Membership | Price |
---|---|
Student | $55/year |
Single | $85/year |
Single Plus | $120/year |
Family | $130/year |
Family Plus | $175/year |
Contributing | $250/year |
Supporting | $500/year |
Sustaining | $1,000/year |
Benefactor's Circle | $2,500/year |
Director's Circle | $5,000/year |
President's Circle | $10,000/year |
March Break Camp
March Break Camp Programs
Spend your March Break with us! RBG offers camp experiences for campers aged 5-13. From exploring our trails and forests to following animal tracks and see where they go, your child will have fun exploring nature with us. Come for a day or spend the week with us exploring and enjoying the natural world.
Register for March Break Camp
Registration for Royal Botanical Gardens’ 2024 March Break Camp will be available for registration online in early 2024.
Member Pre-Sale: TBD
Public Sale: TBD
Please note: RBG has implemented a NEW CRM system, putting all your transactions and registrations into one place. Creating your account is simple and should only take a few minutes.
RBG Membership cardholders have access an exclusive pre-sale before the public sale date. The member pre-sale will open on Monday, January 30, 11 a.m.
To access the presale, simply log in to your NEW RBG online account using the email address associated with your membership!
HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR ACCOUNT
- Visit secure.rbg.ca/account/login
- Enter your email address and “submit” (NOTE: RBG members must use the email associated with their current membership)
- Check your email for a link to reset your password
- Log in with your new credentials and check your account information.
Once your member account is set up, visit the registration page and your ‘tickets’ will be available!
If you do not receive a password reset email within 10 minutes, its possible that email address is not the primary contact on your RBG Membership. Get in touch with the memberships team for more information.
Creating a new account is easy!
- Visit secure.rbg.ca/account/login
- Click ‘Register’.
- Input your user information, customize your email preferences
- Once you click ‘Create Account’ you’re all set! You will be redirected to a page where you can purchase tickets for March Break Camp, winter exhibit, select special events, and more!
Camp Dates:
Stay tuned for March 2024 dates!
Camp program runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Drop off from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Pick up from 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Before and After Care is available each day for additional fee beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m.
Camp takes place at two locations:
- Nature Interpretive Centre, 20A Old Guelph Rd. Dundas, ON
- RBG Centre, 680 Plains Rd. W. Burlington, ON
It is important that you know which location you register for, camp fills up quickly and changes to registrations are not always possible.
Camp Age Groups
Nature Interpretive Centre | RBG Centre |
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Programs are developed to meet the age and stage appropriateness of campers within the listed age range. Please register campers into their age-appropriate group.
Camp Fees
- Single day: $60
- Full week camp: $300
- Before and After Care: $10 per camper per day
FAQ — Camp Guide for Parents and Caregivers
How Do I Register?
Programs are developed to meet the age and stage appropriateness of campers within the listed age range. Please register your child in the appropriate camp for their age.
Online Registration: Advanced registration is required. The best way to register is to do so online. When available, registration links will be posted here at rbg.ca/camps. You can find the links above, underneath the specific camp you are interested in (March Break, Summer, etc.)
Reminders Before Registering:
- The fastest and easiest way to register is to do so online at www.rbg.ca/camps
- Full payment MUST accompany registration
- Incomplete registration forms ARE NOT PROCESSED – please ensure all fields are filled out accurately
When is the final date for registration?
Registration will close 2 business days before each camp, at 12 p.m. Registration for certain age groups does fill quickly, so its recommended to sign up as soon as you’re able.
What is the Policy for Cancellation and Refunds?
Royal Botanical Gardens reserves the right to cancel any camp program if the minimum number of participants is not reached. If RBG cancels a camp, registrants are fully refunded. Refunds are not issued for inclement weather. The Friday prior to the registered camp week is the cut-off date for camp refund requests by purchasers.
Registration change or modification requests must be submitted in writing to programs@rbg.ca and will be put in sequence to be processed.
All changes to camp registration are subject to a non-refundable $25 administration fee.
More than 10 business days before the start of the registered camp week: Full refund less $25
Within 10 business days before the start of the registered camp week: Refund subject to a service fee (full-day camp: $100)
Changes to camp preference or date can be made prior to the start of the registered camp week, and are subject to availability.
What Does a Day of Camp Look Like?
Introductions, expectations, and icebreakers. Camp leaders will give your camper’s group some expectations for the week and let them know what they can look forward to during their week at camp. Campers will play games and participate in activities that will give them a chance to know each other and their camp leaders!
Discovery. At RBG, the foundation of our programs is inquiry-based and experiential learning. We want campers to ask questions and follow their curiosity. This part of your camper’s day inspires curiosity, discovery, and connection in a natural setting.
Games. Whether active or cool-downs, reflective or silly, the aim of our camp games is to have fun together. Campers will be able to engage in activities and games that foster a sense of community within their group and connection to the natural world.
Snack and lunch breaks. Campers will practice proper handwashing before and after meal breaks and will practice physical distancing while eating.
Hike and nature exploration. Campers will spend time exploring RBG’s trails and gardens, learn about the animals and plants that make their homes here, and take advantage of all that nature has to offer.
Creative adventures and/or skills sharing. We take time each day to foster your camper’s creativity. Whether it’s learning a skill or diving into their artistic side, your camper will come home from their week of camp having learned something new.
Goodbyes. The group will wrap up their day with their counsellor, reflecting on the fun experiences they’ve had that day and looking forward to the next!
What Should My Camper Bring to Camp?
Campers need the following items to be prepared for all activities:
- To ensure a healthier environment please pack a litterless, nut-free lunch and two snacks from home. Extra drinks or water bottles are encouraged.
- The Nature Centre is a nut-aware facility. Please ensure that lunches and snacks are free of nuts, nut products and traces of nuts. Snacks that “may contain traces of nuts or nut products” are not permitted. Food that does not comply with our policy will be replaced with a healthy alternative.
- We are outside in all sorts of weather— please send your child with weather-appropriate clothing including hats, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
- Please pack a pair of indoor shoes and an extra change of clothing.
- Camp is a time to make friends, learn, and explore all of the wonders of our natural world. To facilitate this, please make sure electronic toys, music devices, video games, trading cards and toys in general stay at home.
- Please ensure that everything brought to camp is labeled with your child’s name.
- RBG is not responsible for any items your child loses at camp. Please label all of your child’s belongings with their first and last name and leave all valuables at home. Campers are asked not to bring items of any significant value. RBG does not provide refunds for damaged or lost belongings. Please do not bring electronic devices to camp.
Are There any Restrictions / Guidelines for Food at Camp?
Every camper needs to bring a healthy and peanut / nut safe lunch and snack for morning and afternoon snack breaks, as well as a refillable water bottle to nourish them throughout the day. To help us model good environmental behaviour, please pack a litterless lunch.
Nut Safe Policy: To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all of our campers, please ensure that lunches and snacks are free of peanuts, nuts, nut products and traces of nuts. Food that does not comply with our policy will be kept in your camper’s lunch to enjoy at home.
Who Are RBG Camp Leaders?
Camps are led by mature, experienced and passionate leaders who have a personal interest in ensuring that your child’s experience is one that will be cherished and remembered for many years. Our leaders are enthusiastic, carefully screened high school, college and university students or graduates. Many leaders and support staff have been with us for several years. These individuals provide a safe and enjoyable environment in which your child can learn, play and have fun. Camp leaders are assisted by supervisors, support staff, and junior staff, resulting in an average leader to camper ratio of 1:8. All of our staff members undergo intensive training that focuses on safety, healthy child development, environmental appreciation/education and program management. All leaders are certified in First Aid and canoeing. All staff members over the age of 18 are screened using local police criminal record checks.
Do you know someone who would be interested in becoming a camp leader? Current opportunities are posted at rbg.ca/careers
What Time Is Camp Available?
All full-day camp programs run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drop off begins at 8:30 a.m., pick up ends at 4:30 p.m.
Which Location is my Camper In?
March Break Camp programs are based at one of two locations:
Nature Centre in the Arboretum, 16A Old Guelph Road, Dundas
RBG Centre, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
Please refer to program descriptions above for all camp locations.
FAQ — Safety and Wellness
Signing Campers In and Out
March Break camp programs are based at one of two locations. Please make sure you know at which location the camp you have registered for takes place.
Nature Centre Camps are located in the Arboretum, 16A Old Guelph Road, Dundas.
RBG Centre Camps take place at RBG Centre, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington.
Camper pick up and drop off will be in the same location outdoors (weather dependent) each day. Only individuals authorized for camper pick up will be able to take their camper home. We check ID to verify authorized individuals for pick up.
In order for anyone other than the person who dropped off and signed the camper into the program, to sign out and pick up a camper they must show photo identification and must be listed on the child’s registration as either:
- a) a primary caregiver;
- b) an individual authorized for pickup;
- c) an individual listed as an emergency contact.
The individual must be over the age of 18 years. Any changes to these names on your initial registration must be noted in writing by letter addressed to Liz Jankowski, Education Programs Officer, Camp and Youth Programs and be accompanied by a listed caregiver’s signature.
Does my camper need to wear a face mask at camp?
Campers are not required to wear a face mask at camp, but are welcome to wear a mask if they desire.
Daily Medical Screening
We will be asking families to complete a self-assessment form prior to their first camp program. Participants are asked to conduct this self-assessment the morning of each day of camp, followed by an onsite screening during sign-in. If participants fail the screening for any reason, they are asked to stay home and notify RBG.
Inclement Weather Policy
We are an outdoor based program and campers are expected to come to camp prepared for the weather of the day. Though each camp group has their own camp room and will spend some time inside, please ensure your camper comes with weather-appropriate clothing and extra layers to change out as needed.
Behaviour Management Procedures
Royal Botanical Gardens’ Discovery Day Camps strive to create a positive and safe community through safe, respectful, fun and diverse learning experiences. Communication and coaching are used to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience. Behaviour that is seen to go against a positive atmosphere and is seen as unacceptable behaviour is dealt with swiftly and according to RBG’s behaviour management procedures. Campers who, given guidance and opportunities to correct their behaviour, fail to comply with these guidelines, are subject to progressive discipline up to and including having their privilege to participate in camp revoked. Refunds are not given for any camper who is sent home or removed from program for disciplinary reasons.
FAQ — Rights and Responsibilities
of Parents
- to be observant of signs of distress or suspected negative incidents at camp
- to report any suspected incidences of physical or emotional violence
of Campers
- to enjoy the benefits of a safe and inclusive environment
- to be observant of signs of distress or suspected negative incidents at camp
- to respect camp expectations as well as the physical and emotional safety of others
- to report any acts of physical or emotional behaviour against themselves or another camper
of Leaders and Volunteers
- to be role models in words and actions
- to be observant of signs of distress or suspected negative incidents at camp
- to report and record all incidences of physical or emotional violence
- to handle all situations with compassion and objectivity
Contact and Questions
For questions regarding your registration, please contact our program bookings office at 905-527-1158 ext. 270, or via email using the form at rbg.ca/camps.
For questions regarding programming, or any other camp question that is not answered in the Camps FAQ, please contact the camps office at 905-527-1158 ext. 340