Frequently Asked Questions

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About 1:5  One of the best in Ottawa to ensure that each child receives the attention they deserve.

We only accept children that are between 5 1/2 and 12 years old as Campers.  We also accept 13 year olds as Junior Counselors.  Junior Counselors are between campers and our Assistant Counselors.  So they are given additional responsibilities by our counselors, but still have lots of fun participating in all the activities.

To ensure a safe, fun, and positive experience for all participants, we ask that all campers meet the following readiness guidelines:

• Campers must be fully toilet trained before attending camp.
   
• Campers should be able to participate in group activities with occasional one-on-one support, as needed.
   

At this time, we are not able to accommodate children on the autism spectrum or those who require individualized one on one care. Our staff-to-camper ratio is 1:5, and we do not have the resources to provide dedicated one-on-one support.

While our adult Camp Director and Assistant Director are always on site, the majority of our counselors are between the ages of 14 and 18. They are energetic, caring, and trained to work with children in group settings and one on one, but they do not have specialized training to support children with autism or other specific developmental needs.

We understand that every child is unique, and we want to be transparent so families can make informed decisions. If you’re unsure whether our camp is the right fit, we’re happy to talk and help guide you toward a program that may better suit your child’s needs.

No.  Some of our campers attend the entire summer, while others pick from one or more weeks.  Our activities and outings change each week, so there is enough variety that children will have a different experience each week.

Yes.  We can take small weekly payments up to the end of June, so that you don't have to pay all at once.  We can set up an installment plan over the phone or in person.  Please contact us to make arrangements.

About 70% of the camp week is spent outside weather permitting

Since 2007

Our Camp Director and Assistant Director are experienced adults who also lead our after-school program during the school year. Our camp counselors are typically college or university students, while our assistant counselors are high school students. Many of our team members are also active participants and instructors in our year-round martial arts programs.

All drop offs and pick ups take place at Zen Mixed Martial Arts.  We want to make this as smooth and quick as possible for you. So, do not park your car.  You will pull up to the front door and you will be greeted by a summer camp counselor who will approach your vehicle.  Our staff will be wearing red zen summer camp t-shirts, so that you and the campers can identify us easily.

Keep your car running and do not exit your vehicle. Be prepared to depart as other cars will be behind you waiting to depart as well. Our staff will help your kids exit the vehicle with their backpack. Our staff member will walk your child into zen and pass them along to the next counselor. If there are any special instructions let our staff know at that time.

Pick up will be done by the same method. Your child will be waiting outside ready to go at 4pm. When you pull up we will approach your car and ask you who you are picking up. Our staff will then collect you kid(s) and bring them to your car.  We will help them with their seat belts as required.

After care children (4pm to 5pm) will be inside and we will watch for you when you pull up. When we see your car we will come out to greet you and then bring your child out to you.

Please pick up your child on time. It's been a long day for the campers and they are looking forward to seeing you, and sharing their day with you.

We divide our camp into four houses of 16 kids each. The tiger, monkey, snake and crane houses. We have our snacks, lunches and do some of our activities in our houses. Sometimes when we do certain activities such as museum visits and mini putt gardens we will divide the kids up in special groups by age. Otherwise we do all the other activities together as one big camp. Either way regardless of which group your child ends up in they will see all the other kids all day and have a chance to play with everyone.