We are an outdoor and environmental education centre run by Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, located in Richmond Hill, ON. Lake St. LOCATION
Lake St.
George is an outdoor education centre where clients such as school classes, youth groups and adult groups come for visits of two to five days. Accommodations, meals, and interesting educational outdoor activities are provided by expert staff. George Field Centre is owned and operated by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). TRCA is Canada's leader in urban conservation management,
planning and the protection and regeneration of our rivers, lakes, streams, waterfront, wetlands, forests and table lands; one of the world's largest public landowners and protectors of environmentally important lands (33,000 acres) and watersheds in an urban area; providing access to conservation lands for outdoor recreation, nature interpretation and heritage appreciation. 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. FACILITY
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. 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 BRING AND WEAR
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. TEACHERS' PREPERATION/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. 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. 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.
02/14/2019
Effective immediately, all Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) posts will be made on our official Facebook account. If you aren’t already following, please join us at facebook.com/TorontoConservation as there will be no further posts here. Thank you for your continued support!
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Our mission is to protect, conserve and restore natural resources and develop resilient communities through education, the application of science, community engagement, service excellence and collaboration with our partners.
01/08/2013
Check out this video of the solar boat at Lake St. George!
At All Hallows Eve, you will discover what spirits lurk in the deep dark corners of a 19th century village, witness a fire-eating & gargling razor blades show and confront your fears in the Haunted Maze! This Saturday only!