Summer Camp & Retreat Facility

Tree Planting Program Pearce Williams has a recognition and memorial tree program. If you want to have a Carolinian tree planted in memory of or in recognition of someone this program allows that to happen on-site at Pearce Williams. There are two options: 1. For a $1500 donation: We will work with you to choose a tree, source the new tree, and then plant that tree in the Pearce Williams Memorial Forest or other approved location on site at Pearce Williams. You would get a tax receipt for $1000 (tree, plaque, and planting valued at $500). 2. For a $1000 donation: Pearce Williams will work with you to select an existing tree that you can "claim" and we will install a plaque on said tree for your memorial or recognition person. You would get a tax receipt for $900 (plaque and mounting valued at $100) The tree species that are distinctly Carolinian (that only grow in the Carolinian Zone) include American Chestnut, American Sycamore, Ash Blue, Ash Pumpkin, Black Gum, Cherry Birch, Cucumber Magnolia, Flowering Dogwood, Hoptree, Honey Locust, Hickory Big Shellbark, Hickory Pignut, Kentucky Coffee Tree, Oak Chinquapin, Oak Hills, Oak Pin, Oak Shumard, Oak Swamp White, Ohio Buckeye, Pawpaw, Redbud, Red Mulberry, Sassafras and Tulip Tree. Trees are a natural item that have a defined lifespan and suffer from other challenges. Pearce Williams will do our best to ensure that the dedication and memorial trees are kept alive for the long term.

Tier Pricing Explained Realizing that families have different abilities to pay, Pearce Williams offers a voluntary three-tier payment program. You may choose the tier that is most suitable for your family. TIER SYSTEM EXPLAINED Our Pricing Model 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, YET IT OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILIES TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLL 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. If you cannot afford the cost of Tier III, please email or call (519-764-2317) for a scholarship application. Scholarship applications are due by March 31st each year, and are open now. Apply for camp on November 1, 2025! Click Here to Apply Questions? Drop us an email: info@campisbetter.com

PW Inclusion Program Program Overview The Inclusion Program at Pearce Williams provides personalized support to ensure all participants feel included and valued during their camp experience. Campers and volunteers are paired 1:1 with inclusion staff, who assist with care needs and help them participate in activities. Each individual’s experience is thoughtfully tailored to their abilities, interests, and level of support needed, creating an environment where everyone can thrive and enjoy camp to the fullest. Age Groups & Activities Campers (Ages 5–17): Participants are integrated into regular camp activities based on their abilities and interests. Our goal is to ensure they can engage meaningfully and enjoyably in all aspects of camp life. Volunteers (Ages 18 +): Older participants are considered volunteers. They take part in camp activities while also completing daily volunteer tasks to help build life skills. Examples of these tasks include: Setting tables Sweeping various areas Folding birthday cards Managing mail collection and delivery These responsibilities foster a sense of contribution to the camp community while allowing participants to enjoy the camp experience. There is a limited amount of volunteer positions each summer. Application Process When applying to be an inclusion camper, families must complete additional paperwork. This helps us get to know your camper better and assess their fit for our program. Our Inclusion Facilitator will reach out to families prior to your week at camp to ensure we have all the information we need to give your camper a successful week at camp. For new families or campers, the Director of Camps and Programs will contact you to discuss your camper’s needs. This process includes an in-person meeting to ensure the program aligns with your camper’s requirements. Don't hesitate to contact our office if you have questions about our inclusion program. Program Limitations While Pearce Williams can accommodate a variety of disabilities, we recognize that our resources and expertise may not meet every camper’s needs. In such cases, we may need to decline a camper’s application. Families are encouraged to discuss their needs with us to determine if our program is the right fit for their child.

JOIN OUR STAFF TEAM FOR SUMMER 2026! Positions Apply Now APPLY NOW POSITIONS WHY CAMP APPLICATION DETAILS Pearce Williams is looking for 40 students (ages 16 to 25) who want a work adventure and experience like no other for the summer of 2026. Must like children. Must be willing to try new things. If this is you? Read on… WELCOME TO A SUMMER UNLIKE ANY OTHER Pearce Williams is planning to hire 40 summer staff this year to run our traditional overnight sleepaway camp programs. We encourage you to apply early so you can be included in our group interview in January 2026. Those who attend our in-person group interviews have a much higher likelihood of being hired. The summer of 2026 will be awesome as we continue to bring campers and families back to this place they call home for amazing adventures and fun! We are looking for students (high school and post-secondary) to work this summer. You must be ready to give it your all, which includes living on site, Sundays to Fridays, each week of work you are granted. Apply Now WHY WORK AT CAMP? Why Camp If you're ready to embark on an unforgettable summer adventure, you're in the right place At Pearce Williams, our mission is simple but powerful: to do what needs to be done to give campers the most amazing experience. It's a motto we live by, and it shapes everything we do. Variety of Summer Positions: We're on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join our diverse staff. From counseling positions, where you'll nurture and guide six to eight children per session, to the adventurous Wilderness Camp, we offer a range of roles to suit different interests. Yes, you might find yourself sleeping in tents, getting wet, and doing all sorts of wacky and wonderful things—because that's what camp is all about! Training Opportunities: If you're worried about being thrown into the deep end, don't be. We provide paid training in May and July, including a work bee day, a training weekend, and a training week. Your development is important to us, and we invest in your success. Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of balance. At Pearce Williams, you work from Sunday afternoons (on-site by 3 PM) until Friday evening (around 5 or 6 PM). This means you get Saturdays off to recharge, explore, and make the most of your summer. “Because of camp I get to surround myself with people, staff and campers alike, that inspire me every single day. These people have also allowed me to discover myself, and to grow into the best me I can be.” “I feel like even though I was mature before camp I feel even more mature now. The way I look at people, respond to things, and deal with stress has changed and I think that’s because how I grew this summer!” “Because of camp I am able to get in front of any crowd and feel relaxed. I have been able to grow in confidence , and can firmly say that I know what I want to do with the rest of my life.” Apply Now! APPLICATION DETAILS Camp will ask you to commit to the following dates. All training is paid. Training day & site orientation on Saturday, May 4, 2026 from 9am - 3pm (lunch provided) Training weekend - Friday, May 22, 2026, at 7:00 pm to Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 5:00 pm Training week - Sunday, July 5, 2025, at 7:00 pm to Friday, July 10, 2026, at 5:00 pm We then run 6 weeks of camp in 2025 from July 12 to August 21. You would live on site while you work at camp, from Sunday afternoons to Friday afternoons. Note that you do not have to work all 6 weeks of camp - it depends on the number of campers who sign up and your own availability. Preference is given to people who can attend all training and work all 6 weeks of camp. New Staff Application - If you are new to Pearce Williams as a staff member. Returning Staff Application - If you are applying for a job at Pearce Williams and have worked at PW before - use this form - even if you have missed a year or two. Counsellor-In-Training Application - We accept 15 engaged youth into our CIT program each year. Please fill out the online staff application by clicking the button below, then have your parents fill out the Camper Application for the Counsellor-In-Training Adventure Week, and have two of your references fill out the reference form. Volunteer Application - If you would like to volunteer at some point at Pearce Williams. Reference Form - The reference form for new staff and CITs can be found here. Apply Now! App Details

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

Volunteer Sign Up Find information about upcoming volunteer opportunities at Pearce Williams, allowing you to help camp and help kids. Volunteer For Work Bee Day 2025! volcurrent May 3, 2025 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Work Bee Day Are you a friend of Pearce Williams who's willing and capable of lending a hand? We need volunteers to assist with cleaning and preparation of camp for all of our summer guests to enjoy! We'll need people to help out with the following tasks, and more. Clean up of felled trees - must bring own chainsaw and safety equipment Gardening - bring your favorite tools Window washing Eco Pond clean up Stick clean up Raking (pine cones, leaves, volleyball court) Graffitti removal Fort deconstruction We really rely on our camp community to help us deliver wonderful camp experiences, and we need your muscles to help us out. We recommend that everyone bring work gloves with them. Lunch will be provided this day. We'll see you then, rain or shine. RSVP Here!

Annual General Reports Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility 2022 Annual Report Click here to download 2022 PDF 2021 Annual Report Click here to download 2021 PDF Older Annual Reports Please contact our office if you are interested in readying the older annual reports going back to 1960. info@campisbetter.com Financial Statements Audited Financial Statements are available on request. You can view the yearly financial information submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency here.

Thank you to our Donors Recognizing Grants On December 1st, 2023 we recognized $253,700.00 in Grant Funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Resilient Communities Fund. Check out below our media release and some photos from this event! Media Statement MEDIA RELEASE December 1st, 2023 $253,700 Capital Grant & Resilient Communities Fund lead to New Improvements at Pearce Williams Fingal, ON – On Friday, local MPP Rob Flack will meet with the team at Pearce Williams Summer Camp to hear more about the $253,700 they received through two grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in November 2022. “The investments in Pearce Williams Summer Camp by the Ontario Trillium Foundation are well deserved,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin—Middlesex—London. “The history of this facility is extensive, and the impact that this camp has had on countless children and families is testament to the good work that they do.” In March 2022, Pearce Williams was awarded a $143,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant to fund the purchase of solar panels to lessen our carbon footprint and reduce fixed cost and create a fundraising action plan. These improvements will make sure Pearce Williams can rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the can be there for future campers in the years to come. A $110,000 Capital grant was also awarded in November 2022 to fund accessible renovations the main dining hall and replacing doors and windows to extend the useful life of the building. These new improvements will allow camp to remain accessible and inclusive to all who come. "This deck has allowed us as a facility to become more accessible.” Joe Richards says, “These improvements have allowed us to increase what we can use the space for from summer camp to rental facility opportunities.” Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility is committed to preserving this space and ensuring that it remains accessible and environmentally conscious. If you wish to enquire about using the space for rental events, or sending your child to summer camp please visit the website at: https://www.campisbetter.com/ The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more. Organization Contact for Media Inquiries: Joe Richards, Executive Director Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility 519-764-2317 info@campisbetter.com Check Out the New Deck! Here is a photo of our new accessible deck on our dining hall. We also were able to put up solar power around our facility thanks to these grants!

Contact Us Please reach out if you have any questions or inquires about our summer camp, rental facilities, outdoor education or general info! We are happy to help. Let's Chat Phone 519-764-2317 Email info@campisbetter.com Social Media

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!

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: Louisa Flock Donor & Fund Development 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. Main Camp Packing List 2024 (1) .pdf Download PDF • 345KB 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.