Asanaum Kids Tamil Camp Frequently Asked Question's
Welcome to Tamil Camp! Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t find the answer here for your question, we’re here to help:
General Information
Children between the ages of 6-14 are eligible to enrol. Based on the activities and overall structure of the camp, campers must be at least 6 years old by July 1, 2024.
Unfortunately, we do not offer half day enrolment or part time enrolment. While it is your choice to only send your child for half a day or a few times a week, there is no price discount. The full enrolment fee will apply.
Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camps goal is to have each child to take away a valuable lesson, art or talent. In order for us accomplish that your child will learn at least one item (Thevaram, Thirukural, Silambam, Tamil language, etc.) we need to have enough time to develop that skill.
Tamil culture cannot be learned in a 2 weeks crash course but it is a culture/lifestyle that your child will eternally be a part of be proud of with confidence.
Typically we have 1 counsellor for every 7 children, though some variations apply. If volunteer CIT’s (Counsellors-In-Training) apply they are most welcome as well. Camp location has a Camp Leader, an Activity Coordinator and regular counsellors.
Please note that payment is not part of the initial registration process but must be received before your spot is secured. Once you have completed the registration through that link, you will receive an email with payment instructions. Payment can be made by e-transfer to aasanaum@gmail.com. Confirmation of enrollment will then be sent to you within 1-2 business days.
During the registration process, you have the option to adding camp gear to your order. If you purchased camp gear (t-shirt and/or baseball cap), it will be delivered to your camper on the first day of their first camp week.
A Day at Camp
Our camp program operates from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Drop off begins at 8:45 a.m. and pick up is between 3:00 p.m. and 3:10 p.m.
No, at this time we are not offering extended hours.
A typical day will always begin with campers sanitizing their hands under the watchful eye of camp staff.
Campers are divided into cohorts and a sample camp day schedule will look something like this:
9:00 AM: Check In / Thevarams / Samayam (Religion)
9:30 AM: Tamil
10:00 AM: Snack Break
10:15 AM: Tamil (continued)
11:00 AM: Outdoor Play (weather permitting)
11:30 AM: Lunch
12:00 AM: Yoga, Meditation, Varmakalai, Silambam, Kuthu varisai
1:30 PM: Activities (Arts & Crafts, etc.)
2:30 PM: Free time for various activities (Games, Soccer, Basketball, etc.)
3:00 PM: Camper Pick Up
Our activities may take place outside, depending on the weather. Outside activities may take place onsite at the camp, or at a nearby green space or park/playground. Activities throughout the day are based on a variety of health and safety factors as well as weather.
Please make sure to bring the following items with your camper to camp. Note as well, you will receive a Parent Handbook with this and lots of other helpful information:
- Lunch and snacks (there are one lunch period and one movement break periods when campers enjoy a small snack). We encourage parents to pack nut free lunches and snacks. Note, we are a nut aware camp, not a nut free camp.
- Water bottle
- Facial covering (if still required by public health)
- Pencil case containing basic school supplies (pencils, erasers, scissors, markers and/or pencil crayons)
- Weather appropriate, comfortable clothing (packing a change of clothing is also advisable)
- Closed toe and heel shoes must be worn to comply with camp safety rules (preferably running shoes)
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Hat and sunglasses (as weather dependent)
- Any doctor prescribed medications (Tamil Camp staff will not administer medications except in the case of a life-threatening situation such as administering an EpiPen which is provided by the parent)
No, campers will not need to (and we request that they do not) bring any devices to camp.
To ensure their safety, all campers must be signed in at the time of drop off and signed out at the time of pick up, by their guardian. Guardians must indicate the names of the authorized persons for pickup on their online registration form and everyone must show identification in order to sign out a child. You may be required to show identification every day, even if we know you. No child will be permitted to leave camp without being signed out by an authorized adult. The same safety rules apply to all. Should a parent wish to add an authorized person(s) to the approved pick up and drop of list for their child, they may send in authorization form.
We post this information as soon as we receive confirmation of the location. An email is sent prior to the start of Tamil Camp week to all enrolled parents with this information.
As much as possible, yes. However, this depends on the enrollment of any given week. We do not have the means to employ extra staff to break down into smaller groups if we cannot group easily by age. We cannot guarantee the ages of the campers prior to the camp week, nor can we guarantee how they will be grouped.
Health & Safety
As of now, it is the child’s individual choice. We will continue to follow both the Ministry of Health and local Public Health guidelines as outlined specific to summer camps. Please keep in mind that as rules change, they may or may not change for summer camps, as well. In other words, rules for summer camp may be slightly different than how they are affecting your day to day life.
As the Covid-19 restrictions and protocols are fluid. We will release our 2024 Health and Safety policy on July 1, 2024. Please email if you have any questions.
Please note the following:
- We will continue to follow the rules and regulations outlined by the Ontario Government and local Public Health Units. Therefore, we reserve the right to update Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp’s Health and Safety policy as necessary.
There is at least one staff member that has their First Aid and CPR certification, however, Aasanaum Tamil Camp counsellors DO NOT administer medications (unless it is an emergency such as the use of an EpiPen). If your child needs medication throughout the day please arrange for a parent or a designate to come and do so. Also, please ensure this information is communicated clearly on the application form when enrolling your child.
There is at least one staff member at every site that has their First Aid and CPR certification.
Not necessarily, Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp is classified as a daycare/summer camp and may be permitted to operate in a lockdown zone provided our site partner is willing to host us. Therefore, unless we are instructed by the government to shut down our summer day camp, or we no longer have a site available to us, no refunds will be offered after June 1 2024 if we are still able to run our camp.
In general, Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp is nut aware, in that we ask parents to provide nut free food for their children, but there may be some nut food products present at the camp facilities, as we rent our camp facilities and do not have control over what may be in the building.
Cancellations & Refunds
Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp has a “NO RISK REFUND POLICY” as a result of the pandemic. Families can obtain a full refund (minus $25 administrative fee) for ANY reason if that request is made by email to aasanaum@gmail.com by the end of May, 2024. As of June 1, 2024 no cash refunds will be granted for any reason (with the exception that the government prohibits day camps from operating), however, full summer camp credits will be issued. Please note that locations may vary year to year. Participants may also switch their week at any time for another week provided spots are available.
In the unlikely event that Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp is forced not to operate because of a government order, the Participant will receive a full refund (minus the $25 administrative fee) for summer camp.
Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp reserves the right not to offer refunds after June 1, 2024 under any circumstances including, but not limited to:
- Inclement weather or unforeseen facility closures
- No air conditioning in a facility or it is hot outside
- A camper is removed from Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp as a result of the three strike policy or as a result of parental bullying of Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp staff
- A health or safety situation, including situations resulting from a pandemic, epidemic or other health-related matter
- The Participant’s decision not to send them for any reason at any time
- A child decides that they are “not enjoying” Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp. This happens in life and we are not under any illusion that Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp is for everyone. Please talk with the camp staff about strategies to make the camp more enjoyable but realize that sometimes a child just does not enjoy something. This is no one’s fault and children need to learn how to cope with situations that are not, in their opinion, ideal for them.
No. We suggest that parents evaluate their situation closely prior to enrolling their child and that should a situation occur where the child indicates they are not “having fun” or “didn’t learn anything”, strongly encourage them to try their best the next day. Children often focus on one thing during the day they did not like but in actuality they had 10 other positive things happen. Another suggestion would be to discuss the situation with the Camp Leader on site as there is often more to the story.
Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp has a “NO RISK REFUND POLICY” as a result of the pandemic. Families can obtain a full refund (minus the $25 administrative fee) for ANY reason if that request is made by email to aasanaum@gmail.com by the end of May, 2024. As of June 1, 2024 no cash refunds will be granted for any reason (with the exception that the government prohibits day camps from operating), however, full summer camp credits will be issued. Please note that locations may vary year to year. Participants may also switch their week at any time for another week provided spots are available.
In the unlikely event that Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp is forced not to operate because of a government order, the Participant will receive a full refund (minus the $25 administrative fee) for summer camp.
Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp reserves the right not to offer refunds after June 1, 2024 under any circumstances including, but not limited to:
- Inclement weather or unforeseen facility closures
- No air conditioning in a facility or it is hot outside
- A camper is removed from Aasanaum Tamil Camp as a result of the three strike policy or as a result of parental bullying of Aasanaum Tamil Camp staff
- A health or safety situation, including situations resulting from a pandemic, epidemic or other health-related matter
- The Participant’s decision not to send them for any reason at any time
- A child decides that they are “not enjoying” Aasanaum
Kids Tamil Camp. This happens in life and we are not under any illusion that Aasanaum Kids Tamil Camp is for everyone. Please talk with the camp staff about strategies to make the camp more enjoyable but realize that sometimes a child just does not enjoy something. This is no one’s fault and children need to learn how to cope with situations that are not, in their opinion, ideal for them.
Payment Details
Payment can be made by e-transfer at this time by sending to aasanaum@gmail.com
When you complete the online enrollment, you will be sent an email that will provide you with the options to pay by e-transfer (with instructions).
Once payment has been received, please allow 1-2 business days for processing and then you will receive an updated statement by email and also your confirmation of enrollment.
