COVID-19 Quarantine Updates: News from Camps
Virtual programs
FEATURED
100 Mile House
Operating from our home base just outside 100 Mile House, JUMP! programs at the Educo Adventure School specialize in building leadership and other important life attitudes and skills through adventure programming. Read more...
|
FEATURED
A traditional camp offering overnight and day camp programs. Activities include horsemanship, swimming, high ropes, climbing wall, archery, campfires, and much more. Leadership and horse specialty camps also offered. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Squamish; Vancouver
Your Beyond Adventure - We bring not only the excitement of outdoor experiences but an adventurous journey with family engagement to explore, discover and develop “the self”. Read more...
|
FEATURED
TAC Sports - Toronto Athletic Camps Christie Pits, Toronto; Don Mills, Toronto; Hogg's Hollow, Toronto; Markham; Thornhill
TAC Sports, TAC Aquatics and Lifetime Skills Academy (LSA) specialize in sports, swim and S.T.E.M programming. Ages 4-16, Co-ed. Year round Camps, Lessons, Academy and House Leagues across the GTA! Grow, Learn, Lead! Read more...
|
FEATURED
Banff; Montreal; Whistler
We are a premium summer and winter camp for kids ages 4 to 17. We offer day and overnight camps in the summer in 4 locations: Montreal, Whistler, Banff and San Diego. We also offer a ski/snowboard camp in the winter. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Throughout British Columbia, Ontario (6)
Virtual Saturday classes, for all students who needs to excel, enhance or accelerate their academics. Our teachers will work to improve your child's grades from JK-Grade 12 for Math, English, Science, Writing and Coding. Read more...
|
FEATURED
1-UP Leadership Programs at Ernescliff College South Annex, Toronto; Bancroft; Quebec City
Leadership program and fun summer camps for boys 9-13 years-old, focused on character formation, service and friendship. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Westport
Eastern Ontario Summer Camp, nestled on the shores of Wolfe Lake 15 minutes from Westport. Activities at IAWAH include leadership building, archery tag, canoeing, cake decorating, programming and turf sports. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Minden
Kandalore is one of the finest overnight camps in Canada, providing the best of both canoe tripping and in-camp activities. For 75 years, Kandalore has given campers the chance to get to know and be themselves fully. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Haliburton Highlands; Oakville; Ottawa
A traditional camp with diverse programming & exceptional instruction, we believe in teaching kids compromise, patients & empathy. Fun is a given. Through thoughtful & individualized programming, our campers thrive here. Read more...
|
Brockville; Kingston; Prescott and Russell
We offer a full range of youth rec programs such as basketball, cycling, karate, swimming & school-break & summer day camps. These are offered in safe environments to help children develop self-esteem & confidence. Read more...
|
InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Pacific Thetis Island; Vancouver
One of nine Inter-Varsity Camps, Pioneer Pacific offers Christian summer camp and leadership programs for kids from 7-18, and includes a wide range of activities such as sailing, archery, kayaking and more. Read more...
|
Pickering
Nature based summer day and overnight camp led by Ontario Certified Teachers. Spend days outdoors exploring ponds, creeks, wetlands meadows and forests! Read more...
|
Ottawa
The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees pride ourselves in offering a wide variety of bilingual sport camps to youth in the Ottawa and Gatineau area. Read more...
|
Explore unique science and technology camp programs at Ontario Tech, including LEGO, Coding, Minecraft, Math, Engineering, and more! In-person and virtual camps available. Read more...
|
Temagami
A true adventure camp with the very best staff. Choose from a Traditional General Camp Program or specialize in Trampoline, Gymnastics, Aerials (circus) or Wakeboarding & Water Skiing. Read more...
|
Oakville
Full-day camps, incredibly popular with participating kids and parents alike, that provide boys and girls aged 4-18 with an introduction to non-contact rugby and outdoor games/activity fun at our 28 acre park. Read more...
|
Lakefield; Peterborough
Traditional summer camp fostering self-esteem, leadership & environmental stewardship. Campers are encouraged to be creative, in touch with nature & be themselves in a non-competitive environment. Read more...
|
Minden; Sharbot Lake; Throughout Ontario
Overnight summer camp and leadership programs for youth with physical disabilities providing an accessible cabin, a wide range of adapted outdoor activities, and a safe, welcoming environment. 3 locations across Ontario. Read more...
|
Circle Square Ranch is a children's summer camp providing adventure filled camp experiences. One of nine InterVarsity Camps across Canada, our programs include horsemanship, climbing, archery, swimming and so much more! Read more...
|
Frontier Trails Camp & Outdoor Education Centre Eganville; Ottawa
Adventure Begins at Summer camp! Overnight, Day & family programs and many activities including horseback riding,ESL, paintball, archery, whitewater rafting and more. Offering Awesome memories to campers from 4-16 . Read more...
|
French International Language Camps International
English students learning French mix with French students learning English in this innovative program in the French Alps. Sports and other activities are an important part of the experience, along with language lessons. Read more...
|
Burlington; Tillsonburg
Small girls Wellness & Leadership camps lead by prof. coaches, chef's & teachers. Featuring Cooking, Adventure, Creative Arts, Horse Retreats, Spa and Self Care, Leadership & Friendships, Entrepreneurial Skills, & More! Read more...
|
Ottawa; Renfrew
We are a small camp with a spectacular community of campers and staff. We focus on having a great time building interpersonal skills and connecting with each other in a fantastic natural setting. Read more...
|
Markham; Richmond Hill
This unique STEM camp immerses kids in the world of medicine. 7 different weekly themes that will ignite their curiosity and get them excited about science. March Break, Summer Camps & School Workshops virtual & onsite. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Bracebridge
Boost your camper's self-confidence in a fun, safe & supportive community. Great staff, delicious food, comfy modern lodging and a choose your own adventure programming style offering with over 50 activities every day! Read more...
|
FEATURED
Forest Hill, Toronto
A traditional co-ed day camp in the heart of Toronto offering Kids, Sports, Arts, Tech and Leadership programs for children aged 4-16. Flexible weekly programming. Read more...
|
FEATURED
InterVarsity Circle Square Ranch Big Clear Lake Hamilton; Huntsville; Land O' Lakes Tourist Region
Circle Square Ranch is a life changing Christian summer camp for youth ages 6-17. We offer a wide range of activities including horseback riding, water sports and climbing. Your summer adventure with friends starts here! Read more...
|
FEATURED
Our nature centered day camp is for campers entering Kindergarten to Grade 5. We offers overnight camp options for Global Leadership and ESL for students entering Grades 9-12. See our website for online credit options. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Stanstead College Summer Camps Stanstead
Summer Camps for local and foreign students. Wide variety of camps offered such as Language, STEM, Cultural, Hockey Specific and much more! Read more...
|
FEATURED
City Scouts: Urban Adventure Camp South Annex, Toronto
City Scouts is a weekly urban adventure camp in the heart of Toronto. Our goal is to foster growing children's sense of independence through urban adventure Read more...
|
FEATURED
Digital Media Academy Vancouver North Vancouver; Vancouver
In-person STEAM camps at UBC Vancouver. In person Classes and mentorships, ongoing Tech Foundational courses. The very best curriculum created by leaders in the Silicon Valley. Choose from diverse programs! Read more...
|
FEATURED
St. Jude’s Academy Our Family of Schools Camps Mississauga; Orangeville
Our Family of School Camps offer an exciting array of fun, activity-based programs for campers of all ages. Camps provide opportunities for exploration, creativity and personal growth within a positive atmosphere. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Bloor West Village, Toronto; High Park, Toronto
Blend of 5 flavors in our Kids Coding & Robotics Camp in Toronto! Learn to Code, Learn to build: Robotics & Circuits, Outdoor play:Logic Games & a field trip to a tech company! Never a dull moment in our camps & programs Read more...
|
FEATURED
Don Mills, Toronto; Markham; Mississauga
Enrichment Writing & Public Speaking Programs offered year round for kids 7-15. Select in-person classes (North York and Mississauga Campuses) or online classes (delivered using the Zoom platform and Google Classroom). Read more...
|
FEATURED
Bay Street Corridor, Toronto
There's a City of Toronto camp in every neighbourhood, including specialty camps, free camps at community centres (ages 4-17) and adapted camps (ages 4-29). Kids can learn new skills and make fun memories close to home. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Haliburton Highlands
A co-ed camp offering Overnight Kids Camp, Day Camp and year-round Family Camps. We offer leadership development, a wide range of activities, tripping, a sense of belonging and fun. Come have the time of your life! Read more...
|
FEATURED
Don Valley Village, Toronto; North Toronto, Toronto; Algonquin Park; Kananaskis; Vancouver Island
Outward Bound Canada provides challenging adventures in the outdoors across the country that develop self-respect, awareness of others, interpersonal skills, and a sense of accomplishment. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Wilderness canoe adventures with heart & meaning in boys, girls and all-gender programs. Trips weave together challenge, community & confidence to connect youth to the land, each other, and their own unique spirit. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Throughout Ontario (55)
STEM Camp is a weekly summer day camp at more than 50 locations across Canada where youth aged 5-13 engage in fun and amazing activities in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math. 519-475-6600. stemcamp.ca Read more...
|
FEATURED
Cambridge; Oakville
YMCA of Oakville Child and Youth Programs and Summer Day Camps are offered at several locations across the community with activities including swimming, day trips and more. Learn more! Read more...
|
FEATURED
Kate Language Pinnacle Programs Markham
Programs include SSAT, SAT, AP and comprehensive curricula include reading, writing, grammar, public speaking and vocabulary courses. 66% achieve 5 in AP; 20% achieve 95th in SSAT; 52% achieve 1550+ in SAT Read more...
|
FEATURED
Halton Hills; Mississauga
A traditional outdoor day camp, with fun activities, friends, exciting field trips and outstanding memories! Now offering March Break, Summer & Winter Break Equestrian Camp at our new second location in Georgetown! Read more...
|
FEATURED
Power Soccer School of Excellence Danforth Village, Toronto; East York, Toronto; Leaside, Toronto; Swansea, Toronto
The largest soccer summer camp program in Canada offers a well organized program that mixes instruction, training and fun. Read more...
|
FEATURED
High Park, Toronto; Markham; Richmond Hill; Vaughan
Teacher directed day camps in York Region for children ages 4-15 offering sport instruction in multiple sports and leadership training in a fun environment. Teaching life through sport and rated 9/10+ since 2013! Read more...
|
FEATURED
Algonquin Park
Historic boys' camp on Pathfinder Island, Algonquin Park. Est. 1914. Full in-camp program. Water, land and camping sports. Canoe trips a specialty. Spectacular setting. Exceptional staff with positive masculine culture. Read more...
|
FEATURED
North Toronto, Toronto
Our Camps and Programs reflect Crescent School's excellence in academics, robotics, athletics, business, the arts and leadership, with highly qualified, enthusiastic instructors and staff. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Bay Street Corridor, Toronto
Ryerson Day Camps offer safe and engaging camps for kids and teens. Programs include architecture, basketball, engineering, film, graphic design, robotics, science, soccer, and more! Read more...
|
FEATURED
Focus Learning Academic Centre Don Mills, Toronto
An academic enrichment learning centre committed to igniting the love of learning among children and teens with over 20 course offerings in the Language, STEM, and Leadership streams. Visit us at www.focuslearning.ca Read more...
|
FEATURED
Connections: Queen's Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA) is an engineering-focused summer program that exposes students from Grade 1 - 11 to engineering design and various engineering disciplines. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Leadership training for students in Grades 6-12 in the arts, athletics, French language sports, SHSM, school leadership and more. Leadership courses are facilitated by qualified Ontario Teachers. #WeLead Read more...
|
FEATURED
Parry Sound
A traditional summer camp with over 26 sports and camp activities, including swimming, tennis, canoeing, biking and more. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Mont-Tremblant
An English boys' camp in Quebec, Nominingue offers the ultimate outdoor experience: living in a tent with the opportunity of going on wilderness canoe trips. It is the place where your summer adventure begins! Read more...
|
FEATURED
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps Leamington; London; Port Severn
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario offers two amazing overnight camps for campers aged 5-16 - YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth (CQE) in Georgian Bay Islands National Park and YMCA Camp Henry in Point Pelee National Park. Read more...
|
FEATURED
Queen's ESU delivers industry-leading virtual and in-person academic University Experience programs for Elementary and Secondary school students. Read more...
|
Brampton
We are a Martial Arts school running classes and camps online and in-person. Our in-person classes are back at with limited spacing to allow for social distancing while maximizing learning. amadojo.net/brampton Read more...
|
Bloor West Village, Toronto
Oxford means a personalized learning experience for your child. Veriety of programs for the students of all ages. Learning takes a fun turn. Our students are excited to learn! Read more...
|
Islington Village, Toronto; Roncesvalles Village, Toronto; Wallace Emerson, Toronto
Our weeks focus on themes such as Dinosaurs, Animals, etc. for our younger campers 5-8 years old and Science, Outdoors, Arts, etc. for our older campers 9-12 year old. Weekly field trips to Toronto's attractions included Read more...
|
Burlington
Weekly camps with a large variety of fun creative and innovative activities, including Robotics, music and theatre, and outdoor education. Read more...
|
Huntsville
Offering 3 main overnight program specialties including hockey, traditional camp and water skiing. Additional activities include mountain biking, wall climbing, archery, paddle sports, adventure sports, outdoor survival. Read more...
|
Harbourfront, Toronto; Brockville; Ottawa; Quebec City
An outdoor adventure sailing camp on a tall ship: building leadership, citizenship & lifelong friendships. Ages 12-14 on Black Jack and youth ages 15 - 18 on Fair Jeanne, earning HS credit on select trips. Read more...
|
Mactier
A traditional overnight camp with a variety of activities and sports including sailing, arts and crafts, leadership building and more. Read more...
|
YMCA Camps Belwood, Ki-Wa-Y, Wabanaki and Day Camps Fergus; Guelph; Huntsville; Stratford; Waterloo
Your Camp Adventure Awaits! Experience camp as it's meant to be with the YMCA of Three Rivers. Be part of a 100 year camp legacy. Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, ropes and rock-climbing, biking, drama, archery, and more. Read more...
|
Distillery District, Toronto
Increase your admissions chances to US boarding schools and top US & UK universities by 700% with your personalized team of expert strategists, mentors, and tutors! Read more...
|
Picton
A traditional Christian Camp, located in Prince Edward County just across the lake from Sandbanks Provincial Park. Read more...
|
Highland Creek, Toronto
Camp U of T Scarborough provides quality in-person STEM programs for children and youth through a variety of specialty themed camps, leadership workshops, inclusive activities and special events! Read more...
|
Brampton
Premier online after-school STEAM education class, events & contests for families with children age 6 to 14 years. Highly recommended go to K-7 platform to learn coding, robotics, science, computing, AI & ML & more. Read more...
|
Caledon
A traditional camp experience with a twist - a rotational schedule with specialty trained staff. Small groups with 1:5 staff to camper ratios. Read more...
|
Magog
Bilingual (Fr/En) summer experience with water and land sports: sailing, water-skiing, windsurfing, archery, hiking/canoeing out trips and more. Spend the summer with campers from around the world! Read more...
|
Ottawa
Camp Cherith Lanark is a co-ed, interdenominational, Christian camp that offers a variety of outdoor skill development within the context of a community committed to Biblical teachings and values. Read more...
|
Burlington
Halton region camp offering leadership training and an extraordinary camp program that will exceed your expectations. We fuse traditional camp activities with the extraordinary. Read more...
|
Bancroft
Cedar Ridge Camp is a wonderful place where campers have the opportunity to get outside and develop friendships. Read more...
|
Ross Creek Centre for the Arts Canning
SummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts! We offer great food, a full rec schedule, campfire, and a core of incredible arts programming, all set on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Read more...
|
Athlete Institute Basketball & Soccer Academy Orangeville
Athlete Institute is elite basketball & soccer in Canada! Our year-round camps will enhance your IQ & skills. LEARN & PLAY with Canada's best coaches & athletes to EXPERIENCE the ultimate basketball & soccer camps! Read more...
|
International
Based in Switzerland, Swiss Education Academy offers short courses during the summer for 10-20-year-old students, from language camps to discovering the culinary arts to an introduction to the world of hospitality. Read more...
|
Throughout Ontario (8)
Does your child love math? Our summer camps focus on core topics from our proprietary curriculum with an extensive range of fun & exciting summer camps designed to challenge students from grades 2 - 9. Read more...
|
Port Moody
Camps, classes and preschool that are Active, Creative, and a Mix of Indoor and Outdoor! From lake days to art/drama classes, abacus math to music - we have a balanced curriculum that keeps the kids engaged. Read more...
|
Parry Sound
An all girls summer camp located on Georgian Bay, operated by YWCA Toronto. Camp “Tap” focuses on empowering and supporting a diverse group of girls through a broad range of arts and outdoor activities. Read more...
|
Bridle Path, Toronto; Lawrence Heights, Toronto
High quality instruction in sport, art, music and more! Special guest speakers. All Ministry of Health health and safety measures in place. Our small group summer camp was sold out and we had zero Covid-19 cases. Read more...
|
Orillia
Are you a parent looking for a meaningful, values based and FUN overnight camp experience for you child? Come experience the magic of Wahanowin on beautiful Lake Couchiching, just 90 minutes north of Toronto, Canada. Read more...
|
GTA Mavericks Basketball Association Thornhill; Vaughan
GTA Mavericks offers year round programming including summer camps, house leagues and rep teams while also providing additional programs such as Private Training, Skill development sessions, Parent-Player shootarounds. Read more...
|
Bancroft; Whitchurch - Stouffville
We have a rich history and a rooted community. We provide a variety of land and water sports in a supportive and inclusive environment. Our staff are positive role models and the culture they create is our biggest asset. Read more...
|
A faith-based, western themed overnight summer camp which encourages young lives to grow spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically in an exciting, fun filled prairie adventure. Register on-line today!! Read more...
|
York Mills, Toronto
La Citadelle Summer Camp offers unique Programs that incorporate educational enrichment (French, English & Math), with an exciting array of activities, sports, fine arts & technology. Our Camps run for the month of July. Read more...
|
Richmond Hill
A co-ed summer day camp close to the city offering camp activities for any child: traditional camp, sports camp, golf camp, tennis camp or leadership training. Read more...
|
Throughout Quebec (16)
Montreal, Laval and West Island's #1 Lifestyle Summer day camp! We blend fun, education & specialty training in arts, academics and sports! Weekly program for kids ages 3 - 15! Registration is open in November for 2020! Read more...
|
Bloor West Village, Toronto; East York, Toronto; Haliburton Highlands
Ontario's leading nature connection organization, offering year-round outdoor education programs for youth. Time in nature makes kids smarter, happier, and healthier. Join us for weekly adventures this school year! Read more...
|
Vancouver
Welcome to the only authentic knight school for youth (ages 8 – 14) in Canada, where knightly skills are taught in a safe and engaging environment by Academie Duello’s trained instructors. Read more...
|
Kortright Summer Nature Day Camp Vaughan
An outdoor adventure day camp surrounded by nature just north of Toronto for ages 4 to 16. Each week campers experience outdoor cookouts, crafts, games, activities, campfires and live animals. Read more...
|
Collingwood; Goderich; Hamilton
A safe and challenging environment aboard the Tall Ship TS Playfair and STV Pathfinder on the Great Lakes (Ontario, Erie, Huron). Develop leadership skills, confidence and friendships as you work together as a team. Read more...
|
Sharbot Lake
An amazing summer camp experience for campers with special needs. All the fun of camp, with supportive and experienced staff to give your camper the summer of their life! The focus is on fun first! Read more...
|
Huntsville
A great overnight Christian camp in Muskoka for those ages 7 to 17 that is AFFORDABLE, MEMORABLE, FUN & HIGH QUALITY. Truly a safe place to build friendships, gain confidence & have new experiences in an outdoor setting. Read more...
|
Huntsville
We offer kids professional instruction, guidance to grow & excel while having fun! Choose from over 90 programs in Sport, Leadership, Adventure, Art, Recreation, Self-Discovery & Fitness. Read more...
|
Ferintosh
Offers onsite and offsite (hiking and backpacking) camping for ages 6 to 17, along with a weekend family camp. Read more...
|
Leslieville, Toronto
Nature Camp at Tommy Thompson Park offers the chance to discover our city’s animal and plant life among wetlands and meadows. Your child will love spending their days outside exploring Toronto’s Urban Wilderness! Read more...
|
Burlington
Supreme Cheerleading is your one-stop destination for youth sports! Offering a variety of programming including day camps, after school classes, competitive teams & more for ages 3+ at our Burlington, ON location. Read more...
|
Bracebridge
Lifelong friendships await! A private lake, archery, crafts, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, out-trips, campfires, and so much more. Also offers a focus on leadership. An Experience Like No Other! Read more...
|
Throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario (8)
Scouting isn't an activity or setting—it's a discovery. It helps youth prepare for the real world, by exploring the world. Alongside friends, Scouts cultivate skills that will guide them through every stage of life. Read more...
|
Land O' Lakes Tourist Region
Located on 350 acres with a 35 acre private lake you will find Camp Dreamwood providing integrated summer camp, leadership, and outdoor recreation programs for children and youth of all ages and abilities. Read more...
|
Appleby College Summer Programs Oakville
Located on our beautiful 60-acre lakeside campus in southwest Oakville, Appleby Summer Programs offer day camp, overnight (NEW) enrichment, leadership and credit program options for campers and students ages 4-17. Read more...
|
Summer program mixes Academics, Hands-On Learning, Once a week field trip and a variety of fun activities to keep students engaged over the summer months。 Read more...
|
Don Mills, Toronto; York Mills, Toronto
Located centrally in Toronto, this summer camp boasts ample outdoor greenspace, a full size turf sports field, and air conditioned buildings. They offer specialized sports, arts, and coding/robotics camps. Read more...
|
Torrance
With 100+ years of overnight camping excellence, we provide programming for campers who want to gain independence, interact with nature, make friends , and develop leadership skills. Overnight canoe trips are a staple! Read more...
|
Apsley
We are an outdoor company that offers a variety of summer camp options for kids and teens. From backcountry canoe camps to day camps that are delivered to your door, we do it all! Read more...
|
Caledon
The Hill Academy offers summer sports programs and camps for athletes of all levels from recreational to competitive. Build knowledge, strength and agility within a state of the art campus. Read more...
|
Southern Bruce County
This Christian camp includes focuses on theatre arts, horseback riding, canoe tripping and more, situated in the heart of Grey-Bruce in south central Ontario. Read more...
|
Vancouver Island
Camp Qwanoes is a youth-focused, high adventure Christian residential camp that exists to love kids to life like no other. Summer camps for ages 8-18 and leadership programs starting at age 15. Over 75 activities. Read more...
|
Kitchener; Sauble Beach; Waterloo
Find your next adventure here. Now offering Adventures Day Camps in 5 locations across Ontario plus Overnight and Day Camp in Sauble Beach. Read more...
|
InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Alberta Rocky Mountain House; Sundre
Pioneer Camp Alberta is a Christian summer camp with two beautiful locations in Sundre & Rocky Mountain House, AB. Get ready for exploration, adventure, creation, challenge, growth, skill development, and of course, fun! Read more...
|
Clarington
JOOOKOOO’s programs and camps expose youth to STEM, sports and competitive games. We provide enrichment opportunities that generate valuable learning and skill development in an exciting and inclusive environment. Read more...
|
Richmond Hill
Build build critical-thinking skills through FUN, hands-on enrichment, and after school classes, camps, birthday experiences, and workshops. AWESEOME inquiry-based STEAM programs! Read more...
|
Rocky Mountain House
A unique western ranch experience where you are immersed in learning horseconnection skills through games in the ring and on the trail. Practice Heart to Heart energy work. Come Ride! Have Fun! Pick your own horse. Read more...
|
Cold and snow is to Ashleigh McIvor as water is to fish. Born and raised in Whistler, British Columbia, McIvor grew up racing down the iconic Canadian mountain. As comfortable on a bike as she is on skis, it was evident that McIvor was a born athlete.
From the time she was 10 years old, McIvor spent her summer and winter breaks at ski camp. “I think the biggest thing I learned from those camps is the ability to learn; I became very coachable,” says McIvor, who was the first woman to win a gold medal in her event at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Ski-Cross is different from alpine skiing. Instead of racing against the clock, you’re racing head-to-head with four other skiers. The sport became an Olympic medal event in freestyle skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics, making McIvor the only woman in the world to hold a gold medal in the sport. “I think the training camps and the time I spent at summer camp, definitely contribute hugely to my success as a ski-cross athlete,” says McIvor, who has also skied her way to 11 World Cup Medals and a World Championship.
Many of McIvor’s fondest memories are from the ski camps she attended as a child. “Some of the strongest relationships were created then. I still keep in very close contact with a lot of the athletes I raced with at that time.”
Ski camp also prepared McIvor for the strange reality of having to compete against friends. “Especially in my sport, you’re travelling together as a team, you’re training as a team, you’re preparing for events as a team and then, when you get to the race, you’re in an individual sport—you’re actually competing against your teammates,” McIvor explains. As a mentor and keynote speaker, she tells many people that overcoming this challenge can be a healthy life skill. “I’ve taken on a bit more of a leadership role being one of the veterans on the [Canadian National Ski-Cross Team] now. And there’s a lot of up-and-comers that are looking to me for help and advice and it’s a pretty cool position, knowing I actually have an impact on the next generation of the sport,” she says.
Written by Wendi Percival