Camp Tiffin

We have created weekly themes for this year; however, that does not mean we only run theme-based activities. We have many long-standing Camp Tiffin favourites that happen every week. 

For example, we usually begin shelter building on Mondays. Campers often continue improving their shelters throughout the week during free time. Shelter building becomes their “wilderness home base” and is a wonderful team-building activity that fosters friendships and cooperation. 

Weekly Highlights 

• Canoeing – Half of campers on Tuesday, the other half on Thursday 

• Wilderness adventure & campfire hot dog cookout – Fridays 

• Predator/Prey game – Weekly 

• Pond dipping – Searching for aquatic insects and creatures (no swimming) 

• Camper’s Choice 

• Paint Day 

• Older campers may also enjoy Geocaching, orienteering, and disc golf 

As the week progresses, counsellors get a feel for their group and often incorporate camper suggestions and interests into their counsellor led activity time. 

Watch this video to have a glimpse of what Camp Tiffin is like

We accept children who are turning 5 years old during the current calendar year. 

Camp Tiffin follows this daily schedule

9:00–9:45 – Morning Circle (songs and morning messages) & counsellor led activities 
9:45–11:15 – Tiffin Programming
11:15–11:55 – Lunch & Free Time (balanced nutrition breaks similar to the school day) 
11:55–1:10 – counsellor led activities 
1:10–1:50 – Lunch & Free Time 
1:50–3:20 – Tiffin Programming
3:20–4:00 – counsellor led activities 

Counsellor-Led Activities

These are flexible blocks of time where camper groups explore nature and pursue shared interests. We tend to limit sports as they become too competitive, and many campers who attend a nature based camp do not have sports as a passion.  

They are camp-based activities such as: 

• Crafts
• Hikes
• Camp games
• “Get to know you” activities
• Popular group-requested games

Tiffin Programming

Tiffin Programming is developed and led by Tiffin Outdoor Educators (who teach JK–12 during the school year). Counsellors support their groups, but instruction is led by our education staff. 

• Options may include: 
• Orienteering
• Shelter building
• Art
• GPS
• Scavenger hunts
• Predator/Prey game
• Bug hunts
• STEM activities
• Canoeing
• Pond dipping (no swimming)
• Roasting marshmallows
• Camper’s Choice
• Water games (kiddie pools, cups, sponges — no water guns)

All campers participate in most of these at least once per week. Favourite activities may also reappear during CLA time or Campers Choice. 

Free Time 

Campers spend time in our “Free-Play Forest.” Each group has its own defined area — immersed in nature but safely contained with cedar rail fencing. 

Canoeing 

• All campers have the opportunity to canoe. 
• Life jackets are provided and required.
• A lifeguard is present on canoeing days.
• We have 5 canoes, allowing 10 campers on the water per rotation (from the same age group).
• An adult or junior leader is in each canoe for younger groups.
• Only the oldest, responsible campers may canoe independently (with trusted peers).
• Group dynamics are carefully considered when assigning canoe partners.

Campers paddle for approximately 30 minutes. Midway through, they switch positions safely at the dock under adult supervision. 

Hot Weather 

We spend most of the day outdoors under forest canopy. If weather conditions are extreme (heat, heavy rain, strong wind), we have indoor spaces available for cooling down or drying off. 

At Camp Tiffin, we hire: 

• College and university students 
• Select high school students who have previously volunteered with us 

All staff must provide: 

• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Search 
• First Aid & CPR Level C 

Staff carry first aid kits at all times. 

We do not offer sibling discounts. In previous years we did, but we chose to lower overall camp fees to make camp more affordable for all families.

ShapePick-Up & Drop-Off

Regular camp hours are 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 

Yes. Campers are divided by age into groups of approximately 10. 

Typically: 

• Groups of 5-year-olds
• Groups of 6-year-olds
• Combined 6–7 year olds
• Oldest group is usually mixed 9–12 year olds

Most of our campers are between ages 5–7. 

Camp Tiffin is located at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation

8195 8th Line, Utopia ON

We are located 8 km west of Barrie, between Barrie and Angus.

Driving directions: 

• From Barrie: Take Hwy 90 west, then go south on the 8th Line. 
• From South Barrie: Take Mapleview west past Hwy 27 (where it becomes the 25th Side Road). We are located on the 8th Line 

To view your registration, sign into your Camp Tiffin Account with this link.

Go to the top right corner and click on the three lines (hamburger) and select ‘My Registration’ or ‘View Order/ Invoice from the drop-down menu.