Choose Your Program

Teacher Information

Expectations for Teachers

Our goal is to provide a well-run facility so teachers and chaperones can join in and participate with their students during programming. As well as looking after general supervision, teachers and chaperones are responsible for the evening program and supervision in the Dining Hall. We ask that you communicate the following information, guidelines, and expectations to your group prior to your arrival.

Comments on our Purpose

Medeba was established in 1952 as a Christian organization to live out and share the Christian faith and development of others. We are a charitable organization based on this purpose. We are known as specialists in the use of intentional community and adventure programing to teach teamwork, problem solving, communication and personal growth. Medeba has first-rate facilities and extensive adventure-based activities that are designed for personal leadership growth and to build community, trust, cooperation, and teamwork.

One of our programs is Outdoor Education; for over 30 years, we have worked with many different types of school groups and we realize that not all groups have the same beliefs we do and we understand that. All are welcome to be a part of our Outdoor Education program. We are committed to inclusion and are purposeful in our training and expectations of our staff in working with guests from all walks of life including complying with restrictions in sharing beliefs with certain groups. We have honoured and respected all schools and their students that have come to Medeba. We have continually provided a warm, welcoming and socially safe culture for all, no matter what their background or beliefs; we continue in this way to this day. Reciprocally, in the spirit of inclusion, we also ask that schools respect our purpose and beliefs and do not come with the purpose to teach in opposition to these beliefs while at Medeba.
Please click here to read a summary of our beliefs

Booking Information

Minimum and Maximum Capacities

A minimum of 25 guests are required for Medeba to be open to groups.  This quota can be met by either paying for the minimum of 25 guests or by sharing the site with other groups so that the total number onsite is at least 25.  Likewise, Medeba has a maximum capacity of 190 guests (depending on the arrangements that have been made).  Medeba may or may not be able to accommodate changes to the size of your group after the contract is received.  If the number of guests planning to come changes by 10%, it is the leader’s responsibility to immediately communicate this with Medeba; failure to do so may result in a penalty.

Sharing Facilities

If you do not reserve our facility (minimum rental of 130 guests), you may be sharing some recreational activities and the Dining Hall with another school(s).  We appreciate your courtesy towards other schools we are accommodating. If there are certain recreational activities you’d like to do in your free time, please contact the Medeba host with such requests so that they can arrange this with the other school(s) on site.

If you do reserve our facility, we will allow you to have our facility to yourself and we will not book another school while you are here. You are then required to bring a minimum of 130 guests or pay for that many guests to come. Our reduction in number policy does not apply if you have reserved our facility and your guest numbers drop below 130.

Payment

Full payment is due before departure from Medeba. We will invoice your amount due after receiving final numbers so you are able to prepare payment before your arrival. If you are unable to pay prior to departure, you must make arrangements with the Guest Group Coordinator prior to arrival. Full payments should be made through cheque, cash, E-transfer or direct deposit.

Booking Deposit and Damage Deposit

To confirm a booking, Medeba requires a non-refundable booking deposit.  This deposit is not applied to the cost of the program.  Instead, it is converted into a damage deposit upon the school’s arrival. Once Medeba has received full payment for the program, and cleaning and inspection of the facilities used by the school has been completed, the deposit will be returned to the school.

Any damages or excessive cleaning incurred by Medeba due to the school group, will be deducted from the deposit refund.  "Raiding" and practical jokes are often the cause of property damage so please refrain. Any extra cleaning or damage associated with “pranking” will be subject to a minimum $100 fine (i.e. shaving cream, toothpaste, honey, etc.)

Reduction in Guest Numbers Policy

We ask, to the best of your ability, that you make a realistic booking number estimate, as a change of 10% or more guests can affect our ability to accept additional bookings.  We know it can be difficult to accurately predict the number of guests you will be bringing. To ease some of this pressure we have provided a window of flexibility and grace for some revision. If you are over 90 days from your arrival date you can revise your numbers  with no financial penalty, although it may affect the meeting room and cabins available to your group. 

Once under the 90 days, we will provide you with a 10% allowance from the number of guests you booked in for.  If you are under 90% of the guests on your contract you will be responsible to pay half the per person cost for each missing guest.

To finalize preparations for a group (i.e. order food, staffing, etc.), Medeba requires a final confirmation of numbers and any special dietary needs 10 business days prior to the group’s arrival.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of an Outdoor Education Program prior to 90 days of arrival date, will result in the loss of the group’s deposit. Cancellation within 90 days of the arrival date, you will be responsible to pay for half of the per person fee for the number of guests you booked in for. 

Check In and Check Out Time

Check in time is 1pm on first afternoon (Monday or Wednesday). If you would like to arrive earlier, to have more time to get settled before facilitation begins, please let our guest group coordinator know and we will see if this can be arranged.  When you’re enroute, if your arrival time is more than a half an hour before or after your expected arrival time, please call your Medeba Host immediately.

Check out time is by 2pm on final day (Wednesday or Friday) after lunch. All of your group’s belongings must be removed from all accommodations by this time. Special circumstances may lead to your belongings to be removed from your accommodations by 9:15am on final day (Wednesday or Friday) morning when your facilitation begins.

Accommodations and Site Information

General Accommodations

Most of our cabins have 5 bunks (2 beds per bunk) and two single beds.  Four bunks and a single bed are in the main area of the cabin, while one bunk and a single bed are behind a partition, and can be used for leaders or teachers. The cabins are carpeted and are heated via a propane fireplace. 

Additionally, in each cabin, there are ample hooks in each cabin to hang jackets, hats, etc. For each bunk bed, there is a storage unit with cubbies to place clothing or other personal items, and hangers to hang clothing.

Generally, cabin assignments at our facility are by our guests’ lived gender identity.

In accordance with Medeba’s principles and beliefs, all people are welcome to stay at our facility. We will work with the leadership of your school to accommodate all your students. For students who are working through their gender identity or are transgender, we will consider how best to accommodate for them on a case by case basis by collaborating with your school to make an accommodation plan.

Teacher or Chaperone Accommodations

Motel-style accommodations are available for Teachers or Chaperones, in River House. There are 2-3 twin beds in each room with a 3-piece bathroom. River House also has a lounge and kitchenette available.

Bedding & Personal Supplies

Each person needs to bring his or her bedding.  We recommend a sleeping bag, pillow, and personal effects such as soap, shampoo, towel, etc.

Standard Meeting Room

Medeba will provide your school with their own multipurpose, dedicated meeting room. These spaces are generally assigned in accordance with the number of guests each school on site is bringing. Accessibility needs will also play a role in assigning meeting rooms if your Guest Group Coordinator is notified in advanced.

Each meeting room is supplied with seating; this seating is not set up for you, but rather it is available to you to set up however you’d like.

Audio/Visual Equipment

Our large meeting room, Summit Hall, has a sound system with ceiling mounted speaker and has 2 ceiling mounted projectors and screens.

Our two medium size meeting rooms, the Hub and the Junction, each have a 6-channel amp and two speakers. 

Canyon lounge, our shared meeting room has a TV and DVD player.

Microphones, projectors, and DVD players may be requested ahead of time from you Guest Group Coordinator.

Media

We ask that care is taken when choosing media and consideration is given to the broader community when listening or watching all forms of media.

Noise Curfew

For the sake of other guests, staff who are on the property and our neighbours, there is a noise curfew between 11 PM and 7 AM.

Campfire Areas

There are many campfire areas at Medeba that range in size for seating from 20 students up to 190 students.  Campfire wood and supplies to start a fire and put it out are all provided. Your school will be responsible for making the fire, having at least one person always with the fire, burning down any wood used, as well as ensuring the fire is completely out. Contact your Medeba Host to help arrange this possibility.

Dining Hall

When coming into our dining hall, health regulations require that dry foot wear and dry clothing must be worn at all times.

Before every meal, we will take a moment of silence, which is a great opportunity for each person to be thankful. Please join us in this time as we have a lot to be thankful for. After every meal, each table is responsibility to clear off their tables of dirty dishes, left over food and wipe it down.

Also, we ask you, please do not bring food or drink into any of our other buildings, this will help to keep our floors clean and unwanted animals out.

Meal Times, Set Up & Clean Up of Meals

Meal times during the week are typically at 8 AM, 12:30 PM, and 5:30 PM.

In an effort to keep our prices low and promote community participation, we ask that students will help us with the set-up and clean-up process for meals. This entails about 10-12 students helping for 30 mins prior to a meal or up to 30-60 minutes after the meal. The tasks include setting the tables, serving out the meal, washing dishes, sweeping the floor, as well as preparing for the next meal. Please assign a supervisor who will be present for all the meals to assist the Medeba staff. In your schedule we allow for the these duties.

If you would prefer that Medeba provided the above service for your group, we are able to do so for an additional fee.

Restricted Diets

Medeba provides alternative food for those who have a restricted diet. You will find an attachment called Medeba - Restricted Diet Checklist. It is the leader’s responsibility to pass this form out to any guest who has a special dietary need.  Medeba will only provide alternate meals for guests who have returned their restricted diet checklist form 10 business days prior to arrival. If Medeba is notified less than 10 business days prior to arrival, there will be an additional $15 charge per restricted diet.

Medeba provides alternative food for those who have a restricted diet. Medeba will only provide alternate meals for guests who have returned their restricted diet checklist form.

Safety Information and Emergencies

Health and Safety

Our goal is to make your stay at Medeba as fun and as safe as possible.  It is imperative that you fill out the Insurance information to be able to participate in any activity at our site.  It is in your best interest to let Parents know the activities that their children will be participating in.  The group is responsible for all health-related issues pertaining to their group.  Medeba, in an emergency, can provide Standard First Aid if necessary, but cannot dispense any medications.  We also recommend that each group bring along Health Card information on each of their students.

OPHEA

The Ontario Physical and Health Education Association produce safety guidelines, Ontario Physical Health and Education Safety Guidelines, for facilitating activities. These standards are readily available for educators (schools & boards). Medeba complies with these standards with the following notes:  

1. High/Low Ropes and Climbing Activities: Our head instructors are all trained and certified by a third party, ACCT certified training professional. Our facilitators are trained and certified by our head instructors. We believe that this meets the guidelines outlined for training of facilitators/staff by OPHEA.

2. Canoeing, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding: In order to comply with OPHEA, each student would need to perform a swim test; in our regular program time, we have not moved towards performing swim tests on site. Also, to comply with OPHEA for canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, certified lifeguard(s) must be present; Medeba does not guarantee we always have staff available with those certifications. If your school would like to consider participating in these activities, please contact us.

3. Ice Climbing: OPHEA does not recognize this as an "appropriate" activity for school boards, if you are interested in ice climbing, please consult with your Principal and School Board. We are happy to help with any questions and provide risk management for this activity.

Emergency Procedures

In case of emergency the dinner bell will ring continually.  If this happens please gather in the large playing field located beside the playground area.

Inclement Weather

Unfortunately weather can be unpredictable at times; as a result there are no refunds due to weather.  Medeba is able to offer some indoor facilities and activities in the case of inclement weather.

Hospital Transportation

Your group is responsible for health insurance and for transportation to the hospital in the event that it is needed. Please note local taxi's stop running after 9:30pm.

Group Transportation

Schools are responsible for transportation to and from Medeba. If a student requires transportation home during your stay, the school will be responsible for transportation.  Medeba vehicles are not available for this purpose.

Things not allowed at Medeba

• Chewing gum
• Nuts and nut products
• Pets
• Smoking & vaping *If there are individuals in your group that need to smoke while at Medeba, you must contact our guest group coordinator to make arrangements for this to occur.
• Alcohol
• Narcotics
• Cannabis in any form
• Firearms