This page will continue to be updated to included questions that are not covered in our guardian package. If you have a question that is not answered in our Guardian package or in our FAQ section please email info@camptamarack.ca
Thank you for your patience.

For Canadian Staff:

1. Online Application
   Applicants complete our online application form outlining their experience working with children and people with disabilities and why they want to work at camp.

2. Interviews

   • First Interview: A general interview to assess fit, interest, and values.

   • Second Interview: A deeper conversation focused on experience, desire to have a positive impact in our campers lives, our values and scenario-based questions.

3. Reference Checks
   We contact at least three references who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications and character.

4. Background Checks

   • Vulnerable Sector Check (required for all staff 18+).

   • Child Intervention Check (required for Alberta residents only, 18+).

5. Child Protection Training
   All staff complete annual training on child abuse prevention, identification, and disclosure.

6. Orientation Training
   All staff participate in an 8-day orientation that covers our policies, camper care, program delivery, and team building.

Additional Training for Spring Staff:
Spring staff participate in two additional weeks of specialized training focused on our adventure course and school program delivery.

At camp, we believe in the power of being unplugged. Our goal is to help campers connect—with each other, with nature, and with themselves—free from the distractions of screens.

For this reason, campers are not permitted to bring personal devices to camp, unless a device is required to support accessibility needs.

That said, we do use technology sparingly and intentionally when it adds meaningful value to a program. For example:

• In our Stage & Studio program, campers may use a laptop to edit a movie or record a song.

• On rainy days, we might bring out karaoke or host an impromptu dance party.

• As a last resort during extended indoor time, we may screen a movie—always age-appropriate and aligned with our camp values.

Technology is a tool we use with purpose—only when it enhances creativity, connection, or community.

At Camp Tamarack, we want every camper to feel supported and cared for during their time with us. If your child asks to call home, we will arrange for them to do so during a break in our daily schedule.

Here’s how it works:

• A staff member will first call you to let you know your child would like to speak with you.

• After your conversation, we’ll ask you to stay on the line for a moment so you can share any insights or suggestions to help us better support your child.

We know that every child is different. Some may feel reassured after a call home, while for others it may make settling in more difficult. If you prefer that your child not call home, please email us at info@camptamarack.ca, and we will make a note in their file to follow your guidance.

Your input helps us create the best possible experience for your child.

We use music when it enhances a program or helps set the tone for an activity. Whenever possible, our staff are encouraged to make music—whether that’s singing, clapping, or playing instruments—rather than relying on music from a device.

When recorded music is used, all playlists follow clear guidelines:

• No swearing

• No references to dating, kissing, sex, or sexual content

• No mentions of drugs or alcohol

Our music choices are carefully selected to reflect and support our camp’s values of Community, Belonging, Inclusion, Empowerment, Nature, and Adventure.

In our I CAN BE empowerment program, we may occasionally use songs or movie clips that fall outside these guidelines when they are relevant to discussions around healthy relationships, self-expression, or media awareness. These selections are always age-appropriate and used intentionally to foster conversation, reflection, and critical thinking.

For example: “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid is not part of our regular playlists or approved movie list. However, it may be used in a guided discussion to explore consent and relationship messaging in media.