About King Day Camp Outdoor Centre 4

MORE ABOUT US…

The Outdoor Centre and King Day Camp are located on McCutcheon (Recreation) Island., across the lake from Eaton Hall, the Eaton family's former summer estate. The King campus is situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the property hosts a provinically significant wetland, large kettle lake and 700 acres of enchanting forest with a network of trails throughout. During the spring and fall, the Outdoor Centre delivers a wide range of outdoor programs for elementary and secondary schools, community groups, corporate clients, universtiy and college programs including many of Seneca’s academic programs. During the summer months, The King Day Camp offers outdoor adventure programs for up to 400 children per week ranging in age from 4 to 16 years. During the winter months, weather permitting, the trails are open to the public for Cross-Country skiing and snow shoeing.

OUR MISSION

To provide fun, innovative, outdoor opportunities for children and adults in a safe learning environment.

THE STAFF

Barb Weeden manages the Outdoor Centre and King Day Camp. Working along side Barb in a full-time capacity are Kevin French, the Program Director, Greg Hupponen, the Operations Coordinator, and Heather Cotie, the Office Coordinator. Our summer camp staff of 90 are all students returning to either College or University in the fall. During the spring season, the Leadership Team, made up of 10 Program Coordinators start preparing for the busy summer season. Other camp staff are hired to facilitate the Outdoor Centre programs before camp begins.
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	The King Day Camp staff consists of 90 enthusiastic, fun-minded folks who love playing with children in the out-of-doors! The staff are carefully selected for proven leadership skills, enthusiasm, related experiences and the ability to relate well to children. The Camp Counsellors, Instructors and Specialists are all studying in related programs at College or University ie. Early Childhood Education, Recreation & Leisure Services, Psychology, Kinesology, Environmental Studies etc. Some staff have worked their way through The King Day Camp as young campers, Leaders-in-Training, Staff-In-Training and then have been selected as KDC staff. All the camp staff are required to complete a police screening and they all must have current First Aid & CPR certification. Camp staff attend a full week of staff training prior to camp commencing and specialty programs train during the spring as well. Staff respect and believe in the KDC goals: Fun, Responsibility, Committment, No Negatives and Safety. We celebrate the small things, appreciate our surroundings and practice what we learned in kindergarten....... “...learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.......when you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together!“ ....Robert Fulghum
Barb Weeden-Carmichael Camp Director (416)491-5050 or (905)833-3333 Ext.5029
	Barb manages the King Day Camp and Outdoor Centre at the King campus of Seneca College. Barb started working at Seneca in 1990 as the Coordinator of the Department. Her job also included skill instruction and guiding expeditions for the Outdoor Recreation Technician program. Barb founded the King Day Camp in 1993 and has seen enrollment grow from 75 children per week to 400. Her staff team has grown from 20 to 90! Barb has been involved in camping and outdoor education most of her life. She brings extensive leadership experience, numerous instructor certifications and a passion for working with youth in the out-of-doors. Barb has worked with a number of not-for-profit agencies. Her facilitation skills have taken her to Costa Rica, Guyana, Calgary and California. Barb has served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Recreational Canoeing Association, the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario and served on the Ontario Camping Association (OCA)board for two years as the Director of Day Camping. Barb has also volunteered her time to be a sea kayaking guide for Paddle to a Cure, raising money for Breast Cancer research. Barb is presenting at the Parks and Recreation Ontario Aquatics Conference in November and is on the steering committee for the OCA Directors conference in January. Barb was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by the Lt. Governor of Ontario for her involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and was also honored by the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario with the Dorothy Walter Leadership Award for her contribution to Outdoor Education and developing youth in Ontario. Barb has created an inclusive and caring community for children and staff to learn, play, excel and appreciate the simple things in life. Barb loves spending time solo canoeing and reading stories to her campers!
Kevin French Program Director (416)491-5050 or (905)833-3333 Ext. 5054
	Kevin is the Program Director for the King Day Camp and Outdoor Centre. He has been working fulltime with Barb for over 8 years. Kevin attended Trent Universtiy as a History major and then pursued his outdoor interests at Seneca in the Outdoor Recreation Post-Diploma program. Kevin is passionate about maintaining the high quality and professional standards of our programs. Kevin maintains many outdoor instructor certifications and is also a certified Wilderness and Urban First Responder. Kevin's outdoor experience extends from managing our 7 high challenge course elements, maintaining a fleet of over 40 mountain bikes, teaching kayak rolls and solo canoe skills to facilitating Corporate groups and College enrichment programs. Kevin radiates positive energy and brings the 'funfactor' to camp. In 2008, Kevin developed the “Climbing Specialty Program“ at KDC which included building the innovative 'bouldering cave.' Kevin enjoys sharing his love for the natural world and enthusiasm for the out-of-doors with all ages. Being a proud father of two young children, Kevin knows and understands the anxiety parents go through when considering a summer camp or outdoor experience for their child. Kevin hires and trains all the program staff and personally delivers many of the sessions. Kevin's job is to ensure the level of safety and quality that client's have come to expect at the Outdoor Centre and KDC. Kevin is facilitating a session with Barb at the PRO conference in November and is sharing his expertise at the OCA conference in January.


Greg Hupponen Operations Coordinator (416)491-5050 or (905)833-3333 Ext. 5173
	Greg works full-time as the Operations Coordinator for the Outdoor Centre and the King Day Camp. It is Greg's responsibility to ensure the site, resources and facilities are top notch! Greg is a graduate of the Outdoor Recreation Program at Seneca College and has spent many summers working at summer camps including KDC. Greg maintains his first aid instruction and outdoor certifications so he can continue to facilitate programs for many user groups at the Outdoor Centre. Greg's expertise extends from building ropes course elements, decks and docks to facilitating corporate team building workshops. Greg brings lots of energy, leadership and enthusiasm to the over-all operations. Being a proud parent of two young children, Greg also understands and respects our high standard of safety and supervision.
Heather Cotie Office Coordinator (416)491-5050 or (905)833-3333 Ext. 5042
	Heather is the full-time Office Coordinator for the Outdoor Centre and King Day Camp. She is the friendly voice on the other end of the phone ready and willing to answer all inquiries. Heather is a camp person as well, having spent many of her summers attending and working at summer camps. Heather is truly committed to developing youth. Outside of work, Heather volunteers her time producing for a youth theatre. Performances include Fame, High School Musical and Copacabana. Heather prides herself in ensuring each and every camper and parent receives great customer service.