Question 1

Where is the camp located?

Accepted Answer

Camp Kidston is located on Long Lake, on the Mooseland Road (also called the Moose River Road) near Middle Musquodoboit.

For directions see: www.campkidston.com/contact (www.campkidston.com/contact)

Question 2

What time is drop off and pick up?

Accepted Answer

Tadpole Sessions — Drop off 11 AM; Pick up 11 AM
Junior, Intermediate, Senior, and Junior Leader Sessions — Drop off 2 PM; Pick up 11 AM
Kaleidoscope — Drop off 2 PM; Pick up 11 AM
CIT Training Week — Drop off 2 PM; Pick up 11 AM
Additional CIT Weeks — Will be confirmed by email (likely drop off 1 PM and pick up 12 PM)

Question 3

How long is the drive to Kidston?

Accepted Answer

The drive is roughly 75 minutes from downtown Halifax and 65 minutes from Truro.

Question 4

My child would love to come to camp, but I just can’t afford it right now…

Accepted Answer

We believe that no camper should ever be excluded because of financial concerns. Through the generous help of our many supporters and donors, we are able to offer sponsorships to many campers.

See www.campkidston.com/sponsorship (www.campkidston.com/sponsorship)for details, and don’t hesitate to email lclements@campkidston.com to talk about sponsorship options.

Question 5

Do I have to be a member of a church to attend Kidston?

Accepted Answer

Nope! While we are operated through the United Church of Canada, we welcome people from all faith or non-faith traditions. We do include some activities focused on exploring faith-based values and some of our songs reflect those values. However, most of what we do involves non-denominational community and spirit-building fun and games.

Question 6

My child loves everything about camp except sleeping in the woods. Do they HAVE to complete an overnight trip?

Accepted Answer

Staff organize out-trip schedules based on the needs, interests, and readiness of the campers they work with each session. We encourage campers to try new things and to step outside their comfort zones in safe ways. In addition, out-trips only take place when it is SAFE to do so, based on weather and camper needs.

Question 7

Does Kidston provide transportation to and from camp?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide transportation. If this is an issue for you, please let us know: we can sometimes help parents connect with other families who may be able to car pool.

Question 8

What does my child need to bring to camp?

Accepted Answer

The most important items they will need in addition to clothes are a sleeping bag, pillow, rain gear, swimsuit and towel, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, sunhat, and insect repellent. All food and activity supplies are provided.

See the top of this page for our packing list. This will also be emailed to guardians two weeks before each session.
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A helpful hint: the more your camper is involved in packing their bags, the better they will be able to find what they need after drop-off.

Question 9

Is Kidston an accredited camp?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are accredited by The United Church of Canada and the Camping Association of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Question 10

Can I contact my child while they are at camp?  Can my camper bring a cell phone?

Accepted Answer

Because we want to help campers unplug from technology and plug into community instead, campers are not permitted to keep electronic devices with them at camp.

If you have any concerns about how your camper is doing while at camp, you can contact staff by calling the office phone and, if necessary, staff can bring your camper to the office to use the phone.

We find that most campers (even those who have some homesickness during the first day) actually settle in better if they do not expect to be calling home.

Question 11

My child has some unique needs. Can they / should they still come to Kidston?

Accepted Answer

This is a very important question! We want every camper to feel welcomed and successful at camp. In general, the better we understand your child’s unique needs, the better we can meet them. At the same time, we realize there may be some circumstances where we cannot safely meet the needs of all children.

If you are wondering whether Kidston will be a good fit for your child this summer, please do not hesitate to contact us to talk this through.

Not every camp is for every kid, but there is a camp for every kid!

Question 12

How can I be sure that my child is ready for camp?

Accepted Answer

This is a great question to be considering! There are lots of great resources online to help you make a decision about this. Here is one of our favorites:
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Is my child ready for sleepaway camp? A take-home quiz (linked)

Arthur Kidston Memorial Camp

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Directions

Packing List

Contact Us