Summer Camp & Retreat Facility

Jr Sports & Arts week is all about our 7-12 year old campers and gives them the ability to choose from a variety of sports and arts programs that are offered each day. JR SPORTS & ARTS JULY 19 -24 Sports & Arts Week is all about sports and arts for our 7-12 year old campers - hence the name. Sports & Arts Camp will give your camper the ability to choose from a variety of sports and arts programs that are offered each day. Your camper is offered many opportunities to try out new activities in both the areas of sports and arts. The overall goal at Pearce Williams is to allow your camper to gain self-esteem, self-confidence, and learn how to live in community, and how to interact with others. Activities at camp include: swimming, nature, sports, teamwork/team building games & initiatives, Makerspace, archery, chapel, drama, dance, hiking, cook-outs & sleep-outs, rocket building, gaga ball, 9 Square in the Air, campfires and so much more! t1:$675 T2:$650 T3:$625 APPLY NOW

Explore Our Spaces Explore the spaces that make camp feel like home! From our cabins to the dining hall and activity areas, these photos showcase the buildings & spaces where campers gather, connect, and create lasting memories throughout the summer. Outside of Cabins Cabin Hallway Within each of our three cabins there are four camper rooms and two staff rooms. Cabin Room Humes Hall The Farmhouse (Our Office) The Barn Williams Hall New Dining Hall Porch The Pool The Willow Tree (Chapel) Chuck Wagons World Camp (Mongolian Ger) Wilderness's Tent Clearing World Camp (Thailand Stilt Hut) Campfire Inside Williams Hall Vesper Point Big Red Chair Trail Signs Dining Hall New Dining Hall Porch Inside the Dining Hall Archery The Core Wilderness Big Top Tent

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). ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us.

Sample Schedule Explore this page to gain a deeper understanding of the amazing week your camper will have! By reviewing this schedule together with your camper, you can help ease any pre-camp jitters and build excitement for the activities ahead. *Schedule may be different than what you see here. Some weeks have a slightly altered schedule: Wilderness & World Camps - Schedules follow a similar structure but are adapted to accommodate specialized programming. To read more about how these camps differ from Main Camp programs, visit their descriptions here: Wilderness , World Camp . Leaders-In-Training Camp - Shorter Week & the addition of night games for the older age group. First Timers / Primary Camp - Shorter week, earlier bed times & no sleepout.

Food at Camp At camp, we believe great meals make for even greater memories. From hearty breakfasts to delicious dinners, our diverse menu caters to all tastes. Prepared with care and served with a smile, our food is a highlight of the camp experience. Explore our Food at Camp page to learn more about our nutritious offerings and dining traditions! Our Main Camp Dining Experience *Wilderness Camps eat separately and cook their food over campfires & a grill* Cafeteria Style We serve cafeteria style, allowing campers to feel more in control of their own food choices. Options Bar At every meal, we have an options bar. During breakfast this includes multiple kinds of cereal, yogurt, fruit, and sometimes muffins. At lunch and dinner, we offer a salad and veggie bar with a large variety of toppings and dressings. Dietary Restrictions Our kitchen staff strive 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. Seating Campers are very welcome to sit anywhere in the dining hall, without needing to stay with their cabin groups. Feel free to join friends or staff members you’ve met from other cabins and enjoy your meals together. Indoor/Outdoor Dining Campers can choose to sit in the dining hall or enjoy their meals outside on the porch, which can offer a quieter space for a more relaxed dining experience. Traditions At camp, meal times are filled with traditions and fun! Every Thursday night, we have a themed dinner with decorations and costumes, bringing the week's theme to life. Once a week, we enjoy a picnic outdoors, and some meals come with a twist like eating with random utensils for extra laughs! Snacks Campers enjoy two daily snack times; one in the afternoon, typically a refreshing fruit, and another just before campfire, adding a sweet treat to end the day. Camper Contributions Campers help to scrape and clean up their plates after eating, and entire cabins take turns volunteering to set the tables. Older campers also have the chance to serve food, giving them extra opportunities to step up and contribute. Menu Examples The specific menu for your camper's week is available upon request by emailing info@campisbetter.com

The only program in Canada of its kind, World Camp immerses campers in the cultural circumstances of several communities from around the globe. This includes food preparation and accommodations specific to Thailand, Mongolia and several regions that have large Shanty Town populations. WORLD immersive CAMP Archieved During World Camp, your 11-15 year old camper will have the opportunity to see buildings that showcase what life looks like in Thailand, Mongolia and a Shanti Town. Your camper will get to choose from a variety of programs that are offered each day, all while learning about poverty and social justice issues and ways they can make a difference in the world around them! The overall goal at Pearce Williams is to allow your camper to gain self-esteem, self-confidence, and learn how to live in community, and how to interact with others. Activities at camp include: swimming, nature, sports, teamwork/team building games & initiatives, Makerspace, archery, chapel, drama, dance, hiking, cook-outs & sleep-outs, rocket building, gaga ball, 9 Square in the Air, campfires and so much more! Did you know? There is no other program like World Camp in all of Canada! t1:$640 T2:$615 T3:$580 Cancelled

Health & Safety General Safety Proper Footwear: Bring shoes that have backs or backstraps. This prevents injuries during physical activity and wandering through rougher terrain. Sun Safety: We love spending time in the sun at camp! In order to stay safe in the sun make sure your camper brings sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and shirts that cover their shoulders. Lice: Upon arrival, campers will receive a "Complementary Head Massage" which makes sure they do not bring any unwanted friends to camp. We encourage parents to check their campers prior to arrival to limit surprises. We encourage families to ensure that all vaccines (mumps, rubella, covid, chicken pox, etc) are up to date and documented so that we can ensure the safety of all campers and staff. Due to recent outbreaks, this summer (2025) it is mandatory for campers to have the MMR vaccination and provide proof. Medical Needs We have a qualified Camp Medic on duty 24/7. Every member on our staff team is required to be certified in first aid. Please discuss any medical concerns with the Camp Medic upon arrival. In case of emergency, your child will be taken to the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital. You will be asked to meet us there. Allergies: Please communicate if your camper has allergies to the Camp Medic upon arrival. If your camper has food based allergies or dietary restrictions, explore the "Food at Camp " page for more info. Medication at Camp ALL medications must be in their original containers and left with the Camp Medic. If your child requires a puffer their counsellor will carry it with them in their first aid kit. Medication is administered only by the Camp Medic and all relative medical information is kept confidential with the Supervisor, the Directors and the campers counsellor as necessary. If your camper requires any over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol, Benadryl, etc, we can provide it based on our approved medication list. If you would not like them to receive such medication, let the Camp Medic know upon arrival.

Our All Ages Camps are open to all campers ages 7-14 - that’s why we call them all ages! Your camper will get to choose from a variety of programs that are offered each day. The goal at Pearce Williams is to allow your camper to gain self-esteem and self-confidence, while living in a community setting while learning to live and interact with others.  ALL AGES JULY: 12 -17 GIRLs: JULy 26-3 1 AUGUST: 9-14 End-Of-Summer: August 16-21 Our All Ages Camps are open to all campers ages 7-14 - that’s why we call them all ages! Your camper will get to choose from a variety of programs that are offered each day. The goal at Pearce Williams is to allow your camper to gain self-esteem and self-confidence, while living in a community setting while learning to live and interact with others. Activities at camp include: swimming, nature, sports, teamwork/team building games & initiatives, Makerspace, archery, chapel, drama, dance, hiking, cook-outs & sleep-outs, rocket building, gaga ball, 9 Square in the Air, campfires and so much more! t1:$675 T2:$650 T3:$625 APPLY NOW

Camper Policy and Expectations At Pearce Williams, we create a safe , respectful , and nurturing environment to our campers, family, and staff. To help us continue to achieve this, we have established the following guidelines that all campers are expected to follow. These guidelines help us provide excellent experiences to all who visit. Respect and trust are the most important elements of our camp experience. We ask that before you send your camper off to camp, please talk to them about respecting other campers, the staff, camp policies and the camp facilities. Respect for Others Treat all campers, staff, and visitors with kindness and respect. Harassment, bullying, or exclusion of any kind will not be tolerated. Practice good communication, listen to others, and be considerate in group settings. Respect for Property Take care of camp property, including cabins, equipment, and nature. Respect personal belongings of others, and avoid taking or damaging items that aren’t yours. Behavioral Expectations Follow instructions from staff and camp leaders. Use appropriate language and behavior at all times. Keep noise levels appropriate for different settings (e.g., quiet time, meals, and sleep time). Abusive and/or inappropriate language and actions, harming campers or staff, and destruction of camp property are not tolerated. The camper will be sent home with no refund and potentially billed for damage caused to property. Technology & Personal Devices Pearce Williams has a no-phone policy during camp sessions to encourage face-to-face interaction and outdoor activities. Campers are prohibited from bringing electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, tablets, gaming systems), but if necessary, these items must be approved by Camp Director. Health & Wellness ALL medications must be in their original containers and handed in to the Camp Medic upon arrival. Upon arrival, we conduct head lice checks for all campers as a precautionary measure. We recommend that parents check their child’s head for lice prior to arrival to ensure a smooth check-in process and help maintain a lice-free camp environment. Parents are strongly encouraged not to send their child to camp if they are feeling unwell or showing symptoms of illness, as this helps prevent the spread of sickness and ensures a healthy environment for all campers and staff. Due to recent outbreaks, this summer (2025) it is mandatory for campers to have the MMR vaccination and provide proof. See our "Health & Safety" page for further details. Prohibited Items Electronic Devices: Phones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices. Vapes/E-Cigarettes: The use of e-cigarettes, vapes, or any related items is strictly prohibited. Flame Starters: Lighters, matches, fireworks, flint & steel, or any other flammable materials. Food and Snacks: Unless specifically brought due to dietary restrictions, campers should not bring food. All food brought to camp must be handed in with the kitchen upon arrival. Alcohol, Drugs, or Tobacco: No drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products are permitted at camp, including non-prescribed medications or substances. Weapons: Any type of weapon, including knives, firearms, or any other dangerous objects, are not allowed at camp. Pets or Animals: For health and safety reasons, no pets or animals are allowed. Aerosols or Sprays: Aerosol cans, including spray deodorant or hairspray, are prohibited due to fire safety concerns. Aerosol sunscreen is okay to bring. Valuables: Expensive jewelry, watches, or other high-value items should not be brought to camp to avoid loss or theft. If you are unsure about whether an item is allowed, please contact our staff before bringing it to camp. Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all campers. Disciplinary Action If a camper does not adhere to any of the above policies, staff will first engage in a discussion to address the behavior. Repeated violations may result in additional action, which may include removal from camp, at the discretion of our Directors. We reserve the right to contact the parent/guardian of any camper who refuses to respect other campers or staff. Abusive and/or inappropriate language and actions, harming campers or staff, and destruction of camp property are not tolerated. The camper will be sent home with no refund and potentially billed for damage caused to property. If a camper does not adhere to the policies it may impact future weeks at camp and their ability to attend camp the following summer.

Our Team. Meet the Pearce Williams full-time team! Our dedicated staff are committed to creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all. Joe Richards Executive Director joe@campisbetter.com Ila "Hiccup" Manderson Director of Camps & Programs hiccup@campisbetter.com Nikki "Sunshine" Lavoie Office Manager & Guest Services info@campisbetter.com Justine "Jolly" Wright Donor Relations & Bookkeeper give@campisbetter.com Geoff "Flash" Auckland Maintenance Lead flash@campisbetter.com

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

Land Acknowledgement To acknowledge the traditional territory upon which Pearce Williams resides is to recognize its longer history, one predating the establishment of the earliest European colonies. It is also to appreciate and respect this territory’s significance for the Indigenous peoples who lived and may continue to live upon it. Pearce Williams acknowledges that their practices and spiritualities were and are tied to the land and continue to develop in relationship to the territory and its other inhabitants today. We acknowledge that we gather on the traditional territory of the Anishnabek (on-is-saan-e-bec), Haudenosaunee (hau-denosaunee), Ojibway/Chippewa, and Lunnaapeew (luna-pow) peoples, and we deeply appreciate their historic connection to and stewardship of this land. We also recognize the contributions Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community and to our province and country as a whole. As settlers, we are grateful to be able to live and learn as guests here today and welcome all who visit to join our collective commitment to make the promise of Truth and Reconciliation real in this community, while advocating for justice for Indigenous peoples across the country.