• Summer Camps

The variety of Edmonton camps

Edmonton camps come in a wide array of options. You can find every kind of camp imaginable on our site, including the following:

The benefits of camp at a glance

Camps are an immersive opportunity for kids and teens to gain new experiences and meet new friends. Camps in Edmonton provide kids with the support they need to grow. Here’s a brief glance at the many benefits of sending your child to camp:

• Continuing education. Camps keep children stimulated for the summer months. Camp helps decrease screen time during the summer, and gives kids an exciting, adventurous learning environment. Learning is made fun through hands-on or project-based activities in sports, arts, technology, and other areas. Kids learn life skills that can be applied to their personal, social, and academic lives. 
• Spend time outdoors. Most traditional camp activities, especially hiking and swimming, are conducted in the great outdoors. Kids and teens learn to appreciate natural landscapes much more as they participate in these activities. The more time kids spend at camp, the deeper their connection with the environment. They develop interests in sustainability, for example, but it also improves children’s mental health and promotes healthy living habits. 

• Develop leadership skills. Whether children attend sports, arts, or multi-activity camps, they gain fundamental skills to help them become better leaders. Conflict management, independent thinking, and empathy skills are all a natural part of camp life. Though some camps are dedicated to leadership training, all camps’ collaborative, challenging and fun setting encourages kids to grow in responsibility, resilience, and more.
• Build healthy living routines. Camps encourage healthy practices in their daily routines. Sports-related camps encourage kids to integrate fitness and activity in their day-to-day lives. Education camps give them tools to help them to remain more learning-focused throughout the year. All camps induce healthy personal habits that will encourage your child to keep mentally and physically healthy. 

Choosing a camp in Edmonton

Edmonton offers many camp options. As the fifth largest city in Canada, Edmonton includes day camps in multiple locations. Overnight camps are also available, where kids are fully immersed in the social and independent learning aspects of camp. 

In sorting through camps, you’ll find camps that are multi-activity and others focused on a specific activity. The former includes traditional summer camp activities like archery, swimming, and kayaking. More focused curriculums are available in the latter, in which children train in soccer, swimming, or biking, for example. 

No matter what your child’s age, interests, and abilities, you’re sure to find a camp that’s a good fit. As you read through the in-depth profiles above and make a shortlist, research prospective camps fully. It’s a good idea to visit those on your shortlist. You’ll also want to speak to camp directors and staff. Ask them any questions you have, both about the camp itself, and any specific issues affecting your child. Here are some examples of questions you should ask:

• What is the ratio between counsellors and campers?
• Do camp leaders have experience leading children? Are they properly police-checked and  trained in First Aid, CPR, or lifeguarding? What contact information is given to parents?
• How does the camp deal with discipline issues?
• Is extra support provided for children with learning, motor, or physical disabilities at this camp? Have leaders been trained to accommodate these children?
• At day camps, are meals to be packed before the day or are meals/snacks provided? Who should I contact about my child’s dietary needs?
• Will itineraries be provided prior to the day or week of camp? Will students and parents receive a copy?
• At overnight camps, what are examples of meals provided for children? Where do I indicate dietary restrictions for my child(ren)? Are there extra fees for meals? How are overnight accommodations separated? What facilities are on site (e.g bathroom, shower, etc.)?
• Are you able to provide a packing list prior to camp?

Combine this with more advice from around our site:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Edmonton camps and programs are there?
There are 4 Edmonton camps and programs 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 Edmonton camps and programs?
Fees for Edmonton camps and programs range from FREE to $600 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Edmonton camps and programs start at?
There are programs available for children starting at age 2. Family and adult programs are also available.