We follow the Provincial Camp Health and Safety Guidelines and all of our counsellors are pre-screened. 

1. What are we doing to keep a clean and safe environment?

We are committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all children attending our programs. All children and staff are monitored for illness upon entry into the studio. If a child is found to be ill they will be denied entry into the studio and are not allowed to participate in programming until he/she is symptom free. 

We have a number sanitizing policies put in place. We have invested in a disinfecting machine, UVC light wands and child safe sanitizing products to clean and disinfect all furniture, surfaces, utensils, electronic and coding materials as well as an air filtering system.

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2. Is my child expected to wear a mask while at camp? Who will provide the mask?

In accordance with Halton Public Health regulations, TinkerLab no longer requires all adults or children to wear a face mask or covering while in the studio.

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3. If a member of our family comes into contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 can my child still attend camp?

Children are welcome to attend camp as long as they are negative for Covid and do not have any ill symptoms. 

4. What happens if someone in the camp develops symptoms of COVID-19?

If a child attends camp and during his/her time at camp receives a positive COVID-19 test TinkerLab will contact Halton Public Health and follow all recommendations set out. 

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Children will not be able to attend camp if he/she has any of the following:

-elevated temperate over 38.0 degrees C. 

-acute cold (severe green nasal discharge and/or severe coughing)

-undiagnosed or contagious skin rash or infection

-lice, ringworm or other bodily infestations

-if the child is lethargic and cannot participate in the usual daily routine. 

-vomiting

-diarrhea

*A sick child needs to be symptom free or on antibiotics (prescribed by a doctor) for 24 hours before returning to TinkerLab for all illnesses. 

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5. How will meals and snacks be delivered at camp to ensure safety?

All children bring their own snacks and lunches to camp every day. Desks are cleaned and sanitized prior to the start of every snack and lunch.

6. What will happen if TinkerLab is forced to close due to COVID-19 or another emerging respiratory virus?

If TinkerLab is forced to close due to COVID-19 or another emerging virus parents will be able to use the fees already paid (for in studio camps) for programming between January 1st, 2025 and December 31st, 2025. Refunds will not be issued to families if camps are required to close due to COVID-19 or another emerging respiratory virus. Unused fees can be used for any type of programming activity including camps, birthday parties (in studio, at home or virtual) or classes before December 31st, 2025.

7. Can I receive a refund if my child is sick?

Due to staffing arrangements and material cost and preparation we do not provide a refund if your child is sick. Camp sessions can be transferred to family or friends without penalty or transfer fees. 

8. What happens if it rains?

TinkerLab is an indoor camp. Our camp runs rain or shine. We do go outside each day if the weather permits but in the event of rain or extreme weather we are able to stay inside (and dry!)

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9. What does my child need to bring to camp?

All children are required to bring two snacks, a full lunch, refillable water bottle and a complete change of clothes EVERY DAY. We also ask that you send closed-toe walking shoes. We do go outside most days and children need to have comfortable outdoor gear for outdoor play - winter wear is important for camps hosted October - April and sun protection for camps hosted May - September. Please send your child wearing clothes that can get dirty and stained. We love to get messy and use a variety of mixed media art materials, glue, etc. 

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10. My child is not yet 4. Can they still attend camp? 

Summer Camps fall under Ontario's Child Care legislation and cannot accept children under the age of 4. Please contact us to chat about alternative options for your child. 

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11. Sunscreen? Bug Spray? What should we send? Can someone assist my young camper with these items?

We try to go outside every day. Please send sunscreen each day with your camper. Please apply sunscreen prior to leaving the house and we will apply sunscreen throughout the day. It is recommended that sunscreen contains UVA/UVB protection, broad spectrum. Please make sure this sunscreen is labeled with your child’s name and has no coconut and/or nut oils. We also highly recommend sending your child with bug spray, lotion or wipes. We have noticed an increase in mosquitos, black flies and other pesky creatures when we are outside and additional protection is important for your child. Our staff will remind children to put their sunscreen and bug spray on prior to going outside and they can also help with putting it on if needed. **Please label your child's sunscreen and bug spray bottles. Many children come with similar bottles. 

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12. What time can I drop off / pick up my child?

Morning arrival is 8:50 - 9:10 am and pick up time is 3:45 - 4:15. In the interest of safety and continuity, campers should arrive on time each day. Late arrivals are disruptive to our camp day. It is best to make your "goodbyes" short as any hesitation on the part of the parent can make your child feel anxious. If you feel you need additional time to ensure your child is comfortable please notify Berri before drop off on the first day of camp so staff can assist. 

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13. What if I am late picking up? 

We offer free extended care until 5:00 pm. Children must be registered in the extended care program to participate but we recognize that "things happen" and ask that you please contact the studio by phone or email if you are going to be late so we can engage your child in after care activities. Late pick ups after 5:00 pm will incur a $10.00 fee for every 15 minutes, paid directly to the after care staff member at the time of pick up. 

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14. Where will my child's camp be hosted? 

We have two locations for our camps this year! Our main camp site is still your favourite studio space! TinkerLab Studio location is 359 Main Street East, Milton. Our off site location is just a short distance down the road at Grace Anglican Church at 317 Main Street East in Milton. Children will be registered for either the main studio site or the off site location. We will not switch children unless the registering parent requests a location change via written communication to Berri. 

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15. What are the outdoor locations?

Outside time includes large group cooperative play games, completing science experiments (for example, if we are building bottle rockets we will take these outside to launch) or outdoor art guided drawings. Outdoor play is weather dependant and if we are unable to go outside then we will stay inside and do group games. We do not take the children outside if there is a cold or heat warning, heavy snow or rain, thunderstorms, or if there is an air warning. We take the children to Rotary Park (we use the area at the back of the park at the baseball diamonds) for group games, Mill Pond Forest (there is a clearing that we go to that we use to "discover nature" with our nature guide) and Victoria Park. The children use the three locations for the following purposes: 

1. Rotary Park - Group games, cooperative games, ball games, completing science experiments (ex. solar ovens, stomp rockets)

2. Mill Pond Forest - Collecting natural materials for in studio activities, scavenger hunts and geocaching, continuing discussions on nature(ex during Dino camp we discuss geology/dendrology and we take that chat outside with our nature guide), guided art projects. 

3. Victoria Park - guided art projects, learn to draw, small group games. 

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16. How can I communicate with staff during the camp day? 

Camp staff are focused on teaching and engaging your children during their time at camp. We are not always able to answer the phone during the day so email is best. All camp communication will be emailed to you.

17. My child's birthday falls during their time at camp. Can I bring in a treat for the campers? 

If you know us, you know we positively love celebrating your child's special day! Please speak with Berri to confirm store-bought treats to be sure that there are no allergies within your child's camp group.  

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18. My child requires medication, inhaler and/or epi-pen. 

TinkerLab requires all medications to be presented to camp staff at drop off on the first day of camp. Campers are not allowed to keep medication inside their backpacks. All medication must be withheld by the camp supervisor for the duration of your child's camp. All medication must be current (not expired), subscribed by a medical doctor and a medication form must be completed prior to drop off on the first day of camp. 

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19. My child lost an item at camp. 

Please label every item your child brings to camp. We know this is tedious but camp staff cannot know which items belong to every child if they are not labelled.  Please do not send your child to camp with trading cards (ex. Pokemon, Baseball, Hockey), stuffed animals, electronics, cell phones, watches, or video game devices. If your child misplaces an item at camp please email Berri immediately so staff can try to locate the item. 

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20. How is behaviour dealt with at camp?

TinkerLab has established methods for positively managing participant behaviour and staff and parents will work together to follow the expectations at camp. TinkerLab Staff strive to provide an engaging, age appropriate experience with hands-on activities and a variety of mixed media materials and STEM equipment encourage children to fully participate in camp activities. We recognize that every child is unique and some children require additional guidance, support, and/or care to be successful. Camp staff are experienced and committed to get the needs of each camper. Unacceptable behaviours may result in dismissal from camp, including physical violence or verbal abuse against another camper or staff member, vandalism of camp property, inappropriate language, or continuous disruption to the camp program. If a camper is responsible for damage to TinkerLab property or a third party site, the parent/guardian will be held financially responsible and serious occurrences will be reported to police. 

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