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Information

One of the highlights of this site is Lake St. George itself, a beautiful kettle lake which the property surrounds. The property is also the headwaters of the east branch of the Humber River, and features mixed woodlands, open meadows, reforested areas, and wetlands that possess abundant fish and wildlife populations.

Location

Lake St. George Field Centre is located on a 120-hectare site on the ecologically significant Oak Ridges Moraine, just east of Bayview Avenue in the Town of Richmond Hill.

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Facility

Bird Window at Lake St. George's Davies Hall

Opened in 1979, Lake St. George Field Centre consists of twodormitories named Bond House and Snively House. These air-conditioned facilities can accommodate 38 and 46 participants respectively, and each house has a classroom, lounge, kitchen area, ping pong table and mudroom for outdoor gear. Close by is Davies Hall, a picturesque turn of the century country home that serves as the dining facility and administrative offices. While at Davies Hall, you can enjoy a meal by the wood-burning fireplace, relax in the cozy sunroom with a glorious view of the lake, or watch birds feeding from the Bird Window.

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What to Expect

Daily Routine:

Here is an example of a typical daily schedule:

Rise and Shine 7:15 a.m.
Breakfast 8:00 a.m.
Chores in the Dorm 8:45 a.m.
Morning Program 9:15 a.m.- 11:45 a.m.
Lunch 12:00 p.m.
Afternoon Program 1:15 - 3:45 p.m.
Free Time 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Supper 5:00 p.m.
Evening Program 6:15 - 8:15 p.m.
Group's Own Time 8:15 p.m.

 

What to Wear and Bring

Students are outside in all weather and should dress in layers to be warm and dry. Clothing must be practical, comfortable and in sufficient quantity. Bring old clothes which can get dirty - fashion is not important. Think about the season and the local weather forecasted for your trip. Here are a few essentials:

  • Winter - warm coat, snow pants, boots, hat, mittens or gloves, scarf, warm socks
  • Summer - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, insect repellent
  • Rainy days - raincoat or other waterproof jacket, rubber boots

Participants will also need to bring a pillow, sleeping bag or other linens, and a towel.

More detailed information will be provided in our planning document after you book your visit.

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Teachers' Preparation/Involvement:

  •  Attend a planning session at the field centre prior to your trip.
  •  Book bus transportation to and from the field centre.
  •  Distribute appropriate paperwork to participants; collect completed forms and payment.
  •  Complete paperwork to be given to field centre staff upon arrival (e.g. dormitory floor plan).
  •  Provide one teacher/leader to accompany each program that the field centre staff are facilitating.
  •  Outside scheduled program times, it is very important for the visiting teachers/leaders to  supervise  chores, free time, snack time, shower time and bed time.

More detailed information will be provided in our planning document after you book your visit.

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Safety:

Staff First Aid Training: All field centre staff are trained in Standard First Aid and CPR. Instructors are certified National Lifesaving Society (NLS) lifeguards. Instructors are also certified by the Ontario Recreational Canoeing Association (ORCA).

Nearest Hospital/Emergency Response Time: The nearest hospital is the Southlake Regional Health Centre, 596 Davis Drive, Newmarket, ON. Emergency Response time is approximately five to 15 minutes.

Food Service: All field centre food service staff have completed their PROTON Food Handlers Certification. Kitchen facilities are inspected regularly by regional health inspectors and meet all provincial and regional food service regulations.

Water: Lake St. George is serviced by York Region's municipal water system.

Allergies: Lake St. George is a "nut-sensitive" facility. Visitors are asked to bring only snacks that are free of nuts and/or nut products. Group leaders who have a participant that is or may be allergic to nuts or other allergens are asked to ensure that field centre staff are made aware so that appropriate precautions can be built into your daily schedule.

More detailed information will be provided in our planning document after you book your visit.

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Accessibility:

Lake St. George can accommodate participants in wheelchairs and with other special needs. Programs can also be tailored to meet the specific needs of the group and/or participants. Please ask for more details regarding our accessibility during your planning session.

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School Field Trip Bus Grant Program

Thanks to the generous support of the Toronto Field Naturalists and proceeds from the Sunny Days for Conservation event, a limited number of $250 bus grants will be made available to classes visiting select TRCA facilities between January 9 and May 15, 2012.

Click here for additional details about this program.