When you register your child in a day camp or a stayover camp, the merchant must give you a detailed contract that spells out all of the conditions of the agreement. Make sure the contract accurately reflects the promises that were made to you.

Elements that must be indicated in the contract

The contact presents the rights and obligations of both the camp and the parents. It must indicate:

• your name and address;
• the merchant’s name and address;
• the location and date of signature;
• a description of the services the camp is committed to providing (activities, meals, etc.);
• the camp’s business hours;
• the dates on which your child is registered;
• the cost of the services, on an hourly, daily or weekly basis;
• the total amount you have to pay;
• the terms of payment;
• the clause that explains the contract cancellation terms. This clause is presented in section 46 of the Regulation respecting the application of the Consumer Protection Act.

The merchant must give you a copy of the signed contract along with a resiliation form. You can use that form if you want to cancel your contract.

Total amount of the fees

The total amount indicated in the contract must include:

• the total cost of the stay or the services provided;
• any fees pertaining to membership, registration, file creation, evaluation and administration;
• taxes.

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The merchant who offers the camp may not collect any payments or deposits before your child attends the camp.

When to make the 1st payment

The merchant may claim a payment as of the 1st day on which your child attends the camp, not before. The merchant may not claim any amounts or a deposit, e.g. to reserve a place for your child.

Number of instalments

The merchant is not allowed to demand or offer you the possibility of paying for the services in one instalment, for the entire length of the contract. Payment must be made in at least 2 relatively equal instalments claimed at regular intervals, e.g. at the beginning and the middle of the stay.

Does your child require any material or equipment for the camp? If so, you are free to purchase it wherever you choose, even if it is sold by the merchant that offers the camp.

If you decide to purchase this material or equipment from the merchant that offers the camp, the merchant must give you a written contract if the cost of the goods is higher than $100. This is called an “accessory contract.”

Elements that must be indicated in a contract for the purchase of material or equipment

The accessory contract, i.e. the contract that covers the purchase of material or equipment, must contain the following elements:

• the camp’s name and address;
• your name and address;
• the location and date of signature;
• a description of the material or equipment purchased (brand, quantity, etc.);
• the cash price of each item;
• the applicable taxes;
• the total amounts to pay;
• the clause that explains the contract cancellation terms. This clause is presented in section 50 of the Regulation respecting the application of the Consumer Protection Act.

Before registering your child in a day camp or a stayover camp online or over the phone, find out what the merchant is offering.

Information the merchant is required to provide

Before you make your purchase, the merchant is required to provide you with the following information:

• the merchant’s name and contact information, including its telephone number, fax number and email address;
• a detailed description of the services offered;
• the total amount to be paid, i.e. the price of the stay, any other fees that may be charged, and the applicable taxes;
• the payment terms and schedule;
• a description of any additional fees that may be charged;
• the camp’s start date and end date;
• the currency (Canadian dollars, etc.) used to pay the amount of the transaction;
• the merchant’s cancellation and reimbursement policy.

From the moment you enter into an agreement with the merchant, the merchant has 15 days to send you a written contract. This contract must contain the same information, as well as all of the other mandatory clauses.