Outdoor Education and Retreat Centre

Frequently Asked Questions 

 
We have had the joy of hosting and instructing schools and retreats for over 35 years and have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions for your convenience.  The following is some more information that you may find helpful.  If you have a question that is not on this list please don’t hesitate to ask. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Where is Ontario Pioneer Camp located?
What do guests do while at Pioneer Outdoor Education & Retreat Centre?
What kind of accommodations do you have?
What kind of supervision is there?
What about meals?
Do you serve snacks?
Are there payphones and cell coverage?
What should my child bring?
What Not to Bring
What is the daily schedule like?
I still have more questions!

 
Where is Ontario Pioneer Camp located?

Ontario Pioneer Camp is located approximately 2.5 hours by car north of Pearson International Airport, in Port Sydney in Muskoka. We are located halfway between Bracebridge and Huntsville, both of which have hospitals. “Map Link”

What do guests do while at Pioneer Outdoor Education & Retreat Centre?

Guests will participate in a variety of outdoor education activities and programs while they are here at Ontario Pioneer Camp. The activities depend on the selections of group leaders/teachers and the season, and can include: Archery, Astronomy, Candle and Soap Making, Canoeing, Challenge Course, Climbing Wall, Cook-Out, GPS, Guided Hike, High Ropes, Lake Study, Low Ropes, Initiative Games, Kayaking, Maple Syrup Production, Mountain Biking, Night Hike, Orienteering, Wetland Discovery, Wilderness Survival, Broomball, Cross-Country Skiing, Quinzee Building, Snowshoeing, Snowshoe Survival, Tubing Physics along with a variety of Evening and Last Day Wide-Games. 

What kind of accommodations do you have?

We have three separate sites: The Lodge, Clearwater, and Cedarwood.  Guests will be at one of those sites. Guests stay in rooms with 2-6 other people from their group.  All of our lodgings are fully insulated, carpeted, and have their own thermostats.  As well, all rooms in the main Lodge and at Clearwater (Meadowlands and Lakeview buildings) have their own washroom facilities connected to them (bathroom, sink, and shower).

What kind of supervision is there?

While at Pioneer, guests participate in daily activities in groups of approximately 15 guests. Each group is led by one of our qualified Instructors, and group leader from your group. Our staff are well-trained and are qualified.  All Instructors have Standard First-Aid & CPR certifications and carry first aid kits with Epi-Pens.

What about meals?

Our kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and supper daily. We have our own bakery and make our own bread. Ontario Pioneer Camp is a peanut-aware camp, and as such, we do not serve foods containing peanuts or other nuts. We also ask that our guests do not bring to camp any foods containing nuts.

Do you serve snacks?

Evening snacks are provided. Also, our Tuck Shop is typically open while your group is at Pioneer. The Tuck Shop is stocked with snacks, drinks, Pioneer clothing items, as well as various souvenirs that guests may purchase. A drink machine is available at all times.

Are there payphones and cell coverage?

Payphones are available in the building where guests stay. Feel free use a Bell Calling Card if you would like to use them during your stay.  Please understand that the guests will be outside most of the time participating in activities. Because of this we can pass on any emergency messages if you call our general telephone number at 1-800-361-2267.  Reception at camp can be unreliable so guests may be unable to make or receive calls on a cell phone.

What should guests bring?

Please use the following “What to Bring List”  as a general guideline: