Air Quality Response Plan
In the event of an air quality advisory, UBC Camps follows the Government of Canada’s Recommendations to make informed decisions about camp adjustments, changes or cancellations. As such, our policy varies depending upon the air quality index rating each day of camp. Below is an overview of what to expect at each air quality rating:
- Air Quality Rating is ‘High’ (7-10) or ‘Very High’ (above 10): we do our best to move programming indoors, although capacity is a limiting factor. For this reason, day camps are prioritized based on a combination of age and physical exertion; the youngest campers exerting the highest level of physical exertion will be moved indoors first.
- Air Quality Rating is ‘Moderate’ (4-6) or greater: outdoor activity will be reduced or rescheduled and fewer high-exertion activities will be played, with frequent and longer-lasting rests and water breaks. Campers with respiratory health conditions are also closely monitored.
- Whenever the Air Quality Rating is ‘Moderate’, ‘High’, or ‘Very High’ concerned parents may withdraw their camper for the day and receive a credit.
- In the event camps are cancelled in response to an air quality advisory, parents will receive an account credit for the day (credits may be prorated as applicable).
Whenever an adjustment, change, or cancellation is in affect for your child’s specific camp you will receive an email notification from us with further detail. Note: only camps impacted will be notified (i.e., camps that take place indoors, such as swimming camps, should not expect to be notified or any changes to camp programming).
Children with asthma or other respiratory conditions are at greater risk and we encourage open communication between parents and day camp staff in identifying and supporting your child’s unique symptoms and medical needs.
Click here for the current UBC Point Grey Campus air quality index rating, and here to learn more about health risks.
Heat Response Plan
In the event of hot weather, UBC Camps follows guidelines and recommendations from the BC Centre for Disease Control and Vancouver Coastal Health to make informed decisions about camp adjustments, changes, or cancellations. As such, our response plan varies depending upon expected temperatures during the days of camp, and could apply to camps running both indoor (non-air-conditioned spaces) and outdoors. Below is an overview of what to expect at each temperature level:
- Level 1: When humidex temperatures are forecasted to peak at 32C or higher for two or more consecutive days at the University Endowment Lands.
- We will utilize shaded areas more frequently, reduce intensity of physical activities, and ensure additional rest and water breaks.
- Level 2: When humidex temperatures are forecasted to peak at 34C at any point during the day at the University Endowment Lands.
- We do our best to move programming indoors, although capacity is a limiting factor. For this reason, day camps are prioritized depending upon the age of participants and physical exertion of the activity; the youngest campers exerting the highest level of physical exertion will be moved indoors first.
- Camps that have been moved indoors may continue to spend limited time outdoors (i.e. a visit to a nearby playground), and when this is the case we will utilize shaded areas more frequently, reduce intensity of physical activities, and ensure additional rest and water breaks.
- If your camp is unable to be moved indoors, your camp may be cancelled and parents will receive an account credit for the day (credits may be prorated as applicable).
- In the event forecasted temperatures are at Level 1 or Level 2, concerned parents may withdraw their camper for the day and receive an account credit.
In the event of an adjustment, change, or cancellation of your child’s specific camp you will receive an email notification with further details. Every effort will be made to communicate information at least one day before a camp adjustment or cancellation takes place. Only impacted camps will be notified.
Rain Response Plan
When the forecast calls for rain we make program adjustments according to the severity of the weather. Below is summary of what to expect for three scenarios:
- Light or Moderate Rain: in the event of light or moderate rain all outdoor camps will take place outside – rain or shine – as planned. Campers are expected to come prepared and dressed in weather appropriate clothing.
- Heavy Rain: in the event of heavy rain, some camps will seek shelter in forest spaces (i.e., Pacific Spirit Park) or indoor spaces, while others might operate as planned. Expect program adjustments and alternative activities. This could include fitness activities, scavenger hunts, circle games, and more.
- Thunder or Lightning: in the event of thunder or lightning, all outdoor camps will move indoors. Capacity is a limiting factor, so programming will be adjusted accordingly (i.e., sitting circle games and art). If thunder or lightening is ongoing, camps may be cancelled. If this is the case, parents will receive an account credit for the day (credits may be prorated as applicable).
Whenever an adjustment, change, or cancellation is in affect for your child’s specific camp you will receive an email notification from us with further detail. Note: only camps impacted will be notified (i.e., camps that take place indoors, such as swimming camps, should not expect to be notified or any changes to camp programming).
Extreme Winter Weather Information
Whenever an adjustment, change, or cancellation is in affect for your child’s specific camp you will receive an email notification from us with further detail.
If we are required to end camp early due to extreme winter weather, parents will receive an email notification and/or phone call, and we will continue to ensure your camper is safe and supervised until prompt pick-up can be arranged.
In the event camps are cancelled in response to extreme winter weather, parents will receive an account credit for the day (credits may be prorated as applicable).