Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

I would like to register for more than one child, how should I proceed?

Please use the registration form found on the link: https://theopencentre.com.sg/holiday-mindful-camp/. You would be required to submit a form individually for each child as we would require certain information such as dietary requirements/allergies for each child. Once the information has been completed, you would be required to make payment via PayPal to complete the registration.

Do offer any returning camper / siblings discount?  

For the purpose of streamlining our administration process, we have removed the returning camper/sibling discount until further notice. We hope to continue serving our community of Returning Campers and their families by hosting complimentary events throughout the year. Thank you for your continuous support!

Can I sign up my child for a few days (eg. 3 days) out of the week? 

We do not offer any prorated rates. It will be a full 5 days camp. We also encourage our campers to experience the full 5 days, so that they do not miss out on all the activities they are experiencing with the friends at camp.

The camp dates that I want to sign up for my child is unavailable, how should I proceed?  

Please register your interest with the desired camp date on our camp waitlist – the form could be found on the website: https://theopencentre.com.sg/workshops/holiday-mindful-camp/. Once a slot opens up, we will directly contact you to have your child be registered under your desired camp dates.

Can I register my child up who has not turned 6, he/she is now 5+ years old? 

The camp programmes are planned according to the age-specific group, we would only accept registration if your child goes to a full day school (at least 8 hours) and is toilet trained.

Can my 7 years old join the staycation/sleepover? 

Unfortunately, strictly 8 years old and above for safety reasons.

 

Transportation

Is transportation provided?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation due to the small capacity of the camp size. However, we have contacts of private drivers who may be able to pick/drop off your child. Please contact us for more information.

What public transportation is available?

Horsecity (100 Turf Club Road)

We are located about 10 minutes walk from Sixth Avenue Station (Downtown Line). There are many buses that stop along Bukit Timah or Dunearn Road – all about 10 minutes walk to our campsite.

Buses: 66, 67, 74, 151, 154, 157, 170, 171, 174, 852, 961, 961C

Swiss Club (35 Swiss Club Road) 

If you are travelling by public transport, please alight at MRT Station – Sixth Avenue (Downtown Line).

A free shuttle bus by Swiss Club service is provided, pick up will be at the Taxi stand outside Sixth Avenue MRT Station Exit (For more information, please contact us for the Swiss Club shuttle bus time schedule).

Camp Information

What is the age group for the camp?

Our happy campers range from 6 to 12 years of age.

What are the camp hours?

Camp River: 8.30 am and ends at 4.00 pm.

Camp Mountain: 9 am and ends at 4.30 pm.

*For sleepover/staycation camp, the camp ends on Friday at 3.30 pm.

What does my child need to bring for the camp?

A camp pack with all the information about what your child needs to bring will be emailed to you 1 week before camp starts.

What is the camp size?

Camp River: size varies from 12 to 24 campers

Camp Mountain: size varies from 12 to 28 campers.

What is the camper to facilitator ratio?

Camp River: We maintain a ratio of 6 campers to 1 facilitator during camp hours.

Camp Mountain: We maintain a ratio of 7 campers to 1 facilitator during camp hours.

What happens if my child does not want to return to camp after the first day?

Some children take a longer time to get comfortable in a new environment.  We would find out from the child what is bothering him/her, most of the time, with encouragements they will get over the initial resistance.  Our small camp size allows each child to get the attention and care he/she needs.  Please speak to our camp leaders.

Who are your camp leaders/facilitators?

The main camp facilitator is Dawn, the founder of The Open Centre and the creator of this happy camp! Dawn holds a master in counselling and has received extensive training at The Center for Mindfulness (CFM), University of Massachusetts Medical School, in the United States and is recognised as having met the full professional teaching standards of CFM. She is also trained and qualified to teach a range of mindfulness programmes under the Mindfulness in Schools Project (.b, Paws b and .b Foundations).

Our facilitators are employees of the company and work with us throughout the year to ensure they are familiar with the camp’s culture and values. They are not hired on an ad-hoc basis. Most of our facilitators are university graduates or 3rd-year students majoring in psychology or social science. The facilitators are at least 21 years old.

Every facilitator and co-facilitator undergo curriculum and camp training, covering topics such as safety issues, counselling, conflict resolution and teaching skills. For more information on our camp facilitators, please refer to the link: https://theopencentre.com.sg/about-us/

Dietary

Will snacks and lunch be provided?

Healthy wholesome lunch is served every day. Our provided lunches are mainly catered from The New Luncher or Victus Catering featuring Western and Asian dishes.

Snacks such as cookies, fruits and sandwiches are provided twice a day (Morning & Afternoon Snacks).

My child has special dietary requirements – how do you accommodate his/her diet?

We try our best to meet the needs of campers with special diets. We can provide vegetarian (please indicate your requirements on the registration form). However, we do not have the resources to cater to campers who require a gluten-free or vegan diet, or those with food allergies. Parents may pack food for their children if they have such needs – we will give a $50 discount.

Our food is suitable for campers who require a Halal diet.

Safety

What happens if my child falls ill or is injured at camp?

Our camp has guidelines for treating sick or injured campers. Our camp facilitators are first-aid trained. Camp facilitators will attend and care for the child first, and notify the parents in the event of illness or injury. If we feel it is necessary for the camper to receive professional medical treatment, we will send him/her to the nearest clinic (about 100 metres from our centre).

What happens in the event of haze?

Our centre is ready to respond and take appropriate haze management measures based on a set of guidelines corresponding to the health advisory.

The following policies will be followed based on 3-hour PSI readings:
Less than 100: Outdoor activities as usual
100–150: Limited outdoor activities
Above 150: No outdoor activities (rainy day/haze programmes will be arranged)
Above 300: Camp cancelled (make-up session will be arranged)

Please be assured that your child’s health is our priority.