• Summer Camps

The variety of KW camps

Kitchener-Waterloo kids' camps come in a wide variety, appealing to every taste. Here’s an overview of camp types, with links to more specific listings.

More camps nearby

Just outside of Kitchener-Waterloo, in counties and towns in the area, there are also many other excellent camps. Some of these are overnight, while others offer  unique activities or a focus your children might find appealing. Check out camps in nearby locations like the following:

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The benefits of camp

Some parents, kids and teens are hesitant about committing to camp, especially the first time out. But there are long-term advantages to breaking out of your comfort zone and expanding your horizons. A brief glimpse at reasons to go to camp would include: 

• Physical and outdoor activity. It’s too easy to spend too much time on devices these days. Whole days can go by binge-watching or spending time on social media. These are not merely time-wasters, they are connected to rising obesity and depression rates, among other negatives. Spending time outside in the company of others is much healthier. Troy Glover, head of a University of Waterloo study, says, "[We] found that campers' attitudes toward physical activity really improved toward the end of the camping session. When given a choice, these campers will now choose physical activity because they realize it makes them feel good and contributes to their well-being."
• Improvement of social skills. No matter if your child is introverted or already showing leadership skills, camp opens up a plethora of opportunities that encourage teamwork, cooperation, independence and improved self-esteem. Glover’s research shows that camp "really develops emotional intelligence in children by making them more empathetic."
• Developing strength of character. Kids meet challenges at camp that they would never encounter anywhere else, from canoeing together to competing in capture the flag, to a great variety of other daily activities. Kids learn from all of the challenges, failures and successes at camp. 

Take a fuller look at the advantages of attending camp.

Finding the best camp

Parents in Kitchener-Waterloo are invited to attend the annual Our Kids Camp Expo just down the road in Toronto. It's well worth it, especially if you're looking further afield at the broad selection of Ontario kids' camps. At the expo, you can meet camps face-to-face and get advice directly from camp leaders and staff. You can register here.

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