General Information and Camp Handbook

General Information

Before July 4 and after September 1, call our Contact Centre:

During the camp season call the Camp Office:

How to Register

All camp registrations are processed through the AGO CampBrain site.
Click HERE OR on the “Register Now” button on any camp webpage to sign up for Camp!

Please note: All camp waivers and forms, including camper medical information, must be completed in CampBrain before you are able to complete registration.

Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in the camper’s removal from camps.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the AGO Contact Centre at 416-979-6608 or [email protected]

Age Policy
AGO Art Camp is for campers ages 5-13.
**Children must be the correct age for their registered camp on the start date of that camp. Proof of age may be required, before or during camp sessions.

Waitlist
AGO Art Camps are in high demand! If your camp is full at the time of registration you will have the option to join the waitlist online. If a spot becomes available for your waitlisted camp, you will receive an email and you must respond and confirm your spot within 24 hours. Once you have sent confirmation, we will officially enroll you in the camp and you must complete the registration and payment through the AGO's CampBrain portal.

Due to the popularity of AGO Summer Camps, the spot will move to the next person on the waitlist if we do not hear from you within 24 hours of contacting you. Please note, you will only be contacted if there is an available spot.

Camper Absences or Late Arrival

If your camper is arriving late, unwell or not attending camp for any reason, please call the Camp Office at 416-979-6660 ext. 6368 to notify a camp staff member or leave a message to let us know.

Location and How To Get Here

The AGO Art Camp is located at the Art Gallery of Ontario in the Weston Family Learning Centre at 317 Dundas Street West.

View for more info on how to get to the AGO.

First Day of Camp Arrival

8am - Only campers registered for our Extended Care program.

8:30-9am - All campers.

Please go to the EAST END of the building on McCaul Street just south of Dundas Street West where our visitor services and camp teams will check in your camper(s). Look for camp signage and our staff who will direct you towards camp check in located down the stairs under the covered area (ramp entrance also available).

If you arrive past 9am and do not see our staff on McCaul Street, please enter through the main entrance on Dundas Street West and go to the Camp Office downstairs on the concourse level. Ask the information desk staff for assistance if needed.

If driving, we suggest you use paid parking on the first day of camp. Please be patient and plan to build in extra time for the first day of camp check in.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Morning Drop-Off

EAST end of building, on McCaul Street. Look for AGO staff on McCaul Street for sign in.

8am - Only campers registered for Extended Care (register early, extended care spaces are limited).

8:30-9am - All campers.

If you arrive after 9am and do not see AGO Camp staff on McCaul Street, please enter through the main entrance on Dundas Street West and go to the Camp Office downstairs on the concourse level. Ask the information desk staff for assistance if needed.

Afternoon Pick-Up

WEST end of building, on Dundas Street West. Adults authorized for pick up must enter the AGO and pick up campers down in the Weston Family Learning Centre via stairs or elevator. The only exception is campers authorized to leave on own at 4pm (option for campers aged 11 and up).

Mondays - use main entrance on Dundas Street West.

Tuesday to Friday - use the main entrance, or group entrance, on Dundas Street West.

4 pm - Pick-Up for all campers.

4-5:30pm - Only campers registered for extended care (register early, extended care spaces are limited).

*BRING VALID PHOTO ID: Campers will only be released to a designated Parent/Guardian or other authorized adult as specified at registration. All authorized pick-up persons must show valid photo ID everyday (without exception). This is for the safety of all of our campers.

Extended Care

Extended Care is a pre-registered paid camp option that includes Pre-Care and After-Care.
Please call 416 979 6608 to inquire or register. Space is limited.

Pre-Care Morning Drop-Off 8am-8:30am. EAST end of building, on McCaul Street.

After-Care Afternoon Pick-Up 4-5:30pm. WEST end of building, use the entrance on Dundas Street. Go downstairs and pick-up from the Hands-On Centre.

*LATE FEES: A late fee of $25 will be charged for campers who are picked up 5:35pm and later.

View Extended Care Fees

Parking and Temporary Stopping

Paid Parking Options

•PAID street parking: Beverley Street (south of Dundas Street West, west side) or Beverley Street (north of Dundas Street West, east and west side)
•PAID Underground Parking Lot at The Grange - east side of McCaul Street, south of Dundas Street West

Temporary Stopping Using AGO Parking Placard* (5-10 minutes MAX)

Morning Drop-Off

McCaul Street: west side adjacent to the AGO from Day 2 of camp onwards, “Kiss and Ride” is in effect on McCaul Street in front of the staff entrance. Campers are greeted and signed in by AGO Camp staff. Please ensure the camper has been officially signed into camp and has entered the building before leaving. The “Kiss and Ride” ends promptly at 9 am. If you arrive after 9am and do not see our camp staff on McCaul Street, please enter through the main entrance on Dundas Street West and go to the Camp Office downstairs on the concourse level. Ask the information desk staff for assistance if needed.

Afternoon Pick-Up

Preferred Location: South side of Dundas Street West (from the center to east end of the building) - marked as AGO Passenger and Bus Loading Zone.
Alternate Location: South side of Dundas Street West (towards the west end of the building) - marked as AGO No Standing Zone.

DO NOT STOP OR PARK in these Rush Hour Routes, fines are currently $150:
7:30am-9:30am no parking/stopping on the South Side of Dundas Street West
3:30pm-6:30pm no parking/stopping on the North side of Dundas Street West

If you are ticketed between 8-9am or 4-5:30pm using your AGO Parking Placard in the approved Temporary Stopping designated areas only, please contact the Camp Director, Tiana Roebuck at [email protected] immediately and we will do our best to have the ticket canceled. Again, all drivers must adhere to City of Toronto parking regulations and are subject to fines for parking in non-designated areas. We cannot have tickets waived under these circumstances.

* You will receive your AGO Parking Placard via email before the start of camp. We also have them available on the first day of camp during check-in.

Sign-In & Sign-Out

At the beginning and end of the day, campers are required to sign in with Camp Staff for attendance purposes. The camp day ends at 4pm. If your child is allowed to leave on their own, please remind them that they still need to follow this procedure and they can only sign themselves out at 4pm. If you are picking up your child, please do not leave without ensuring that they have been fully signed out with the camp staff.

**LATE FEES: A late fee of $25 will be charged for campers who are picked up at 4:20pm or later and not enrolled in Extended care.

Daily Camp Schedule

Monday - Thursday

8:00 – 8:30 am, Pre-Care Drop-Off for campers registered in Extended Care, at staff entrance on McCaul Street.

8:30 – 9:00 am, All Camper Drop-Off at staff entrance on McCaul Street.

9:00 – 10:00 am, Morning Recreation Period – Campers participate in activities with their Counsellors

10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Morning Studio Time – Artmaking with the Instructors.

12:00-1:00 pm, Lunch – All groups have lunch in Grange Park together (weather permitting). After eating, campers play games outside, read or relax.

1:00-3:00 pm, Afternoon Studio Time - Artmaking with the Instructors.

3:00 – 3:50 pm, Afternoon Recreation Period– Campers participate in activities with their Counsellors.

3:50 pm, All groups return to the Education Commons area in the Weston Family Learning Centre for Pick-Up.

4:00 pm sharp, Camper Pick-Up downstairs in the Education Commons in the Weston Family Learning Centre – Don’t forget your photo ID!

4:00 – 5:30 pm, After-Care Pick-Up downstairs in the Hands-On Centre in the Weston Family Learning Centre – Don’t forget your photo ID!

Friday Exhibition

On the final Friday afternoon of each session, campers put on an awesome exhibition of their artwork! Parents, caregivers, friends and family are invited to the AGO from 3:30 to 4 pm to see the display. Head downstairs to the Weston Family Learning Centre and follow the signs to your camper’s group location. Please make sure to bring a box or bag so you can easily carry home your child’s art.

Lunch

All campers need to bring a daily packed lunch including snacks and drinks.
All food items must be PEANUT/NUT/SESAME FREE.
Campers will have access to tap water to refill reusable bottles throughout the day.

**While we cannot guarantee a nut/sesame-free camp, as we share public spaces on a daily basis, we make every effort to provide the safest possible environment for all our campers. Some of our campers have life threatening food allergies. Please assist us by ensuring your child’s lunch is entirely peanut/nut/sesame-free and that campers do not bring food to share with others. If campers bring food with peanuts, nuts or sesame, the camp staff will remove the lunch and return it at the end of the day. Sesame can be found in many food items such as packaged seaweed snacks, breads and humus. A parent/guardian will be contacted to provide an alternative lunch.

Please note: there are no refrigerators or microwaves available for campers and campers are not allowed to go off-site to purchase lunch. If you wish to take your child out for lunch, special arrangements must be made in advance by contacting the Camp Office 416-979-6660 x 6368.

Special Days

Thursday Theme Days

Every Thursday campers participate in theme day with camp-wide artmaking and activities for all age groups. Details about specific theme days will be included in your first day of camp newsletter provided at check-in. Dress up and join the fun!

Friday Exhibition

On the final Friday afternoon of each session, campers put on an awesome exhibition of their artwork! Parents, caregivers, friends and family are invited to the AGO from 3:30 to 4 pm to see the display. Head downstairs to the Weston Family Learning Centre and follow the signs to your campers group location. Please make sure to bring a box or bag so you can easily carry home your child’s art.

What To Bring and Wear

1. A PEANUT/NUT/SESAME FREE lunch and snacks. While we cannot guarantee a nut-free camp, as we share public spaces on a daily basis, we make every effort to provide the safest possible environment for all our campers. Please assist us by ensuring your child’s lunch and snacks are entirely peanut/nut/sesame-free and that campers do not bring food to share with others.

2. HAT & SUNSCREEN. Sunscreen should be applied in the morning before camp. Please send additional sunscreen and our camp staff will remind campers to reapply before going outside. Please note the camp does not provide sunscreen for campers, nor can staff physically assist in application of sunscreen (with the exception of our youngest campers or campers who identify during the registration process as needing additional support).

3. WATER in a refillable water bottle – labeled with the camper's name.

4. WEATHER & ACTIVITY APPROPRIATE CLOTHES. Please send your camper with clothing that is weather appropriate for that day (ie. cool and rainy, hot and sunny etc...) and note that even on very hot days you can expect it to be cool indoors in the studio and in the galleries. Please wear clothing that can get dirty while making art (keep your fanciest and favourite clothes at home). Packing layers or sending a light change of clothing for younger campers is always helpful.

5. CLOSED-TOE SHOES for the art studio. Please do not send campers in open-toe shoes like flip flops or crocs as they are not safe in the studio environment.

**We are not responsible for any lost, stolen or missing items and we strongly recommend your child not bring valuables to camp including items such as cell phones, money, electronic games, personal listening devices, or toys.

Cell Phone & Electronics Policy

We encourage you and your camper/s to think of camp as a time to unplug from electronic devices. We are not responsible for loss or damage to any phones, electronic devices or any other valuables brought to camp. If we see these devices at camp, we will ask campers to put them away. Campers carrying cell phones to connect with parents after camp will be expected to keep the phone off and in their bag or backpack during the day. Campers will not be allowed to use these items during camp, unless with staff permission. If you need to get a message to your child while they are at camp, please call the camp office at 416 979 6660 ext. 6368 and we will be happy to relay the message.

Lost & Found

Lost & Found is located in the camp office. At the end of each session, unclaimed items are tagged and handed over to the main AGO lost and found, located at the Coat Check in the Main Entrance lobby. Any campers from previous sessions that are looking for lost items should call the AGO main line to inquire 416-979-6648.

Health & Safety

Medical Information

Medical information is completed online at the time of registration. Any medical information received will be kept confidential, pertinent information shared only with camp staff to provide the greatest level of comfort and security for all campers. Parents/caregivers may be contacted by camp staff if clarification is required; the more information we have, the better we are able to meet a camper’s needs.

If your campers medical information changes closer to the start of camp, please contact us to provide an update.
Before July 4 and after September 1, call our Contact Centre: 416-979-6608, [email protected]
During the camp season call the Camp Office:416-979-6660 x 6368, [email protected]

Medication

All medication taken while at camp must be indicated on medical forms, stored in the camp office (except for EpiPens and inhalers) and self-administered by campers under AGO staff supervision. Camp staff DOES NOT administer any medication to campers. If campers cannot self-administer you must make arrangements to drop by at lunch or an appropriate time to administer medication. Please connect with the camp staff during the first day check-in to hand over any required medications to be stored in the camp office.

EpiPens

If your child requires an EpiPen while at camp, you must indicate this in the Medical Form completed during registration. We require that all EpiPens be carried on the campers body at all times, in either a fanny-pack or other small bag. A backpack is not adequate as it cannot be taken everywhere within the gallery. Please remind the AGO staff at first day check in of all pertinent information. In the event of an allergic reaction, standard emergency procedures will apply and 911 will be contacted. Protection Services Officers, Counsellors and core Camp Staff are First Aid certified. Campers who arrive without their EpiPen will be unable to participate in camp activities and Parents/caregivers will be asked to immediately pick-up their child or drop-off their EpiPen.

Injuries & Sick Campers

All AGO Camp Counsellors and core staff are trained and certified in first responder first aid. The Protection Services Department is also called upon to deal with all first aid and emergency issues beyond simple cuts and scrapes. If your child is sick at camp, we will do everything we can to attend to them and they will be supervised in our office/first aid room. While at camp, campers should be well enough to participate in all regular active camp programming. If your child has a fever, rash, has vomited or has diarrhea, you will be contacted to pick up your camper. Please do not send campers to camp if they have, or may have, any of the following: COVID-19, Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis), Strep Throat, Chicken Pox (Varicella), Lice, Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum), or Hand-Foot and Mouth Disease. Campers suspected to have any of the above will be asked to be picked up. To prevent the spread of viruses, hand washing will be mandatory before and after studio and lunch time. Campers with lice and/or nits can attend camp 24 hours after treatment. If you have any questions, please consult your healthcare provider or call Telehealth Ontario TTY: 1-866-797-0007.

COVID -19 PROTOCOL

The AGO is following all COVID-19 guidelines as outlined by the municipal and provincial health units. Campers, parents/guardians should be aware of these guidelines and understand that the AGO reserves the right to change our COVID-19 health and safety guidelines as needed.

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to pre-screen their children daily prior to arrival at the AGO using the Ministry of Health COVID-19 screening tool found HERE. Campers who do not pass the screening process should not attend camp. Please follow the isolation guidelines and other requirements before returning to camp.

Campers are strongly encouraged to wear masks, although they are not required.

Please make note of any documented pre-existing conditions you/your child may have that display similar symptoms to COVID-19 and share during the registration process or by calling the AGO Contact Centre at 416-979-6608. Additional precautions may need to be applied in order to accommodate.

Supervision & Group Size

Our staff bring a combination of art expertise and extensive experience working with children to create a safe, active, and fun environment at AGO Art Camp. All camp staff have Vulnerable Sector Screening Checks and all counsellors, senior camp staff, and AGO Protection Service Officers are First Aid CPR-C and AED Certification.

Maximum group size based on age:

10 camper maximum for 5 year olds
12 camper maximum for ages 6-7
15 camper maximum for ages 8-13.

Our staff to camper ratios are as follows:

1:6 For 5 year olds
1:8 For campers age 6-7
1:10 For campers 8-13

For a successful camp experience, all campers attending AGO Art Camp should be comfortable with this level of supervision.

One-to-One Support

The AGO Art Camp does not provide one-to-one support staff for campers. We do welcome campers who will be attending with a support person. Please note this during the registration process, and have proof of Vulnerable Sector Screening on hand. If you have questions about sending your child to camp with a one-to-one support worker, please contact us for more information.

Accessibility

The AGO is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible destination. We embrace the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity to serve our campers, visitors, staff and volunteers, and our community at large. Read more about our Commitment to Accessibility.

One-to-One Support

The AGO welcomes campers who will be attending with one-to-one support provided and paid for by the family. At this time, the AGO Art Camp does not provide one-to-one support staff for campers. If your camper will be attending with one-to-One support, please note this during the registration process, and have proof of Vulnerable Sector Screening on hand. If you have questions about sending your child to camp with a one-to-one support worker, please contact us for more information.
Before July 4 and after September 1, call our Contact Centre: 416-979-6608, [email protected]
During the camp season call the Camp Office:416-979-6660 x 6368.

Policies

Financial / Registration Policies

Payment is due in full at time of registration.
Customers who withdraw more than 4 weeks prior to the start date of the camp program will be issued a full refund, minus a $30 administration fee.
Customers who withdraw less than 4 weeks, and more than 2 weeks prior to the start date of the camp program are eligible for a 50% refund minus a $30 administration fee.
Customers who withdraw less than 2 weeks prior to the start date of your child’s camp program, or after the start of the camp program are not eligible for a refund.
The above policy also applies to extended care purchases.
Withdrawal requests for significant medical reasons require a doctor’s note and are considered on a case by case basis.
Absence does not constitute a withdrawal.
Transfer requests will be considered up to 5 business days prior to the start of a camp program and are subject to a $30 administration fee.
Withdrawal and transfer requests must be done by telephone through the Contact Centre at 416-979-6608.
A late fee of $25 will be charged for campers who not enrolled in Extended Care and are picked up at 4:20pm and later.
A late fee of $25 will be charged for campers who are picked up late from Extended Care, 5:35pm and later.

Age Policy

AGO Art Camp is for campers ages 5-13.
**Children must be the correct age for their registered camp on the start date of that camp. Proof of age may be required, before or during camp sessions.

Cell Phone & Electronics Policy

Code of Conduct

The AGO Art Camp is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and fun learning environment where our camp community, including all campers, families/caregivers, staff and volunteers are given equal opportunity to engage in a positive and welcoming experience in all facets of arts and culture. We aim to create a respectful camp community that is mindful of the rights, needs, and interests of all its members, creating an atmosphere that is inclusive, and physically and emotionally safe. With this commitment, the following Code of Conduct is expected of all members of our camp community at all times during all AGO Summer Art Camp programming.

All AGO Art Camp community members shall:

Display respect for the rights, property and safety of themselves, others, and the AGO, with a reasonable standard of care and mindfulness.
Participate in creating a positive display of inclusion and respect of all persons in speech, action and behaviour, absent of violence, harassment, racism, intimidation, and discrimination of any kind regardless of and not limited to gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture, age, ability etc.

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in removal from AGO Art Camp without refund.

Camper Behaviour Policy

The AGO strives to create an environment that is safe and fun for all of its members. We expect all campers to behave appropriately and respectfully. The staff and volunteers aim to treat every camper in a manner that encourages inclusivity and self-expression. Should an incident arise, the camp staff reserve the right to take appropriate actions including removal from camp for a partial day, full day, or permanent removal from the program without refund. The AGO policy is as follows:

Minor Incidents: In the case of minor incidents the camper will be addressed at the time of the incident by their counsellor.

Moderate Incidents: In the case of moderate incidents, like repeatedly refusing to cooperate with camp staff or other campers, or deliberately disruptive behaviour, the camper may be removed from the group and they will discuss the incident with a member of the senior staff team. The parent/guardian will be contacted and informed of the incident. The camper may be removed from camp for a partial or full day depending on the severity of the incident.

Serious Incidents: In the case of serious incidents, like inappropriate physical behaviour, theft, verbal/physical abuse, bullying, or jeopardizing the safety of other campers, the camper will discuss their behaviour with the Lead Counsellors and/or the Camp Director. The parent/guardian will be contacted and informed of the incident immediately. The camper may be permanently removed from the program without refund.

Alcohol, Tobacco & Drug Policy

The Art Gallery of Ontario Summer Art Camp is committed to creating a safe camp environment that promotes positive health and wellness for our staff, volunteers, campers and their families/caregivers. As a result, the use of alcohol, tobacco and other non-prescription drugs is prohibited in the camp environment and may result in the permanent removal from the camp without refund.

Expand All