Camp FAQ
Get the right answers to all your camp questions about horseback riding, food, accommodations, faith at camp, and more.
What to pack?
After registration, camper families will receive a packing list by email. Check it out ahead of time here.
What is a day of camp like?
Camp days include swimming, horseback riding, campfires, meals, and more. Find your camp program’s schedule here.
What does camp cost?
Costs vary by program, beginning at $325 for day camp and $875 for overnight camp. For details, see dates and rates.
Most common questions
Are there discounts available or ways to save on camp registration fees?
Yes! There are several ways to save on camp registration. For example, bringing friends to camp gets you and your friend a discount. We also have a camper scholarship program to assist campers with financial barriers to attending camp.
Can I volunteer at camp while my child is there?
Parents can apply to volunteer in one of the hospitality hubs of camp, the camp kitchen! Parent volunteers receive a discount on their child’s registration fee. Learn more.
What age of children can come to Circle Square Ranch?
Day camps are for children ages 6-13, while overnight camps are for 8-15-year-olds (up to 16-year-olds for leadership programs). Visit the dates and rates page for more information on program options for each age.
We’re introducing one short week of overnight camp for 6-8 year olds in 2027.
Can my child come to camp with their friend(s)?
Absolutely! You can make one or more “friend request(s)” during online registration in the “friend request” section or contact our office.
Camp is all about friendship, and we will do our best to accommodate friend requests so that campers coming together can stay in the same cabin. Depending on the activities a camper chooses, their skill level, and group availability, friends at camp may or may not be in the same activity groups throughout the day.
Also, did you know that if you invite a new-to-the-Ranch friend, you both get a discount?
What does a typical day look like?
On a typical day at the ranch, campers rotate through outdoor activities with their group. Activities depend on the specific program you choose. The schedule reflects our values to be outdoors, relational, and to help children grow in character in an enjoyable, supportive environment.
You can find the planned daily schedule on our individual program overview pages.
What activities are available?
Circle Square Ranch campers enjoy horseback riding, petting farm time, swimming, archery and archery tag, arts and crafts, climbing at the climbing tower and high ropes, trampolines, sports, campfires, theme meals, and much more.
Activities range between programs for different age groups.
Is Circle Square Ranch a religious or faith-based camp?
Yes, Circle Square Ranch is part of a nondenominational Christian organization. We warmly welcome campers from all religious backgrounds across Christian and non-Christian faith traditions.
Daily camp programs include Christian elements such as worship songs at campfire and Christian devotional teachings, with the goal of helping campers understand that they are known and loved by God.
What are the religious parts of the day like?
Faith is part of everyday life at Circle Square Ranch. Our staff seek to model God’s love through the way they care for campers, build relationships, and create a community where every camper feels valued and welcome.
Campfire brings everyone together for songs, stories, skits, and an age-appropriate Christian message. Campers will hear about God, Jesus, and what faith can look like in everyday life. While campers attend campfire with their group, they are never pressured to sing, pray, or make a personal faith commitment.
Daily devotions give campers a chance to explore faith through Bible stories, discussion, activities, and questions.
Campers come to us with many different backgrounds and experiences. Some are very familiar with Christian faith, while others may be hearing these ideas for the first time. Both are welcome. Our goal is to create opportunities for campers to learn, ask questions, and explore faith in an environment that is respectful and never forced.
What time is drop-off and pick-up?
Day camp drop-off: 8:00 – 8:45am
Day camp pick up: 4:00pm – 4:15pm
A late pick-up option for day campers can be purchased in advance, for pickup from 5:00 – 5:15pm.
Overnight camp drop off: Sundays at 4:15 – 5:15pm
Overnight camp pick up: Friday between 6:15 – 7:00pm
How do I find out about theme meals?
We love adding extra fun to our dining hall menus with special theme meals throughout the week. You will receive a detailed information package via email a few weeks before your child’s camp session begins, which outlines any clothing themes or fun dress-up ideas for their specific week.
Who owns Circle Square Ranches?
Circle Square Ranch is owned and operated by InterVarsity Canada, a nondenominational organization committed to helping young people meet and follow Jesus through campus ministry and summer camp. InterVarsity Canada has been operating summer camps across Canada since 1929.
Steve and Andrea Richardson have stewarded the Grand River site as Camp Directors since 1999.
Are there other Circle Square Ranches?
Yes. Circle Square Ranch’s parent organization, InterVarsity Canada, operates 9 summer camps in Canada, including 5 Circle Square Ranches in Alberta, Manitoba, Eastern Ontario, and New Brunswick.
The camp represented on this website is InterVarsity Circle Square Ranch Grand River in Brantford, Ontario. Our sister camp, InterVarsity Circle Square Ranch Big Clear Lake, is at a different location, in Arden, Ontario, and operates separately.
Questions about horseback riding
How much time will my child get to go horseback riding?
The amount of horseback riding depends on the camp program you choose.
Explore Day Camp: Campers visit the barn each day for a combination of recreational riding, horse care and time with our animals. Campers ride 4 times during a 5-day week or 3 times during a 4-day week.
Extreme Day Camp & Discovery Overnight Camp: Campers have 3 one-hour recreational riding sessions during the week, additionally the campers will spend an hour doing horse care and learning about the horses.
Horse Lovers Overnight Camp: This is our instructional riding program for campers who want horses to be a major part of their week. Horse Lovers have 8 rides throughout the week, including riding lessons and a trail ride.
Whether your camper wants to try horseback riding as part of a week filled with different activities or spend much more of their week at the barn, there is a program to match their interest and experience.
Are your horseback riding staff certified?
Our horse staff are trained and evaluated before being assigned to teach riding sessions. Staff are matched to classes based on their experience, skill level, and ability to safely lead the riders in that group. Our barn team is made up of experienced horse people who are committed to creating a safe, positive, and enjoyable riding experience for campers.
What is the horseback riding star system?
The Star System is used only in our Horse Lovers program, where campers receive instructional horseback riding.
Horse Lovers are grouped according to their riding ability so instruction can be appropriate for their experience and skill level. 1st Star riders work on foundational skills such as safely leading, mounting and dismounting, controlling their horse at a walk, and beginning to jog. As riders progress through the Star System, they build skills in areas such as posting, loping, control, balance and equitation.
Campers do not need to choose their Star level when registering. Our horse staff assess riders at camp and place them in an appropriate group.
Explore, Extreme and Discovery campers participate in recreational horseback riding and do not use the Star System.
Do Discovery campers go horseback riding?
Yes. Discovery campers will enjoy 3 1-hour recreational horseback riding sessions.
Do Explore Day campers go horseback riding?
Yes. Explore campers in a 5-day session will ride 4 times, and campers in 4-day sessions will ride 3 times. Campers will also have a chance to learn about horse care and interact with the petting farm animals.
What clothes and shoes are required for horseback riding?
Campers should wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toed footwear for horseback riding. Because a horse may occasionally step on a camper’s foot, footwear needs to provide good protection.
We use approved safety stirrups, so heeled footwear is not required. Suitable options include hiking boots, sturdy running shoes, or riding boots.
Please do not send canvas shoes, Crocs, or rubber boots for riding.
Is horseback riding ever cancelled?
Your camper comes to the Ranch to ride horses, and we take our commitment to give every camper horseback riding opportunities seriously. At the same time, we must always prioritize rider safety and ensure humane conditions for our noble steeds! Balancing these priorities means that extreme weather, including extreme heat, can occasionally limit horseback riding opportunities.
Does my child need to bring their own horseback riding helmet?
No, approved horseback-riding helmets in appropriate sizes are provided for all campers. If a rider already has their own horseback riding helmet, they are welcome to bring and use it. Bicycle helmets are not allowed.
Our caring staff team
How old are camp staff?
The majority of camp staff are adults over the age of 18. A minority of trained 16 and 17-year-old staff members serve in roles appropriate to their age and experience, with supervision.
What kind of training do camp staff have?
All camp staff complete mandatory training, focused on safety, camper care, faith, and program quality, at the beginning of each summer. Many staff have additional qualifications and training.
What is the staff-to-camper ratio at Circle Square Ranch?
Our overall camper-to-staff ratio is 4:1 or better. Cabins or wagons of 6–9 campers have one or two cabin leaders. During activity times, groups of 12–16 campers are supported by two group leaders and one or more activity instructors.
What is the hiring process for your staff and volunteers?
Staff members and volunteers are required to submit an application, references, a current Vulnerable Sector check, pass an interview, and complete our staff training.
Sleep, food, friendship and camper care
Where will my child sleep?
Campers stay in our lodge or in classic cabins that sleep between 8 and 14 children.
What is the food like?
We know that comfortable meals are an important part of a good day. Our team of cooks prepares balanced, nutritious, kid-friendly meals for all of our overnight campers. Snacks are provided in the afternoon and at bedtime. If your child has specific dietary needs, please include notes on your registration form or contact us ahead of time.
Is lunch provided to day campers?
Day campers should bring a nut-free lunch and morning snack each day. Families can also add a daily canteen package for snacks and preorder a hot dog lunch for the final day of camp. Daily lunch is not included as part of day camp.
What happens if my child loses an item at camp?
When campers are having a blast, sometimes personal items get forgotten. We’ve got a system for that!
It starts with you. Label every item your child brings to camp to help us return misplaced belongings throughout the week. We gather and hold labelled lost and found items for one month after camp ends. You can pick up found items directly at the camp, or we can arrange to mail them to you at your expense. To keep things simple, please leave valuable clothing and expensive electronics at home.
Can I see photos from my child’s week at camp?
For overnight campers, our team posts photos to a private online gallery two or three times throughout the week. Families receive a secure password to access their camper’s gallery.
Day campers can tell you all about their adventures on the way home each day!
Is bedding provided?
No, bedding is not provided. Campers stay in our lodge or in classic cabins equipped with comfortable camp mattresses. We recommend packing a pillow, a single fitted sheet to cover the mattress, a light blanket, and a sleeping bag so your child feels comfortable in any weather.
What if my child is homesick?
Occasionally, campers feel homesick. Most of the time, our staff are successfully able to support campers to engage in camp activities, and help them connect with new friends, and they quickly feel better. If a child is consistently struggling and unable to participate in camp life, our leadership team will reach out to you directly to discuss the best way forward together.
Can my child contact me if they want to?
To help children fully immerse themselves in the camp community, we do not encourage campers to make or receive regular phone calls. If an emergency or significant issue comes up, or if your child is homesick or asking consistently to call home, our team will contact you to create a plan to move forward together.
Are phones or other screens allowed at camp?
Generally, no. Circle Square Ranch is a screen-free environment, and we love it! We ask campers to leave phones, tablets, and gaming devices at home unless an exception has been arranged in advance for medical or accessibility needs.
Less screen time means more time for real-life friendships, outdoor adventures, and a break from the digital noise.
Some teen camps allow campers to bring phones, which are stored securely in the office and available twice during the week to check messages or call home. Wi-Fi is not provided.
What about smartwatches?
We know that more campers are wearing smartwatches. If your child brings one to camp, we ask that you limit calling, messaging, games, and other connected features during the camp week so it doesn’t become another screen or distraction. For the privacy and safety of all campers, smartwatches must not be used to take photos or videos at camp.
Smartwatches are brought to camp at your own risk. As with other personal belongings, the Ranch cannot be responsible for loss, damage, or breakage.
Do campers wear sunscreen?
Yes. Campers spend lots of time outdoors, so sun protection is an important part of our daily routine. Group leaders provide regular reminders and opportunities for campers to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
If your camper has specific sunscreen needs, you can let us know on their health form during registration. UV-protective shirts are also a great option for campers who prefer not to reapply sunscreen as often.
Can campers bring their own food?
While not necessary, campers can bring their own snacks to camp as long as they are completely nut-free. Most campers find the provided meals, snacks, and canteen to be more than enough to keep them from needing snacks.
What if my child needs medication at camp?
All medications brought to camp, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins, must be given to our Designated Medical Person at drop-off in their original packaging. Medications are securely stored and administered by designated staff according to the instructions provided.
We can also provide common as-needed (PRN) medications during camp when necessary, as long as parents have given permission for them on the camper’s medical form during registration.
Is Circle Square Ranch nut-free?
We operate a nut-aware facility and do not use peanuts or tree nuts in our kitchen menus. However, because we operate open outdoor spaces and welcome rental groups throughout the year, we cannot guarantee a completely nut-free or allergen-free environment across the property.
How does the Canteen (aka. Camp store, tuck shop) work?
The Canteen is our camp store, where campers can enjoy snacks and drinks and shop for Ranch merchandise. Camp is completely cashless, so campers do not need to bring money with them.
Overnight Campers: Families add money to their camper’s Canteen Wallet, which campers can use for snacks, drinks, and merchandise during their stay.
Day Campers: Families can purchase a Canteen Package during registration, which provides snacks and drinks during designated canteen times.
Canteen Wallets and Day Camp Canteen Packages can be added through your online camp account.
What is Circle Square Ranch’s head lice policy?
Overnight Campers: Campers receive a lice check during sign-in. If lice or nits are found, the camper will need to return home and have all lice and nits removed before returning to camp. Because we cannot determine whether individual nits are live, campers must be completely nit-free before they can return. To make the check quick and easy, we recommend campers arrive with their hair down or in a simple ponytail.
Day Campers: Day campers do not receive a lice check. Instead, they wear a disposable polypropylene bouffant hairnet during helmeted activities to help reduce potential transmission.
Are medical staff on-site?
The health and well-being of our campers is a priority. A qualified Designated Medical Person (DMP) is available 24 hours a day, and our leadership staff are trained in First Aid and CPR. We have established procedures for medications, illness, injuries, allergies, and emergencies.
Parents are asked to provide complete medical and support information during registration and to let us know about any significant changes before camp. We believe in strong communication with families and will contact parents when health concerns arise or when we believe you would want to be informed.
For full information about medications, illness, allergies, sunscreen, tick safety, and other health procedures, please see our Health & Medical Care information during the registration process.
Can I send letters to my child at camp?
Yes! Families can purchase email credits to send one-way messages to overnight campers. Emails are printed and delivered to campers during the week.
Letters and parcels can also be dropped off at sign-in, labelled with your camper’s name and the date you would like them delivered. Any food must be nut-free.
Camp care packages are also available to purchase for delivery during your camper’s week.
If you need to reach your camper urgently, please call the camp office.
Drop off and pick up
Can my child stay at camp over the weekend?
No. We do not offer weekend stayovers or supervision between sessions. All campers must be picked up at the designated departure time, allowing our facility to be cleaned and our staff team to rest and prepare for the next incoming group.
Who can pick my child up from camp?
Your child will only be permitted to leave with the specific individuals listed as authorized pickup contacts on your registration forms. Every person picking up a child, including parents and legal guardians, must present a valid government-issued photo ID at our secure sign-out station before we release the child from our care.
Can my child come early to camp?
We cannot accommodate early drop-offs.
Registration and programs
Can we switch weeks after registering?
Yes, we can accommodate week changes if your family plans change, provided there is still open space in the new session you want to join. Because our horseback riding and adventure programs fill up quickly, we recommend reaching out to our camp office as early as possible to make the switch.
Is summer camp refundable?
We understand that unexpected situations can come up, and you may need to cancel. If you cancel at least four weeks before camp begins, you’re eligible for a refund, less the administration fee, which varies by program.
Cancellations requested after that deadline are nonrefundable, except when a medical reason is documented with a doctor’s note. In that case, we’ll issue a full refund, less the administration fee.
Please note that refunds aren’t available for dismissals due to disciplinary action, late arrivals, or early departures.
If you have questions about your timeline or would like to review our standard cancellation policy, please contact our office—we’ll be happy to help.
Why am I only seeing a waitlist option when I attempt to register?
If you see a waitlist option, that session or program is currently full. You can add your child to the waitlist at no cost through our online registration system.
Each session has its own waitlist, so be sure to join the waitlist for each session you would consider.
If a space becomes available, we contact families in the order they joined the waitlist. You’ll typically have about 48 hours to accept the spot before we offer it to the next family, although this may be shorter close to the session start date.
How can I put my child on the waitlist for a session that is currently full?
You can join a waitlist directly through our online registration portal. Simply select the full week your child wants to attend and choose the waitlist option. There is no charge to hold a spot on the waitlist, and our office team will contact you if a space opens up.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. We offer a Camper Scholarship program to help make summer camp more affordable for families. Email the camp office to request an application.
What is and isn’t included in the camp fee?
Overnight Camp
Your overnight camp registration fee includes horseback riding, meals, accommodations, supervision, and all kinds of summer adventures!
Optional snacks and souvenirs from the camp Canteen are not included.
Day Camp
Your day camp registration fee includes horseback riding, supervision, and great outdoor adventures!
Campers bring their own lunch. Optional snacks and souvenirs from the camp Canteen are not included.
What payment methods can I use to pay for camp?
We accept all major credit cards and e-transfers. Families can also choose a payment plan at checkout when registering. For other payment arrangements, please contact our camp office.
Do you support kids with special needs?
We welcome campers with special needs who are supported on-site by a parent or a community support service. Parents and support workers should contact us to discuss requirements for attending camp, including criminal record checks and references.
While we cannot provide our own staff for 1-to-1 support at this time, our sister camp, Pioneer Camp Ontario, has a fantastic special needs program that we highly recommend as an alternative to accompanying your child to camp.
Still have questions?
Sending your child to camp is a big decision. The details matter. We’d love to chat.