Youth Programs Information for Caregivers

This webpage is a helpful resource for caregivers interested in Burlington youth programs. It provides essential information about registration details, and what to expect when sending participants to these fun programs.

About our staff

All program locations are staffed with a minimum of two caring and qualified leaders. Our program staff are typically university, college and high school students who are committed to participants' safety and enjoyment.

All program staff receive training in leadership, recreation programming, group dynamics, risk management, communication, behaviour management, problem solving and more. In addition to internal training, staff are also required to have:

  • Standard first aid and CPR-C certification
  • A Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector screening for those eligible
  • HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development certification
  • Behaviour Management Systems Training

Code of Conduct

The goal of our programs is to provide enjoyable, age-appropriate activities in a safe and positive environment. All participants and caregivers are required to sign off on the code of conduct when completing the Participant Information Form. While visiting our facilities and programs:

  1. Treat all participants, visitors, city staff, facilities and equipment with respect.

  2. Respect the privacy of other when taking pictures and videos.

  3. Use space and equipment safely and appropriately.

  4. Speak up against violence and profanity in all its forms.

  5. Live and play by the Human Rights Code.

  6. Report any concerns to City of Burlington Staff.

Program forms

Program information

As part of our safe arrival and dismissal procedure, parents or guardians must sign their participant in and out. Program participants will only be released to those indicated on the Participant Information Form. The Participant Information Form is a part of the registration process. Staff will have caregivers check the information for accuracy on the first day of program. If we do not have your information, we have hard copies on-site that can be filled out.

Everyone picking up a child will be asked for photo identification every day that the participant is in the program before they are released. Participants are permitted to sign themselves in and out as long as this is noted on the Participant Information Form. Participants will be dismissed at times other than the posted program end times only with caregiver permission.

How do I know if support is required?

Extra support in our recreation programs may be required if:

  • Extra support at school is required
  • A disability or diagnosis exists that could affect the safety of the participant or the safety of others
  • The participant has a safety plan in place with their educational institution
  • Extra support is required at home for basic care
  • The participant is currently using a support agency or program

To enhance participants’ experience in program, please consider the above and contact staff prior to program attendance to set up a Program Intake by contacting us.

The City of Burlington is committed to providing an enjoyable experience for all.

On the first day, camp staff will discuss rules and expectations with participants. Not following the rules and expectations may lead to the dismissal of the participant from camp.

We expect that everyone participating in camp will:

  • Have Fun!
  • Stay home if feeling unwell.
  • Respect staff, other participants, the facility, and equipment.
  • Verbal and/or physical harm to other participants or staff is unacceptable.
  • Be cooperative and willing to participate in program activities.
  • Use acceptable language while at City of Burlington facilities.
  • Stay with your group, follow sign-in and sign-out procedures and do not leave the program space without permission.
  • Leave personal belongings at home. (i.e. toys, collectibles, electronics, books, etc.).
  • Tell a staff if you or any other participants need help.

If participant expectations or code of conduct are not followed, staff may take actions such as:

  • Behaviour tracking – documentation of behaviours to assess patterns and to develop strategies for success to support the participants.
  • Conversations with caregivers – communication of behaviours and request for strategies that may be used at home or school for the success of the participant.
  • Schedule adjustment – based on behaviours, staff may suggest early pick-up or a modified schedule to better suit the participant’s needs.
  • Assessment of program suitability – A conversation with caregivers will be had to determine whether a participant should attend with a personal support person or if alternate program arrangements should be made.

Occasionally, photographs may be taken for promotional purposes by Recreation Community and Culture staff.

If you have any objections to your child being photographed, please inform the program staff at your site. Please also indicate this preference on the Photo Release Form.

Program ratios vary based on location and type of program. Please see below:

  • programs for ages 4-5 – 1 staff to 8 participants
  • programs for ages 6-9 – 1 staff to 12 participants
  • programs for ages 8-12 – 1 staff to 15 participants
  • programs for ages 10-14 – 1 staff to 15 participants
  • Inclusion programs for participants with exceptionalities – 1 staff to 4 participants

Programs that partake in day trips or pool activities will see adjusted ratios to maximize supervision.

Our programs encourage outdoor activity. Please note that not all program facilities are air conditioned. During periods of poor air quality, staff will ensure participants are in shaded areas, have access to water and participate in low intensity games and activities. We encourage you to keep your child at home on these days if you have concerns. Visit the Air Quality Ontario website for more information about air quality in the Halton-Peel area.

There will be no programs running on Civic and Statutory Holidays.

Programs may also have exception dates (no classes), which will be noted on the registration notes for the program. Staff will also provide reminders to participants and caregivers leading up to an exception date.

Please ensure participants bring the following:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Lunch – no nut products – easily accessible by participant without assistance
  • Two nut-free snacks
  • Labelled water bottle/jug (reusable)
  • Running shoes (for safety, please keep sandals at home)
  • Active clothes that can tolerate some program fun and are weather appropriate
  • Medications if needed (Must accompany completed Medication Information Form)

You will receive a full credit or refund if you withdraw from a program up to 10 days prior to its start date. A cancellation fee of 10 per cent will be applied if you withdraw from a program nine days or less before its start date. No refunds are granted after the program start date.

Medical information

We want to make sure participants have a safe and enjoyable program experience. Please complete all information on the Participant Information Form. An additional Medication Consent Form is required for anyone that may bring medications onsite during the camp program.

Does your child require medication to be administered during program hours? Complete the Medication Consent Form to provide us with the information we need to be sure your child receives their medication safely. All medications must be in the original container with proper labelling of the medication and recipient. Only send enough medication for one day at a time.

All medications/containers, including epinephrine injectors will be sent home at the end of the program day. City of Burlington will not store medication on site.

Participants who need an ephinephrine injector (epi pen) or inhaler must bring it with them in a separate fanny pack and wear it at all times. Please check the expiry date on supplies before starting a new program.

Due to an increased number of children with nut allergies, we request that you do not send peanut products with your child to the program. If your child has a food allergy, please ensure you have leaders record it on both the Participant Information Form and Medication Consent Form.

Participants should not attend camp if they have any of the following new or worsening symptoms or signs (that are not chronic or related to other known causes or conditions):

  • fever or chills
  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • cough, sore throat, trouble swallowing
  • runny nose/stuffy nose or nasal congestion
  • decrease or loss of smell or taste
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
  • not feeling well generally, extreme tiredness, sore muscles

A child may be sent home if coughing, sneezing, has a fever, or any other signs of contagious illness or infection during the day. Children showing signs of illness must be picked up within one-hour. Please ensure your emergency contact can be on-site within that time frame.

If your child shows signs of severe illness or communicable disease, please follow the guidelines outlined on the Halton Region Department website.

Contact Us

Recreation Programming
426 Brant St., PO Box 5013
Burlington, ON  L7R 3Z6

Phone: 905-335-7738
Email Recreation Programming

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