Day Camp Program Descriptions
Programs range from arts and science to sports, swimming, leadership, outdoor adventures and more! See below for a full list of program descriptions. Program offerings will vary based on location and time of year.
Carefully Designed Programs
Each Day Camp program has been thoughtfully created to ignite the potential in campers.
- Introduce New Camp Experiences
Whether it is their 5th year at camp, or their first day at camp, programs have been designed to expose campers to activities and program elements that they may not have experienced before.
- Skill Building Support
Throughout the program duration, our staff are trained to support and encourage the develop of camper’s skills, and to build on learnings from the day or year before.
- Sense of Community Among Campers
Each program cohort is purposefully structured to ensure there are many opportunities for campers to get to know each other and work together. A great environment to make lasting friendships.
Program Descriptions
Arts & Culinary Arts
Y-Cook is a hands on cooking program that develops skills and confidence in the kitchen. Campers will learn kitchen safety, culinary hygiene, food preparation, cooking and baking techniques while preparing tasty recipes. At the end of the week campers will receive a YMCA apron and recipe book so they can continue their cooking journey at home. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Crafts and Science focuses on developing fine motor skills and creative thinking. Building, pouring, mixing, cutting, pasting and painting will be practiced through sensory based activities. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers are required to be 4 years of age on the first day of camp and toilet independently. Supervision 1:8 ratio.
Music and Make Believe explores sound, rhythm and imagination through a variety of activities including dance, percussion games, storytelling and puppetry. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers are required to be 4 years of age on the first day of camp and toilet independently. Supervision 1:8 ratio.
Creative Arts gives campers the opportunity to develop their skills through various artistic mediums. Painting, drawing, textiles, sculpting and printing techniques will be explored as campers work towards designing their own unique works of art. An art showcase will be held weekly. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Performing Arts is an expressive arts program that encourages collaboration among campers as they work towards creating a showcase. Campers will develop foundational skills in rhythm/tempo, dance and drama with emphasis on bucket drumming, popular dance styles and role play. To compliment this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Leadership
Counsellor in Training is a 3 week youth leadership program that focuses on developing the skills required to become a day camp counsellor. Youth complete the High Five Healthy Child Development and Standard First Aid & CPR C certifications, as well as learn the skill of resume writing and interview techniques in our employment readiness workshop by the end of the program. During the first week, youth will spend time enjoying camp activities, getting to know their group members, their trainer and learning about the expectations of the program. Week 2 includes a week long overnight at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre. Youth will take a chartered bus from the ferry terminal at 9:00am on Monday morning and depart Cedar Glen on Friday to return to the ferry terminal for pick-up or bus departure at 4:00pm. During the week, participants will have the opportunity to try rock climbing, high rope and low rope courses as well as swim in Cedar Glen’s outdoor pool. Youth will spend this week focusing on how to deliver programs to camp age groups as well as how to create a program plan. Lodge accommodations sleep 4 and have ensuite bathrooms and all meals are provided in the Cedar Glen dining hall. Week 3, youth will be paired with a day camp counsellor to demonstrate what they have learned and assist with delivering camp programs to younger campers. At the end of this week, youth will be given a performance appraisal by their trainer and receive 25 volunteer hours.
Counsellor in Training is a 3 week youth leadership program that focuses on developing the skills required to become a day camp counsellor. Youth complete the High Five Healthy Child Development and Standard First Aid & CPR C certifications, as well as learn the skill of resume writing and interview techniques in our employment readiness workshop by the end of the program. During the first week, youth will spend time enjoying camp activities, getting to know their group members, their trainer and learning about the expectations of the program. Week 2 includes a week long overnight at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre, where participants will have the opportunity to try rock climbing, high rope and low rope courses as well as swim in Cedar Glen’s outdoor pool. Youth will spend this week focusing on how to deliver programs to camp age groups as well as how to create a program plan. Lodge accommodations sleep 4 and have ensuite bathrooms and all meals are provided in the Cedar Glen dining hall. Week 3, youth will be paired with a day camp counsellor to demonstrate what they have learned and assist with delivering camp programs to younger campers. At the end of this week, youth will be given a performance appraisal by their trainer and receive 25 volunteer hours. Please note bussing is available from bus stops throughout the city for $60 round trip per week upon request.
Media Arts & Science
Claymation Stop Motion is delivered in partnership with Film Camp in A Box. This program will engage campers in hands on exploration of the stop motion animation process, including character development, set design, script writing and editing. Working in small crews, campers will create their own short film using a Mac Book and HD stop motion camera under the guidance of a film maker. At the end of the program, campers will recieve a link to their creation. To compliment this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Lego Stop Motion Animation is delivered in partnership with Film Camp in A Box. This program will engage campers in hands on exploration of the stop motion animation process, including character development, set design, script writing and editing. Working in small crews, campers will create their own short film using a Mac Book and HD stop motion camera under the guidance of a film maker. At the end of the program, campers will recieve a link to their creation. To compliment this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Science is an inquiry based, experiential program that promotes discovery and curiousity. Campers will develop an understanding and appreciation of science through participation in experiments and projects related to movement, construction and chemical reactions. To compliment this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Outdoor
Rocks & Ropes is an introductory climbing program that utilizes a rock climbing wall, and high/low rope courses. Campers will participate in leadership initiatives to build their skills in communication, group dynamics, and problem solving. Campers will have the opportunity to earn Outdoor Skill Buttons in knot tying and slacklining. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Overnight Details: On Thursday campers will be provided with a lunch. At 4:00pm campers will transition into the overnight component. Campers will participate in leadership and team building, swimming and a camp fire. Campers will spend the night in the Grove Cabins. On Friday, campers will be provided with a hot breakfast and lunch.
Outdoor Adventure is an active skill-based program. Campers will have the opportunity to earn Outdoor Skill Buttons while participating in activities such as archery, biking, canoeing, fire building, kayaking, knot tying, shelter building and slacklining. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers must be able to ride a 2-wheel bike independently.
Overnight Details: Campers will take a chartered bus from the ferry terminal at 9:00am to YMCA Cedar Glen on Thursday morning. While at Cedar Glen campers will participate in leadership activities such as rock climbing, high and low ropes, swimming and a camp fire. Upon arrival campers will be provided with lunch, dinner in the dining hall and an evening snack. Campers will spend the night in the Grove Cabins. On Friday, campers will be provided with a hot breakfast and lunch before departure. Campers will return to the ferry terminal for pick-up or bus departure at 4:00pm.
Bike & Hike focuses on outdoor skill development with an emphasis on biking and hiking. Campers will participate in a one-hour bike and a one-hour hike session each day. Campers will have the opportunity to earn Outdoor Skill Buttons while participating in additional activities such as fire building, knot tying, orienteering and shelter building. Campers will learn about trail safety and basic bike maintenance. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers must be able to ride a 2-wheel bike independently.
Overnight Details: On Thursday campers will be provided with a lunch. At 4:00pm campers will transition into the overnight component. Campers will participate in leadership and team building, swimming and a camp fire. Campers will spend the night in the Grove Cabins. On Friday, campers will be provided with a hot breakfast and lunch.
Rocks & Ropes is an introductory climbing program that utilizes a rock climbing wall, and high/low rope courses. Campers will participate in leadership initiatives to build their skills in communication, group dynamics, and problem solving. Campers will have the opportunity to earn Outdoor Skill Buttons in knot tying and slacklining. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Paddle & Pedal + Rowing focuses on outdoor skill development with an emphasis on rowing, boating and biking. Working in partnership with Hanlan Boat Club, campers will be introduced to rowing and learn introductory skills to the sport. In addition to rowing daily, campers will participate in one biking and one canoeing or kayaking session. Campers will learn about water and trail safety, paddling skills and basic bike maintenance. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers must be able to ride a 2-wheel bike independently.
Paddle & Pedal focuses on outdoor skill development with an emphasis on boating and biking. Each day campers will participate in one biking, one canoeing, and one kayaking session. Campers will learn about water and trail safety, paddling skills and basic bike maintenance. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers must be able to ride a 2-wheel bike independently. Paddle boarding available at select locations.
Farm Camp provides a hands on educational experience at the Cedar Glen ecologically grown. Campers will be introduced to seeds, vegetables, soil and pests while learning to use basic gardening tools for planting, watering, and harvesting. Once a week, campers will prepare a recipe using in-season produce harvested from the farm. To compliment this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities..
Outdoor Explorers is an active, creative, nature based program. Campers will be introduced to nature through outdoor play, foraging for natural art materials and learning about bugs, critters, trees and plants. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers are required to be 4 years of age on the first day of camp and toilet independently. Supervision 1:8 ratio.
Outdoor Adventure is an active skill-based program. Campers will have the opportunity to earn Outdoor Skill Buttons while participating in activities such as archery, biking, canoeing, fire building, kayaking, knot tying, shelter building and slacklining. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers must be able to ride a 2-wheel bike independently.
Bike & Hike focuses on outdoor skill development with an emphasis on biking and hiking. Campers will participate in a one-hour bike and a one-hour hike session each day. Campers will have the opportunity to earn Outdoor Skill Buttons while participating in additional activities such as fire building, knot tying, orienteering and shelter building. Campers will learn about trail safety and basic bike maintenance. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers must be able to ride a 2-wheel bike independently.
Eco-Adventure focuses on outdoor skill development and natural arts and science. Campers will forage for natural art material, develop bushcraft skills, and participate in eco-science activities while learning about native species. Campers have the opportunity to earn the following Outdoor Skill Buttons; archery, fire building, knot tying and slacklining. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Sports
Sports & Games is an active program that develops gross motor skills. Kicking, throwing, catching, running, jumping, skipping, and hopping will be practiced through sports and game play. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers are required to be 4 years of age on the first day of camp and toilet independently. Supervision 1:8 ratio.
Multi Sport is a high energy program that focuses on team work, game play and athletic fitness. Campers will develop fundamental skills to play court and field based sports which may include soccer, basketball, floor hockey, and lacrosse. Campers may also participate in a variety of non-traditional sports such as tchoukball, kinball, FooBaSKILL and broom ball. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Kinder Swim Lessons are the perfect introduction to a summer camp experience with a focus on building aquatic skills. Campers receive a daily swim lesson with a certified Swim Instructor (1:4 ratio) followed by recreational swim time (1:2 ratio). On day one, campers will be assessed and divided by skill level. At the end of the week, campers will receive a report card indicating skill achievement. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. While out of the pool, campers will be supervised at a 1:8 ratio. Campers are required to be 4 years of age on the first day of camp and toilet independently.
Swim Lesson programs are focused on building aquatic skills. Campers receive a daily swim lesson with a certified Swim Instructor followed by recreational swim time. On day one, campers will be assessed and divided by skill level. At the end of the week, campers will receive a report card indicating skill achievement. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers must be 6 years of age by the start of the program.
Variety camp includes a combination of sports, science, arts and crafts. Activities vary based on location and may include indoor and outdoor programming. To compliment this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.