We are now taking bookings for the current school year. Please contact vservices@trca.ca for program bookings.
Enjoy the experience of a lifetime while connecting with nature at Lake St. George Field Centre!
Whether you are a school, Scouts, Guides or adults, we offer two- or five-day residential programs both on weekdays and weekends in clean and comfortable facilities, with delicious, well-balanced meals.
“Lake St. George enabled our students to practice working together in a variety of group challenges that were fun and educational to promote co-operative learning and team building skills.” – Ellen Fairclough Public School
Programming is flexible enough to meet the needs of all learners and can be as active or relaxed as required. The diversity of activities and programs available allows you to develop the daily timetable that works best for you. Then let us do the rest: fun times, active learning, stronger teams and a sense of community for your group.
ABOUT US
One of the highlights of this site is Lake St. George itself, a beautiful kettle lake which the property surrounds. The property is also the headwaters of the east branch of the Humber River, and features mixed woodlands, open meadows, reforested areas, and wetlands that possess abundant fish and wildlife populations.
Location
Lake St. 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. Get Directions.
Facility
Opened in 1979, Lake St. George Field Centre consists of two dormitories 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.
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.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN OVERNIGHT SCHOOL VISIT
Daily Schedule
| WEEKDAYS | ACTIVITY | WEEKENDS |
| 7:00 a.m. | Rise & Shine | 7:30 a.m. |
| 7:15 a.m. | Dining Room Set-Up | 7:45 a.m. |
| 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast | 8:00 a.m. |
| 8:30 a.m. | Building Clean-Up Routines | 8:30 a.m. |
| 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Morning Program | 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. |
| 11:45 a.m. | Dining Room Set-Up | 11:45 a.m. |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch | 12:00 p.m. |
| 12:45 p.m. | Building Clean-Up Routines | 12:45 p.m. |
| 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. | Afternoon Program | 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. |
| 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. | Free Time | 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. |
| 4:45 p.m. | Dining Room Set-Up | 4:45 p.m. |
| 5:00 p.m. | Supper | 5:00 p.m. |
| 5:45 p.m. | Building Clean-Up Routines | 5:45 p.m. |
| 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Evening Program | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. |
| 8:00 p.m. | Group’s Own Time | 8:00 p.m. |
What to Wear and Bring
Students are outside in all weather and should dress in layers to be warm and dry. 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
Teachers’ Preparation/Involvement
- Attend a planning session at the nature centre prior to your trip.
- Book bus transportation to and from the nature centre.
- Distribute appropriate paperwork to participants; collect completed forms and payment.
- Complete paperwork to be given to nature centre staff upon arrival (e.g. dormitory floor plan).
- Provide one teacher/leader to accompany each program that the nature centre staff are facilitating.
- Please note: outside scheduled program times, visiting teachers/leaders will supervise chores, free time, snack time, shower time and bed time.
Call Visitor Services at (416) 667-6295 for more information or to book your program.
CORPORATE/ADULT PROGRAMS
Details coming soon!
WEEKEND PROGRAMS AT LAKE ST. GEORGE
Calling all Scouts, Guides, camps, teams and school retreats!
Give your group an unforgettable experience. Reconnect with one another and with nature, earn badges, enjoy the great outdoors and create memories to last a lifetime. Weekend programming is available to suit any group’s needs, objectives or focus.
Lake St. George provides an atmosphere reminiscent of cottage country, nestled within the GTA. Escape the city with your group and take advantage of all the programming Lake St. George has to offer.
We’ll take care of the work, providing home-cooked meals, certified instructors, a solar-powered pontoon boat, cross-country trails and skiing, canoeing, campfires and more.
Every visit is customized to meet the needs of your group!
Call Visitor Services at (416) 667-6295 for more information or to book your program.
What to Expect
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) field centres provide accommodations, food and all of the necessary basic equipment for the programs. Participants will need to bring appropriate clothing, bedding and personal items.
TRCA staff are available to lead morning, afternoon and evening programs each full day at the field centre. Programs are professionally designed to maximize hands-on, outdoor learning, and to offer a safe learning environment for our visitors.