frequently asked questions

if you have any concerns or further questions please contact our Registrar at registrar@sunia.ca

+ for parents

WHO RUNS SUNIA? Our program is run by a team of 12 counsellors, all of whom previously attended SUNIA as campers. You can read more about our counsellors here. The team of counsellors is led by our Executive Director, Rian Hoyle. SUNIA Staff is supported by a Board of Directors made up of former counsellors, who oversee SUNIA’s financial and legal operations. You can read more about the SUNIA Board here.

WHAT ARE THE SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE AT SUNIA? The safety of our students is our top priority at SUNIA. Our staff members have all completed a security clearance, extensive safety training, and are Standard First Aid and CPR C certified. We also maintain a camper to counsellor ratio of 5:1 to ensure that all students are well supervised. At the beginning of the week, students are given an animal and wilderness safety orientation. First aid kits are always readily available (at Camp Bar-V-Nok, on hikes, & on the dock) and for our lake activities, life jackets are required in order to canoe or swim far distances.

In order to ensure safety on the hikes, our team of staff members conduct a safety check of each hike in advance of the program, and develop detailed safety procedures for any possible situation. During SUNIA, all students must have a water bottle & proper footwear for the hikes and any essential medication (including inhalers) must be brought.

In the event of any serious medical issues, students will be driven to Devon for medical care (38 mins away). If you have any further questions about our safety procedures before the camp, you can contact our Executive Director, Rian Hoyle, at director@sunia.ca.

CAN I CONTACT MY CHILD AT SUNIA? While there is adequate cell service and Wi-Fi at the Camp Bar-V-Nok, during the day your child will often be too busy with SUNIA’s many activities to get in touch with you; however, at night students are welcome to contact their families.

In case of an emergency, you can always contact our Executive Director, Rian Hoyle, at (780) 266 7426 or contact Camp Bar-V-Nok directly at (780) 903-6852.

 

HOW MUCH DOES SUNIA COST, AND HOW DO I PAY?

SUNIA costs $595 until March 31st, $645 until June 30th, and $695 after July 1. This cost covers everything you will need during the week—including transportation, accommodations, three meals a day, and all of our activities.

 

ARE THERE ANY EXTRA COSTS AFTER THE REGISTRATION PAYMENTS?

No, but we do suggest that students bring some cash in to purchase SUNIA merchandise including hoodies, t-shirts, hats, buttons, water bottles, and more.

 

CAN I GO TO SUNIA MULTIPLE TIMES?

No, because of the unique nature of our program you can only attend SUNIA once. Which week you choose does not matter—the programming is the same. Attend Week A or B based on whichever works best for your schedule.

 

WHAT IF SOCIAL STUDIES ISN’T MY STRONG SUIT—WILL I STILL ENJOY SUNIA?

SUNIA isn’t a social studies camp! You won’t have to write an essay or do a test. Yes, you will learn lots about international affairs at SUNIA, but no prior knowledge is needed because our counsellors will teach you everything you need to know. If you’re still unsure if you will “fit in” don’t worry, even our counsellors come from a range of academic backgrounds from computer engineering to kinesiology.

 

CAN SUNIA ACCOMMODATE FOR DISABILITIES?

SUNIA strives to be accessible for all of our students. If you have questions about accessibility at SUNIA, please contact our Registrar at registrar@sunia.ca.

 

I CAN'T AFFORD SUNIA—IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN STILL COME?

Yes, we are proud to say that we have never turned away a student who could not afford our program. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries that are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or financial need. Click here for information regarding funding, or contact our Registrar at registrar@sunia.ca for more details.

 

WHAT WILL WE EAT AT SUNIA? WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?

All our meals will be prepared fresh daily, you’ll get breakfast, lunch & dinner plus snacks and refreshments available throughout the day. The food is always good & of course SUNIA accommodates dietary restrictions, just make sure you outline any restrictions in your registration!

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING? 

Most importantly, you will need to bring a sleeping bag & pillow (the cabins have mattresses but no bedding). You’ll also need clothes well-suited for physical activity and one more dressed-up outfit (think business casual). But don’t stress yet! You’ll receive a full packing list in July.

 

WHEN SHOULD I SIGN UP FOR SUNIA?

Our registration deadline is August 1st. Spots tend to fill up quickly, so your best bet is to sign up sooner rather than later to guarantee your registration.

 

HOW IS STUDENT SAFETY ENSURED?

Student safety is our top priority at SUNIA. All of our counsellors are Standard First Aid (SFA) certified, and we maintain a 5:1 student to counsellor ratio. SUNIA counsellors are familiar with their surroundings at Camp Bar-V-Nok and on the hikes.

quickfire questions

ARE THERE CLASSROOMS AT SUNIA? DO I HAVE TO STUDY? There's no classrooms and no homework! We’ll teach you everything at camp.

HOW MANY STUDENTS GO TO SUNIA? 50-60 each week.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO ATTEND? 14-19 years old (in grades 9-12). If this is your last year of high school, don’t worry, you’re still eligible!