SOLE: Summer Outdoor Leadership Experience

For over 60 years, Bark Lake has been training the young leaders of tomorrow.  This tradition of excellence continues with the SOLE Camp Program.

SOLE (Summer Outdoor Leadership Experience)is an intensive leadership program that will build campers’ self confidence, communication skills, problem solving, trust, and outdoor recreation skills, all while having fun in a safe and positive camp environment.

Our campers have the opportunity to earn nationally recognized certifications.  More than just a summer camp, SOLE helps the young leaders of tomorrow grow and develop the skills they will need to be successful in life.

What can you expect while at SOLE?
High and Low Ropes Challenge Courses, Bouldering, Map, Compass & GPS Orienteering, Archery, Ecology Hikes, Canoeing, Kayaking, Voyageur Canoeing, Swimming, Beach Volleyball, Talent Shows, Campfires and more!

                 

Theme Challenges:  Our interactive adventures give campers the opportunity to use all of the skills and certifications they have been working on.  These intensive programs are a camp favorite!

Guest Speakers:  Birds of prey, snakes, creative leadership clinics, drum circles… Each year we choose two fabulous presentations which offer a fun and unique learning opportunity.

Out Trip:  Our 1 -3 night trips offer a chance to explore the great outdoors up close and personal.  Campers practice survival techniques, outdoor cooking, do a little stargazing… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

SOLE 2010 Information

SOLE 1-week sessions (11 – 15 years of age)
Our one-week sessions offer the fundamental camp experience – a week jam-packed with new experiences, personal challenges, amazing activities, wonderful friendships, and of course as much fun as possible! All campers will work towards their ORCKA Flatwater A (canoeing) and will also complete a Legacy Project for the Get Outdoors program. 

SOLE 2-week sessions (13 – 17 years of age)
Our two-week program combines the ultimate camp adventure with a focus on leadership development and ecological stewardship. Personal and team challenges encourage campers to test their limits in a fun, supportive and natural environment. Up to three certifications may be earned in addition to completing a Legacy Project for Get Outdoors program.

SOLE 4-week session (Youth Facilitator in Training, 14 – 17 years of age)
Designed as a two-year experience, our Youth Facilitator in Training program focuses on the skills and experience necessary to lead others with confidence. Participants learn, share, grow and teach with immediate one-on-one feedback. Up to six certifications per year may be earned. There is also the opportunity to complete parts of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as well as volunteer hours towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Certification Clinics for 2010

Bark Lake Youth Leader Scholarship

The Bark Lake Youth Leader Scholarship was created to give youth leaders the opportunity to attend the Summer Outdoor Leadership Experience (SOLE) camp program at Bark Lake.

Eligibility:
The Bark Lake Youth Leader Scholarship is awarded to a youth aged 11 to 17 who have demonstrated leadership potential.  Examples of leadership may include: student government, community service or other activities where the student has demonstrated a determination for excellence.  Past scholarship recipients are not eligible. 

Application Process:
Those wishing to be considered for the Bark Lake Youth Leader Scholarship must complete an application form and return it to the Bark Lake Leadership Centre by April 1st, 2010. 

Application forms are available from the website, by email at sole@barklake.com, or by calling 888.517.9999 x233.

Selection:
The recipient of the Bark Lake Youth Leader Scholarship will be selected by a panel of Bark Lake staff including the SOLE Coordinator and the Program Director. 

Notification:
The Scholarship recipient will be notified the second Friday in April. 

Logistics:
The scholarship does not include: transportation (to and/or from camp), equipment, supplies, or any other cost not directly associated with tuition for SOLE.

Information for Parents, Guardians and Campers

Camp Policies:

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

Smoking & Alcohol/Drugs

• Bark Lake does not permit underage smoking on our site.
• No alcohol or illegal 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 between 1:00pm and 2:30pm on Sunday.  You will have a chance to meet your Bark Lake staff and other camp participants.

• Departure time is between Noon and 2pm on the Saturday. Parents are invited to join us for our Campers & Family barbeque.
  
  ***Note: Please inform us if you will be bringing more than two people to the barbeque (Campers not included).

Parking

• Please park your car and unload your luggage at the Administration Building.
• Please do not drive your vehicle on site after unloading.

Pets

• No pets permitted on site.

Pay Phones / Email / Computers

• We have very poor cell phone reception; please leave all cell phones and pagers at home.
• Pay phones are located at the Dining Hall.
• Phone cards may be purchased from the Tuck Shop, or brought from home.
• Please leave computers at home.
• Email is a great way to keep in touch with your camper while they are at camp.  Email messages are typically delivered during lunch.  When sending emails to a camper please keep the following in mind:
• We are on a satellite internet connection, downloading large photos take a considerable piece of time
• The sole@barklake.com address is primarily a business address; emails may be read by the Program Director, SOLE Coordinator, and/or the Leadership Team
  

***Note: Parents may call and leave messages for campers on ext. 233.
***Note: Parents can email their campers at sole@barklake.com.  Campers will not be able to email back.

Swimming

• All swimming happens while under lifeguard supervision, during scheduled swim times.
• All campers will participate in a Swim Test.  The Swim Test will include a 100m swim, treading water for 3 minutes and putting on lifejacket in water. 
• Campers who do not complete the Swim Test or who do not wish to take will still be permitted participate in water activities (i.e. swim periods, canoe, kayak) but will do so under the guidance of the Waterfront Coordinator.
• Campers may re-attempt their Swim Test at the Waterfront Coordinator’s discretion

Cabins

• When you register, you will be assigned a cabin group.
• Every opportunity will be made to include your friends in your cabin.  
• Your cabin group is responsible for keeping your cabin clean.
• Please be aware that in the case of deliberate damage you will be held personally 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.
• Please help conserve energy and water by turning off lights and faucets when not needed.

Fishing Policies

• No Live Bait - the effects of using live bait can harm a fishery very quickly. Non-native organisms can be introduced to the lake through bait buckets. Fish caught with live bait are often hooked deeply and have a much lower survival rate when released.
• Catch and Release - To maintain the ecological balance within Bark Lake we practice catch and release. We encourage guests to get a good photograph and release their fish.
• Barbless Hooks - Large barbs on hooks cause excessive damage to fish that are being released. For this reason barbless hooks or hooks with barbs crimped down are encouraged.
• We supply all necessary equipment.

Emergencies

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

Medication and Health Issues

• All medication that is brought to camp must be handed into Bark Lake SOLE Staff upon arrival.  Campers may not keep any medications on them.
• All medication must be in its original container (i.e. pill bottle from pharmacy).  If a prescription, the label must have the camper’s name.
• All medication will be stored in the Bark Lake First Aid Room (under lock) and distributed as instructed
• Any misuse of medication will not be tolerated
• Any changes to the camper’s health since registration must be noted upon arrival.

***Note: Medication includes prescriptions, over the counter drugs, vitamin supplements and homeopathic remedies

Tuck Shop

• Prearranged Spending: On your camper’s drop off day simply arrange your limit amount.  We accept cash, Interac, VISA or Mastercard.
• Store hours depend on daily programming and availability, but typically will be open daily Monday thru Friday just after lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When am I expected at Bark Lake?

For Sunday “Drop Off”:
 Campers are welcome to start arriving by 1:00 pm on the Sunday (first day) of their session.  Please do not arrive early; we are still getting things ready before one o’clock.  Campers should be signed in and ready to start their SOLE Experience by 2:30 pm.  If you are going to be late, please contact us at 888.517.9999 to make arrangements.  Dinner will be the first meal provided for campers.

For Saturday “Pick Up”:
Parents are welcome to start arriving at NoonAll families are welcome to join us for a BBQ lunch.  Please advise us if you are bringing more than two family members (not including your camper)

What is an average day at camp like / What can my camper expected?

7:00am                 Wake up
8:00am                 Breakfast
8:45am                 Certification Program
                             (i.e. ORCKA, Bronze Cross, etc)
12:00pm               Lunch
1:00pm                 Reflection / Personal Projects
2:00pm                 Camp Wide Swim
3:00pm                 Section Program
                             (i.e. Canoe, high ropes, etc)
4:00pm                 Bio Break
4:15pm                 Interest Workshop
                             (i.e. Photography, Geocaching, etc)
5:30pm                 Dinner
6:30pm                 Cabin Activities
7:30pm                 Evening Program
9:30pm                 Snack
9:30pm                 Cabin Time
~10:00pm             Lights Out

Do I need to participate in a 1- or 2-week SOLE session before participating in the YFiT Program?

No, you do not need to have participated in a 1- or 2-week SOLE program before being an YFiT. 

How do I choose my certification courses?

Please make at least three choices on your registration form. Courses are subject to a minimum enrollment.

This is the first time my child will be at camp.  Will she/he be homesick?

Yes, there is a chance your child will be homesick.  Is it normal?  Yes, it is.  Start prepping your child now.  Make sure they are an active participant in selecting the camp. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your child’s needs, please contact us directly.

Does my child need to bring anything specific?

The “To Bring List” includes everything that your camper will need to be successful at SOLE.  Campers are invited to bring personal equipment if they so chose to, provide it has been approved prior to their arrival.  Please contact us at sole@barklake.com for details.  Bark Lake is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or misplaced items.

Is there anything my camper cannot / should not bring to camp?

Please leave electronics at home.  This includes stereos, DVD players, cell phones, and computers, etc   Campers may bring portable music devices (CD player, mp3, etc) to listen to at night; these items may not leave the cabin.  Bark Lake is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or misplaced items.

Please leave all valuables at home. 

Please label all of your personal items and clothes.  Every year Bark Lake finds personal items and clothes left behind.  We make every effort possible to return those with names to their owners.  Those unclaimed items are donated to local area charities.

Please do not send food as it may attract animals or pose a health issue (i.e. allergies) .