FAQs
WE'VE GOT ANSWERS!
We know that parents have tons of questions when sending their kids away to Camp! We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions below to help you understand Camp a little better.
Registration
You will always be able to find out the most current registration information at www.campmyw.com/register!
Your deposit is safe with Camp Mini-Yo-We. We know that plans change. You can get a refund, no problem!
Your deposit is fully refundable up until June 1. For cancellations after June 1, there is a $300 cancellation fee.
About Mini-Yo-We
We are a Christian organization which welcomes campers from all backgrounds and beliefs. Camp provides an inter-denominational Christian environment in which children learn who Jesus is, what the Bible teaches, and how we can have a relationship with Him. We encourage campers to consider issues about life and faith through Biblical teaching, music, skits, prayer, and evening devotions. You can find out more on our About Us webpage.
Established in 1946, the original name of the camp was The Fountain of Living Waters. In keeping with the original vision of introducing young people to Jesus, the founders based the name on the Bible verse John 4:14 in which Jesus refers to himself as a “spring of water welling up to eternal life”.
The name however did not resonate with the youth of that time and one of the founders’ sons, Faulkner Stewart, began searching for an alternative. Keeping the essence of the original name in mind and following the practice of using Indigenous words in that time period, the camp adopted a new name, Camp Mini-Yo-We in 1947. The word “Mini-Yo-We” is an anglicized version, closely related to a Lakota/Dakota word mniyówe.
Camp Mini-Yo-We is incorporated as an Ontario not-for-profit and is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency as Registered Charity # 119041721. If you would like to make a gift to our ministry please check out our online giving webpage.
Financial Support
Camp Mini-Yo-We has a robust Kids In Need Fund that provides financial assistance to over 150 campers each year. You can find out more about the program and how to apply on our Financial Assistance Webpage.
We have a number of early bird discounts for families! The best way to find out about these offers is to scroll to the bottom of this page and get on our Summer Camp Updates email list. We'll make sure you know whenever a discount code becomes available.
Health & Safety
All medication is given to our team during check-in. Nurses administer perceptions at meal times and in the evening as necessary. Campers are not permitted to keep medication in cabins.
Early each week, our core programs perform a routine practice drill. This ensures everyone knows what the alarm sounds like and where to go in the event of a missing person or emergency situation.
You can read our current lice policy at the bottom of our Health & Safety webpage.
Food, Diet & Tuck Shop
We consider Camp a peanut-aware facility by take proactive steps to keep campers with peanut allergies safe. See our health and safety webpage for our full peanut policy.
Our team can handle a wide range of allergies including campers who are peanut free, citrus sensitive, and more. Campers prone to anaphylactic reactions are required to bring two epi-pens and carry them on their body at all times.
Our Staff
Camp would not operate without the 150+ operations volunteers who give their time each summer in various areas of Camp. These include camper parents, grandparents, friends of Camp, teenagers and everyone in-between. We need volunteers on our Food Service, Maintenance and Medical Teams. Find out more on our Adult Volunteer page.
Staying in Touch
You can leave mail with our staff during Check-In that will be delivered during the week. Please mark on the package the following pieces of information:
- Camper’s Full Camp
- The program they are attending (Girls Camp, Boys Camp, Discovery Camp, etc.)
- The date you want it delivered
Here are some pro tips....
- Camp is peanut aware. Do NOT put any peanut products in the mail.
- Write positive and encouraging letters! A pick-me-up from you will mean the world to your child while they're away from home.
Absolutely! If the camper you are hoping to contact is only at Camp for one week we recommend leaving mail at our office during check-in. This will ensure it doesn't get caught up in the mail and arrive after they leave. If the camper is here for multiple weeks feel free to address a package with the following information:
- Camper’s Full Camp
- The program they are attending (Girls Camp, Boys Camp, Discovery Camp, etc.)
Camp's full mailing address is:
1878 Muskoka Road 10 West
Port Sydney, ON P0B 1L0
We have a camper message service where you can submit a message online and we'll deliver it to the camper as quickly as possible.
Arrival & Departure
Overnight campers at Discovery Camp, Girls Camp & Boys Camp check-in between 2:00-3:00 PM on Sunday afternoons.
If you are a Day Camper or registered for a youth camp program, please find additional information on our Registered Families webpage.
Overnight campers at Discovery Camp, Girls Camp & Boys Camp get picked up at between 9:00-10:00 AM on Saturday morning.
If you are a Day Camper, Express Camper or registered for a youth camp program, please find additional information on our Registered Families webpage.
If you have purchased a bus ticket home for your child, please refer to your ticket information for the pick-up time at your bus stop.
If you believe you will be late (after 11:00 AM) please contact our office so they can inform our program staff.
Other Questions
Lost and Found requests are processed through our online lost and found form.
Submit a lost & found request now!
We hold on to lost items for one month after Camp ends (until the end of September) after which we donate them to families in need.
For everything you need to know as a family once registered check out our Registered Families webpage.
Here you can download the packing list specific to your child and the program they are registered for.