Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child is ready for Day Camp?
Spending any amount of time away from family and loved ones can be a ‘tough’ experience for some. Some key considerations to consider when deciding if your child is ready to spend full day(s) away from you are: does your child enjoy independent play with friends? Meaning, could you leave the area for a little while and come back with little to no stress on your child? Does your child attend any extracurricular activities that would require your absence? Does your child enjoy making new friends, doing arts and crafts, learning new skills/songs/games? If your answers to these questions are ‘Yes’ then you’re off to a great start and your child will likely be more than ready for the Day Camp experience. We take great pride in our ability to create a safe space for all of our campers where they feel comfortable exploring new experiences, step outside of their comfort zones during activities and most of all feel loved throughout our our time together!
What type of training or certifications do your staff hold in order to equip them to work successfully with children?
Each of our leaders at Healthy Hearts Healthy minds is certified in First Aid and CPR and hold years of experience in working with children within the world of summer camp, sports programs, dance schools, and other extracurricular activities. All of our leaders are passionate about experiential education, leadership development and creating environments where one can be themselves and their BEST selves! Our staff are ready to provide each child who comes through our program with a meaningful experience and memories that will last a lifetime.
How do staff handle camper conflict while in session?
Our program fully educates and supports children’s understanding of social skills. During points of conflict children are encouraged to use those communication skills in order to effectively manage and work through a situation. With the supervision of our staff by their side, our campers are given the opportunity to talk through their difficulties and come to a resolution that results in valuable lessons learned and relationships strengthened. As our programs promote sisterhood and brotherhood, it’s all about working together to achieve greatness.
What happens if a child discloses personal information to a staff member or other campers?
Personal disclosures between child-to-staff or child-to-child are taken seriously. Our environment is supportive and encourages campers to express and communicate their thoughts and feelings openly. Vanessa Doak, owner of Healthy Healthy, Healthy Minds, is a qualified social worker and has over 19 years of experience in the ‘summer camp’ setting and over 12 years raising young leaders in LIT (Leader In Training) programs through an ‘anti-oppressive’ framework, supporting children and leaders from all walks of life. As our programs dig deep into ‘issues’ campers may or may have not heard of – or even thought of – before, feelings and emotions may surface. Staff and parent relationships are very important to us and any disclosures which would be cause for concern will be communicated at the end of each session to the child’s caregivers. Our bonds with our campers do not end at the camp gates; it is our quest to ensure the safety of all our campers, in and outside of camp.
Where do you go on your adventures during the ‘Pro-D Day Adventure Day’ camps?
Our ‘Adventures Days’ are exactly that, adventures. Campers explore the Sea to Sky Corridor through predominantly outdoor activities, unless inclement weather dictates otherwise. Adventure Days are lead intentionally, with a ‘thought of the day.‘ We focus on everything from overcoming our fears and going up the gondola, to working together as a team and exploring a high ropes course, to learning about our ecological footprint at the Vancouver Aquarium. Discussions often centre around our important place in this world, and the positive impact we all have the potential of making.
*All Adventure Day activities and transportation are included in the cost.How do campers get transported to off-site activities?
Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds offers bus transportation to campers joining our Adventure Day camps and other programs where vehicle transportation is required. Our drivers have a clean driving record, hold a valid Class 4 license, and provide a safe and fun experience to all campers.
*Transportation is included in camper cost for the day.Do you offer any before and/or after programs for families who work longer daytime hours?
Healthy Hearts, Healthy Minds runs after school leadership programs for school-aged children. We offer a program for girls called SWING (Sisters Who Inspire Navigating Greatness), and a program for boys called BLAZE (Brothers Leading Authentically with Zealous Esteem). To find our more about our programs and their scheduled times and dates click here.
What if my child does not know anyone at camp?
Each day is filled with exciting opportunities for your child/children to get to know others at camp. Our programs support children in gaining social skills, emotional development, and building confidence, self esteem, and self love. Our counsellors support children through the many challenges they may face socially. As your child grows through our programs, strong friendships and bonds will develop that will hopefully last a lifetime.
Do you accommodate campers with special needs?
Healthy Hearts, Healthy Minds is a place for everyone. We support children of all developmental stages, and support each child in feeling safe, secure and supported while at camp. Campers with personal care workers are welcome so long as all requirements are met. Please direct all questions around this subject to the camp director.
What is your Payment and Cancellation Policy?
Sibling Discount: Sibling discounts are applied to accounts for families registering their children at the same time - in either FULL week long programs or any of our 'after-school clubs' & school year leadership programs. Any sibling registrations submitted at a later date, after the registration of your first child, will result in the sibling discount being credited to your account for future use.
*Deposits are due upon registration and payments are due at least 2 weeks before the program start date unless otherwise stated by the Camp Director. Any accounts with a balance owing on or after the payment deadline date for their child's registered program will have their credit card on file charged automatically to cover the balance owing. By choosing to pay with a credit card you are signing off and agreeing to this policy. You may log on to your account at any time to view your statement history or balances.Cancellation Policy for Day Camp Programs:
- Full refund up to 4 weeks before the program start date
- 50% refund up to 2 weeks prior
- no refund 2 weeks out from the program start date
*There is a $25 admin fee for all cancellations processed
**If you've paid for your session with a credit card you will be deducted the 'processing fee' for the amount charged.
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR CAMP CLUB PROGRAMS:Sibling Discount: Sibling discounts are applied to accounts for families registering their children at the same time - in FULL week long programs. Any sibling registrations submitted at a later date, after the registration of your first child, will result in the sibling discount being credited to your account for future use.