Summer Camp & Retreat Facility

Monthly Giving Monthly giving is an easy way to ensure that Pearce Williams Summer Camp continues to change the lives of kids through unforgettable summer camp experiences. By becoming a monthly donor, you are investing in the future of our campers, ensuring they have the opportunity to build lasting memories, develop new skills, and form lifelong friendships. What are the benefits of Monthly Giving? You will NEVER forget to give. Choose the amount you want to donate, and on the 15th of each month, this amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card. (Unless it falls on a weekend and then the withdrawal will occur on the following Monday.) You can change your gift amount at any time. You can easily amend your gift amount, put it on pause, or cancel by calling the Pearce Williams office. There are no hidden fees or charges. You will receive a consolidated tax receipt with giving statement at the end of the year - so convenient at income tax time! Become a Monthly Donor Become a Monthly Supporter Give Today Reach out to learn more: Justine "Jolly" Donor Relatations Coordinator 519-764-2317 donate@campisbetter.com

Weekly Themes Each week at Pearce Williams has a special theme! These themes are woven into exciting games and challenges where campers take on special roles or quests. A highlight of the week is our themed dinner on Thursday, where everyone dresses up in costumes and enjoys a fully decorated feast that brings the theme to life. Check out this year's themes down below! Summer 2026's Weekly Themes Summer 2025's Weekly Themes Summer 2024's Weekly Themes

“Here from the Beginning” is an exhibition that showcases the contributions and experiences of Black people within the church, amplifying voices that have long been overshadowed by the dominant narrative. Here From The Beginning Exhibit @ Pearce Williams March 5-10, 2026 Black people have played a significant role in the history of The United Church of Canada, but their stories have often gone untold. As we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada we invite you to join us in bringing these untold stories to life. This is a celebration of faith, history, community and The United Church of Canada. Here From The Beginning Website Broadview Magazine Article Schedule: Thursday March 5 - Open from 9:30am to 3:00pm - Self Guided Friday March 6 - Open from 9:30am to 3:00pm - Self Guided Saturday March 7 - Open from 9:30am to 5:00pm - Self Guided Sunday March 8 - Open 12:00pm to 5:00pm - Self Guided, Summer Camp Chapel Service (preaching by Thérèse Samuel) at 1:30 p.m. Monday March 9 Open from 9:30am to 3:00pm - Self Guided Tuesday March 10 Open from 9:30am to 3:00pm - Self Guided

Outdoor Spaces Enhancements We need your help to fund Hammock Village at Pearce Williams We’re thrilled to announce that, thanks to the generous support of our community, we’ve successfully funded 17 brand-new picnic tables for our beloved camp! But the journey doesn’t stop here! We’re on a mission to transform and enhance our outdoor spaces even further. Get ready for the next big project – the creation of a serene Hammock Village! This tranquil retreat will offer a unique place for relaxation, connection with nature, and a new way to experience the beauty of Pearce Williams. This upgrade will ensure that our facilities continue to serve our community for many years to come. Join us in this venture by considering a contribution towards this lasting investment in our shared outdoor spaces. Your support is not just for a hammock—it's for countless memories to be made!

Are you interested in taking on a leadership role at at camp in 2023? Then a Leadership Team role at Pearce Williams may be for you. Check out the job postings here to get started. LEADERSHIP TEAM Program Coordinator The Program Coordinator will work with our Summer Camp Director & Director of Camps and is responsible for the coordination and delivery of amazing camp experiences through the activities campers and staff participate in. Wilderness Camp Coordinator The Wilderness Coordinator is responsible for working with the Summer Camp Director to develop and lead our wilderness camp programming, and will support our main camp programming as needed. Pearce Williams wilderness sessions include tent camping for up to 24 campers, on our wilderness specific site. Campers are led through wilderness based programming throughout the week, including training for their single day canoe tripping experience. Camper Counsellor Care Coordinator The Camper Counsellor Care Coordinator is responsible for working with the Summer Camp Director to be a direct support for the counsellor/programming staff as well as being a primary resource for camper needs and behaviour. Camp Medic Our Camp Medic is responsible for running our camp Infirmary for the summer. Camp Medic responsibilities include, but are not limited to: being responsible for the operation of the camp infirmary, health practices and medication distribution. The Camp Medic will provide a current criminal reference check and have relevant experience. Standard First Aid is essential. The Camp Medic needs to follow the Medical Directives given and seek help for any medical issues beyond the scope of their knowledge. Integration Coordinator The Integration Coordinator will lead integration staff and campers with disabilities this summer and is responsible for coordinating with participant’s families, training staff on integration and inclusion, providing support for integration staff and campers, and more, over the course of the summer. Leadership Development Coordinator The Leadership Development Coordinator will lead our Counsellor-In-Training and Leadership Camp staff and campers this summer and is responsible for coordinating with participant’s families, training staff on leadership, and providing support for CIT’s, staff, campers, and more, over the course of the summer. APPLY NOW

Monthly giving is an easy way to ensure that Pearce Williams Summer Camp continues to change the lives of kids through unforgettable summer camp experiences. Join the Fireside Circle and you can help campers find warmth, belonging, and community at camp. By becoming a monthly donor, you are investing in the future of our campers, ensuring they have the opportunity to build lasting memories, develop new skills, and form lifelong friendships. What are the benefits of Monthly Giving? You will NEVER forget to give. Choose the amount you want to donate, and on the 15th of each month, this amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card. (Unless it falls on a weekend and then the withdrawal will occur on the following Monday.) You can change your gift amount at any time — amend your gift amount, put it on pause or cancel by calling the Pearce Williams office You will receive a quarterly newsletter just for monthly donors, with camper stories and behind-the-scenes updates There are no hidden fees or charges. You will receive a consolidated tax receipt with giving statement at the end of the year - so convenient at income tax time! Join the Fireside Circle Last summer, Henry came to Pearce Williams, nervous about making friends and spending his week with strangers. By the end of the summer Henry told our staff that all the campers and leaders "seemed more like family than strangers." Henry felt supported at camp and was able to try activities he wouldn't have been able to without the support of our donors Become a Monthly Supporter Give Today Reach out to learn more: Justine "Jolly" Donor Relatations Coordinator 519-764-2317 donate@campisbetter.com

Frequently Asked Questions Have more questions? Email info@campisbetter.com Parents, we know sending your kids to camp is a big decision. Rest easy knowing we've got your back! Explore our FAQ page to feel confident and reassured about choosing the perfect summer experience for your camper(s). Summer Camp Is it safe to send my child to a sleepaway camp? At Pearce Williams Summer Camp, safety is our utmost priority. We understand the importance of entrusting your child to our care, and we take every measure to ensure their well-being throughout their time with us. Here are reasons why sending your child to Pearce Williams Summer Camp is a safe and enriching experience: Trained Staff: Our staff undergo a total of 80 hours of training on supervising and caring for campers, executing emergency procedures, and ensuring your campers have the best summer camp experience. All staff are certified in first aid. Health and Safety Protocols: We have health and safety protocols in place, including hygiene practices, and maintenance of clean facilities. We closely follow guidelines from health authorities to mitigate the risk of illness and injury. Supervision: Campers are supervised at all times by our attentive staff members. From organized activities to free time, there is always someone present to ensure the well-being of each child. Emergency Procedures: We have procedures in place for various scenarios, including medical emergencies, severe weather, and evacuations. Our staff are trained to respond efficiently and direct your campers to safety in any situation. Inclusive Environment: We promote a culture of inclusivity and respect, where every camper feels valued and supported. Bullying and harassment are not tolerated, and we work to foster a sense of belonging among all campers. Adventure with Caution: While we encourage adventurous activities, we prioritize safety above all else. Our skilled staff ensure that campers receive proper instruction and supervision during activities such as swimming, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Pearce Williams is accredited by both the Ontario Camps Association and the United Church of Canada. Are Pearce Williams staff well-trained and trustworthy? All staff at Pearce Williams go through 80+ hours of training which includes all things caring for and supervising children, executing emergency procedures, and ensuring campers have the most amazing summer camp experience. All staff are trained in first aid, and we have a trained Camp Medic on site 24/7. We do thorough background checks on all staff to ensure they are reliable and good role models for campers. Our team is dedicated to creating a friendly and secure environment, so you can feel confident that your child is in good hands while they enjoy all the fun and learning our camp offers. What should my child pack for camp? Our printable packing list, linked below, includes a guide to packing for a week at camp. Every child is different so adjust the packing list to fit your camper's needs. What if my camper has dietary restrictions? Our kitchen staff strives to prepare a menu that includes gluten-friendly, dairy-friendly, and vegetarian options. If your camper needs additional substitutes, you are required to provide us with those replacement items. Your camper's week menu is available by request at info@campisbetter.com. Our facility is a nut-safe facility, please do not send substitutes containing nut products, such as almond milk. Will my child make friends? Absolutely! Pearce Williams Summer Camp is a great place for kids to meet new friends. Pearce Williams is all about teamwork, fun activities, and shared adventures, which naturally helps campers get to know each other and build friendships. Our staff are experts at organizing games and activities that encourage everyone to work together and have fun. This means your child will have plenty of opportunities to connect with others and make friends that can last a lifetime. We create a welcoming and friendly environment, so every camper feels included and has the chance to make meaningful connections. What is the Tier pricing system and why does PW use it? The Tier pricing system is a way for families to choose how much they pay for camp, based on what they can afford. Pearce Williams Summer Camp uses this system to make camp available to more kids, no matter how much money their families have. It works like this: there are different price levels, and families pick the one that fits their budget best. The camp experience is the same for everyone, no matter which price level is chosen. This system helps the camp welcome all kids and ensures everyone has a chance to enjoy camp, learn new things, and make friends. Read more What if my camper misses home? We make every attempt to make your camper’s stay as enjoyable as possible. Our staff are trained specifically how to talk through and redirect their feelings/fears to help them see the value in staying until the end of the week. If we feel the situation warrants a call, we will not hesitate to contact you. Why are no electronic devices allowed? Devices, such as cell phones, iPods, video games, etc., detract from the camp atmosphere and don’t allow for your camper to get the full camp and community experience. We also aren’t responsible for lost, damaged goods, so it’s best to not bring them. Why can we not send snacks? We make sure that your camper is well-fed all week with delicious and well-balanced meal options and snacks. We are a peanut-safe facility. For the safety of all our campers, please do not send any food. Any sent food items will be collected from your camper and returned at the end of the week. What happens to lost items? Lost and found “fashion shows” will be conducted on a regular basis during your camper's stay. Labeling your camper's gear and clothing helps us return any items found. Any unclaimed items will be kept for a short period of time then sent to local mission agencies at the end of the summer. I haven’t been to Pearce Williams before, what does it look like? Our camp is a welcoming and safe place, located on more than 170 acres within the Carolinian Forest Zone of South-Western Ontario. If you’d like to come for a visit, we’re happy to have you out for a camp tour, simply email the office to arrange that at info@campisbetter.com Can I contact my child while they’re at camp? Absolutely! Here's how: Mail: Send your camper some love through the mail! Simply address it to: Pearce Williams c/o [Your Camper's Name] 8009 Iona Road Fingal ON, N0L 1K0 Email: You can send two emails to your camper(s) per session to campers@campisbetter.com, with camper details in the subject line. Phone: Campers can't make or receive calls. For emergencies, our Camp Director will contact you. Stay Updated: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see a few photos and videos during the week. More will be posted after the week has concluded. Do you offer installment payment plans? This season, we’re excited to offer a flexible monthly installment plan, making camp more accessible for all families. Here's how it works: payments are automatically scheduled for the 20th of each month leading up to camp. It’s a simple way to spread out the cost, ensuring your camper can enjoy their summer without the financial strain hitting all at once. However, we understand that every family’s situation is different. If the preset dates don’t fit your budget, don’t worry. Reach out to our main office, and we’ll gladly adjust the payment schedule to better suit your needs—whether that’s moving to different monthly dates or even switching to a bi-weekly plan. We know camp can be costly, but our goal is to make it work for you, so your camper can have their best summer yet.

Payment Options & Financial Aid Every child deserves a week at camp. Realizing that families have different abilities to pay, Pearce Williams offers multiple financial aid options. You may choose to use the financial aid that is most suitable for your family. Tier Pricing Payment Plans Scholarships Tier Pricing System Explained The Tier System allows us to continue to offer our amazing summer camp programs while letting everyone know the true cost of camp. The average cost of camp in Ontario is $1300 per week. Expenses for a camper to attend a single week of camp at Pearce Williams are well over $1000 when all is taken into account. We keep our fees for camp families significantly lower than the provinical average by subsidizing them through donations and rental income. Based on the above information you may choose the tier that is most suitable for your family. Tier I provides significantly subsidized fees compared to the true cost of camp. Tier II offers more subsidization of our fees for those who need to pay a little less. Tier III offers the lowest fees available for camp, making our programming as accessible to families in need as we possibly can. THIS PROGRAM IS VOLUNTARY AND IN NO WAY INFLUENCES THE EXPERIENCE CHILDREN RECEIVE. It offers the opportunity for families to take an active role in supporting the true cost of their child’s camp experience. Only the office staff know what tier you have selected, and that information is used only for billing purposes. Tier Pricing Payment Plan Payment Plans This season, we’re excited to offer a FLEXIBLE MONTHLY INSTALLMENT PLAN , making camp more accessible for all families. Here's how it works: payments are automatically scheduled for the 20th of each month leading up to camp. It’s a simple way to spread out the cost, ensuring your camper can enjoy their summer without the financial strain hitting all at once. However, we understand that every family’s situation is different. If the preset dates don’t fit your budget, don’t worry. Reach out to our main office, and we’ll gladly adjust the payment schedule to better suit your needs—whether that’s moving to different monthly dates or even switching to a bi-weekly plan. We know camp can be costly, but our goal is to make it work for you, so your camper can have their best summer yet. Scholarships We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience camp. If you cannot afford Tier III pricing, we offer scholarships to help make camp accessible. To apply, please email info@campisbetter.com or call us at 519-764-2317 for a scholarship application. Applications are open now and must be submitted by March 31st each year. Scholarships

Packing Guide View our printable packing guides and keep scrolling to read about our favourite packing tips to prepare for a great week at camp! Tip #1 Pack in One Bag Packing all your camper’s belongings, including their sleeping items, in one bag keeps everything organized and easy to manage. It reduces the chances of items getting lost or left behind and helps campers keep track of their things throughout the week. Having everything in one place simplifies unpacking when they arrive and makes it easier to pack at the end of camp. Plus, it’s more convenient for transportation and for campers to carry! Tip #2 Put Daily Outfits in Sealed Bags (Younger Campers) Packing outfits in individual Ziplock bags is a great way to keep campers organized. It simplifies getting dressed each day by providing a complete, ready-to-go outfit—no searching for missing socks or matching shirts! Plus, it helps keep their bags organized throughout the week, making it easy to see what’s been worn and what’s still fresh, reducing mess and stress at camp! Tip #4 Send a Laundry Bag Packing a laundry bag for summer camp is essential for keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones. It helps kids stay organized and makes it easier to keep track of what needs to be washed when they return home. Tip #3 Roll Your Clothes (Older Campers) Rolling clothes is a great way to save space and keep things organized. It helps maximize luggage capacity, making room for all the essentials. You can even roll outfits together, making it easier for kids to grab a complete set of clothes for each day, keeping the suitcase neat throughout the week! Tip #5 Label EVERYTHING Labeling everything helps prevent lost items by ensuring that each piece of clothing, gear, and personal belongings is easily identifiable as your child’s. With so many campers sharing common spaces, labeled items make it easier for counsellors to return misplaced belongings. By clearly marking each item with your child’s name, you can give yourself peace of mind, knowing that their belongings are less likely to get mixed up or lost! Tip #6 Pack a Comfort Item Packing a comfort item for your child can significantly enhance their summer camp experience. Familiar objects like a stuffed animal or blanket provide security and reassurance in a new environment, helping to ease homesickness. Having something familiar to cuddle or hold onto can make the transition smoother, allowing your child to focus on making new friends and enjoying their camp adventures!

Mail at Camp 1 Email your Camper Campers can receive two (2) emails per camp session. Make the most of your emails – write it exactly like a letter full of family news! Emails will be printed at 9am daily and delivered during the lunch hour. Please include the Campers Name, Cabin & Counsellor Name in the subject line. Emails can be sent to: campers@campisbetter.com . Please note that we are not able to process camper replies to email. 2 Sending Physical Mail Feel free to send your camper a couple of pieces of mail at camp! If you are sending letters through the mail, be aware of shipping times and ensure letters arrive prior to picking your child up. A more time conscious option is to bring pre-written letters in envelopes with your camper at the beginning of the week and hand them to your camper’s counsellor at drop-off. Their counsellor will distribute them to your camper throughout the week. Our address is: Pearce Williams c/o –CAMPERS NAME 8009 Iona Road Fingal ON, N0L 1K0 3 Campers Sending You Mail If your camper would like to send letters to you or anyone else in your family, you can send self-addressed and stamped envelopes with your camper! If you let your camper’s counsellor know you have sent one or more self-addressed envelopes, they will ensure that your camper sends some mail out. Your camper’s counsellor will collect the mail that campers may have and they will be placed in the mail daily. If your camper writes any letters to send out and did not bring pre-stamped envelopes, these letters will be handed to you at the deregistration table prior to taking them home.

Catering to kids who might be unsure about staying at camp for a full week session, our First Timers camp session offers a fantastic opportunity with a three night stay at camp, with all the same fun of a full week stay! FIRST-TIMERS August 4 -7 Primary/First Timers Camp is the perfect introduction to camp for 5-9 year old campers. At Primary Camp, your camper will get to discover all that Pearce Williams has to offer in a shorter time period. Your campers first time at camp will lead to a lifelong love of camp. The goal at Pearce Williams is to allow your young camper to gain self-esteem and self-confidence, while living in a supportive community setting. Primary Camp is a great way to get younger campers comfortable with the overnight summer camp experience. Activities include: swimming, nature, sports, Makerspace, chapel, drama, dance, hiking, cook-outs, rocket building, gaga ball, 9 Square in the Air, campfires and so much more! t1:$460 T2:$435 T3:$420 APPLY NOW

Activities Each day, campers get to shape their own camp experience, trying out new things, pursuing favorite hobbies, and having fun with friends. We make sure there’s something for everyone—whether it’s outdoor exploration, creative arts, sports, or unique themed activities. Discover all the possibilities that await! Camper Choice Sessions Choose Your Own Adventure Sessions Games in the Core Camp Wide Games Camper Choice Sessions Camper Choice Sessions At Pearce Williams, campers choose which activities they'd like to do for 4 1-hour long session blocks each day! Campers pick out of 4-5 sessions lead by our amazing staff team. We have core, camper-favourite sessions such as swimming, bracelet making, and archery that run more often. We also have passion-based sessions that are created by our staff! These type of sessions bring so many cool opportunities to our campers such as crocheting, different sports, and wilderness skills. Each session block you can typically find an athletic session, a crafty session, a wilderness based session, and a wild-card! We do our best to make sure there is something for everyone! Explore some of the sessions we have run in the past: Tie Dye Salamander Searching Rocket Building & Launching Chalk Art Basketball Swimming Bracelet Making Soccer Pond Exploring Water Games Charcoal Art Crocheting Soccer Ball Making Cup Stacking Gymnastics Dress Up Board Games Dance Beach Volleyball Noodle Sword Pirates Stuffed Animal Tea Party Fire Building Archery Shelter Building CYOAs Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) Sessions One of the four daily session blocks is called Choose Your Own Adventure, or better known as CYOA! What makes this block different from the other session blocks? CYOA is a session dedicated to helping campers build a specific skill. Instead of choosing different CYOA's each day, at the beginning of the week campers pick which CYOA they would like, and they will go to that CYOA every day during this time block. The goal being to build and expand on a specific skill throughout the entire week. Choose Your Own Adventure sessions are based off of skills that our diverse staff team have and we think campers would love. Explore some of the Chose Your Own Adventure sessions we have run in the past: Bird House Building Basketball Bracelet Making (Make different kinds each day) Soccer Art Workshop Crocheting Gymnastics Dance Outdoor Survival Skills Games in the Core Games in the Core These games are offered during transition and free-time periods. There are occasionally sessions based around these activities because they are so popular. 9-Square Gaga Ball Stilting Giant Connect Four Carpet Ball Corn Hole Wall Ball Basketball Camp Wide Games Camp Wide Games There are many times during the week where the entire camp comes together to play large games! Here are some of our favourites: Capture the Jugs Survival Smugglers & Spies Circle Rules Football Sponge Warz Satchel & the Sword Horses, Knights, Cavaliers Counsellor Hunt