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. Can my child wear a mask during camp?

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. We recognize some families are immune-compromised or have a preference for wearing a mask to prevent community transmission of illness. If your child wears a mask please provide additional masks in a sealed baggie so staff can assist in changing your child's mask when needed throughout the day. 

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3. When should children stay home from camp?

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

• An elevated temperature over 38.0 degrees C. *Children can return to programming 24 hours after their fever has ended. 

• An Acute cold (sever green nasal discharge and/or severe coughing) *Children can return once symptoms improve. 

• An 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 or Diarrhea *Children can return 48 hours after the last episode has finished. 

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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 that are not related to Covid-19.​

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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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7. 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. 

Should your child forget their lunch a call home will be made at 10:00 am. If family cannot be reached, TinkerLab will purchase a lunch meal for your child and snacks provided. Reimbursement will be required at the end of the day. 

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8. Does camp operate during summer holidays?

During summer 2026 our camp will run on Wednesday, July 1st. Camp will not be hosted on Monday, August 3rd. Our camps are already prorated for the Civic holiday 4 day week. If your child will not be attending on Wednesday, July 1st you can register for single camp days that week however they will miss out on some camp programming (ie. we will not provide the programming offered on July 1st on a different day that week). 

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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 in the morning and we will apply sunscreen before going outside in the morning or afternoon. 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 5 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 made some big changes this year but our programming remains the same! We no longer have our small studio space so all of our camps will be hosted at Grace Anglican Church at 317 Main Street East in Milton in their annex building behind their church. Parking and drop off is located just up the ramp off Main Street. 

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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 text or email is best. Please text our camp number, 647-622-4080 or email info@tinkerlabforkids.com.  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! We have a special activity we do with children on their birthday during camp so no treats are required however we know some children (and parents!) love to celebrate! 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. 

Children cannot participate in camp, and will be denied entry, if they have an anaphylactic allergy and do not have an epi-pen at drop off. 

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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 or tablets, 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. Please note that staff are not responsible for camper items brought to camp including clothing, footwear, lunch boxes/Tupperware, water bottles, toys, trading cards, electronics, and/or sunscreen/bug spray items - please label these items so if they are forgotten we can return them at the end of camp. 

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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. Refunds will not be available should a child be withdrawn or removed from camp due to participant behaviour.  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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21. I registered for the full month of July or the full month of August but I need to change camp weeks. 

To ensure a seamless experience for all our campers and families we will not be able to change camp weeks. Families who enrolled their children for the entire month of July or August at the discounted rate are not permitted to switch individual weeks between the two months. This policy helps us maintain equitable enrolment, ensures adequate staffing and planning, and allows us to deliver the best experience to all campers. 

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