This year as we prepare to gather at Camp NeeKauNis, we celebrate the unique opportunities that Camp offers and recognize the need to identify and control the hazards that come along with camping.
Please be aware that when you attend the CYM Gathering 2024–in-person and even online–you agree to conduct yourself and ensure that those in your care who are under 18 years-old conduct themselves in accord with these Health and Safety Guidelines.
These guidelines are drawn from Canadian Yearly Meeting policy, Camp NeeKauNis policy, and policies common to past Annual Gatherings.
Canadian Yearly Meeting Policies
We abide by the Canadian Yearly Meeting (CYM) Safe Nurture of Vulnerable Persons in our Care Policy at the Annual Gathering. CYM commits itself to do everything possible to create safe environments for its activities in which all persons, including children, youth, and all vulnerable persons, are nurtured, and physical, emotional and sexual abuse is prevented. The Safe Nurture Policy is in effect at all CYM-sponsored events, including this Annual Gathering.
We abide by CYM’s Policy to Address Workplace Harassment and Discrimination, and Policy to Address Workplace Violence. These policies apply to all people in the CYM organisation: those who are employed, those who are working under contract and those working as volunteers. They are an important part of our commitment to create safe spaces where all people are treated with respect and dignity.
Data protection and privacy for this event
In order to run this event, we will add your details to our contacts database but will not share your details with anyone except where needed for the purposes of running this event (e.g., a member of Program Committee, Nominating Committee, Youth Program Coordinator or staff person). If you are already on our database, we will update our records based on the details on the registration form.
If an event is being recorded, you will be notified of this on arrival. In this case, if you do not wish your video to be captured, you will need to turn your camera off.
Taking recordings or static images of sessions is not permitted without the prior consent of the organizers and affected participants. Anyone found to be doing so without said permission will be in breach of these terms and conditions and may be blocked from accessing any further CYM sessions.
Permission to take photos during the event and use these photos on the CYM website, newsletter, or other communication channels is requested in the registration process for in-person participants.
Illness
If you fall ill with an infectious ailment just prior to arriving at Camp NeeKauNis, please do not come. If you must cancel your in-person reservation due to illness, we will refund the cost for your meals and accommodations. You are welcome to attend the Gathering online.
Wellness
There will be listeners available on-site and online for those who seek help processing events or circumstances at the Gathering.
On-site First Aid
There will be a trained first aider and a first aid station on-site.
There is 911 service at Camp NeeKauNis, and an Emergency Department in Georgian Bay General Hospital in Midland ON, a 20 minute drive from Camp.
Food Safety at the Gathering
Camp NeeKauNis has contracted with professional kitchen staff on behalf of the CYM Gathering 2024. The head cooks have food handlers certificates.
The kitchen will accommodate the following diet preferences, and only these:
- Vegetarian
- Gluten free
- Dairy free
If you have a serious food allergy, the kitchen cannot guarantee to keep you safe. Serious food allergies will need to be discussed with the kitchen team.
Camp Safety
During the Gathering, the Camp NeeKauNis Director has the duty and authority to ensure that all participants adhere to Camp’s safety protocols. In the tradition of Quakers caring for one another, participants of the Gathering are expected to work with the Camp Director and one another to help ensure the safety, health and well-being of each person in the community.
Camp NeeKauNis is subject to all applicable provincial and federal laws. Camp is governed by ONTARIO REGULATION 503/17 RECREATIONAL CAMPS and ONTARIO REGULATION 493/17 FOOD PREMISES.
Camp NeeKauNis maintains its buildings, pathways and play areas; Camp is in compliance with fire regulations, has a severe storm protocol, and remains current with health and safety issues related to wildlife, poisonous plants, and water-borne illnesses.
Camp NeeKauNis is inspected annually by the Simcoe Muskoka County District Health Unit for compliance with Health Regulations; this inspection includes kitchen, waterfront, fire safety, and water quality. Camp NeeKauNis adheres to a strict schedule of water sampling, and isolates hazardous materials. An approved Fire Safety plan is in place.
The Camp NeeKauNis drinking water system is operated and monitored in accordance with Ontario Regulation 170/03. Annual Reports on the water system are prepared in accordance with Regulation 170/03, and are available on request.
Camp NeeKauNis supplies safety gear where needed to protect hearing, sight and to prevent other physical harm.
Waterfront Safety
We abide by the Camp NeeKauNis Waterfront Policy:
- Swim only when the lifeguards are on duty, and obey the lifeguards’ instructions. This includes using the buddy system and reporting to a lifeguard when entering or leaving the water.
- Lifesaving equipment (reaching pole, throwing device, etc.) will be on the dock and will be available any time the beach is in use.
- Non-swimmers must stay where the water is shallowest. Swimmers must stay within the buoy line unless approved to enter deeper water by the lifeguard.
- Children and Youth must have adult supervision to go to the beach. Anyone going to the beach must inform the Camp Director if outside of a designated swim period.
- Diving and jumping are not permitted except from the floating dock when approved by the lifeguard. The water is shallow and rocks and zebra mussels are plentiful (water shoes recommended).
- Any accident or injury must be immediately reported to the senior lifeguard, who will take the necessary steps to deal with the situation.
Lifeguard Training and Support
- Camp employs qualified lifeguards and follows the provincial regulations for a protected beach area.
- The waterfront has access, by cell phone and walkie-talkie, to emergency services and to the Camp Director.
- A First Aid kit and AED (automated external defibrillator) are available at the waterfront when it is staffed.
