• Kids' Camps

The variety of Markham camps

Camps in Markham offer kids and teens aged 4 to 18 a wide range of activities that will keep them busy, active and learning new things. Here you'll find education, science, adventure, sports and traditional day Markham summer camps. Whatever your child's interest, you'll find a Markham camp that they will love.

The benefits of enrolling in camp

Markham is an ideal location for young kids and teens to explore nature and embrace their individuality. Here’s an overview of the many benefits of enrolling in camp:

• Confidence increases. Camp excites and challenges kids, and when they recognize their potential, this raises their self-esteem. With many unique camps available, kids are able to explore a variety of passions. At Markham kids’ camps, instructors guide campers to develop skills they need to grow, to boost their understanding and gain confidence, in anything from soccer to coding. Camps are targeted at their current level, so it’s a space for constant renewal and growth. The camp setting is focused on increasing children’s confidence, as they socialize with other kids with similar interests. 

• Emphasis on diversity. Markham is one of the most diverse cities in Canada. At camps in Markham, kids and teens meet a wide array of kids and teens from various cultural and religious backgrounds. They learn to embrace differences, deepening their understanding of others and themselves. Visible minorities feel supported and safe here, and friendships thrive where respect for cultural diversity is encouraged.
• Mentoring, supportive settings. At camps throughout Markham, your child will often work closely with leaders. Leaders and students build a connection with each other, as instructors recognize who your child is as a learner, and a camper. It can be every bit as supportive as a great school. Campers also share passions, perspectives, and goals with each other. Your child will find connections and support among counselors and campers. 
• Build new routines. Camp helps build routines that benefit kids’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Sports camps, for example, induce kids to practice daily, a healthy stress reducer. Arts camps in Markham encourage kids to develop skills in music, acting, etc., also through regular practice. Camp gives kids a healthy outlet they can use to take time for themselves and grow intellectually, physically, and emotionally. 

Learn more about how camp develops character traits like resilience, independence, social skills, and more. 

Choosing the right camp in Markham

Markham kids and teens have many exciting choices when it comes to camp. Notable right away is the divide between multi-activity and specialised camps. At multi-activity camps, campers are immersed in the “traditional” summer camp experience, with diverse activities such as arts and crafts, hiking, and STEM integrated into all camp curricula. These camps let kids shine in their own area, meeting other kids with diverse interests and backgrounds. Unique friendships arise at these camps, as kids and teens encourage one another to succeed. Kids blossom in this setting. These multi-activity camps also help kids explore what they enjoy most, as they have activities in sports, arts, science, and technology.

If your child already knows where their interests lie, specialised camps are possibly right for you. These camps refine children’s skills and include smaller camp sizes, personalized feedback, and more opportunities for independent learning. Specialised camps focus on unique activities such as cycling, robotics, or medical science. 

Day vs. overnight

In your research, you’ll also recognize a mix of both day and overnight camps in Markham. At overnight camps, kids gain independence away from home, learn how to make decisions and solve problems without the help of parents. Overnight camp fully immerses kids and teens in the camp experience, with camp activities extended into the evening. 

Day camps allow children to take a social break in the evening. At Markham PA day camps, kids spend their day off from school participating in camp activities. This is a great option to help kids manage their screen time and any tendency toward inactivity. 

Virtual camps continue to be offered as well, a convenient way to attend camp from a familiar space. Activities listed in virtual camp are typically less physical, though just as exciting. Painting, tutoring, creative writing, and more are available within this format. The social aspect of camp is not lost in virtual programs, as kids share their work and converse with other campers through Zoom, Google Meet, and other online platforms. 

You can meet many Markham camp leaders and campers at the Our Kids annual camp expo. We list sample questions you can find helpful in sorting through options there, or among camp open houses you attend. Consider these:

• How much experience do camp leaders have in the activity they are leading, and how much in leading a camp? 
• Are camp leaders trained in First Aid? Are they all police-checked? How do they safeguard campers’ safety?
• Are child and teen campers mixed together in all activities or are they divided? If so, how are they divided? Can siblings stay together during camp activities?
• Are there policies against packing snacks, toys, or otherwise for overnight campers? 
• Will packing lists and itineraries be sent to parents/guardians prior to camp?
• Are basic camp supplies provided if my child forgets an item (i.e sunscreen, towel, snacks, etc.)
• Are overnight camp leaders able to provide a meal plan before camp begins? If my child has dietary restrictions, where should I indicate this?
• What steps are being taken to prevent conflict between campers? How do they manage conflict and other discipline issues? At what point are parents/guardians contacted?
• Does this camp provide extra support for children with disabilities? What learning or physical disabilities are accommodated? How much experience do they have in this area?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Summer Camps Markham are there?
There are 17 Summer Camps Markham that are Our Kids trusted members. In addition, there are 3 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 Summer Camps Markham?
Fees for Summer Camps Markham range from FREE to $3,150 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Summer Camps Markham start at?
There are programs available for children starting at age 2. Family and adult programs are also available.