FAQs
Camp Sessions
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Camp Sessions
What are the camp session times?
Morning sessions: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Full Day sessions: 9:00am – 4:00pmFor more details on drop off, pickup and extended hours available, please visit our Camp Sessions section by clicking here.
Do you offer an extended hours care (early drop off or late pick up)?
Yes. Our regular no-cost drop off time is from 8:30-9:00am and pick up from 12 – 12:30pm (for morning sessions) or 4-4:30pm (for full day sessions), however, we have extended care options available for an additional nominal fee.
For morning sessions, we offer extended before care from 8 – 8:30am ($20 per camper per week) and after care pick up from 12:30 – 1pm ($20 per camper per week). If you purchase both the before and after care, you’ll receive the extended care for $30 per camper per week.
For full day sessions, we offer extended before care from 8 – 8:30am ($20 per camper per week) and after care pick up from 4:30 – 5pm ($20 per camper per week). If you purchase both the before and after care, you’ll receive extended care for $30 per camper per week.
The extended care option is based on a full week, regardless of how many days extended care is needed. If you don’t require the extended care service for certain days, there is no discount and/or refund for unused days. If you are registered for multiple weeks but don’t need extended care for all weeks, you can choose which week(s) you need extended care for.
What is the programming for morning sessions?
Our morning sessions are popular for any families who just want a half day program and prefer a soccer focus. Mornings consist primarily of learning and playing soccer which includes a daily warm up, individual skill development, fun team games, soccer scrimmages and mini-Royal Cups. These morning sessions are coached and supervised by our staff in approximate ratios of 10 campers to 1 staff member (younger campers will have smaller ratios).
Campers are grouped and coached by age, size and ability where possible. All children aged 5 to 13 of any skill level, from never playing before to competitive rep players, are welcome to register. (For older competitive rep players, please contact us regarding your soccer expectations at camp). We recognize that many of our campers attend for multiple weeks of camp, so we accommodate this by introducing weekly themes with variations to the games and exercises.
Programming for morning sessions is subject to change without notice depending on Public Health recommendations and restrictions.
What is the programming for afternoon sessions?
Our full day sessions are the most popular but have limited capacity. Full day sessions combine the soccer focus of the morning sessions (daily warm up, individual skill development, fun team games, soccer scrimmages and mini-Royal Cups) with an afternoon session full of more traditional camp games and a possible recreational swim (where available). Morning sessions are taught in an average group ratio of 10 campers to 1 staff member (younger campers will have smaller ratios) while afternoon sessions consist of a much smaller supervision ratio, especially in the pool. During the afternoon portion, campers will play various camp games and enjoy a leisure swim at the nearby pool for approximately one hour (some locations may not swim every day). During the afternoon leisure swim, our campers are fully supervised by camp staff and pool lifeguards in accordance with local regulations. There are limited spaces available for full day sessions to ensure supervision ratios are safe and meet the pool regulations. In some locations, children aged 5, 6 or 7 may not be eligible to register for full day sessions due to restrictive pool ratios. For most pool facilities, swim tests are conducted by local pool lifeguards (not the camp staff). If your camper does not pass the swim test, their swim may be subject to pool restrictions, including limited swim time due to swimmer rotations in the pool. If you have any concerns pertaining to the swimming portion of camp, speak to your onsite Supervisor or contact us at 1-800-427-0536.
It is important to note there is no soccer instruction in the afternoon sessions. Soccer specific activities may or may not be played in the afternoons due to weather and other factors.
Programming for full-day sessions is subject to change without notice depending on Public Health recommendations and restrictions.
When is lunch time?
Our lunch time is scheduled between 12 – 1pm and is fully supervised by our camp staff. Safety, food allergies and cleanliness are high priorities for our camp staff to consider during the lunch hour.
Are the weekly sessions the same each week?
Each week is a little different, but our daily structure is generally the same. The themes, games, activities, and other programming will differ from week to week. We design our programming with the knowledge that some campers register for all weeks in the summer.
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Registration
How do I register for camp?
Camp registration is completed online by clicking here. Registration by telephone is not accepted.
What happens if my child does not like the camp?
Our programming, developed over the last three decades, has proven to be very effective in creating a fun, safe and learning atmosphere at camp. However, we understand that, for whatever reason, some campers may not enjoy every aspect of camp. Please let us know if your camper is not enjoying the camp and why. We’ll do our very best to address your concerns as we take feedback very seriously. While there are no refunds once camp has started, we’ll do whatever we can to make your experience more pleasurable which may include switching groups or slightly altering our program to accommodate certain needs (if possible).
Can I be in the same group as my friend?
When you register online, there is a spot where you can ask to be grouped with a friend. Please list the full name of the camper whom your camper wishes to be grouped with and we’ll do our best to accommodate this request provided the ages of the friends/family members are similar. Note – grouping requests are not guaranteed.
How does this camp compare to other soccer camps?
We like to think that all camps provide value to children if run properly, however, our camp differs from many others in our approach to coaching and teaching. We are much more than just a soccer camp! Our program fosters the development of individual skills, team building and life skills. Not only do we teach grassroots soccer skills and exercises, but we also strive to teach our campers life skills in a fun environment with fantastic, energetic, and experienced instructors.
If my child really likes camp, can we sign up for more weeks?
Absolutely! Note that it will be subject to availability. Many of our camp weeks fill up quickly, long before camp even starts. If you wait too long, enrolment might be full.
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Age Limits & Ratios
How old does my child have to be to attend camp?
A child must be at least 5 years old by the start of their camp session.
What if my child is too old to attend your camp but wants to participate?
If your child is 14 years old or older at the time of camp, they can apply to volunteer at camp by clicking here. Volunteering is a great opportunity for kids aged 14 and 15 as they not only get a chance to give back to the community and achieve any community volunteer hours needed for school, but they also get some valuable experience at camp which will help them attain summer camp employment in future years.
How many girls register for camp?
Royal City is committed to promoting girls in sport (for more information, click here). Approximately 40-50% of our campers are girls of all ages. We continue to break down barriers of entry for girls to participate in sport as that is an important goal of our club.
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Camper Safety
How are campers grouped?
Our campers are grouped by age, size and ability where possible.
What is the camper to staff ratio?
During the morning soccer focus, our staff teach and supervise their groups in excellent ratios, averaging approximately 1 staff to 10 campers. The younger campers typically receive a lower ratio during the morning sessions. If your camper is participating in the afternoon swim, these ratios are much lower as we are required to meet or exceed the local pool’s regulations for supervision ratios.
Our ratios may be dictated by both health guidelines and local pool regulations governing the specific pool at your camp location.
In the event of any changes to public health or provincial requirements for group size, we will meet that standard. This may differ from province to province and may change as any new health regulations are implemented (as it may relate to COVID-19 and/or any other infectious disease)
How do you ensure safety and supervision?
Safety and supervision are the most important factors for us at our camp. Due to the pandemic, we developed a detailed and comprehensive COVID-19 Safety Plan that incorporates detailed safety procedures for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases that would be implemented where necessary. At RCSC, it is important that our campers learn and have fun in a safe environment.
Can my child walk or ride their bike to camp?
If the parent/guardian listed on the registration will not be the person signing the camper in or out of camp, a SIGN IN/OUT RELEASE form must be completed by the parent/guardian before camp starts. This form is available online during the registration process or in-person with our supervisor onsite. If a camper is walking, riding their bike or taking a taxi/bus to camp or from camp, this form must be completed otherwise, all campers must be picked up and dropped off directly at camp.
Do I need to fill out any medical forms?
If your child has an EpiPen (anaphylaxis allergy), requires assistance with medication at the camp, or has any other medical concerns, it is important to ensure that the following forms are completed at time of registration OR sent via email to info@royalsoccer.com PRIOR to the start of camp:
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Camper Assistance while at Camp
What is your policy for campers who need additional support while at camp?
We welcome campers of all abilities to camp.
For campers who will be accompanied by a service or support animal, we ask that you advise us at Head Office via email info@royalsoccer.com in advance to be sure that the camp staff as well as our facility partners for your camp location are made aware.
We try our best to accommodate the special needs of campers where possible. As the facilities we utilize vary by location, and may not be suitable for all, please contact our Head Office in advance and we can review your camper’s needs. Please note that we are not able to offer one-on-one assistance/supervision for campers. If your camper needs one-on-one assistance/supervision, we are happy to welcome a personal support worker (arranged by the camp family or guardian), or a parent or guardian to camp.
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Health & Safety Protocols (COVID-19 and other Infectious Diseases)
What are your health & safety protocols?
The health and safety of our campers, volunteers, and camp staff is our highest priority. At Royal City Soccer Club, we continue to work closely with provincial camping associations and review local, provincial, and federal guidelines to ensure that we are doing our part to provide a healthy and safe environment for all participants.
Royal City Soccer Club reserves the right to make changes to and/or update our policies and procedures, as well as programming offerings as the Ministry of Health may make changes to their COVID-19 and other infectious disease guidelines and recommendations. Our policies and protocols will be updated as needed.
What happens if a camper becomes ill at camp?
If a camper, volunteer, or staff member becomes ill while at camp, the individual will be separated immediately from the others in a supervised area to ensure that physical distancing (2 meters) is maintained.
Parents/guardians will be notified immediately, and the camper, volunteer, or staff member will need to be picked up as soon as possible.
We ask all parents and guardians to use appropriate judgment when sending your child to camp. If your child is ill, kindly refrain from sending your child to camp until they are symptom free for 24 hours.
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Inclement Weather
What happens in the event of rain or inclement weather
Our camp is run primarily outdoors, however, during inclement weather (rain, extreme heat, etc.), our camp will go indoors or take shelter temporarily in a designated area until the inclement weather clears, subject to facility availability. If it’s a light mist, activities will most likely continue outdoors as scheduled. In some locations and on some occasions, a school bus (or equivalent) may be required to bus campers and staff to a nearby indoor facility. Supervisors will do their best to notify parents in advance if we need to bus campers offsite temporarily or for the day. Programmed activities may be modified to suit the indoor facility used. Please note, unfortunately, there are no refunds due to inclement weather. If Public Health restrictions due to COVID-19 prevent our camp from securing an indoor facility during inclement weather during your week of camp, then we’ll advise you of your options in advance.
What indoor activities are provided?
The indoor facility used will dictate much of the activities we can do. As indoor facilities vary location to location, and even week to week, activities conducted will be subject to the facility used and will likely be modified. If inclement weather prevents us from following our regular schedule and teaching some of the scheduled soccer activities, we’ll do our best to make it up when the weather clears during the rest of the week.
How do you deal with the hot weather?
As most of our programming is conducted outdoors, the summer heat is always a safety consideration for us. From the moment campers arrive, we insist they apply sunscreen and continue to remind them to reapply throughout the day. During very hot periods, our activities are altered to ensure campers are not dehydrated or exhausted due to the heat. We make use of all the shade in the area and may even go indoors if the weather is too bad.
What if it’s too hot? Is there shade from the sun?
If the weather is too hot, we take the camp indoors or organize quiet games in the shade with plenty of refreshments and breaks. Most facilities have ample trees and shade from the sun. We encourage campers to eat lunch in the shade.
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Methods of Payment & Subsidies
What are the acceptable methods of payment?
Registration fees can be paid via Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, VISA Debit). Please be advised a non-refundable 2.5% service fee will apply to all credit card payments.
Do you offer any subsidies?
We work closely with Children’s Aid Societies, Boys and Girls Clubs, and as well as programs like Jumpstart and KidSport to help provide disadvantaged children with the opportunity to attend camp. Unfortunately, we don’t offer individual subsidies, however, we can help families find a local subsidizer in your city. For more details on subsidy organizations in your area contact our head office at 1-800-427-0536 or click here.
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Camp Discounts
Please be advised that unless otherwise stated, multiple discounts cannot be used at one time.
6+ Week Discount
This discount will be available to any individual camper who registers for 6 or more weeks of camp. This discount cannot be combined with the Early Bird Savings discount. In the event that a camper who has received this discount cancels any weeks of camp, leaving less than 6 weeks of registrations, the 6+ Week discount will be removed, and the full (non-discounted) fee will apply.
Camp Credits
Please be advised that Early Bird or other promotional savings do not apply to Camp Credits and/or camp credit benefits.
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What Do I Bring to Camp?
Do we need shin pads and soccer shoes?
Shin pads and soccer shoes are not mandatory, however, if you wish to bring them for use during the morning sessions you can. We recommend campers wear running shoes, especially in case the camp must move indoors.
Do we bring our own lunch & snacks?
If you are attending morning sessions, there is no need to bring lunch unless your camper wishes to eat lunch with the group. We highly recommend bringing snacks and drinks in a cooler or lunch bag.
If you are attending full day sessions, you must send lunch, snacks, and drinks with your camper. We recommend storing all drinks and food in a cooler or lunch bag as we do not have storage available.
All food (snacks and lunch) must be peanut and nut free as some campers may be allergic to these items. We strive for a nut free camp environment.
Are there any food products I should not bring?
Yes, please do not bring peanuts or any nut products to camp as we strive to maintain a nut-free camp. If for any reason nut products are accidentally brought to the camp, our staff follow our safety procedures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Do we need to bring a soccer ball?
Every camper will be given a ‘Royal’ camp soccer ball on their first day for them to keep. Campers are expected to bring this soccer ball to and from camp each day.
Campers will only receive 1 camp soccer ball. If a camper attends 5 or more weeks of camp, they will receive a second ball and t-shirt during their fifth week of camp. Royal City is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged soccer balls (or any other items brought to camp).
What if we lose the soccer ball or camp t-shirt?
A lost camp soccer ball or t-shirt cannot be replaced; however, families have the option to either purchase an additional camp soccer ball ($15) or they can bring their personal soccer ball from home. Additional camp t-shirts can be purchased for $8, however, it is not necessary that campers wear their camp t-shirt every day.
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Camp Staff
Who are your camp staff?
We are lucky at Royal City Soccer Club because every year we receive so many requests to work at, or return to, our camps. Not only do our staff have experience with children and backgrounds in soccer, but they are also passionate and committed to making a positive difference in the lives of every Royal City Soccer Club camper.
Our caring and responsible staff foster a child centered approach at our camps. We have a high rate of returning staff each year and, with high expectations, we want our staff to continuously pursue additional learning and qualifications. All staff must undergo interviews, participate in multiple training sessions, and provide a police background check to successfully obtain employment at one of our camps.
Many of our staff are past campers and volunteers that have come back year after year to share their passion for working with children in sport. The experience our staff take away from working at our camps lasts a lifetime. As the years pass, many of our alumni staff recall working at our summer camps as the most rewarding job in their life.
We’re always looking for candidates interested in joining our amazing Summer Camp Team. For more information, click here.
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Find Your Location
We have camp locations in 6 provinces across Canada. Click on your province below for a list of camp locations in your area.