upside down.
All campers should be dressed for the weather.
Sun protection – hats and sunscreen
No electronics or items of high value. Big Top Circus Camp does not take responsibility for loss of stolen items while at Big Top Circus Camp.
It is recommended that all items brought to camp are labelled with your camper’s name for easy identification. Lost and FoundBig Top Circus Camp is not responsible for any lost, stolen or missing items, on-site, off-site or on the bus. The team will make every effort to locate your missing item and return it to your campers during their time at camp. Lost and Found bins will be located at Camper Pick-Up and Drop-Of location. Any items found at camp that are in good clean condition will be stored until the end of the season, at which point, if unclaimed, they will be given to charity.
Overview Big Top Camp is committed to acting in the best interest of all campers, staff, and visitors in matters of health and safety. Therefore, Big Top Circus Camp has specific set policies to deal with relevant health issues, concerns, and conditions. Our policies and practices are similar to various school board policies and standards.
Please note: All campers attending Big Top Circus Camp must possess either a valid OHIP card or subscribe to private health insurance.
Medical Information All medical forms are required to complete your camper’s registration online. Medical and camper information are treated with strict confidentiality in accordance with Federal and Provincial legislation. This includes the Ontario Health Care Consent Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act 2004 (PHIPA), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the Canadian Human Rights Code, the Child and Family Services Act, and the respective Colleges’ regulations, code of ethics and standards of practice. Parents/caregivers may be contacted by camp staff if clarification is required; the more information we have, the better we are able to meet a camper’s needs.
Failure to properly disclose all relevant camper information may result in the removal of a camper from the camp program.
Medication All medication taken while at camp must be indicated on medical forms, stored in the Camps Office (except for EpiPens and inhalers) and self-administered by campers under Big Top Circus Camp staff supervision. Camp staff DO NOT administer any medication to campers. If campers cannot self-administer you must make arrangements to drop by at lunch or an appropriate time to administer medication. Please give all medication directly to the Camps Office, Bus Marshall, Extended Program Day Supervisor or Camper Drop-Off Supervisor. Please leave any non-essential medication at home.
Immunization Children attending Big Top Circus Camp must have immunization against communicable diseases in line with Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). Campers must be appropriately immunized against designated diseases, unless they have a valid exemption, with proper documentation. All immunization requirements for camp attendance align with Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule. If you have a valid exception, please contact the Camps Office.
EpiPens and Inhalers If your child requires an EpiPen and/or an inhaler while at camp, you must indicate this in the Medical Information form. We require that all EpiPens and/or Inhalers be carried on the camper’s body at all times, in either a fanny-pack or other small bag. Please remind the Big Top Circus Camp staff on the first day check-in where your camper’s EpiPen and/or Inhaler is. In the event of an allergic reaction or asthma attack, standard emergency procedures will apply and 911 will be contacted. Campers who arrive without their EpiPen and/or Inhaler will be unable to participate in camp activities and Parents/caregivers will be asked to immediately pick-up their child or drop-off their EpiPen and/or Inhaler.
Camper Care Ensuring a safe and fun experience for your camper(s) is our top priority. To achieve this, all camp staff complete a week of training before camp begins. We require that camp staff complete the following:
First Aid and CPR course
Big Top Circus Camp Emergency Procedures training
Big Top Circus Camp Child Protection Training
Sick Campers Campers exhibiting signs of illness will be removed from their camp and cared for as best as possible. We will contact you and ask that you (or someone on the authorized pick-up list) pick up your camper as soon as possible. To better protect the health and safety of Big Top Circus Camp participants, please do not send your child to camp if they have or exhibit any symptoms of the following:
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Strep Throat
Chicken Pox (Varicella)
COVID-19
Fifth Disease
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) or any other communicable disease.
If your child is suspected to have any of the above, or has vomited, has a rash or diarrhea you will be asked to pick up your child immediately. Children may not attend camp if they have:
A temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.4 degrees Celsius).
Not been fever free for 24 hours.
Vomited while at camp or within the last 24 hours.
Diarrhea (abnormally loose, watery bowel movements that are much more frequent then usual)
Been on prescribed medication for less than 24 hours for a condition requiring exclusion from the program according to the Communicable Disease Program.
A rash that has not been identified by a physician to be determined as not contagious or that is worsening.
Have a severe cold with fever, sneezing and heavy nasal drainage that affects their mood and ability to participate in the program.
If you have any questions, please consult your healthcare provider or call Telehealth Ontario TTY: 1-866-797-0007.
Head Lice Campers attending Big Top Circus Camp must be free from head lice. If Camps staff have reason to suspect that a camper may have head lice, the Camps staff will conduct a discrete check. If a camper is found to have lice they will be asked to be picked up and will not be permitted to attend camp until 24 hours after the start of treatment, with a signed note. The Camps staff will also check the progress of the treatment prior to the camper rejoining their camp.
If you have any questions, please consult your healthcare provider or call Telehealth Ontario TTY: 1-866-797-0007.
Concussion Safety The Concussion Code of Conduct provides information to help protect campers from concussions and other serious brain injuries, ensuring the safest possible experience for all participants and staff.
It is important to recognize that head injuries can occur in any situation—not just during sports or physical activities—and that taking precautions to prevent head trauma is essential in all aspects of camp.
All registrants must read and agree to the Concussion Code of Conduct through the registration portal before completing registration for Big Top Circus Camp. For more information, please visit Rowan’s Law: Concussion Safety.
Toilet Training All children attending Big Top Circus Camp must be toilet trained. We are not equipped to facilitate the toilet training of campers and at no time are Big Top Circus Camp Staff permitted to change camper(s). For our youngest Campers, (aged 6 years old), we ask parents and guardians to pack a change of clothing if there is any concern. In the event of a recurring of accidents, the Camps Staff will follow-up with the Parent/Guardians about next steps. This may also result in removal from Big Top Circus Camp without refund.
Sun Safety We want all campers to enjoy their time outdoors at Big Top Circus Camp safely. To help protect your camper from the sun, please follow these guidelines:
Apply sunscreen before arriving at camp and send a labelled bottle for reapplication during the day.
Provide a hat and lightweight, protective clothing.
We will encourage your camper to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Staff will schedule outdoor shade breaks and schedule activities with sun safety in mind.
By following these steps, we can help ensure a fun and safe summer for all campers.
Inclement Weather Camp has an indoor space available in the event of rain or abnormal climatic conditions (high winds, lightning, air quality advisories, extreme hot temperatures, etc).
Severe thunderstorm watch: When issued by Environment Canada, or if lightning is detected within 24KM, or high winds (60 km/h) are observed.
Hot weather warnings (35C+): Programming will change to involve additional time in the water for marine camps, suspension of offsite programming, additional breaks, and reminders for additional water consumption for campers and staff.
Air Quality: When the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaches 7 or higher (high risk), programming will be adjusted to include more indoor time, scheduled rest breaks, and low-exertion activities.
Camps may also be modified if the weather presents a negative experience for our campers. This modification will be made at the discretion of the Camp Manager.
Please dress your child appropriately and make sure they are carrying enough water to stay hydrated. There will be opportunities to refill their water bottles throughout the day. They are also encouraged to wear adequate sunscreen and carry some to re-apply as needed. Refunds or transfers will not be issued based on weather.
Inclusion and Support To provide the best support to a camper with a Disability, we require all needs or challenges to be included in the Medical Information form in full. We are not equipped to provide 1-1 support at this time. However, if your camper has access needs, please also contact us directly so we can together ensure if and how we can adequately provide support to give your child the best experience possible.
Code of Conduct Big Top Circus Camp aims to provide and maintain an inclusive, supportive, and emotionally and physically secure learning environment for its participants. Harassment and bullying of program participants and staff are against federal, provincial and local policy, and are not tolerated by Big Top Circus Camp programs. We are committed to providing a supportive and safe environment that adjusts to meet the needs of its participants, and respects differences while providing opportunities for all participants to succeed. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct and Participant Behaviour Policy may result in removal from Big Top Circus Camp Programs. Should an incident arise, Big Top Circus Camp Management and Senior staff reserve the right to take appropriate action. Code of Conduct The following Code of Conduct is expected of all Cig Top Circus Camp community members (program participants, staff, volunteers, guardians, visitors, community partners, etc.) always. All members of the Big Top Circus Camp community shall:
Respect yourself. Members are expected, in accordance with their age, to take appropriate care of themselves (follow Health and Safety policies and procedures, practice self-care and self-advocacy, and participate to the fullness of their capabilities and comfort levels).
Respect the community. All community members shall treat Big Top Circus Camp property, and the property of others with care. All members will work together and contribute to the well-being (physical, emotional, mental, environmental, social, etc.) of others to create a positive camp community.
Respect others. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are promoted through a positive display of respect of all persons in speech, action and behaviour, absent of violence, harassment, racism, intimidation, and discrimination of any kind (follow Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Violence Prevention Policy where applicable).
All members of Big Top Circus Camp are expected to treat other members with respect. Guardians, visitors, family members, and individuals dropping off/picking up campers who do not follow this Code of Conduct will be asked to leave camp property and will not be allowed to return for the remainder of the camp season.
Participant Behaviour Big Top Circus Camp takes all inappropriate or unsafe behavior seriously. Please see the full Behavior Expectations and Consequences for details on how we support positive participation and respond to incidents.
Electronic Policy We encourage you and your campers to think of camp as time to unplug from electronic devices. We are not responsible for loss or damage to any phones, electronic devices or any other valuables brought to camp. If we see these devices at camp, we will ask campers to put them away. Campers carrying cell phones or smart watches to connect with parents after camp will be expected. Campers will be instructed to keep the phone or smart watch off and, in their bag, or backpack during the camp day. Campers will not be allowed to use these items during camp, unless with staff permission. If you need to get a message to your child while they are at camp, please call the Camps Office directly and we will be happy to relay the message.
Camper Behaviour Policy We want every camper to be safe, supported, and respected. If a camper’s behaviour disrupts this environment, we follow a progressive response system to guide and support positive change. Consequences depend on the type and frequency of the behaviour.
Minor Incidents Action: Not following (appropriate) directions, being disruptive, disrespectful language towards staff or other campers. Result: Verbal warning, short break if needed. If repeated, Parent/Guardian will be notified.
Moderate Incidents Action: Repeated minor incidents, inappropriate language, physical outbursts. Result: Parent/Guardian contacted immediately. Camper may be placed on a behaviour plan discussed with parent/guardian, sent home for the day or suspended from camp depending on severity and frequency of incidents.
Serious Incidents Action: Violence, bullying, aggression, discrimination, harassment, vandalism, possession/use of alcohol, drugs, or weapons. Result: Parent/Guardian contacted, camper sent home immediately. Camper suspended or expelled from camp without refund, depending on severity of incident. Please note: Staff will consider the age, developmental needs, and circumstances of the participants. Whenever possible, restorative and educational approaches will be prioritized over punitive measures.