Camp Safety: What You Should Know

Kristin Thesen, an Occupational Health and Safety Professional student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She lives at Living Waters Summer Camp with her husband, the Camp Director.

This is an informational session on summer camp health and safety with Kristin Thesen, who will address the essential aspects of summer camp safety. This session will guide Saskatchewan camps in fulfilling their legal responsibilities under Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, while fostering a secure and positive environment for both campers and staff. We will review practical strategies to maintain compliance, mitigate risks, and ensure your camp operates safely and within the law.

Making the Most With What You Got

Seth Briggs, Saskatchewan Field Director of One Hope Canada

Have you ever felt like you’re just treading water to keep your head above water at camp? Have you ever wondered how “other camps” do so much more than your camp is doing? The reality is, everyone is working really hard and most don’t feel like they’re actually accomplishing all that they could or should. Every camp director has been given a unique situation and set of resources to steward and make the most of. In this interactive session, we’ll take a look at a few concepts that help us make the most of the opportunity with what we got. Bigger is not always the goal, but we will be looking at ways to make what we’re doing better.

Build It to Last: Foundations for a Thriving Camp Culture
Brad Halsey, Camp Consultant and Director of Programming at Shiloh in Alberta

Camp culture is one of the most significant yet often overlooked aspects of the camp experience. It shapes the environment for both campers and leaders, ultimately determining whether a camp thrives or struggles. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies to objectively assess the health of your camp culture, no matter where it currently stands, and discover actionable steps to strengthen and enhance your camp culture, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who experiences it.

That’s a spicy meatball!
Steve Grove, Manager at Camp Easter Seal and Jenn Christian, Office Administrator at Camp Easter Seal

This session will discuss dealing with difficult social behaviors originating from neurodivergent campers. We will discuss answers to questions like, “What are the best practices for inclusive camp settings?” and, “How can I prepare for the spice of camp?”

Training Staff on Child Welfare and Duty to Report
Lauren Schenher, Mobile Crisis Saskatoon

Lauren Schenher, registered social worker and summer camp enthusiast, will be presenting on disclosures and the child protection reporting process. She will provide skills for staff to use when receiving a disclosure, illuminate what happens after a child protection report is made, and discuss strategies for how staff can take care of themselves after having a tough conversation.

Connecting with Purpose: Relationship Building with Youth
Brad Halsey, Camp Consultant and Director of Programming at Shiloh in Alberta

At the heart of every great camp experience is a meaningful connection between campers and their leaders. This session will explore practical strategies for building authentic, supportive relationships with young people that go beyond surface-level interactions. Together, we’ll look at how to foster trust, communicate with care, and create spaces where campers feel seen and valued. Special emphasis will be placed on connecting with campers who come from more challenging backgrounds, including those who may arrive at camp carrying past hurts or coming from difficult circumstances. Participants will leave with tools to build bridges of understanding, respond with empathy, and nurture connections that can have a lasting impact.

Every Camper Can Thrive: Practical Tools for Supporting Challenging Behaviours
Niki Falconer- B.Ed, Co-Director at Dallas Valley Ranch Camp

Led by a veteran classroom teacher with 20 years experience and current camp Executive Director, this practical and encouraging session is designed to equip camp staff with tools to confidently support campers who experience challenging behaviours. Camp can be an incredible place for growth—but for some children, it can also be overwhelming. This session focuses on proactive strategies that help campers stay, succeed, and truly thrive at camp.

Camp Safety: What You Should Know (same as breakout 1 session)
Kristin Thesen, an Occupational Health and Safety Professional student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She lives at Living Waters Summer Camp with her husband, the Camp Director.

This is an informational session on summer camp health and safety with Kristin Thesen, who will address the essential aspects of summer camp safety. This session will guide Saskatchewan camps in fulfilling their legal responsibilities under Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, while fostering a secure and positive environment for both campers and staff. We will review practical strategies to maintain compliance, mitigate risks, and ensure your camp operates safely and within the law.