Custodianship

Custodian Services for Minors Attending Our Summer Camp

At Lakehead University, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching experience for all students in our summer camp program. For international campers under the age of 18, custodianship is not only an essential requirement by the Government of Canada but also an invaluable service to ensure a secure and comfortable stay. Our trusted partner, Excel Abroad, delivers comprehensive custodial services specifically designed to meet the needs of our younger students. Whether it’s help with studies, personal matters, or just someone to talk to, Excel Abroad's custodians are there for our campers!

Mandated Custodianship

As mandated by Canadian law, custodianship is essential for any child studying or traveling alone in Canada. Excel Abroad's custodians are experts in Canadian regulations, assisting with all necessary legal and administrative procedures to fulfill custodianship requirements, including:

  1. Custodianship Declaration Form: Excel Abroad will complete and notarize the required custodianship declaration for Lakehead University through licensed legal professionals.

  2. Health Insurance: In partnership with Study Insured, a reliable K-12 health insurance provider, Excel Abroad ensures that each international student has comprehensive health coverage throughout their stay.

  3. Personalized Arrival Support at Pearson International Airport: Excel Abroad’s custodian will be on-site at Pearson International Airport to greet each student, assisting with customs and immigration as needed. The custodian will then accompany them on their flight to Thunder Bay, providing seamless support from start to finish.

  4. 72-Hour Onsite Support in Thunder Bay: Upon arrival, the custodian will remain in Thunder Bay for the first 72 hours to assist students as they settle into their new surroundings, ensuring a smooth transition.

  5. Daily Communication: Each student will be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group, providing regular updates, direct support, and easy communication with both students and camp organizers.

  6. Identification: To foster easy identification and connection, each student will receive an Excel Abroad lanyard.

  7. 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Excel Abroad provides a 24-hour emergency hotline for immediate support. In severe emergencies, such as hospitalization, the custodian will provide on-site emotional support, coordinate with medical staff, and ensure that the student feels secure and cared for. Please note that if the custodian is required to remain with the student for more than 24 hours, additional fees may apply, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

With Excel Abroad's dedicated support, students and families can rest assured that every aspect of custodianship and care will be addressed, allowing campers to focus on enjoying a memorable summer camp experience at Lakehead University! 

For more information on Excel Abroad's custodian services, please contact them using this form or via WhatsApp at +14169978559.

 

FAQS

 

For Parents
  1. What is the main focus of the camp? The camp focuses on improving English language skills through immersive learning, combined with hands-on science and technology activities, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences.

  2. Where will my child stay during the camp? Students will stay in secure on-campus residences at the university, with 24/7 supervision provided by trained staff.

  3. Is the camp safe? Yes, safety is a top priority. The camp is held on a secure university campus, and students are supervised by staff throughout the program. All activities follow strict safety guidelines.

  4. What is included in the camp fee? The camp fee covers accommodation, meals, language classes, all scheduled activities (both educational and recreational), transportation to excursions, and any required materials.

  5. What medical care is available during the camp? The camp has trained first-aid staff, and the university is close to local healthcare facilities in case of emergencies.

  6. How will my child’s English progress be monitored? Students will be assessed at the beginning and end of the program, with regular feedback provided by instructors throughout the camp.

  7. What is the staff-to-student ratio? We maintain a low staff-to-student ratio to ensure personalized attention and safety during all activities.

  8. What are the qualifications of the camp staff? All staff members are trained professionals, including certified instructors and experienced activity coordinators.

  9. Can my child request special dietary accommodations? Yes, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Please inform us in advance about any specific needs.

  10. What happens if my child gets homesick or has difficulties adjusting? Our staff is trained to support students emotionally and socially. We create a welcoming and supportive environment, and we are here to help students adjust to life away from home.

  11. What are the arrival and departure procedures? Detailed information on arrival and departure dates, times, and procedures will be provided after registration. We offer airport pick-up and drop-off services as part of the camp package.

  12. What is the camp’s refund or cancellation policy? Our refund and cancellation policy will be provided upon registration. We understand that plans can change, and we strive to be flexible within certain timeframes.
 For Students
 
  1. What kind of activities can I expect? You will participate in fun language lessons, hands-on science and technology projects, exciting outdoor adventures, and cultural trips to explore Thunder Bay.

  2. Will I have free time to explore the campus or hang out with friends? Yes, there will be scheduled free time for you to relax, explore the campus, or socialize with fellow campers.

  3. Do I need to bring my own materials for the classes? All necessary materials for classes and activities will be provided, but you may want to bring a notebook and personal items for your own use.

  4. How can I practice my English outside of classes? The entire camp environment is English-immersion, so you’ll be practicing your English in all activities, from team projects to social outings.

  5. Can I contact my family during camp? Yes, you will have access to communication tools to stay in touch with your family during the camp.

  6. Will I meet other students from different countries? Yes! The camp attracts students from all over the world, providing a multicultural environment where you can make friends and practice English with peers from different backgrounds.

  7. Can I bring my laptop, phone, or other electronic devices? Yes, you can bring personal electronic devices, but we encourage you to use them responsibly. Wi-Fi is available on campus for study purposes and staying in touch with family.

  8. What should I pack for the camp? You should pack comfortable clothing, including activewear for outdoor activities, personal toiletries, any medications you need, and a notebook or journal. You can find a detailed packing list here

  9. Will I have a roommate, or will I have my own room? Accommodation is typically shared with one other student. If you have specific preferences, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.

  10. Are there prizes or awards for participation? Yes, we recognize outstanding participation, improvement, and teamwork through awards and certificates at the end of the camp.
 For Agents
 
  1. What is the target age group for this camp? The camp is designed for students aged 15-17, providing an age-appropriate balance of learning and activities.

  2. How many students are expected in each camp session? 30 students. We keep class sizes small, with around 15 students per class to ensure personalized attention and a high-quality learning experience.

  3. What are the English language levels required for the camp? The camp welcomes students with varying levels of English proficiency starting at the intermediate level, and placement tests are conducted to group students accordingly or as needed.

  4. What kind of certification will students receive? Upon completion of the camp, students will receive a certificate rof successful completion of the program and language improvement.

  5. Are there any special promotions or discounts for group enrollments? Yes, we offer special rates for group enrollments and can provide additional details upon request.

  6. How does the camp support students who have different levels of English proficiency? Students are placed into groups based on their proficiency levels after an initial assessment. Each group receives instruction tailored to their specific needs and language goals.

  7. What is the visa process for students attending the camp? We can provide guidance on the visa application process, but students are responsible for obtaining the necessary travel documents. We recommend applying early to avoid delays.

  8. What are the health insurance and custodianship requirements? All students are required to have health insurance coverage and a Canadian citizen custodian during their stay. Health care coverage and custodianship is included in the camp package price. 

  9. How flexible is the program in terms of start dates and length of stay? The camp has set dates, but we may offer flexibility for group bookings or extended stays, depending on demand and availability.

  10. Can you provide promotional materials for me to share with families and schools? Yes, we can provide brochures, digital flyers, and detailed program information to help you promote the camp to potential participants.