OPHEA Guidelines
Bring your class with peace of mind knowing you've chosen an accredited and trustworthy program.
OPHEA & Ontario Camping Association (OCA) Compliant
ECOC is an accredited camp through the Ontario Camping Association, a highly recognized organization with mandated standards. In addition to meeting these standards, we align our programs with further standards set out by the Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines.
Through these two governing bodies, we are committed to providing our guests with a safe and meaningful experience.
OPHEA Guidelines Quick Reference
Click an activity below to access a link to the OPHEA guidelines and view further activity details.
| Water Activites | Ratio | Grades | Staff Certification or Experience | Safety Equipment | Must Bring | Notes | Supervision Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canoeing | 1:12 | 4-8 | -ORCKA * | -First Aid Kit | - Sunscreen | Swim Test Required Completed at ECOC Only | Onsite Supervision |
| Flat Water Kayaking | 1:8 +1 Supervisor | 7-8 | -ORCKA * -National Lifeguard | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms -Safety Kit -PFD | - Sunscreen | Swim Test Required Completed at ECOC only | Onsite Supervision |
| Paddleboarding | 1:8 +1 Supervisor | 9-12 | -ORCKA Level 1* -National Lifeguard | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms -Safety Kit -PFD | - Sunscreen | Swim Test Required Completed at ECOC only | Onsite Supervision |
| Swimming | 2:25 1:10 | 1-8 | -National Lifeguard | -First Aid Kit | - Sunscreen | Swim Test Required Completed at ECOC only | Onsite Supervision |
| *or equivalent | |||||||
| Land Activities | Ratio | Grade | Staff Certification or Experience | Safety Equipment | Must Bring | Notes | Supervision Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Activities | |||||||
| Archery | 1:4 while shooting | 1-8 | -First Aid | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms -Wrist & Finger Guards | -Sunscreen | Range is outdoors | Constant Visual Supervision |
| Disc Golf OPHEA guidelines | 1:12 | 1-8 | -First Aid | -First Aid Kit | -Sunscreen | Warm up is provided | Onsite Supervision for Initial Instruction. In-the-Area Supervision for the duration of programming. |
| Mountain Biking OPHEA guidelines » | 1:4 (Grade 1-3) After initial supervision: +1 supervisor | 1-8 | -First Aid | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms -CSA Helmet -General Repair Kit | -Sun or Safety Glasses | Trails are maintained at a beginner level | Onsite Supervision for Initial Instruction. Constant Visual Supervision for the duration of programming. |
| Sports & Games | 1:12 | 1-8 | -First Aid | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms | -Sunscreen | No body contact or slapshots in ball hockey. Use of equipment prohibited without supervision. | Onsite Supervision |
| *or equivalent | |||||||
| Climbing & Ropes Course | |||||||
| Climbing Wall OPHEA guidelines » | Auto Belay | 1-8 | -First Aid -ACCT Level 1* | -First Aid Kit | -Sunscreen | Climb Only & Belay Conditions, including Auto Belay | Onsite Supervision |
| Challenge Course | Climb only Auto Belay | 4-8 | -First Aid -ACCT Level 1* | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms -Harness, Helmet, & Safety Gear | -Sunscreen | Climb Only & Belay Conditions, including Auto Belay Grades | Constant Visual Supervision |
| Bouldering OPHEA guidelines » | 1:8 (Grade 1-6) 1:12 (Grade 7-8) | 1-8 | -First Aid -ACCT Level 1* | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms | -Sunscreen | Grade 1-6 > hands must not be more than 2.4m above the ground Grade 7-8 > hands must not be more than 3.5m above the ground | Constant Visual Supervision for initial instruction. Onsite Supervision for the duration of the programming. |
| Low Elements & Trust Initiatives OPHEA guidelines » | 1:8 (Grade 1-3) 1:12 (Grade 4-8) | 1-8 | -First Aid -ACCT Level 1* | -Radio Comms -Proper Matting -Fall Protection Procedures | -Sunscreen | N/A | Onsite Supervision |
| *or equivalent | |||||||
| Nature Games | |||||||
| Scavenger Hunt | 1:12 | 1-6 | -First Aid | -First Aid Kit | -Sunscreen | N/A | Onsite Supervision |
| Orienteering OPHEA guidelines » | 1:12 | 1-8 | -First Aid | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms | -Sunscreen | N/A | In-the-Area Supervision |
| Camoflauge OPHEA guidelines » | 1:12 | 1-8 | -First Aid | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms | -Sunscreen | Begin with warm up | Onsite Supervision |
| *or equivalent | |||||||
| Relay & Tag Games | |||||||
| The Survival Game OPHEA guidelines » | 1:12 | 1-8 | First Aid | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms | -Sunscreen | Begin with warm up | Onsite Supervision |
| Capture the Flag OPHEA guidelines » | 1:12 | 1-8 | -First Aid | -First Aid Kit -Radio Comms | -Sunscreen | Begin with warm up | Onsite Supervision |
| *or equivalent | |||||||
| Evening Activities | Ratio | Grade | Staff Certification or Experience | Safety Equipment | Must Bring | Notes | Supervision Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campfire OPHEA guidelines » | 1:12 | 1-8 | -First Aid | N/A | + Required Attire | N/A | In-the-Area Supervision |
| Talent Show / Lip Sync | 1:12 | 1-8 | -First Aid | N/A | + Required Attire | N/A | In-the-Area Supervision |
| Minute to Win It OPHEA guidelines » | 1:12 | 1-8 | -First Aid | N/A | + Required Attire | N/A | Onsite Supervsion |
| Night Hike / Astronomy Not recognized by OPHEA | 1:12 | 1-8 | -First Aid | N/A | + Required Attire | N/A | Constant Visual Supervision |
| Activity Centre | 1:12 | 1-8 | -First Aid | N/A | + Required Attire | N/A | Onsite Supervision |
| *or equivalent | |||||||
Safety & Best Practices Instruction Provided
As a part of everyday programming, we provide detailed instruction to all our students with respect to best safety practices, procedures, and execution of each activity or skill. All specialized equipment is provided to every student. Equipment is inspected for usability on a regular basis. Each activity has a first aid kit readily accessible, along with a direct line of communication with the camp office and emergency services.
The safety of all participants is our top priority.
Our staff are trained to execute each activity to the highest principles and are required to be compliant with OCA and OPHEA Standards.
Required Attire
In addition to the equipment provided, it is necessary that all participants come prepared to participate in all activities. All participants are required to wear closed toe shoes (running shoes), remove all jewellery (Medical Alerts not included), and wear appropriate clothing (as instructed for each activity).
All long hair must be tied back, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle are mandatory to comply with outlined standards.
A complete packing list is provided upon booking.
Need more information about activities at ECOC?
Plan Ahead With Our Trip Planner
Our trip planning guidelines make it easy for teachers and organizers to book, plan, and prepare for their trip.