The KOC is located 14 km north of Minden, ON., and approximately 65 km east of Hwy 11 and Bracebridge, ON. The KOC is 3 km from a major highway along a well maintained back road. The nearest hospital is in Minden, 20 minutes away. Click here to see directions.
Participants eat in our dining hall at separate tables. Families eat at a table together (family style seating). The space is separated into two sections that can hold a total of 120 people. The smaller section of the dining hall is occasionally used as an indoor meeting space.
The KOC serves food that is group and child friendly while also being aware of common dietary restrictions. While we are gluten aware and frequently serve a gluten-free/casein-free (GFCF) diet for kids on the autism spectrum, our attention to groups, commonly 60-80 people large, makes custom meals impossible to manage. A basic salad bar, warm food with a variety of options is available at each seating.
We can accommodate special dietary needs. We will need to know in advance so that we can have the proper food on hand. Please contact us if you have any special dietary needs or restrictions. Common alternatives are offered for gluten-free/casein-free (GFCF) diets, vegetarian, vegan, certified Halal, and gluten allergies. If you have medically dangerous allergies, please let us know before your arrival. We will work with you to ensure that appropriate storage and prep is arranged for food you bring, or that you are satisfied with the alternatives that we can provide.
Yes, the Kinark Outdoor Centre is located 14 km from the Minden Hospital. You can reach the hospital in 20 minutes by car.
Most participants sleep in the Lakeview cabin area. Families have a cabin to themselves. Winter 2019 renovations (to be completed in 2020) will open up the cabins and add a shower to each one. Currently, most cabins sleep up to 5 people, are climate controlled, and have 2 or 3-piece washrooms. Sleeping bags and pillows are not provided but are available if requested.
We ask that parents NOT pack cell phones and other electronic devices. Cell phones distract from the group setting and natural environment. Electronic devices can also get lost in a communal setting. We cannot be responsible for these devices, nor should your child’s peers be responsible for them. Please leave electronics at home. If there is an anticipated need to be in touch with home there are phones available – let us know and we will make arrangements.
In the event that an electronic device is used as a developmental support (for example, speech application or other, behavioural redirection), please communicate this to our coordinator and explain what we should expect as typical use.
We do have t-shirts, hats, bags and key chains available for sale in the Nature Classroom. We have a small supply of personal hygiene products for those who forget something important at home – just ask and no charge! And there is a convenience store five minutes towards the nearest town in Carnarvon.
Yes, please let us know which cabin(s) would best suit the needs of your group. This is part of the planning process with your coordinator. You should expect to share a room with one to four of your own group peers. Family groups always have the private use of a cabin section to themselves.
When there are other groups on site and in your cabin area, you will know this in advance. You will NOT share individual cabins with other groups.
Please familiarize yourself with our cancellation policy outlined in the booking contract. There is a non-refundable deposit. We reserve the right to cancel a session date if participation numbers are too low (we anticipate at least 12 participants per group with a minimum charge).
The KOC prides itself on the high caliber of our instructors, outdoor educators, and recreational respite workers. Our staff are professionals in their field and participate in a lengthy training process in which they earn certifications in high ropes facilitation, therapeutic crisis intervention and safe management. Staff are experienced in the delivery of all outdoor activities for recreational purposes. Staff also participate in extensive training related to working with special needs populations, and specifically, in autism services.
Our instructors are all certified in CPR-C and emergency first aid and must present a satisfactory criminal background check before working with campers.
Do you have more questions?
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