Ask us anything
Everything parents (and curious campers) want to know — hours, dates, pricing, the bus, what goes in the backpack and how we keep adventure safe. Can't find your question? We're a phone call away.
The camp, the place, the people
What ages is WILDE Camp for?
Ages 4 to 17 — one camp, three steps. Adventure Camp (ages 4–11) is the classic five-day WILDE week. The WILDE Way Leadership Initiative (ages 12–14) turns the challenge up and adds real leadership. Junior Instructor / LIT (ages 15–17) puts teens inside camp life as Junior Counsellors.
Where is camp?
Home base is Kimbercote — 100 acres of forest, creek and field at 316362 3rd Line, Kimberley, Ontario, on the edge of the Blue Mountains.
From there we roam to the region’s best wild places — the Beaver River, Kolapore, Metcalfe Rock and Peasemarsh Beach — all within 15–25 minutes of Collingwood and Thornbury.
Does my child need outdoor experience?
Not a bit. WILDE is built to be challenging and fun for total beginners and seasoned explorers alike — instructors meet every camper where they’re at and stretch them just past comfortable. That’s where the confidence comes from.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
No. Swimming is never required, and every water activity is supervised with PFDs mandatory — properly fitted life jackets are worn at all times in or near the water, regardless of swimming ability.
What if my camper is nervous about starting?
Totally normal — new places take a minute. Our staff are trained to help campers settle in, and once kids find the rhythm of the day they typically go home buzzing.
If it would help, book a tour and explore the property together before camp starts — kids who’ve seen camp walk in on day one like they own the place.
How do merit badges work?
Ten real badges — Bushcraft, Canoeing, Wilderness First Aid, Fire Building, Shelter Building, Knots, Arts & Crafts, Orienteering, Plant & Animal ID and Mountain Biking — each with levels.
Campers earn them by demonstrating skills, not just showing up. The collection grows summer after summer.
How big are the groups?
Small. We keep camper-to-staff ratios low, and groups are led by experienced outdoor educators who know the terrain — it’s how we keep adventure both big and safe.
Hours, buses & drop-offs
What are camp hours?
Camp runs Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm. Optional before-care starts at 8:30am and after-care runs to 4:30pm — $25/week each, or $50/week for both.
What are the 2026 dates?
Adventure Camp (ages 4–11) runs 9 weeks: June 29 – August 28, 2026.
WILDE Way (12–14) and Junior Instructor / LIT (15–17) run in four two-week sessions: June 29–July 10, July 13–24, July 27–August 7 and August 10–21.
Camp runs right through Canada Day and the August long weekend — no closures.
Is there a bus?
Yes — the Wilde Bus! Adventure Camp offers our own dedicated camp bus from Collingwood, Craigleith and Clarksburg for $55/week (or $6.75/day drop-in).
Families get the week’s itinerary the Friday before, and we’ll always tell you in advance if weather shifts a pickup location.
Where does the Wilde Bus pick up and drop off?
The Wilde Bus has convenient pickup and drop-off stops in Collingwood, Craigleith and Clarksburg. Hop on near home in the morning and it rolls straight to where the day begins; at day’s end it returns campers to the same stop — lunch, water and gear ride along with them.
Exact stops and times come with the weekly itinerary, sent the Friday before each week starts. Prefer to drive? Every destination is close — the farthest is about 25 minutes from Collingwood and 20 minutes from Thornbury.
How do offsite trip days work?
Some days the adventure starts at the destination. On offsite days, drop-off and pick-up locations may change for campers not riding the bus — you’ll get clear details ahead of every trip.
Bus campers ride straight to the site in the morning and home from the same spot at day’s end. Everything your camper needs — lunch, water, clothing — travels with them.
Registration, pricing & policies
How much does camp cost in 2026?
- Adventure Camp (ages 4–11): $409/week
- WILDE Way Leadership Initiative (12–14): $700 per two-week session — early-bird $660 before April 1, 2026
- Junior Instructor / LIT (15–17): $700 per two-week session — early-bird $660 before April 1, 2026
- Optional: bus $55/week · before/after care $25/week each ($50 for both)
How do I register?
Online, in minutes — head to the Register page and pick your weeks. A $150 deposit secures each spot.
Want to see camp first? Book a tour and come walk the trails before you decide.
Is there an early-bird discount?
Yes — for WILDE Way and Junior Instructor / LIT: register before April 1, 2026 and pay $330/week instead of $350/week ($660 per two-week session instead of $700).
What’s the cancellation policy?
The $150 deposit is non-refundable. Cancel before June 1 for a full refund of the remaining balance.
After June 1, refunds require at least 15 days’ notice before your start date — no refunds inside 15 days or once the program begins.
Can we visit before registering?
Please do! Book a tour and we’ll show you the forest, the creek, and where the canoes live. It’s the fastest way to know if WILDE is your kid’s kind of summer.
Packing & food
What should my camper bring every day?
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes that can get muddy
- Rain gear: jacket, pants, boots
- Water shoes for creek & river days — no Crocs or flip-flops
- A Transport-Canada-approved PFD from home
- Hat, sunscreen & sunglasses
- A refillable water bottle
- Packed lunch + snacks
- Bathing suit & a change of clothes
- A backpack to carry it all
Want the fun version — water days, the leave-at-home list and night-before tips? Open the Packing Guide. A detailed packing list also arrives with your registration.
Do you provide lunch or snacks?
No — please pack a lunch, snacks and a full water bottle every day. Camp days are big and appetites are bigger, so make it substantial.
WILDE is a peanut-free environment.
Does my child need their own life jacket (PFD)?
Yes. Every camper brings a properly fitting, Transport-Canada-approved PFD from home, worn at all times in or near the water.
WILDE provides the canoes, paddles, bikes, tools and the rest of the adventure gear.
Safety & health
How do you keep kids safe?
Adventure is the point — safety is the foundation. Staff are trained in first aid, CPR and wilderness safety protocols; activity sites are pre-assessed; equipment gets regular checks; emergency response plans cover every scenario; and low camper-to-staff ratios keep every camper in sight.
How do you keep kids safe on the water?
PFDs at all times in or near the water — no exceptions, for campers and staff alike. Water sites are pre-assessed for depth, current and footing; swims happen only in designated, supervised areas; and water-safety-trained staff carry throw bags and first-aid kits.
What about allergies and medical needs?
Camp is peanut-free and we practise allergy awareness all day. Share allergies, medications and medical details when you register and we’ll plan around your child’s needs.
What happens in bad weather?
Camp runs rain or shine — that’s what the rain gear is for. Staff monitor weather and water conditions all day and shift plans or locations when conditions call for it; families are notified of any itinerary changes.