What should I know about the camp?
Bayview Glen Day Camp was established in 1962 with the main objective of ensuring the enjoyment, enrichment and safety of every camper. We are a not-for-profit organization serving approximately 1,200 children from a variety of backgrounds and family situations. We are more than just a place where activities happen all day. We integrate children with special needs so they can have an amazing and authentic social experience with kids their own age. We are devoted to creating a safe, enthusiastic and creative environment while providing the highest quality of programming and supervision.

What is BVG Sports?
BVG Sports is our professional specialty sports program that allows your child to participate and focus on one of our four areas of interest for an entire week. Whether it is baseball, ice hockey, soccer, tennis, or basketball, BVG Sports is committed to developing and strengthening your child in each particular discipline.

Where is the camp?
The camp is centrally located just north-west of the intersection of Don Mills and York Mills. We operate out of Bayview Glen independent school, which is a beautiful air-conditioned double campus school. We enjoy two heated outdoor pools, multiple sports fields, two huge air-conditioned gymnasiums, a fully equipped 400-seat theatre, art studios, a small farm and a climbing wall. Our property is adjacent to a 40-acre conservation area.

What are the positions at the camp?
We hire head staff (supervisors), counsellors, swim staff, specialists, health centre staff and maintenance staff. Our staff must be at least 16 years of age before the end of the year (completing grade 10). Mature younger counsellors may be hired if they have successfully completed a recognized leadership training program, and have proven leadership abilities.

Head Staff:
The people we consider for head staff positions are extremely strong and experienced camp leaders who are outstanding role models. They must be dedicated and committed to Bayview Glen and are required to work in the office on a part-time basis throughout the year. Head staff positions are filled in the fall and early winter.

Counsellors:
The counsellors are responsible for the daily, on-going supervision of the children as they participate in camp activities. The children are divided into age-appropriate groups of approximately 12 per group. Two or more counsellors supervise each group, with at least one of them being a senior counsellor (min. 18 years of age.)

Swim Staff:
We hire swim instructors/lifeguards with their “instructors” qualifications, who are certified by the Red Cross and Royal Lifesaving Society.

Specialists:
Specialists are hired for a particular activity at camp because of specific experience, level of expertise and abilities related to that activity. The specialists are responsible for the planning, organizing and running of their particular activity as the various groups rotate throughout camp activities.

Health Centre Staff:
We have 2 registered nurses on site at all times. The goal in our health centre is to respond to any routine medical complaints and provide our campers and staff with high quality first aid care.

Maintenance Staff:
Our maintenance staff are prepared to work hard to ensure that the entire campsite is kept safe, clean and tidy. They are on site at all times and are will immediately respond to and resolve any reports of damaged equipment, steps, windows, electrical fittings, etc.

What activities do you have at the camp?
In alphabetical order...archery, arts and crafts, ball hockey, baseball, basketball, batting cages, clay, climbing wall, computers, cooking, crazy science, creative movement, dance, digital photography, drama, fine arts, football, ga-ga, gourmet cooking, gymnastics, hiking, in-line skating, karate, lacrosse, magic, music, musical theatre, nature, puppetry, recording studio, recreational swim, soccer, soccer-baseball, Sportball, swim instruction, trail biking, video and Whimz.

How do you select staff? Do you check references? Do you conduct police checks?
We believe that a camp is only as good as its staff. We have extremely high standards and expectations and maintain a very rigorous and detailed process in order to select our people. Positions are highly competitive and all staff members must be experienced, responsible, dedicated, mature, positive, interested in learning and growing, motivated, friendly and enthusiastic. We check and document references on every applicant and require at least three positive references for every staff member. In addition, staff who are 18 are older are required to sign a consent form which allows us to conduct a police check.  This cost will be incurred by the camp.

What are the dates and hours of camp?
The camp season begins the first week of July and runs for 8 weeks. The regular camp day for campers is from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

What if I want to be a bus counsellor?
Bus counsellors are responsible for ensuring that campers have a safe and enjoyable bus ride to and from camp. We will do our best to accommodate staff who would like to be bus counsellors. Our bus company, based on the bus counsellor’s address/pick-up location and camper bus routes, makes the final decision. Bus counsellors are required to attend a training session held on a date to be determined. Additional compensation is provided to bus counsellors.

Will anyone be available to help me?
Supervisors are always available to help staff members become effective and successful leaders. Supervisors are there for you; to help you learn camp procedures, to clarify areas, to assist in your growth as a leader with children, to provide constructive criticism and to give you support. Open communication is a key component of any successful camp. Your honest feedback and willingness to discuss any concerns you may have will help us to keep up with all camp issues.

What happens if someone is injured or isn’t feeling well?
We have a health centre on site, staffed by trained health care professionals. We are also located just a few minutes away from North York General Hospital.

What do we do if it is extremely hot or if it rains?
We have full use of a fabulous air-conditioned double campus school, so our camp program can continue during extremely hot days, poor air quality and rainy weather.