Top Camps that improve physical literacy for 2026/2027

Develop the enjoyment of an active lifestyle and healthy living

Physical literacy is:
• Interest and pleasure in movement and healthy living
• Athleticism

Camp offers a wealth of experiences, with kids “encountering many different sports and skills that focus on the experience,” as Natalie Toman of ParticipACTION tells it. Below the list, read more about the value of physical literacy from Toman, and learn how camp fosters and deepens this appreciation. Read more

List of camps and programs that foster physical literacy in kids and teens on this page:



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    Camps that help kids grow in physical literacy (27 results)

    • Program
    • Midtown, Toronto
    • Age 3 to 18+ (Coed)
    TorontoMidtownMidtownOntario

    Swimming Lessons of All Levels! Following Lifetime Saving Society Curriculum. Visit website

    TAC Sports, Swim, STEAM2343-192026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-01,298,6,74,3,56,322,321,1,programclass,coed,,Survival skills,Sports-Instructional and Training,Swimming,Water Sports (multi),Bronze Cross,Sports,
    National Lifeguard May 29 - Oct 25, 2026
    • Day camp
    • North-York, Toronto
    • Age 15 to 18+ (Coed)
    TorontoNorth-YorkNorth-YorkOntario

    Must have completed Bronze Cross (needs not be current)and Standard First Aid with CPRC- must be current. Visit website

    Seal Swimming53215-192026-05-012026-06-012026-07-012026-08-012026-09-012026-10-01,33,2,91,226,1,56,3,322,20,daycamp,coed,,Leadership Training,Leadership (multi),First-aid/lifesaving ,Swimming,Water Sports (multi),Credit Courses,Education,
    Winter Hockey Camps Dec 21, 2026 - Jan 08, 2027
    • Day camp
    • Throughout British Columbia; Manitoba; Ontario; Saskatchewan (9)
    • Age 6 to 14 (Coed)
    TorontoEtobicoke, ScarboroughEtobicokeScarboroughBurnabyGrasswoodLangleyNorth VancouverOakvilleOshawaWinnipegBritish ColumbiaManitobaOntarioSaskatchewan

    Our Hockey Development Camp is built to help better players, and will provide hockey skills and development for all ages. Visit website

    Canlan Sports356-142026-12-012027-01-01,29,3,daycamp,coed,,Hockey,Sports,
    Recertification National Lifeguard Jun 07 - Oct 25, 2026
    • Day camp
    • North-York, Toronto
    • Age 15 to 18+ (Coed)
    TorontoNorth-YorkNorth-YorkOntario

    For National Lifeguard-Pool certified candidates needing recertification. Skills are demonstrated in an exam setting Visit website

    Seal Swimming14015-192026-06-012026-07-012026-08-012026-09-012026-10-01,33,2,91,226,1,56,3,322,20,daycamp,coed,,Leadership Training,Leadership (multi),First-aid/lifesaving ,Swimming,Water Sports (multi),Credit Courses,Education,
    • Program
    • East-York, Toronto
    • Age 4 to 13 (Coed)
    TorontoEast-YorkEast-YorkOntario

    Program designed for players to receive specific coaching to develop their skills through games and skill building activities Visit website

    Power Soccer School of Excellence1954-132026-09-012026-10-01,54,3,347,188,0,programclass,coed,,Soccer,Ball Sports (multi),Traditional (multi activity) ,Sports,
    • Program
    • Toronto (2)
    • Age 8 to 17 (Coed)
    TorontoMidtown, UptownMidtownUptownOntario

    Weekly Volleyball Instruction and Game Play—Perfect for Athletes of All Skill Levels! Visit website

    Leaside Volleyball Club3608-172026-10-012026-11-012026-12-012027-01-012027-02-012027-03-012027-04-012027-05-01,63,3,347,programclass,coed,,Volleyball,Ball Sports (multi),Sports,
    Family Camp Jun 05 - Sep 20, 2026
    • Overnight
    • Haliburton Highlands, ON
    • Age 1 to 18+ (Coed)
    Haliburton HighlandsOntario

    Enjoy the splendour of Camp Can-Aqua with your entire family. Enjoy all programs, food and activities as a family for one fee Visit website

    Camp Can-Aqua7501-192026-06-012026-07-012026-08-012026-09-01,81,6,165,5,22,175,37,10,9,173,123,174,134,160,2,268,320,1,15,3,322,16,31,49,56,64,8,224,11,347,12,327,28,36,346,125,54,260,63,161,363,188,0,overnightcamp,familyprogram,coed,,Wilderness Skills,Jazz,Dance (multi),Guitar,Music (multi),Arts & Crafts,Visual Arts (multi),Drawing,Painting,Pottery,Woodworking,LEGO,STEM,Meditation,Board Sailing,Water Sports (multi),Canoeing,Kayaking/Sea Kayaking,Sailing/Marine Skills,Swimming,Waterskiing/Wakeboarding,Archery,Badminton ,Baseball/Softball,Ball Sports (multi),Basketball,Dodgeball,Hiking,Mountain Biking,Extreme Sports (multi),Paintball,Soccer,Ultimate Frisbee,Volleyball,Yoga,Ceramics ,Traditional (multi activity) ,
    • Program
    • East-York, Toronto
    • Age 4 to 11 (Coed)
    TorontoEast-YorkEast-YorkOntario

    Program designed for players to receive specific coaching to develop their skills through games and skill building activities Visit website

    Power Soccer School of Excellence2754-112026-09-012026-10-01,54,3,347,66,programclass,coed,,Soccer,Ball Sports (multi),Sport (multi),Sports,
    • Program
    • Uptown, Toronto
    • Age 3 to 18+ (Coed)
    TorontoUptownUptownOntario

    Swimming Lessons of All Levels! Following Lifetime Saving Society Curriculum. Visit website

    TAC Sports, Swim, STEAM2163-192026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-01,298,6,321,1,226,74,3,56,322,programclass,coed,,Survival skills,Bronze Cross,First-aid/lifesaving ,Sports-Instructional and Training,Swimming,Water Sports (multi),Sports,
    Mavericks mountain bike Camps Jun 06 - Sep 27, 2026
    • Day camp
    • North Vancouver, BC
    • Age 7 to 14 (Coed)
    North VancouverBritish Columbia

    Mavericks Bike Camps fuel confidence, independence, and serious fun on two wheels. Visit website

    Grouse Mountain3207-142026-06-012026-07-012026-08-012026-09-01,36,3,346,daycamp,coed,,Mountain Biking,Extreme Sports (multi),Sports,
    REP Boys Basketball Team (Grade 3 - Grade 12) Sep 19, 2026 - Jun 26, 2027
    • Program
    • Ajax, ON
    • Age 8 to 18 (Boys)
    AjaxOntario

    Focus on developing core basketball skills, agility, balance, coordination and speed. Interactive games, drills and skills. Visit website

    Joookooo Sports Academy108-182026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-012027-01-012027-02-012027-03-012027-04-012027-05-012027-06-01,319,1,276,12,3,347,programclass,allboys,,Nutrition,Strength and Conditioning,Basketball,Ball Sports (multi),Sports,
    Fall Women's Wellness Weekend Sep 25 - Sep 27, 2026
    • Overnight
    • Haliburton Highlands, ON
    • Age 1 to 18+ (Coed)
    Haliburton HighlandsOntario

    Designed as a healthy retreat where you can reconnect with friends, enjoy the outdoors, and try some fun camp activities! Visit website

    YMCA Wanakita3151-192026-09-01,48,6,81,59,5,288,10,9,24,2,8,3,12,347,327,63,324,28,222,16,322,31,56,161,1,188,0,318,overnightcamp,familyprogram,coed,,Ropes Course,Wilderness Skills,Theatre Arts,Performing Arts (multi),Arts & Crafts,Visual Arts (multi),Nature/Environment,Archery,Basketball,Ball Sports (multi),Dodgeball,Volleyball,Disc Golf,Hiking,Ping Pong,Canoeing,Water Sports (multi),Kayaking/Sea Kayaking,Swimming,Yoga,Traditional (multi activity) ,Health and Fitness (multi),
    Play Baseball like a Pro! Jun 01 - Dec 31, 2026
    • Overnight
    • Florida, USA
    • Age 8 to 18 (Boys)
    FloridaUnited States

    Summer baseball camps are designed to incorporate group training, skill work, and game-like scenarios Visit website

    IMG Academy Sport Camps20998-182026-06-012026-07-012026-08-012026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-01,33,2,91,226,1,319,276,11,3,347,58,56,322,66,overnightcamp,allboys,,Leadership Training,Leadership (multi),First-aid/lifesaving ,Nutrition,Strength and Conditioning,Baseball/Softball,Ball Sports (multi),Tennis,Swimming,Water Sports (multi),Sport (multi),Sports,
    Preschool Music Classes (3-4 years) Jul 20, 2026 - Jun 20, 2027
    • Program
    • North-York, Toronto
    • Age 2 to 4 (Coed)
    TorontoNorth-YorkNorth-YorkOntario

    Start your child’s development off right with music classes at WSM and get moving, dancing and singing! Visit website

    Willowdale School of Music282-42026-07-012026-08-012026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-012027-01-012027-02-012027-03-012027-04-012027-05-012027-06-01,287,5,37,programclass,coed,,Musical instrument training,Music (multi),Arts,
    SUPER-HERO THEMED PD DAY CAMP Nov 27 - Nov 27, 2026
    • Day camp
    • Burlington, ON
    • Age 3 to 6 (Coed)
    BurlingtonOntario

    From obstacle courses to team sports, kiddos will engage in activities designed to boost their strength, agility, & teamwork Visit website

    Overtime Athletics Halton703-6,224,3,11,347,12,261,327,323,223,151,380,54,63,324,29,188,0,daycamp,coed,,Badminton ,Baseball/Softball,Ball Sports (multi),Basketball,Cricket,Dodgeball,Flag Football,Gaga,Lacrosse,Pickleball,Soccer,Volleyball,Disc Golf,Hockey,Traditional (multi activity) ,
    Drum Lessons (In-Home, Online, or Studio) Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
    • Program
    • West-End, Toronto
    • Age 3 to 18+ (Coed)
    TorontoWest-EndWest-EndOntario

    Drum set and percussion lessons with award winning teachers. Highly educated: PhD, DMA. Free 1st lesson! Visit website

    Neighbour Note Music Camps & Lessons403-192025-09-012025-10-012025-11-012025-12-012026-01-012026-02-012026-03-012026-04-012026-05-012026-06-012026-07-012026-08-012026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-01,147,5,37,38,287,339,285,150,10,9,173,programclass,coed,,Jam Camp,Music (multi),Music Recording,Musical instrument training,Percussion,Songwriting,Vocal Training / Singing,Arts & Crafts,Visual Arts (multi),Drawing,Arts,
    Hip-Hop Dance Class Registration Sep 14, 2026 - May 22, 2027
    • Program
    • Scarborough, Toronto
    • Age 5 to 18 (Coed)
    TorontoScarboroughScarboroughOntario

    Bringing the urban street style dance into the studio, combining cool funky dance moves & battle set into choreography! Visit website

    Legacy of Dance Academy05-182026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-012027-01-012027-02-012027-03-012027-04-012027-05-01,259,5,22,258,375,59,288,388,2,276,1,programclass,coed,,Breakdancing,Dance (multi),Hip Hop,Technique,Theatre Arts,Performing Arts (multi),Logical thinking,Strength and Conditioning,Arts,
    PD DAY CAMP 10 OCTOBER Oct 09 - Oct 09, 2026
    • PA day
    • Burlington, ON
    • Age 3 to 7 (Coed)
    BurlingtonOntario

    No tricks, just treats! A full day of sporty fun, Halloween games & playful movement magic, awaits your kiddo! Visit website

    Overtime Athletics Halton703-7,10,5,9,11,3,347,12,261,327,323,380,194,54,63,251,29,188,0,paday,coed,,Arts & Crafts,Visual Arts (multi),Baseball/Softball,Ball Sports (multi),Basketball,Cricket,Dodgeball,Flag Football,Pickleball,Rugby,Soccer,Volleyball,Football,Hockey,Traditional (multi activity) ,
    KidStrong Classes Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 13, 2030
    • Program
    • Vaughan, ON
    • Age 1 to 12 (Coed)
    VaughanOntario

    We're a child development program that builds kids’ strength, confidence, and life skills through fun, structured, programs! Visit website

    KidStrong Vaughan651-122026-04-012026-05-012026-06-012026-07-012026-08-012026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-012027-01-012027-02-012027-03-012027-04-012027-05-012027-06-012027-07-012027-08-012027-09-012027-10-012027-11-012027-12-012028-01-012028-02-012028-03-012028-04-012028-05-012028-06-012028-07-012028-08-012028-09-012028-10-012028-11-012028-12-012029-01-012029-02-012029-03-012029-04-012029-05-012029-06-012029-07-012029-08-012029-09-012029-10-012029-11-012029-12-012030-01-012030-02-012030-03-012030-04-01,48,6,388,2,129,97,316,50,153,1,276,161,370,3,328,74,318,programclass,coed,,Ropes Course,Logical thinking,Math,Public Speaking,Health Science,Science (multi),Mindfulness Training,Strength and Conditioning,Yoga,Ninja Warrior,Parkour,Sports-Instructional and Training,Health and Fitness (multi),Health & Fitness,
    Fun Fitness & Discovery Camp - Windsor Jun 29, 2026 - Jun 04, 2027
    • Day camp
    • Scarborough, Toronto
    • Age 4 to 13 (Coed)
    TorontoScarboroughScarboroughOntario

    Save your kids from boredom and endless video games, giving them a summer filled with laughter, new skills, and memories Visit website

    Aerosports Trampoline Park404-132026-06-012026-07-012026-08-012026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-012027-01-012027-02-012027-03-012027-04-012027-05-012027-06-01,10,5,9,370,3,60,318,1,daycamp,coed,,Arts & Crafts,Visual Arts (multi),Ninja Warrior,Trampoline,Health and Fitness (multi),Health & Fitness,
    Toddler Music Classes (1-3 years) Jul 21, 2026 - Jun 30, 2027
    • Program
    • North-York, Toronto
    • Age 1 to 3 (Coed)
    TorontoNorth-YorkNorth-YorkOntario

    Start your child’s development off right with music classes at WSM and get moving, dancing and singing! Visit website

    Willowdale School of Music281-32026-07-012026-08-012026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-012027-01-012027-02-012027-03-012027-04-012027-05-012027-06-01,287,5,37,programclass,coed,,Musical instrument training,Music (multi),Arts,
    • Program
    • Scarborough, Toronto
    • Age 2 to 18 (Coed)
    TorontoScarboroughScarboroughOntario

    Non-competitive dance, 2.5-adult.Small classes, certified teachers, fun, friendship & growth. Be a part of our dance family! Visit website

    Legacy of Dance Academy02-182026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-012027-01-012027-02-012027-03-012027-04-012027-05-01,154,5,22,371,258,165,374,373,376,372,375,265,288,59,388,2,276,1,161,programclass,coed,,Ballet,Dance (multi),Contemporary,Hip Hop,Jazz,Lyrical,Modern,Preschool dance,Tap,Technique,Musical Theatre,Performing Arts (multi),Theatre Arts,Logical thinking,Strength and Conditioning,Yoga,Arts,
    Junior Fall Tennis Program - 6 weeks Sep 07 - Oct 16, 2026
    • Program
    • North-York, Toronto
    • Age 4 to 18 (Coed)
    TorontoNorth-YorkNorth-YorkOntario

    Junior tennis training for a 6-week fall session with award winning coaches. Visit website

    Bayview Village Junior Tennis Camp3754-182026-09-012026-10-01,58,3,347,74,programclass,coed,,Tennis,Ball Sports (multi),Sports-Instructional and Training,Sports,
    Snowshoeing with the Star People Dec 09, 2026 - Mar 29, 2027
    • Day camp
    • Rocky Mountain House, AB
    • Age 12 to 18+ (Coed)
    Rocky Mountain HouseAlberta

    Get outside, have fun with the family on a Snowshoe Walk at dusk. Learn about the Star People, Awaken your Five Senses. Visit website

    Ranch Wellness7512-192026-12-012027-01-012027-02-012027-03-01,298,6,81,366,2,91,153,1,276,74,3,252,daycamp,familyprogram,coed,,Survival skills,Wilderness Skills,Empowerment,Leadership (multi),Mindfulness Training,Strength and Conditioning,Sports-Instructional and Training,Adventure (multi),Sports,
    Winter Break Camp Dec 21 - Dec 30, 2026
    • Day camp
    • North-York, Toronto
    • Age 4 to 13 (Coed)
    TorontoNorth-YorkNorth-YorkOntario

    Packed with exciting activities, winter-themed crafts, outdoor adventures (weather permitting), and cozy indoor games. Visit website

    Sunnyside Up Camp904-132026-12-01,256,5,10,9,160,2,268,319,1,12,3,347,327,54,252,6,daycamp,coed,,Baking/Decorating,Arts & Crafts,Visual Arts (multi),LEGO,STEM,Nutrition,Basketball,Ball Sports (multi),Dodgeball,Soccer,Adventure (multi),Adventure,
    Junior Development May 04 - Oct 29, 2026
    • Program
    • Ottawa, ON
    • Age 12 to 18 (Coed)
    OttawaOntario

    Junior Development is the gateway to consistently rowing. Visit website

    The Ottawa Rowing Club (ORC)31912-182026-05-012026-06-012026-07-012026-08-012026-09-012026-10-01,276,1,369,3,322,programclass,coed,,Strength and Conditioning,Rowing,Water Sports (multi),Sports,
    New Fall Season Jazz Dance Class Registration Sep 14, 2026 - May 22, 2027
    • Program
    • Scarborough, Toronto
    • Age 4 to 18 (Coed)
    TorontoScarboroughScarboroughOntario

    Energetic fast paced fun class, moving to popular pop music.Kids learn jazz technique, stretches, big jumps & choreography Visit website

    Legacy of Dance Academy04-182026-09-012026-10-012026-11-012026-12-012027-01-012027-02-012027-03-012027-04-012027-05-01,165,5,22,375,59,288,388,2,276,1,programclass,coed,,Jazz,Dance (multi),Technique,Theatre Arts,Performing Arts (multi),Logical thinking,Strength and Conditioning,Arts,

    Programs that encourage physical literacy, session dates TBD


    Physical literacy defined

    “Physical literacy,” says Natalie Toman, is “the confidence to engage in physical activity … If kids are getting out there and are enjoying [an activity],” skill comparisons to others don’t matter as much as the fact that “they’re enjoying the sport itself.” In her role as Health Promotion Lead at ParticipACTION, Toman emphasizes that kids’ joy in sport “really lends itself to [current and future] physical literacy. If [later in life], they can remember having fun when they were kids and being physically active, they’re more likely to repeat that experience.”

    To her, physical literacy consists of “feeling really confident, wanting to engage and hopefully [adopt activity] for the rest of your life.” This involves knowledge of the benefits of exercise, a sense of motivation and a willingness to engage in activities they enjoy. 

    Why is physicality beneficial?

    “There’s a connection between physical literacy in childhood and adulthood,” she says. “Adults who are physically literate tend to be more active.” It’s important to develop physical literacy as early as possible, to create a foundation that children can carry forward into adulthood. “As we get older, it’s really important that physical activity be a part of our lives.” It helps with both injury prevention and disease prevention, she says. 

    Physical activity also: 

    In addition, there’s also a mental health boost from physical activity. It can boost your mood, enhance self-esteem, and reduce stress, depression and anxiety. In addition, children who participate in a team sport like soccer learn how to be physically active with other people, enhance social skills, and learn the value of teamwork. 

    How to assess physical literacy

    “For a person watching,” Toman explains, “physical literacy can be seen by the enjoyment of a child, through their confidence and ability.” She believes that a good way to measure physical literacy is to see how a child responds to a physical activity. “When you see a group of children together, a physically literate child would be the one who would jump right into a sport or physical endeavour.” ‘

    In contrast, a child does not reflect this behaviour may not be as physically literate. This, too, though, can be seen as an opportunity to enhance their ability. “When you see a child who doesn’t jump right to it, perhaps we should look a little bit at the environment, the opportunity, and see how we can help that child develop the confidence and interest [level] to want to be involved with physical activity.” 

    An important part of physical literacy is kids’ interaction with friends and appreciation for outdoors.

    How is physical literacy developed?

    “Opportunity is a big part of physical literacy,” says Toman. “It would be really hard for one to develop physical literacy if there wasn’t an opportunity to do so.” Camp, she says “is a strong influencer in physical literacy in children.” There are other environments, too, that develop and nurture the growth of physical literacy, but camp is as good as any, in motivating children to be physically active through things like outdoor play-time and group activities, as well as gym time.  

    Encourage your child to take part in camps and activities they enjoy. This will motivate them to remain physically active outside of camp and school . For example, if they go to basketball camp, they’ll practice basketball at home as well. A camp with physical activity will encourage kids to reduce screen-time and direct more energy to physical activity. An important part of physical literacy is kids’ increased activity, interaction with friends and appreciation for outdoors. 

    Prior to ParticipACTION, Toman worked in several day camps, leading outdoor activities there. Here, she learned the importance of role modeling for children.“If [adults] are going to express good physical literacy, [they need to prioritize] role modelling.” If your child sees you participate in healthy eating and physical activity, they’re more likely to do the same. Leaders at camps with high physical activity are also critical, either as reinforcement, or in the absence of other models.

    Other physically active things you can do together include walks, bike rides, swimming or skating. You can also encourage your child to help around the house, with preparing a healthy recipe, gardening or raking leaves. 

    Through all this, though, she stresses the importance of enjoyment in physicality, over any focus on competition or skill perfection. “We want to [ensure] children are encountering many different sports and skills,” she emphasizes, “and that [they focus on the] experience.” Fun, enjoyment, and learning are key to developing physical literacy, whereas any focus on competition and winning can sometimes thwart or frustrate the development of this important character trait. 

    Want your child to enhance their physical literacy?

    ParticipACTION provides opportunities to both children and adults so they can develop physical literacy by focusing on skill accruement. The organization focuses on developing children’s confidence while performing physical actvities. 

    Of course, camps like those below offer an emphasis on physical activity and the development of a physical literacy that’s personal for each child. These provide a foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment in exercise and fitness, because they make it fun, social, and engaging.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many Camps that improve physical literacy are there?
    There are 27 camps that are Our Kids trusted members. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

    What are the fees to attend Camps that improve physical literacy?
    Fees for camps that help kids grow in physical literacy range from FREE to $3,500 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

    Where can parents meet with Camps that improve physical literacy?
    Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.


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