SOLE: Summer Outdoor Leadership Experience

The Summer Outdoor Leadership Experience is geared towards exactly that – the OUTDOORS! The SOLE programs are facilitated and led by professional educators and recreational specialists, trained College and University Students, as well as being assisted by our High School level Junior Staff. We are all committed to adventure education. Campers are offered the opportunity to take calculated risks and earn leadership experiences that will last a lifetime.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS FOR ALL SOLE SESSIONS MAY INCLUDE:
  • Theme Days
  • High Ropes and Challenge Course
  • Archery Practice and Games
  • Beach Initiatives and Volleyball   
  • Kayaking
  • Initiatives
  • Canoeing
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Crazy Olympics
  • Ecological Adventures
  • Hike and Canoe Tripping
  • Voyageur Canoe Races
  • Adventure Race
  • Survival Skills
  • Camp Craft
  • Hiking Trails and Environmentalism
  • Herbertisme and Group Initiatives
  • Map and Compass & GPS Training
  • Beach Activities
  • Digital Camera Course
  • Team Sports and Group Games
  • Options Periods including Tuck Shop
  • And many more opportunities that can only be found at camp...

EVENING PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS ALL SOLE SESSIONS MAY INCLUDE :

  • Night Hikes
  • Night Games
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Camp fires
  • Talent shows
  • Theme programs
  • Overnight Camping
  • Cooking over an open fire
  • Leadership sessions

SOLE would love to see your talents in actions – make sure you bring what you need for your presentation with you.

Trained and qualified staff facilitates all programs

SOLE 2008 Information

SOLE works on a tiered system and is available to national and international campers alike. There is no need to complete one level prior to participating in another. As each of our levels is stand alone, but overlaps nicely. You decide 1, 2 or 4 weeks at camp!

SOLE 1-week sessions

Level 1 (perfect for those 11 to 15 years of age) is an introduction to all things Bark Lake. This is a week long adventure including waterfront activities, ground level programs and an opportunity to climb to the new heights of up to 40 feet! This active line up is tailor made for those interested in trying new things and meeting new people. This program encompasses skill bases in environmentalism, leadership, camp craft and out-tripping. Bark Lake is a natural environmental for learning.  A one-night/two-day out trip is planned into each one week session.  For more information, please contact us directly at SOLE@barklake.com  


SOLE 2-week sessions

Level 2 is Bark Lake’s Leader in Training program (LIT). Campers (aged 13-17) will be provided with the opportunity to earn new skills and certifications or qualifications that they can apply to their future employment goals. The activities offered are the same as those for the level 1’s, but the focus is onmore detailed learning. Level 2 campers will leave Bark Lake having been introduced to the skills and knowledge necessary in working with youth and in seeking leadership roles within their local communities.

SOLE 4-week session

Level 3 our Y-FiT program and is an awesome opportunity for those aged 14-19. This Youth Facilitator in Training program focuses on the skills and experience necessary to lead others with confidence. Resume building, practice teaching and leading, risk management and trip planning are all combined with the ability to earn nationally recognized certifications and qualifications. Campers who attend the four-week session will be immersed in a total leadership training experience.  YFiT participants will have the opportunity to develop leadership and program development skills, complete Duke of Edinburgh Award components, and earn some volunteer hours for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This is an intensive program, where bonds between friends are inevitably created and strengthened over time.

Potential Certifications and Qualifications for 2008
                                                                                                Hike Ontario
            Lifesaving Society                                                                   Leader
                        Emergency and Standard First Aid                          Instructor       
                        Bronze Medallion                                                                   
                        Bronze Cross                                                   Red Cross
                        National Lifeguard Service                                        Babysitting Course

            WILD Education                                                        ORCKA
                        Project WILD                                                   Canoe – flat water (ABCD)
                                                                                                   Canoe – lake water (ABCD)
                                                                                                   Canoe – instructor level
                                                                                                   Kayak – flat water

SOLE Program

Recommended
Ages of Campers
Dates Available

Prices/
Session
1 Week SOLE

11 – 15 years of age

Coed and International Campers		 1. July 6-12, 2008
2. July 13-19, 2008
3. July 20-26, 2008
4. July 27-Aug 2, 2008		 $709 plus applicable tax

2 Week SOLE
Leader In Training

13 – 17 years of age

Coed and International Campers

1. July 6-19, 2008
2. July 13-26, 2008
3. July 20-Aug 2, 2008

 $1513 plus applicable tax

4 Week SOLE
Youth Facilitator in Training

14 – 17 years of age

Coed and International Campers		 1. July 6–Aug 2, 2008 $3120 plus applicable tax

If you are interested, please email sole@barklake.com to request our SOLE program package for more detail


Download the SOLE registration form


PARENT GUARDIANS AND CAMPERS
Most Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN AM I EXPECTED AT BARK LAKE?

  1. For Sunday “Drop OFF”:

     Campers are welcome to start arriving by 1:00 pm on the Sunday (first day).  Campers should be “signed in” and ready to start their introduction to Bark Lake by 2:30 pm.  Dinner will be the first meal provided on Sunday Drop Off Day.

  1. For Saturday “Pick UP”:

      Parents are welcome to start arriving at 9:30 am to watch the final Challenge Course session featuring your child (weather permitting).  All families are welcome to join us for a Barbeque lunch. 

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY IN THE SOLE PROGRAM?

                8:00        Breakfast
                8:30        Cabin Clean up
                9:00        Activity #1
                11:00      Morning Swim
                12:00      Lunch
                1:00        Activity #2
                3:00        Activity #3
                5:00        Tuck and Time to Relax
                5:30        Dinner
                6:30        Evening Program
                8:30        Evening Snack
                9:00        Cabin Time
                10:00      Lights Out

Note: After evening program and snack, the junior staff and YFiTS return to their cabins and spend time with the campers until 10 pm.  At this time, one staff person will supervise each unit and patrol the cabins.  Staff returns to their cabins by midnight. 

TUCK SHOP

  1. Prearranged Spending: On your camper’s drop off day (during the administration procedure) simply request a form to arrange your limit amount. As payment, we accept cash, interact, VISA or Mastercard. For other arrangements, please contact us directly.
  2. Store hours depend on daily programming and availability. It may not be open everyday with the exception of necessities. We will make arrangements if someone needs a toothbrush for example.

DO I NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN ONE SOLE SESSION BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN THE LIT OR YFiT PROGRAMS?

No, all programs are a “stand alone” program.  Each session will have similar goals and program options, but the dynamics of the campers will help create the SOLE experience.  There are no “pre-requisites” for any of our programs, only recommendations.  YFIT campers must include a cover letter and a resume with their applications.

HOW DO I CHOOSE MY QUALIFICATION/CERTIFICATION COURSES?

Please make at least three choices.  Bark Lake Leadership Centre tries to provide a well-rounded basis for certifications and qualifications each year.  We provide the certifications based on the current staff qualifications and on YFiT choices.  The certifications will be set and available in detail on the website by the end of May. 

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME MY CHILD IS AT CAMP. WILL HE/SHE BE HOMESICK?

Yes, there is a chance your child will be homesick.  Is it normal?  Yes, it is.  Start prepping your child now, letting them know how important it is to learn to be away from home.  With our basic philosophy in mind, we encourage full and immediate participation and interaction.  Within 2-3 days, the campers are fully integrated and acclimatized, mid-week they will be tired, and by the end of the week they will want to stay.  If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your child with us, please contact us directly. 

DOES MY CHILD NEED ANYTHING SPECIFIC?

After you have looked over the “To Bring List” for SOLE, you child will not need anything extra.  Although they are welcome to bring personal equipment (please ask us directly), we do supply all of the gear that they will need.  (Examples include paddle, personal flotation device, cookware and tent for out trip.)

TO BRING OR NOT TO BRING, THAT IS THE QUESTION.
(For a detailed list, please visit our website.)

  1. Please leave all electronics (yes that means MP3’s, walkmans, DVD players, stereos, clock radios, cell phones, pagers, etc) at home. 
  2. Please leave all valuables at home. 
  3. Please label all of your personal items and clothes.
  4. Please leave all food products that may contain traces of nut products at home.
  5. Please ensure your clothing choices are suitable for outdoor physical activity.
  6. Please bring a great attitude!

Welcome Rules

We are excited to welcome you to our Summer Outdoor Leadership Experience Camp. If you have any questions concerning accommodation, services, or our SOLE program, please contact us.

Smoking & Alcohol/Drugs
¨ Bark Lake does not permit underage smoking on our site
. ¨ NO alcohol or drugs permitted. If found in possession of these items you will be immediately dismissed from Bark Lake programs and sent home, at the expense of your parents/guardians, without a refund.

Arrival & Departure
¨ Arrival time is 1pm on the Sunday for the Welcome Ceremony. During the 'Welcome Ceremony', you will have a chance to meet your Bark Lake staff and other camp participants.
¨ Once greeted you and your parents will have an opportunity to participate in the welcome and get to know you activities.
¨ Departure will be at 2pm on the Saturday. Parents are welcome to come early and watch campers climb the High Ropes in the morning, weather permitting. A final farewell will take place followed by a barbeque, all are welcome.
¨ ***Note: Please inform us if you will be bringing more than two people to the barbeque. (Campers not included)

Parking/Pets - After unloading your luggage, park your car at the office in the designated parking lot.
- Please do not drive your vehicle on site after unloading.
- Pets are not permitted on site; please leave your pets at home. Thank you!

Pay Phones
- We DO NOT have cell phone reception; please leave all cell phones and pagers at home.
- Pay phones are located at the Dining Hall. Calling cards that begin with the number 1 will not work on our internal phone system. Phone cards may be purchased from the Tuck shop, or brought from home.
- Bell Payphone use is only permitted during the following times unless otherwise determined:     Before 8:00am     5:00 - 7:00pm     After 9:30pm

***Note: Parents may call and leave messages for campers on ext. 221.

Swimming
- All swimming will occur with lifeguard supervision, during scheduled swim times.
- All campers Must complete a Swim Test. Swim tests will include a 100m swim, treading water for 3 minutes and put on lifejacket in water.

Cabin Quarters
- You will be assigned to a cabin, you are responsible to maintain the cabin each day and leave it in the same condition you found it upon arrival (Scheduled cabin clean up everyday). Please be aware that in the case of deliberate damage you will be held financially responsible.
- You are ONLY permitted to visit the cabins of the same sex. We also encourage respect of your cabin mate's privacy by remaining in your own space unless invited.
- If there is any inappropriate behavior it may result in disciplinary action including termination from the program and immediate return home (at parent/guardian expense) without refund.
- Snacks are welcome in your cabin when contained in closed bags or recyclable contains due to wildlife issues, for example zip-lock. Please do not bring any snacks that contain nuts or traces of nuts.
- Please help conserve energy and water by turning off lights and faucets when not needed. We Recycle!

Fishing Policies
- Fishing procedures will be covered on your first day of camp.
- We supply all necessary equipment.
- Any campers 18 years of age must have a fishing license under provincial legislation.

Emergencies
- Emergency procedures will be covered on your first day of camp.

Medication and Health issues
- Any medication that is brought to camp must be noted with the Bark Lake Staff to ensure proper use.
- Any medication that is brought to camp must have a signed waiver sheet with instructions of medication given upon arrival to the camp session.
- Any miss use of medication will not be tolerated and will otherwise be addressed with the Program Director for further discussion and any necessary action.

We want your visit at Bark Lake to be memorable and enjoyable. Please help us by following these guidelines to help protect and conserve our site for future Leadership Camp participants.