• Kids' Camps

Types of camps in Waterloo

Summer camps in Waterloo, along with year-round programs and more, offer families a variety of ways to encourage kids to grow, learn, develop themselves, and have fun doing so! Links listed below go to our advanced search for that camp activity. Lists there offer camps focused on the activity at the top, while below that are camps offering that activity.

More camps near Waterloo

There are many camps throughout Waterloo-Wellington and surrounding area, with an even greater variety of specializations and activities available. For example, some of these are overnight camps, giving kids and families a convenient opportunity to try out this experience closer to home. Look closer at camps in nearby locations like the following:

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The Many Benefits of Camp in Waterloo

Camp gives kids the opportunity to meet new people, make memories, and experience personal growth. Here are some more benefits of sending your child to camp:

Learn from positive role models. Camp leaders take pride in their work, and are as energetic as the kids they lead. This energy positively affects kids and teens, fueling passions and inspiring them to do what they love. Kids play and learn in this spirited environment, finding out more of what it means to lead. Camp develops important qualities like listening skills, perseverance, and adaptability.

Connect with nature. Spending too much time on screens has negative effects, including weight gain, difficulty sleeping, and increased risk of depression and anxiety. Camps immerse kids and teens in the outdoors. They have fun in a free setting and — especially overnight camps — help them gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Being outdoors anywhere improves kids’ physical activity and mood. 

Learn teamwork. At camp, kids work together in an enjoyable, pressure-free setting. They make meaningful connections, learn how to support each other, and encourage each other to improve. They learn communication, listening, and problem solving. Later in life, they’ll have an edge thanks to the soft skills they acquire in camp. 

Build healthy routines. After time at camp, your child will feel inspired to keep the fun going, and further explore newfound passions. Sports camp encourages kids and teens to integrate physical activity into their lives. Arts camps encourage kids to express their creativity. Camp encourages kids to develop both vocational and avocational interests to stay well-rounded. 

Choosing the Best Camp for Your Child

At day camps, kids and teens work together for up to 7 hours a day. Activities range between sports, arts, technology, and more, though traditional multi-activity camps are also available. Day camp is ideal for young, more introverted children, helping them grow into independence.

Overnight camps are adventurous, and help kids grow resilience, responsibility, generosity, and more. These camps typically have multi-activity programming, with features like extreme sports and wilderness activities. Social activities continue into the evening, where kids often participate in late night outdoor activities, bonfires, or movie nights.

Waterloo is also home to after-school programs or classes. For busy families, virtual classes may also be a good fit. After-school or weekend programs offer kids and teens beginner to advanced skill levels.

As you search, make a wish list for camps’ age range, price, and location, but try not to be too restrictive. Fixed elements are more critical, like the camp’s specialization and accommodations. Create a list of your camp goals and needs with your child, as they will have their own goals.

To find the right camp, start early in the year. Our Kids Media hosts an annual Toronto Summer Camp Expo in February featuring top camps from across Canada. Camp leaders and directors come to Toronto to meet face-to-face with prospective campers and answer questions families might have. Whether at the expo or at camp open-houses, ask lots of questions, to find the camp that’s right for your child!

Examples of questions to ask camps

1. What activities does this camp offer? For specialised camps, at what level of skill will my child be by the end of camp? At multi-disciplinary camps, how are schedules divided between activities?
2. What is the average camper to leader ratio? Does my child have opportunities to receive direct supervision and feedback?
3. Are camp leaders certified in CPR, First Aid, or lifeguard training? Do leaders have training in this specific field?
4. Is any extra equipment needed for camp? Do you provide a packing list prior to camp?
5. Can you provide testimonials from previous families? 
6. How many campers do you accept each year? How big is this camp? How are campers divided into groups?
7. How do you manage bad behaviour at camp? Please provide an example.
8. If my child has allergies or other dietary requirements, how do you accommodate them?
9. My child has a disability and needs extra support, does this camp accommodate them? Are leaders trained to support children with needs?
10. Is there any further financial assistance at this camp (i.e discounts, scholarships)?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Waterloo Camps are there?
There are 5 Waterloo Camps that are Our Kids trusted members. 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 Waterloo Camps?
Fees for Waterloo Camps range from $180 to $600 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Waterloo Camps start at?
There are programs available for children aged 2 through 18.