ROMKids PA Day Camp

Group Ratios
In accordance with Ontario Camp Association and ROMKids policies, all groups must follow standardized children-to-staffing ratios: 6:1 for 5-year-olds, 8:1 for 6-7-year-olds, and 10:1 for children 8-years and older. 
These ratios allow staff to create safe, enriching experiences while encouraging curiosity, adventure, and hands-on learning throughout the Museum.

Group Instructors
Each group is led by a dedicated instructor who holds a degree or diploma in a museum and/or education-related field such as teaching, arts, museum studies, archaeology, or environmental sciences, and has proven experience working with children.

Instructors are responsible for:
• Researching and developing daily lessons based on the group’s theme
• Leading engaging activities in galleries, art studios, and outdoor spaces
• Supporting campers’ creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and overall growth
• Modeling inclusive, respectful behaviour

Volunteers
Each group is additionally supported by two or more volunteers, many of whom are former campers who return to give back to the community, helping to create the same great experiences they had as campers themselves. Volunteers receive training and work closely with instructors and assistants to ensure each camper has a safe and enjoyable time.

Volunteers assist by:
• Providing support during art projects and hands-on activities
• Engaging campers during breaks and transitions
• Providing extra support during gallery exploration
• Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to the space capacity. Full payment is required at the time of registration. To pair your child with a friend, please indicate the other child’s name on the registration form. 

Note: To enroll in an age group, the child must be the appropriate age by the end of the calendar year. For example, if your child turns 5 by December 31, 2026, they can join a 5-year old. .

Registrations will not be processed if they are incomplete.

A fee of $30 will automatically be charged to children transferring from one course to another, in addition to any adjustments if transferring between differently priced sessions. Transfers will be permitted up to 5 business days before the course start date, pending availability.

Cancellations must be received in writing no less than two weeks prior to the course date for a refund of 80%. Please email your cancellation notice to programs@rom.on.ca

Any requests for cancellations received after the two-week period will be processed only if accompanied by a medical certificate and received prior to the end of the first week of the camp period.

In the case of insufficient registrations for any course, we reserve the right to cancel the program, and a full refund will be forthcoming with the option to transfer to another available course.

No refunds will be issued for days when a camper is absent, and missed days cannot be made up.

Confirmations will be sent by e-mail only. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please email programs@rom.on.ca

At the heart of all ROMKids programming is a belief in the power of inclusion. This mandate underscores all activities and staffing, ensuring campers can benefit from personalized care to help them grow and participate to fulfill their personal development and future potential.
A unique element of ROMKids is the availability of one-on-one support staff who work closely with children and youth with behavioural, emotional, medical and/or physical needs. 

If you have questions about accessibility at ROMKids and are interested in extra support for your child, please contact Alexandra Schnekenburger, ROMKids Manager at 416 586 8093 or aschnekenburger@rom.on.ca.

ROMKids 1:1 Support Programs are generously supported by the Pollock Family Foundation.

At ROM, we want all kids to enjoy our camps, and we recognize that costs can be a barrier for some families. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we are excited to offer subsidies for families who may need assistance.

Due to the high number of applications we receive, we regret that we are not able to fulfill all requests. However, we track the financial needs identified in all subsidy applications, and use this information to help us plan budgeting and fundraising priorities for our camps.

Download the attached form and submit to ROMKids Studio, studio@rom.on.ca.  

Entrance: Use the President's Choice School Entrance at the south side of the museum. Go down the small set of stairs at the end of the Museum, located opposite the Museum subway exit, and through the first set of glass doors on the right. We will greet you inside the doors.

Drop-Off and Pick Up: Parking is not available at the Museum.  Please refer to the Location and Parking webpage at rom.ca for more information. You may drop off and pick up your children briefly at the school bus loading zone on Queen's Park on the east side of ROM. Parking in this area and/or blocking the bus stop are considered parking violations and may be ticketed. The Museum assumes no responsibility for such violations nor can we assist you with parking tickets.

The TTC bus and subway routes also stop at our door. Call 416.393.INFO for details.
The closest station to ROM, is Museum station. Follow signagne in Museum station for ROM. The staion exits right outside the Museum, by the staircase leading to the President's Choice School Entrance where drop off and pickup occurs. If you need the use of an elevator, go to St. George station instead and leave via the Bedford Rd exit.

Camp drop-off is from 8:10 am – 9:00 am for morning sessions and camp drop off for afternoon sessions is 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm. 

Use the President's Choice School Entrance at the south side of the museum. Go down the small set of stairs at the end of the Museum, located opposite the Museum subway exit, and through the first set of glass doors on the right. We will greet you inside the doors.

We strongly recommend entering with your child on the first day to ensure all health, pickup, and attendance details are accurate.

If it is your first time attending camp, we suggest arriving earlier to allow your child time to acclimate to the environment and our staff.

Movies take place during drop off period. ROMKids uses the Museum theatre for films during sign in and in the event of inclement weather (i.e. storms, extreme heat, cold weather, muddy/slippery conditions, etc.). While the films tend to be nature documentaries and animated children's films, campers can choose whether to watch them or partake in a different supervised activity. Campers can read, draw, play with low impact toys, etc. If you do not wish for your child to watch films during these periods, please let your attendance counsellor know during sign in.

Children must bring their own snacks and lunch to camp. Please ensure you pack enough for a busy day of camp.

Please remember that we are a "Nut Aware" program. Please do not send food containing nuts or nut products in your child's lunch/snack. 

Please note that foods containing nuts (ie. peanut butter, Nutella, granola, trail mix, etc.) are not permitted. If you are sending an alternate butter (ie. Wow Butter, Sun Butter, etc.), we kindly ask that your child be aware or include a note in the lunch box informing staff.

Vending machine use is only permitted with parent/guardian permission. Please provide a note or email us if you would like your child to use the vending machine.

Children MUST be picked up promptly after programs. Late fees of $1 per minute apply.

We do not permit children to leave unattended. Children ages 11 to 14 years of age can leave on their own if they have a signed note from home summarizing permission for relevant dates or listed on the authorized pick-up list. 

Please provide a note, send an email to studio@rom.on.ca or telephone 416.586.8043 if you know in advance if your child is going to be absent. 

Photo ID must be provided at pickup every day.  Children are released only to people whose photo ID matches the name(s) submitted as authorized pick-up people. Names can be added to this list throughout the session.  Camper sign-out will be across from the cubbies through the President's Choice School Entrance doors each day.  Please note that pickup in the hallway can feel congested. We appreciate your patience
during sign-out.

All children with Epi-pens are required to wear it on their person at camp and keep their extra in their backpack. If you do not have a small bag for your child to wear, we have some on site we can loan.

At ROM, we believe every child has the right to a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience.  We therefore expect and encourage each participant to maintain a positive and appropriate level of conduct. Our staff and volunteers are respectful of the right of each child to be treated
in a fair, consistent manner and strive to create an environment where our campers are encouraged to safely express themselves without fear of punishment or disapproval. We expect campers to act with empathy, respect their peers, and always stay with a staff member.

We take a proportional, stepped approach to behaviour: 
Minor Behaviour – Staff will try to ascertain why the behaviour is occurring with the child.  Staff will gently remind the child about program expectations. 

Repeated Minor Behaviour – Staff will speak privately with the child about their behaviour and try to collaboratively work out strategies for better cooperation with the group. A short, supervised cool-down period may be given to allow the child to regulate before rejoining the rest of the campers. Caregivers will be informed and asked to reinforce proper program etiquette and expectations. In cases of persisting behaviour, staff may temporarily bring the child to the ROMKids office to discuss behaviour.

Serious Misbehaviours (refusal to cooperate, roughness) – Child will discuss behaviour with Office Staff and prepare an action plan to remedy behaviour. Caregivers will be notified and involved. If behaviour recurs, the child may be asked to leave the program without refund.

Major Offenses –To ensure a safe and enjoyable camp, we do not allow:
• Belittling or demeaning words, behaviour or actions
• Discriminatory words or actions against protected groups (ie. 2SLGBTQIA+, race, gender, disability, ancestry, colour, creed, age, or any other identity)
• Theft
• Unsafe behaviour to self or others, including physical altercations or violence
• Prohibited items: inappropriate or offensive pictures/materials
• Dangerous possessions (knives, weapons, alcohol, illicit drugs)
 

If any of these occur at camp or any behaviour that is deemed greatly unsafe to the child, staff, peers, or Museum, the child will immediately be withdrawn from the group and will discuss their behaviour with the Camp Directors. Caregivers are notified immediately.  Reparations to property made and police involved if necessary. Child may be immediately and permanently removed from the program without refund.

Our camp believes all behaviour starts with communication, as such, we will make every effort to work with our campers and caregivers to find a solution whenever possible. If your child has known behaviour either due to a formal diagnosis or as part of their current stage in life, we would appreciate a confidential discussion in-person, or over the phone, to ensure your child is successfully integrated into our program.

Our goal is to provide a safe, orderly, and enjoyable environment for your child and their peers. Your cooperation with this policy will help us toward this goal. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact us directly at 416 586 8043 or studio@rom.on.ca.

You must hold a valid ROM Family Membership at the time of registration to take advantage of the Members' exclusive sign-up period and members' discount. 

ROMKids Camp Office:
studio@rom.on.ca
416.586.8043

ROMKids Camp Registration Office:
programs@rom.on.ca
416.586.5797