Under a canopy of towering spruce trees at Camp Whispering Pines near Victoria, B.C., I watched last summer as counselor Sarah Morin gently applied sunscreen to a line of giggling eight-year-olds. “This is the highlight of their year,” she told me, adjusting a child’s hat. “For some kids, camp is where they discover who they really are.”
But as another summer approaches, Canadian health officials are warning that these cherished wilderness experiences come with heightened health concerns this year. The Huron Perth Public Health unit in Ontario recently issued an alert about potential measles exposure as families prepare to send children to summer camps across the country.
The warning comes after measles cases in Canada have jumped dramatically, with 43 confirmed cases in the first five months of 2025—nearly triple the number from the same period last year. Public Health Agency of Canada data shows this represents the highest rate since 2016, with clusters appearing in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
“What makes measles particularly concerning in camp settings is how incredibly contagious it is,” explains Dr. Navdeep Singh, infectious disease specialist at Vancouver General Hospital. “One infected person can transmit the virus to 12 to 18 unvaccinated people, and it can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.”
When I visited Camp Tamarack near Bracebridge, Ontario during their staff training weekend in May, returning counselors were already incorporating new health protocols into their preparations. The camp director, Michelle Lieberman, had arranged for a public health nurse to brief the staff.
“We’ve always checked immunization records,” Lieberman told me as we walked through the dining hall where hand sanitizing stations had been freshly installed. “But this year, we’re being extra vigilant. The last thing any of us wants is an outbreak that sends kids home early or puts anyone at risk.”
Measles presents initially with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes before developing into the characteristic rash that spreads from the face downward. While many recover without complications, the disease can lead to serious health problems including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, particularly in young children.
The resurgence of measles in Canada reflects a troubling global trend. World Health Organization data reveals that worldwide measles cases increased by 79% in 2024, with over 300,000 cases reported. Public health experts attribute this rise to declining vaccination rates, increased international travel post-pandemic, and the spread of vaccine misinformation.
“We’re seeing the consequences of what happens when vaccination rates drop below the threshold needed for community protection,” says Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada. “For measles, we need approximately 95% of the population to be immunized to prevent spread.”
Health Canada statistics indicate that MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination rates have declined from 92% in 2019 to 87% in 2024 among school-aged children. The decline appears steepest in certain urban neighborhoods and some rural communities.
At Birch Bay Camp in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, director Jean-Philippe Tremblay has implemented additional screening measures. When I called him to discuss his approach, he described a system of pre-arrival health declarations and check-in screening procedures.
“We’re trying to balance safety with maintaining the joy of camp,” Tremblay explained. “The kids have already lost so much normal childhood experience during COVID. We want to protect them while still letting them have their summer adventures.”
For Indigenous-led camps like Rediscovery Camp on Haida Gwaii, the concerns run even deeper. When I interviewed camp coordinator Guujaaw Peters by phone, she emphasized the heightened risks for remote communities.
“Our Elders remember the devastation that infectious diseases brought to our communities historically,” Peters said. “We take these warnings very seriously because we know health resources are limited in our region, and protecting our knowledge keepers is sacred responsibility.”
Parents across Canada are now weighing these health considerations as they prepare to send approximately 800,000 children to overnight and day camps this summer. The Canadian Camping Association has issued updated guidelines, recommending that camps:
Verify immunization records for all campers and staff
Implement enhanced daily health monitoring
Create isolation protocols for suspected cases
Train staff to recognize early measles symptoms
Establish communication plans with local health authorities
Dr. Asha Williams, pediatrician at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective preventative measure. “The MMR vaccine is incredibly safe and effective,” she tells me. “Two doses provide 97% protection against measles. Parents concerned about summer camp should ensure their children are fully vaccinated at least two weeks before attendance.”
When I spoke with mother of three Simone Cheng in Vancouver as she sorted through sleeping bags and camp supplies, her approach seemed to reflect that of many parents—cautious but committed to providing these formative experiences.
“I’ve confirmed all their vaccinations are up to date and had a conversation with the camp director about their protocols,” Cheng said, folding a stack of labeled t-shirts. “My kids need this time outdoors, disconnected from screens, making memories. We can’t let fear keep stealing their childhoods.”
As the summer camp season approaches, health authorities are urging parents and camp administrators to remain vigilant but balanced in their approach. With proper precautions, the hope is that thousands of Canadian children can safely experience the magic of summer camp that has shaped generations—even during this period of heightened health concerns.
For immunization clinic locations or to check your child’s vaccination status, parents can contact their local public health unit or visit immunizecanada.ca.
