Health and Safety 2026

Stay Tick Aware

Enjoy the outdoors safely

Ticks are a natural part of many outdoor environments, including forests, trails, and grassy areas. Spending time outside is one of the best parts of camp, and a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of tick bites. It is important to reduce the risk of tick bites because ticks can carry diseases, including Lyme disease. Not every tick carries disease, and not every tick bite results in illness.

Our staff are trained to support campers and respond to tick bites following Shadow Lake Centre's health and safety procedures. *Please note you will not need to provide proof of COVID-19 receipts unless requested.

How to Help Prevent Tick Bites

Before and during your stay at camp, you can help reduce your risk by:

Wearing long socks and closed-toe shoes when exploring wooded or grassy areas

Tucking long pants into your socks when exploring wooded or grassy areas

Wearing long pants during hikes or outdoor activities when appropriate

Using insect repellent containing icaridin or DEET according to the product directions

Staying on marked trails whenever possible

Wearing light-coloured clothing to make ticks easier to spot

Performing regular tick checks, especially after spending time outdoors

Showering soon after being outdoors, if possible, because this can help wash off unattached ticks and make it easier to complete a thorough tick check

Tick Check Tips

Ticks are small and can attach to hidden areas of the body. At the end of each day, check carefully for ticks, paying close attention to:

Behind your ears

Hairline and scalp

Under your arms

Around your waist

Behind your knees

Around your ankles

Near areas covered by your swimsuit or underwear

If you need assistance checking for a tick, please speak with a Shadow Lake staff member.

If You Find a Tick

Don't panic.

Tell a Shadow Lake staff member as soon as possible.

Our team will:

Help remove the tick safely

Follow Shadow Lake Centre's health and safety procedures

Provide additional support as needed

Prompt removal of a tick can help reduce the risk of tick-borne illness.

Watch for Symptoms

Most tick bites do not result in illness. However, if you develop symptoms after a tick bite or after spending time in areas where ticks may be present, contact a health care provider.

Symptoms may include: