Frequently Asked Questions

What is the counselor to camper ratio

About 6:1 One of the best in Ottawa to ensure that each child receives the attention they deserve.

What age are our campers?

We accept children that are between 5 1/2 and 12 years old as Campers and 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.

Do I have to sign up for every week of camp?

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.

Is there a payment installment plan?

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.

How much of the day is spent indoor and outdoors?

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

How long has the camp been running?

More then 15 years

How old are the summer camp counselors?

Our Camp Director and A/Director are adults and are the same people that operate our after school program during the school year. Our counselors are generally attending college or university and our A/Counselors are high school students. Most of our counselors are also students and instructors in our martial arts programs.

Pick up and drop off Information

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.

Are vehicles used to transport the campers?

Only when we travel to Mooney's Bay, the museum and the Experimental Farm. We use our two Dodge Grand Caravan's and a Chartered school bus when we travel. Counselors are on the bus and in the van. Campers are all on the bus. Otherwise, everyone walks as a group to our destinations which are all within a 25 minute walking distance.

What should my son/daughter bring to camp each day?

A comprehensive list will be emailed to everyone prior to the start of camp but some items include:

Lunch
Snacks
Water bottle
Sun screen
Hat
Weather appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes
A proper backpack
Swim suit and towel on swim days
A life jacket for ages 5 to 7 or non swimmers on beach days. Life jackets are provided by the City of Ottawa Life Guards on pool days.

Pizza Lunch Days

We have a pizza lunch day periodically. You can see on the schedule which days we have pizza. We order Plain Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza's. On those days pack snacks, water bottle and other drinks for your child. Pizza lunch is included in the price of the camp registration fees.

Purple Cow Ice Cream Days

We take the kids for ice cream periodically. This is obviously something the kids really look forward too each week. Ice cream is the only item not included in the camp registration price. On ice cream days we suggest you pack $5 in your child's backpack. For children that are lactose intolerant or allergic to peanuts there are other treat options for the children to choose from.