About Camp Lifting Leaves

Camp Lifting Leaves is a weekend camp for children and youth from 2SLGBTQ+ identities and families who are at least 13 years old and have an active file with a child welfare or Indigenous well-being agency.

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Current Text While Applications Open for Returning Campers

Applications for Camp Lifting Leaves [INSERT YEAR] are now open for returning campers.

New Camper Applications will open [INSERT DATE].

Applications will close on [INSERT DATE] If accepted, registration forms and information for chaperones will be due [INSERT DATE]

Text Prior to Application Launch

Applications for Camp Lifting Leaves open in [INSERT MONTH] 2025!

Applications for Returning Campers

Priority spots for returning campers will be given to those who registered for the 2024 overnight camp season. The priority registration period for returning campers will be one week long, from [INSERT DATE], at [INSERT TIME] and ending on [INSERT DATE], at [INSERT TIME]. Families should have received the application link via email. If you have not, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

Applications for New Campers

General applications for new campers will open on [INSERT DATE], at [INSERT TIME]!

Applications will close on [INSERT DATE] If accepted, registration forms and information for chaperones will be due [INSERT DATE].

Camper Waitlist

Ten Oaks is committed to implementing a racially and ethnically diverse, anti-ageist, gender-varied, economically-mixed and multi-abled camper and volunteer population from 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, families, and communities. For campers that are added to our waitlist, we will prioritize giving spots to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of colour) and transfeminine children and youth.

Camp Lifting Leaves Application Form

Once we receive the application form, we will contact you to confirm your spot and complete the full registration form.

Campsite

The location of Camp Lifting Leaves is approximately two hours west of Ottawa. The site sits on 13 acres of scenic property. Highly forested, it is also home to a large waterfront with docks and a diving tower.

In addition to swimming, campers are able to enjoy a variety of high and low ropes courses. With names like the Flying Squirrel and Vertical Playground, there are lots of great adventures to be had. A double-sided climbing wall and Frisbee golf course add to the fun.

A natural setting for building community, the campsite offers accessible facilities including centralized washrooms with heated running water and showers. Take a virtual tour of the site below.

Dates & Rates

Camp Dates

Camp Lifting Leaves 2025 will be hosted in-person from October 16th to 20th, 2025.

Camp Fees

$400/camper

Funding is available through OCBe for youth. If funding through OCBe is not available, then we will coordinate with the OACAS to cover the cost. Payment will be required after registration.

Refund and Cancellation policy

All cancellations or refund requests must be submitted to the Ten Oaks Project in writing by email or mail. Refunds for camp fees will be made less a $30 processing fee.

  • 100% of the camp fee is refundable until September 8th, 2025.
  • 50% of the camp fee is refundable until September 25th, 2025.
  • 20% of the camp fee is refundable until October 2nd, 2025.

No refunds will be issued after October 2nd, 2025, except in exceptional circumstances. No refunds are issued if a camper is required to leave camp early for medical reasons or is asked to leave the camp program for behavioural reasons.

FAQs

Inquiring minds may wonder…

What will I do there?

Camp Lifting Leaves is responsive to the interests of our campers and the skills of the staff team, and so the programming changes every year. You can always expect camp activities like canoeing, rock climbing, archery, campfires, high ropes, and Centered Spaces.

Centered Spaces are sessions facilitated by and for people who share a specific identity. Here are some of the spaces from 2023: BIPOC, Trans & Non-Binary, Indigenous, Disability.

Here are some other activities we did in 2023: Bracelet Making, Queer Trivia, Queer Sex Ed, Button Making, Action Auction, Shelter Building, and the Polar Swim.

Do I need a chaperone?

Each agency that has youth attending camp must provide one chaperone (a staff member or volunteer) for every five participating youth, as well as any one-on-one support that is needed. If a youth does not have a confirmed chaperone one month prior to camp, said youth will be moved to the waitlist.

For the duration of camp, chaperones are on call 24/7 and are responsible for providing supervision, primary care, and support at all times to their assigned children and youth. Think of Camp Lifting Leaves like a school trip: chaperones are the teachers, and our staff are the guides leading you around the museum! Chaperones will stay in cabins with their campers.

How much does camp cost?

Funding is available through OCBe. There is no cost for chaperones or one-on-one support staff; their meals and accommodations are covered.

Will I need to get tested for COVID-19 before camp?

72 hours before arriving at camp, all staff, chaperones, and campers must test negative for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen test. A second rapid test is required on the morning of departure to camp. Both tests are mandatory for everyone.

Camp Ten Oaks 2025 Applications Open!