Common Questions

Yes! Staff Training events are not only a time for the staff to bond as a Christian working community, but they are a time to gain and improve upon essential skills needed for working with children in the upcoming summer. Camp Kintail currently holds three mandatory staff training events:

• Staff Orientation, which is held the first weekend in May
• Staff Training, which is held the last week of June/ first week of July
• Staff Retraining, which is held the Wednesday to Friday before the Civic Holiday Weekend

All staff members are expected to attend these events. If inflexible events coincide with these dates, it is the staff member’s responsibility to contact the Camp Kintail Director as soon as possible to make the necessary arrangements.

Our overnight or daily price per person is a set fee, there are no discounts.  We are willing to negotiate the price on activities or catering you hire us to do for you, which is in addition to the accommodation charge per person.

No, there are not bathrooms in the cabins. We believe it is more sanitary to have central bathrooms for use. There are bathrooms located on cabin hill, in Harmony House, in MacDonald Lodge and in the Feathers cottage for use during your stay. From any cabin, the longest walk to a bathroom is 1 minute.

Whether it’s making friendship bracelets to share with new friends, painting rocks, or weaving a camp favourite craft known as the God’s Eye, Camp Kintail offers a plethora of Arts and Crafts activities for campers and guests of all ages to participate in!

If you are looking for an area to express your creativity and improv our Music and Drama sessions are perfect for you! From learning musical instruments such as a ukulele, learning fun dances, battling for championship in Name That Tune or dressing up in fun costumes we have a variety of creative outlets with our programming for those creative souls and drama divas!

Camp Kintail is a Presbyterian Church Camp. We recognize that faith-based activities and curriculum are not a part of all school trips – and that’s completely fine! It will not be included as part of your school trip programming unless requested by you.

Not only can you, we ENCOURAGE you too! Everybody loves receiving mail through the Kintail Post. Family and friends are welcome to leave letters, postcards, or packages with the Kintail Post on opening day. Everyday throughout the week we do Mail Call where campers receive their mail (after singing a fun song with other staff and friends!). If there is a specific day you would like your camper to receive mail just write it on the envelope and our talented team will sort it accordingly!

Yes, we have informal parking spots for RV’s & Trailers around our main dining hall MacDonald Lodge with the option to plug into household 110V electrical circuits (bring your own extension cords please). There is potable water available from an outdoor tap on the back of MacDonald Lodge. There are no sewage hookups available.

Yes, if renting either MacDonald Lodge, Harmony House or Feathers, you can use any of these 3 kitchens to prepare your food.

The Camp Kintail store will be open during your visit. Students can bring money and pick up some gear while visiting, or if you would like to add on an additional $20 per student each child can pick out a hat or a t-shirt to take home. Other available Kintail gear includes hoodies, scarves, bags, stickers, and more!

Try out our 18 hole Disc Golf course that brings you all across the site! From open fields, over creeks, or in the woods, there’s lots of fun tricks to learn! Disc Golf is similar to golf, but is played with special frisbees known as discs instead of clubs and golf balls. Play for fun or grab a score card and see who wins!

Gaga ball is a fantastic variation of dodgeball that is popular for all ages! It is a fast paced game played in a confined space. Players hit a soft ball with their hands, trying to hit their opponent from the knee down. If you get hit you’re out – but don’t worry a new game will start shortly!

We have 3 large playing fields that are great for sports like football, soccer, and ultimate frisbee! There is also a basketball court outside MacDonald Lodge are various nets set up across site that are perfect for volleyball or badminton! We have a variety of equipment for sports from baseball to croquet there is plenty to keep you busy!

We have reviewed the OPHEA guidelines for all high risk activities, and we exceed all the requirements. All of our staff have professional training, and we use certified safety equipment that the staff will instruct the students on how to use. There are first aid kits at all activities, and an AED on site. Our staff have professional short range radios for communication around the campsite.

Yes, all Camp Kintail staff have to successfully complete a Criminal Record Check as part of their condition of employment with us. We also staff obtain two written references annually.

Definitely not! In no way do we require campers to any age to be Presbyterian. Children will participate in daily Chapel and FLASH (Faith Learning and SHaring). These Bible studies are based round the philosophies of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Each camper is free to hold their own opinions during this time; it is up to each individual to explore their own faith at their own pace.

We have a selection of prepared environmental education activities, linked to the Ontario curriculum.  For more information please check out the Curriculum Links page.

Outdoor Living Skills (OLS) is a great learning opportunity for groups interested in wilderness! Ever wondered how to tie the perfect knot, what is safe to eat in a forest, or how to build the perfect fire? OLS at Camp Kintail can provide answers to all of the questions all while teaching you outdoor skills! These skills are useful whether you are camping in your backyard or heading out to a trip in Algonquin Park!

Camp Kintail has a large garden where we grow produce to serve with our meals and salad bar. From pumpkins and squash, to carrot and beans, our garden has it all! There is always plentiful amounts of produce we harvest in the fall season to freeze and use throughout the year. Along with delicious food, we also use the garden as a teaching and learning opportunity. Participants have the opportunity to learn about growing plants, sustaining a healthy garden, and environment sustainability.

Our nature sessions are a great way to take in the beautiful surrounding of Camp Kintail. Whether it is learning about climate change, bunnies and chickens, or on a scavenger hunt for various plants and critters, we offer exciting programming for any outdoor enthusiast!

Camp Kintail has an extensive challenge course, offering a variety of fun climbs for participants to take part in. We have a three sided Rock Wall, various traversing High Ropes Elements, and an Adventure Tower offering various team climbs on the four sides. To finish our fantastic course we also have a Zip Line! We emphasize challenge by choice – go and high as you want to go, even if it us just one set up the Rock Wall, and our trained staff are excited to cheer you on!

At Camp Kintail we believe that EVERYONE should have the chance to experience all the activities we offer. At our High Challenge Course we have an accessibility package with specialized equipment to allow for anyone with any ability to be able to access and participate in the various elements on the course.

Each year our trained and experienced staff members are signed off on their safety procedures and belaying. This allows for the staff to guide campers through the safety procedures and teach them proper climbing techniques. Before each climb staff check to ensure all ropes and equipment are correct before encouraging the camper to climb!

*Rock Wall and Adventure Tower are available for campers aged 7 and above. High ropes is available for those campers grade 4 and above.

An invoice will be emailed to you after you have visited the camp based on the actual number of attendees. Then your school can mail a cheque to the camp or send an electronic funds transfer. We can provide an invoice or quote prior to your visit at your request if necessary.

This scholarship was created by the Camp Kintail Board to encourage excellence and celebrate personal development amongst staff members, and recognize their significant contribution to our Christian camping ministry.

Click here to download the 2017 Reach Higher Staff Scholarship form.

During our staff training all staff are taught that being home sick is not a sickness, but is a normal natural thing to miss your family and home when being away at camp. Our staff work towards creating a great experience for all so they get to know all their campers and their interests, making each day fun, exciting and comfortable!

You can help by beginning to talk about camp early and what it looks like. It is also important to remind them that no matter where they are, they are loved and part of the family!

We charge a fee for our staff to provide programming for your group.  The fee is negotiable based on how many participants you will have in your groups and how many activities you would like to offer.

When applying for a programme staff position, applications forms are still found on the website in the beginning of November. There are still the same two different applications for Kintail staff:  One specific to applicants who have never worked at Camp Kintail before, and one specific to returning staff. However, programme staff applications are due to the Camp Kintail winter office by the BEGINNING of January.

All applicants will be contacted with a specific appointment time for their programme staff interview, held in the end of January. Programme staff interviews are held individually, and are a chance for you to tell the interviewers about your leadership experience and your plans for the upcoming summer.

Within two weeks after programme staff interviews, the applicants will be informed if they were successful in the application process.

The application for counseling and support (kitchen/maintenance) staff can be found on the website at the beginning of November for the following summer. There are two different applications for Kintail staff: One specific to applicants who have never worked at Camp Kintail before, and one specific to returning staff.  Both types of applications must be received by the Camp Kintail winter office on the dates indicated.

All applicants are then expected to participate in a mandatory staff interview day, usually held in the middle of February.  Here, applicants will have to opportunity to show off their leadership skills and fun-loving nature in a group setting, as well as have an individual interview at some point during the day.

Within two weeks after staff interviews, the applicants will be informed if they we successful in the application process.

We can serve family style to the tables or buffet style for any group.  We recommend buffet style for groups under 80-100 people, and family style for groups over 80-100 people.  Meals can be served plated to tables, but there is an additional cost for this service.

It is your choice how many staff/volunteers you would like to bring. Camp Kintail will provide a dedicated staff member to travel around the site with your group all day, and staff to facilitate activities. This enables teachers to drift from group to group and enjoy their day at camp!

Teaching staff and volunteers are free to attend a day trip. For day trips with a catered lunch teachers and volunteers will pay the price of the lunch only. Teachers and volunteers are half the price of a student for overnight trips. There is complimentary coffee and tea all day for teachers and volunteers, we recommend bringing a travel mug with you.

The rate of pay for a Camp Kintail staff member is dependent on a variety of factors.  First, as a staff members’ years of camp staff experience increase (either at Kintail or otherwise) their rate of pay will increase.  As well, staff members with specific qualifications that are beneficial to Camp Kintail programming, such as swimming (NLS, Bronze Cross) or Canoeing Instructors (ORCKA) will be rewarded with a high rate of pay.

For more information on staff wages, please contact the Camp Kintail office.

Regular visits and approval by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Huron County Health Unit confirm that our kitchen, washrooms, sleeping areas, and site meet the Provincial regulations. The Ministry of Environment monitors our drinking water which is tested daily, as well as monitors our septic systems that are tested and inspected 3 times each year.

At the Camp Kintail waterfront safety is always a priority. The Waterfront Directors have current National Lifesaving Society (NLS) certifications and current Standard First-Aid/CPR-C certifications. They ensure that our beach meets all of the OPHEA Guidelines and Lifesaving Society’s regulations for a safe swim zone. Waterfront Directors provide training for our guard staff specific to the Kintail beach. The Watercraft Directors are in charge of our canoeing and kayaking program, and are qualified by the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association.

Campers wear properly fitted lifejackets during watercraft sessions with canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards. Each boat is equipped with a rescue kit in case of emergency. Our swimming area is both sandy and shallow, no one will be swimming in an area they cannot touch the ground.

Swimming happens every day in the afternoon (as weather permits!) so there is lots of time to swim, soak up the sun, and build a huge sandcastle!

We have a state of the art water treatment system that includes chlorination. Our water is tested daily and we have several “Small Drinking Water Systems Operators” on staff to meet with all Ontario water legislation. Our water testing is monitored by an outside company Veolia, who are responsible for other systems along Lake Huron and the Town of Goderich.

At the Camp Kintail waterfront safety is always a priority. The Waterfront Directors have current National Lifesaving Society (NLS) certifications and current Standard First-Aid/CPR-C certifications. They ensure that our beach meets all of the OPHEA Guidelines and Lifesaving Society’s regulations for a safe swim zone. Waterfront Directors provide training for our guard staff specific to the Kintail beach. The Watercraft Directors are in charge of our canoeing and kayaking program, and are qualified by the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association.

Students wear properly fitted lifejackets during watercraft sessions with canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards. Each boat is equipped with a rescue kit in case of emergency. Our swimming area is both sandy and shallow, no one will be swimming in an area they cannot touch the ground.

We are a nut aware facility. We do our best to keep nuts and products that may contain nuts off of our site but we cannot guarantee that our site is 100% nut free, as sometimes students or guests bring nut products. When this happens, our staff will ask that the item be put back into their bag or into the garbage. If it was opened, the person will be asked to wash their hands. We never prepare anything with nuts.

We are a nut aware facility. We do our best to keep nuts and products that may contain nuts off of our site but we cannot guarantee that our site is 100% nut free, as sometimes students or guests bring nut products. When this happens, our staff will ask that the item be put back into their bag or into the garbage. If it was opened, the person will be asked to wash their hands. We never prepare anything with nuts.

Yes, guests whom have had tours have told us how useful it is to see all the buildings & facilities.  We are always told the site & buildings is more beautiful than the pictures allow for, and only a tour allows someone to feel the clean air from Lake Huron refresh you as you gaze on the stunning beach.

Camp Kintail has a commercial boiler system that was updated 2 years ago.  It is impossible for your group to run out of hot water in MacDonald Lodge.

Definitely.  Our chef prepares our food in our commercial kitchen using the best ingredients available.  For example, all of our cheese comes from a local farmer owned co-op Pine River Cheese, that is renowned for excellent quality cheese.  We never use cheese powders or processed cheeses.

Camp Kintail is accessible to all visitors. All buildings, cabins, and activities are wheelchair accessible and all of our staff have received accessibility training. We also have adaptive equipment to allow most participants to use the high ropes course and rock wall. If you have questions or would like to discuss the accessibility needs of your camper(s), please call us at 519 529 7317.

Camp Kintail is accessible to all visitors. All buildings, cabins, and activities are wheelchair accessible and all of our staff have received accessibility training. We also have adaptive equipment to allow most participants to use the high ropes course and rock wall. If you have questions or would like to discuss the accessibility needs of your student(s), please contact Shelagh.

Situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron, Camp Kintail is fortunate to have a beautiful stretch of beachfront property. We mark our swimming area each year with buoy lines. Waterfront is always supervised by our qualified lifeguards to ensure the safety of all while campers and guests soak up the sun! We also have a variety of sand toys for all to enjoy – will you built the tallest sandcastle?

At Camp Kintail we offer a variety of Waterfront activities including kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.  Our staff teach participants paddling skills before sending them out onto the lake. If the waves are too high for watercraft, body surfing is a popular activity!

We take special care to ensure that all visitors with food allergies or dietary restrictions are well fed. Our kitchen staff work hard to provide quality alternatives for these campers. If your camper has a very specific or difficult to manage dietary concern, please contact us prior to their stay. If parents would prefer to send their camper with their own alternatives the kitchen staff are happy to prepare it for them at meal times.

Not every meal is for everyone, and at Camp Kintail we understand that! Fruit, bread, jam and soy- butter, a tasty peanut butter alternative, are offered as an alternative at every meal that is catered by Camp Kintail. A Camp Kintail staff member is seated at every table and they will ensure that your camper is satisfied with their meals!

We take special care to ensure that all visitors with food allergies or dietary restrictions are well fed. Our kitchen staff work hard to provide quality alternatives for these students. If your student has a very specific or difficult to manage dietary concern, please contact us prior to their trip. If parents would prefer to send your student with their own alternatives the kitchen staff are happy to prepare it for them at meal times. What if a student is just a picky eater?

Not every meal is for everyone, and at Camp Kintail we understand that! Fruit, bread, jam and soy- butter, a tasty peanut butter alternative, are offered as an alternative at every meal that is catered by Camp Kintail. A Camp Kintail staff member is seated at every table and they will ensure that your student is satisfied with their meals!

What are the benefits?! What AREN’T the benefits!!!  Being Camp Kintail Staff provides people with a close and accepting community full of Christians from all over Southwestern Ontario and beyond. Often staff members say that there is something different about the friends made at Camp Kintail; that they feel a special closeness with them, creating friendships that will last a lifetime!

As well as amazing friends, Camp Kintail will look OUTSTANDING on a resume, no matter what you’re applying for! For any position involving children and youth, being a Camp Kintail Staff provides training and experience in working with children as well as youth programming and lesson delivery. If a future working with kids is not for you, that’s okay too! Kintail still provides an excellent opportunity to learn leadership and responsibility in an outdoor setting, while having fun! No matter what your future holds, Kintail staff will help you to gain skills you can use!

And finally, one of the biggest benefits to working as Camp Kintail Staff is the fun and the memories you’ll have each summer you’re here! Camp is a unique opportunity to make some money, grow in faith and have a blast! The memories that you make at camp, whether you work here one year or ten years, are memories that will stay with you forever!

Camp Kintail is proud to have, in our opinion, some of the best camp staff around. The vast majority of our staff were Kintail campers themselves and completed our month-long Leading-in-Training program. All staff go through an extensive interview process complete with reference and criminal reference checks. Additionally, all staff take part in a 9-day training program that includes safety training, teamwork facilitation training, leadership training, and how to support campers to have a positive experience. All Camp Kintail staff are trained in Standard First Aid and CPR.

Waterfront staff hold National Lifeguarding Society certifications, and are supported by Bronze Cross certified staff. All staff are trained to belay at the High Ropes/Rock Wall course, and Zip Line staff receive special, specific training yearly. All training courses are taught by professionals with instructional certifications in each area.

Camp Kintail is proud to have, in our opinion, some of the best camp staff around. The vast majority of our staff were Kintail campers themselves and completed our month-long Leading-in-Training program. All staff go through an extensive interview process complete with reference and criminal reference checks. Additionally, all staff take part in a 9-day training program that includes safety training, teamwork facilitation training, leadership training, and how to support campers to have a positive experience. All Camp Kintail staff are trained in Standard First Aid and CPR.

Waterfront staff hold National Lifeguarding Society certifications, and are supported by Bronze Cross certified staff. All staff are trained to belay at the High Ropes/Rock Wall course, and Zip Line staff receive special, specific training yearly. All training courses are taught by professionals with instructional certifications in each area.

We cannot guarantee sunshine; however, we are rarely rained out at Camp Kintail. If it is a light rain or drizzle, we usually continue with the program as planned. If it is raining heavily, we have indoor spaces for alternative activities. Please send your students to camp with weather appropriate gear.

The ages printed online and in our brochure are the ages we expect campers will be at the end of the year. If your camper is turning eight in the summer, then they should definitely come to a camp for eight-year-olds! However, if you think they would do better with seven-year-olds, do not hesitate to send them to a camp with that age! If your camper is twelve, but you feel they are better suited for a camp with eleven-year-olds then that it probably the right camp for them! At Kintail we trust your instincts as parent about which camp is most appropriate for your camper.

Our cabins are sorted by age, so they will be with other campers who are in a similar age range to them. If you are considering sending your camper to camp that is above or below the age range they fall into, please give us a call at 519 529 7317 and we can help you navigate these choices on the online registration system.

Don’t worry; we won’t let a child go hungry. We can always come up with a healthy lunch for the inevitable times when a student forgets their packed lunch.

We have $5,000,000 liability insurance, and a comprehensive package that goes with it. A certificate of proof of insurance will be emailed to you in the confirmation package.

Camp Kintail has an excellent reputation for our catering, and we work hard to keep it that way. The menu can be customized by you, and every meal includes unlimited coffee, tea, juice & fresh fruit. There is always lots of fresh, hot food. A salad buffet is available as an option.

All Camp Kintail staff members need to be turning seventeen during 2013. It is highly recommended that staff members have completed a leadership training course either at Camp Kintail or at another setting to ensure that they are equipped to work with Kintail campers.

All staff members MUST have a current Standard First Aid/CPR-C certification as well as a police check no older than one year by the time they come to Staff Training. If either of these requirements are not met by the time campers arrive, that staff member will not be permitted to work with campers.

When applying to programme staff, additional qualifications are required for particular positions. Please contact the camp office for job descriptions.

And last, but CERTAINLY not least, all Camp Kintail Staff members must be fun leaders in outdoor ministry, love working with children, and show a genuine faith in God!

Our food will be amazing! For school groups that choose to have Camp Kintail cater their meals, our kitchen staff ensures that students are offered all the daily requirements in Canada’s Daily Food Guide. We work hard to ensure our quality food is hot, tasty, and that there is enough for everyone to have seconds. Camp Kintail does not serve juice crystals, only real juice. There is a full salad bar at every lunch and dinner and any special diet restrictions or requests can be accommodated.

We will give you a tour any time of the year, just contact Camp Kintail and let us know when you would like to come.  You should allow an hour for a general tour of the site,  buildings & activities.

Our spacious Cabins sleep 8-12 guests in full sized single/single bunk beds. There are 20 cabins with electricity and heat that are insulated and are fully accessible. All cabins have front and back doors with decks, a picnic table, vinyl covered mattresses, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Campers staying in cabins use the shared washroom facilities at the Cabin Hill Washrooms, MacDonald Lodge, The Nest or Harmony House.

Yurts are a unique overnight accommodation offered at Camp Kintail. There are 4 Yurts in total, one on Cabin Hill and three placed in the woods in the Glen. All yurts are insulated, have electricity, 5 full sized single/single bunk beds, 4 windows and a rustic skylight that opens with a vent. Campers staying in yurts use the shared washroom facilities at the Cabin Hill Washrooms, MacDonald Lodge, The Nest or Harmony House.

Camp Kintail’s spectacular staff will lead all of the activities and games throughout your visit. They are experienced, enthusiastic and passionate about working with children and youth of all ages. To get the most out of your trip, we encourage teachers and volunteers to participate in games and activities throughout their visit.

There might be other school groups at Camp Kintail during your visit. We do our best to keep the programs separate. In fact, some schools don’t even realize that another group was on the site until the end of the day.

Yes! Camp Kintail offers high-speed WiFi access in all main building and throughout the site.