Summer day camps in Canada

What are day camps?

Are you thinking of sending your child to camp this year but you’re not sure if they’re ready for a residential camp experience? Day camps in Canada offer families and campers a taste of camp without the extended stay of an overnight camp. These types of camps can be full or half-day with the opportunity for kids to develop a particular interest further or to try a wide variety of new activities they may not otherwise get to experience.

Why attend a day camp?

For many families, day camps are an exceptional alternative offering the care and motivation kids need to strengthen their social and leadership skills, improve their self-confidence, and continue learning while having fun.

These camps operate within local community or arts organizations such as museums, universities or service clubs, with the benefit of being close to home, while others operate in rural or wilderness areas where they offer similar activities to overnight camps such as canoeing, waterskiing, archery, and horseback riding.

Find a day camp for your child

When searching for a day camp, start by considering your child’s needs and interests, whether location and cost is an important factor, and keep a list of questions handy to ask camp directors or staff such as:

• How does the camp’s philosophy translate to day-to-day camp life?
• What is a typical day’s schedule like?
• Are snacks or meals provided?
• Given a child’s age and stage of development, what programs would be suitable?
• What facilities and equipment are available during the day?
• How does the camp handle campers' health, safety, and well-being?

TIPS:

Find the right day camp for your child by searching the listings above.

• In addition to summer sessions, day camps sometimes offer programs at other times during the year, such as winter and March break, holidays, and PA days.
• Children as young as four or five are often ready for a day camp.
• Many of these camps offer transportation and before-and-after care.