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Frequently Asked Questions: Horizons

  1. Will my child be safe?
    Safety is our number one priority.  All of our counsellors are trained in First Aid and CPR and we make sure all of our activities are extremely safe.
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  2. Does my child have to be athletic to take part?
    Absolutely not. Participants with a wide range of physical abilities have successfully taken part in this program.
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  3. What equipment will my child need?
    We supply all the necessary gear your child will need on his/her trip. This equipment includes canoes, paddles, life jackets, First Aid equipment, etc…
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  4. How much will it cost per participant?
    $1800 CND per participant for Canadian residents. This includes the cost of airfare.

    The cost for international participants is $2500 CND - this does not include the cost of airfare.
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  5. Can I book my child’s air ticket and have the program fee reduced?
    No.  All tickets are booked centrally through the Program Manager.  The program uses a cost sharing method in order to ensure that all participants have equal opportunity and access.
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  6. What are the criteria to be eligible for a subsidy?
    We look at the family income, the number of dependants in the family.  Subsidies are based on a sliding scale, so you may receive a certain percentage of the total amount requested.  We also look at the overall subsidy amount requested by all participants to determine equitable distribution.
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  7. What does the cost of the camp include (i.e. Cost breakdown)?
    - Site fees (meals, accommodation, facilities – ground and water sports, trails)
    - Program Manager, Curriculum Directors, Program Directors and counsellors (a total of 14 staff)
    - Program supplies
    - Guest lecturer costs
    - Transportation (air & ground)
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  8. When is the deadline for participants to apply?
    - Program Deadline: May 31, 2009
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  9. How many sessions are there and how many participants will be accepted in total?
    There are two (2) sessions, and a total of 100 participants will be accepted.
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  10. What if I want my child to arrive early or stay later past camp dates?
    We are responsible for all the participants during the program date(s).  All accommodation and travel before the first and last day of the program is the sole responsibility of the parents. Any additional costs of flights extended past the program dates (i.e. above the rate is for each participant flown in on the first day of the program and flown out on the last day) are the sole responsibility of the parents.
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  11. How many participants will be accommodated in a cabin?
    There will be 4 participants to a cabin accompanied by a counsellor.
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  12. Are the dormitories co-ed?
    No.
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  13. Is it possible to request for a special menu in the case a participant is allergic to various foods?
    Yes, we can make provisions for this, but we will need to know that on the application form.
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  14. Will there be a nurse and/or doctor on site?
    Yes, we will have a staff nurse available 24 hours / day.
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  15. Will there be certified lifeguard on site?
    Yes.
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  16. Will my child need medical insurance?
    Your child is required to have his/her own medical insurance that will cover any medication purchased at the program that may be prescribed by a doctor from the local hospital.  Before any prescriptions are purchased for your child, you will be notified of your child’s situation.
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  17. Are the counsellors and directors trained?
    Our counsellors are skilled, dedicated, and caring individuals. These well-rounded individuals have camping experience and come from a variety of backgrounds: education, business, social work, camp and outdoor educational networks. Our staff is formally trained in First Aid and CPR and also has extensive camp experience within and outside our community.
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  18. Who facilitates the educational sessions and what are the topics?
    All program activities are based on the value systems that we espouse to.  Specific discussions are based around making social decisions within ethical frameworks, community living, debating matters of importance that is relevant to this age group, our history, cultural heritage, etc… Generally, faculty will lead for the first 20 min of each session.  This is followed by breakout sessions to enforce the lesson that can include outdoor activities, discussion groups, creative media, skits, plays, dance, etc.  The teaching techniques are very creative in order to inspire the participants.  The core modules are created by professional educators and scholars.
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  19. Will there be a way to contact our children while at the camp?
    We will have an onsite phone number that will be shared with you when your child is accepted.  We will also have an email address if you have any questions.  As soon as participants reach Twin Lakes, they will be able to call home.
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  20. How will the airline tickets be distributed to each participant?
    They will be sent to your local Council and you will be informed when you may pick them up. Alternatively, they may be sent by email.
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  21. When will the airline tickets be delivered?
    Usually 2 – 3 weeks ahead of the session generally via email.
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  22. What methods of payment are accepted?
    Visa, MasterCard, Cheque, Cash or Money Order. Cheques must be made payable to “Council for Canada”.
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