FAQ for Mandarin Immersion Summer Camp

1. What types of activities are offered at the camp?
   The camp is structured of half-day academic learning(Mandarin lessons) and half-day fun activities, including creative arts and crafts, pottery, story-telling, Chinese brush painting and calligraphy, sports and special guest etc. Field trip will be organized every two weeks.
2. Is this a Mandarin-speaking only camp?
   All the activities and tasks are performed in Mandarin with themes that appeal to the participants’ age groups. The camp is geared towards both Chinese speaking and non-Chinese speaking children(in different class), welcoming children between the ages of 2.5 to 12 years old. Special program available for teens.
3. What happens if my child does not speak any Mandarin?
   We have customized program “Happy Mandarin” geared to non-Chinese speaking children.
4. My child is only two years old and what is the youngest age to start?
   The youngest age to start is 2 yrs old, but has to be toilet-trained.
5. Can I register my child for only half a day?
   Yes, you can, but from an educational point of view, children enjoy the camp more when they are enrolled for full day program. Why?
   - the child will adjust to the new environment faster and easier
   - the child will have a greater opportunity to learn with a better repetition and re-enforcement
6. Can I register my child for non-consecutive weeks?
   Yes, you can. However, we would not recommend it from an learning point of view.
7. Are children grouped by age and level?
   Yes, children are grouped based on age and as well as the level of fluency of Mandarin.
8. Should I drive the child myself? Do you provide bus pick-up service?
   Yes. We do not provide a bus pick-up service. You will need to arrange it.
9. What happens if I run late and cannot pick up my child on time?
   Daily camp program will finish at 4pm and after-camp care is available between 4pm-6pm @ $10 per week or $2/day. The school will be closed at 6:00pm (school regulation). Therefore, late pick-ups are unacceptable. $2 per minute charge will apply after 6pm.
10. Does the camp offer snacks?
    No, you have to prepare the snack yourself and also pack a bottle of water along. No nut products please.
11. What if I forget to give my child a snack?
    The staff will look for the best options available.
12. How do I order lunch for my child? Can I order lunch on a daily basis?
    You will need to order lunch upon your registration of the camp. We would not suggest order on a daily basis due to the amount of work.
13. What kind of equipment/school supplies should the child bring with him/her?
    Sport shoes are required not only for field trips, but also for playground and gym. Some sun lotion, mosquito repellent, a hat and a rain jacket (depending on the weather) are also necessary. Toronto Mandarin School will not be responsible for the loss of personal belongings and strongly advises not to bring any electronic equipment or expensive personal belongings to school, such as video games, iPods or cell phones.
14. What is the staff to camper ratio?
    Early Year Learning Group will be 1:8, and 5-7 yrs old will be 1:15 with an assistant; 8-12 yrs old group will be 1:20 with an assistant. Volunteers will assist with field trips. A camp manager will be present at the camp site all day to attend to all of your questions and concerns.
15. How qualified is the teaching staff?
    All camp instructors are certified and experienced Mandarin teachers for children.
16. My child suffers from allergies. How do I ensure he/she gets medical attention if needed?
    Any known allergies must be notified upon registration. The camp has a nut-free policy. Any allergic child should carry an Epipen with him/her. Most of our staff onsite have First Aid training and will tend to your child should such a situation arise.

 
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