• Summer Camps

Kinds of kids’ camps in Cambridge

Summer camps in Cambridge (along with year round programs) come with a wide array of specializations and options. There’s everything from acting camps to STEM camps to zoo camps. Find your favourite activity or interest in the lists below and find a camp that focuses on that selection.

Camps just outside of Cambridge

Canada’s top guide to kids’ camps and programs lists camps across the country, including those in cities across the Tech Triangle. There are more options in nearby cities! Learn more about camps in nearby cities and towns:

The advantages and benefits of camp

Parents might doubt that camp is worth it. Take a deeper look at the true value of camp in the list below. 

1. Social interaction: Summer camp opens up a world of all new friendships for kids and teens. Campers learn social skills like cooperation and team-building away from the overview of parents and teachers.

2. Learning through play: This is essential for children’s cognitive and social development. Kids’ camps promote self-discovery through free play, with equipment, activities, and expertise they simply can’t get at home. 

3. Physical activity: Summer camp gets kids away from screens. They get outside, active, and engaged in healthy fun. They’re unaware of how much exercise they’re getting! Day camps and overnight camps typically include swimming, running, and sports, with a focus on fun over competition. All of this adds up to kids engaging their own physical literacy, something they carry with them throughout the rest of their lives. 

4. Character building: Camps give kids an unfair advantage in the development of maturity. At camp, they take responsibility for their stuff, and develop independence quicker. Look at this in full depth in pages discussing how kids develop resilience, generosity, empathy, and more.

5. Deeper appreciation of nature: Campers spend time outdoors, and there are even some camps that focus on the environment. Kids develop a love for the outdoors, and explore the natural world. 

6. Leadership development: Camp develops independence, social skills, and self control in kids, and then there are camps that focus on leadership development. Kids are given the opportunity to lead activities,  develop projects, and more. In the process, they learn a lot about themselves and others. 

7. Creative expression: Camps provide unique opportunities for kids and teens to express themselves creatively. There are arts activities and chances to make music, draw, act, and explore other creative outlets. It’s a freeform setting unlike school, and kids find unique ways to blossom. (Just ask Rick Mercer, for one example of many famous campers.) 

8. Self-confidence: Camp’s non-competitive setting encourages growth in self-esteem. It’s an essentially supportive environment, with unique creative challenges. Kids set goals and accomplish them, cheering each other on in a setting that's focused on light fun. 

9. Educational opportunities: Camps offer everything from tutoring to focuses on science, math, and history through hands-on activities.

10. Lifelong memories: Summer camps provide a great way for children to create memories that last forever. Many people look back fondly on time spent at camp and the valuable soft  skills they learned. 

How to find the best camp for your child

Camps from the area will be part of the annual camp expo held in Toronto, Ontario, every February. There you’ll find over 50 of the finest kids’ camps from across the province and the country. You can meet with directors, counsellors, and campers who will answer your questions. Whether you are at the expo or contacting camps through forms on our site (in pages linked to above)  there are basic questions you should ask every camp. 

Here’s a look:

On practical matters

• When does the day start and finish? Know the camp’s hard and fast rules about drop-off and pick-up.
• Do you have to sign a waiver? Ask about any other legal issues. Ask if the camp is accredited.  If they aren’t, what do they have to say about this?
• Ask for an activity schedule. How much will your child be able to indulge in some of his or her favourite games, etc.?

On matters of safety

• Ask about camp safety. Ask if counsellors all have police checks. Enquire how they deal with bullying and other discipline issues. Ask about the ratio of counsellors to kids in each session. 
• Inquire about camp groupings. How many kids are there per session? Are kids grouped by age range or gender? Ask if you can personally contact the group leader for your child. 

On matters of food, drink, snacks, etc.

• Ask about allergies and special diets, etc. How will the treatment of allergies and special diet considerations (e.g. vegetarian considerations) affect your child?  Are campers allowed to bring their own snacks? How is hydration handled on hot days?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Cambridge camps are there?
There are 4 Cambridge camps that are Our Kids trusted members. In addition, there are 1 options that bus from the area. Use the filters to narrow options by age or type, then click on each organization to read reviews, browse program schedules, and access registration details.

What are the fees to attend Cambridge camps?
Fees for Cambridge camps range from $198 to $900 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Cambridge camps start at?
There are programs available for children aged 5 through 18.