Whether it's your camper's first or fifth time at camp, we know how important it is to feel prepared and comfortable so they can focus on the most important thing — having fun!
YMCA OF GREATER TORONTO | DAY CAMP
Summer Day Camp Guide
Let’s get ready for day camp! This guide will help you prepare, so your camper can focus on the most important thing — having fun!
Welcome to Y Day Camp
We are very excited to welcome your camper to day camp at the Y. We are honoured that you chose to spend your summer with us. Our staff teams are well equipped to ensure campers get the most out of their camp experience this summer and ignite the potential in all.
Our Day Camp Staff
All of our staff:
- Are 15+ years old
- Have a clear Vulnerable Police Check
- Participate in a minimum of 45 hours of training prior to the first day of camp
- Have experience and a passion for working with children and youth
Staff-to-Camper Ratios
- Kinder campers (ages 4-5) ratio of 1:8
- Junior campers (ages 6-8) ratio of 1:10
- Senior campers (ages 9-12) ratio of 1:12
- Counsellor in Training participants (ages 13-15) ratio of 1:15
Value Bead Program
Value Beads play an important role as a sign of character and personal achievement. Beads at camp provide recognition and promote positive behaviour and are worn as a constant reminder of what we value in our camp community.
Throughout the week, beads are awarded to individual campers for demonstrating our Y Day Camp values of kindness, inclusiveness, respect, integrity, optimism and well-being. Ask your camper how they earned their beads!
Packing List
Each day your camper should be dressed appropriately for the weather and bring the following items along in a backpack. We also recommend that all items are clearly labeled with your camper’s name.
- Raincoat
- Sunscreen & Bug Spray
- Swimsuit & Towel
- A Healthy Lunch*
- Two Healthy Snacks*
- Hat
- Refillable Water Bottle
*Nut Free
What to leave at home?
We ask that campers please leave electronics, toys and other valuable items at home. The Y cannot be held responsible if they are lost or damaged during the camp day.
What should my camper bring for lunch?
Please pack a lunch that does not require a microwave or a refrigerator. We suggest an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack to keep lunches and snacks fresh all day. We encourage using reusable containers to cut down on waste and litter at our day camp locations. We do not have utensils onsite so please pack any required utensils your camper may need for their lunch. Any disposable packaging or uneaten food will be sent home daily as a part of our “Litter Less Lunches” program.
Fresh drinking water is provided at all day camp locations — please send a refillable water bottle and we’ll remind your camper to keep hydrated throughout the day.
We are a nut-sensitive environment. Please keep in mind when packing your camper’s snack and lunches that we have many campers with nut allergies. Please do not send any nuts or nut products to camp.
How can my camper be protected from the sun?
We encourage all parents to apply sunscreen rated SPF 50 or higher to their camper each morning and send them with a hat to wear when outdoors. Please send a labelled bottle of sunscreen to camp each day. Our staff will remind campers to reapply throughout the day, as well as after participating in any water-related activities.
What if my camper loses something at camp?
Although we try to keep campers' items in their backpacks, occasionally things are forgotten. Any items lost at camp are collected daily and kept in the camp office. If your camper loses an item, contact the Camp Director immediately and they will try to find it. All lost items will only be stored onsite for one week, and then unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity. Unfortunately, the Y cannot take responsibility for lost items. Please check your camper's possessions daily to ensure they arrive home with them.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Our camp day begins at 9 am. Parents and campers may arrive up to 10 minutes (8:50 am) before drop-off to wait in line to sign in before your child enters camp.
When you arrive at camp, please follow the signs to the designated sign-in entrance. Once your camper(s) has signed in, they will join their counsellor and other campers in their group. You will pick up your camper at the end of the day, at the same place you dropped them off. Please bring photo I.D. to sign out your camper(s) at the end of the day.
Our camp day ends at 4 pm.
Registered for Extended Hours?
If you have registered your camper for extended hours, you can drop your child off any time between 7:30 am–9 am. The sign-in directions above apply however, if you are dropping at 7:30 am that is the earliest arrival time. Staff will not be able to sign in your camper(s) before that time. Please pack an extra snack for both AM & PM with a re-fillable water bottle.
Please ensure you are picking up your camper at the time their program ends. The end of the camp day is 4 pm. If your camper is registered in extended hours, the latest time to pick up is 6 pm.
What if I’m late to pick up my camper?
If you will be more than five minutes late from your pick-up time, please call the camp location directly to inform staff onsite so arrangements can be made to care for your camper until you arrive.
What if someone else will be picking up my camper?
If you require someone other than the contacts stated on your camper’s registration form to pick up your camper, please inform the Camp Director. Authorized pick-up individuals must be 16 or older. We will ask anyone we have not met to identify themselves with government-issued photo ID before they can sign out your camper. If someone arrives at camp to pick up your camper without your prior authorization, we will call home for verbal permission before releasing your camper.
Can my camper travel to and from camp on their own?
Camper safety is important to the YMCA of Greater Toronto. Campers younger than 10 must be signed out at the Y Day Camp location or bus stop, by an individual 16 or older and listed as a main contact or authorized pick-up during the registration process. This person will be required to show government-issued ID. Campers ages 10 and older will be permitted to sign out of the Y Day Camp location or bus stop if indicated at time of registration. Campers 10 and older will not be permitted to sign out younger campers.
What if I need to pick up my camper during the day?
If you know in advance, it is best to make arrangements with the Camp Director ahead of time as your camper may be busy with activities when you arrive. This way we can have them ready as it may take some time to prepare them to leave for the day.
What if my camper is going to be absent?
If your camper is going to miss a day of camp, you are not required to make a call. You will receive an automated call to let you know we have not signed in your camper for the day. If you receive a call and signed in your camper, please call the Camp Director.
What if my camper becomes ill during the day?
In the event that your camper becomes ill during the day, we will call you to come and pick them up. If you are unable to pick up your sick camper, you will be required to make alternative arrangements to ensure they are picked up from camp. Until you arrive, our staff will make sure your camper is kept safe and as comfortable as possible.
More Day Camp FAQ
How to register for Day Camp Programs
Visit the Y Guide to plan and register for day camp programming online.
Register by phone by calling 647-439-6611 or 1-877-303-226
Where can I find the Summer Day Camp Guide?
Review our updated Summer Day Camp Guide for all your answers!
What programs do you offer?
We offer 25 unique programs ranging from a number of different indoor and outdoor options. Check out our Day Camp program page to learn more!
Do you offer bussing?
Yes, in the summer, we offer bussing across the GTA out of 9 day camp locations for an additional $75/week round trip. To view our bussing locations, stops, and drop off and pick up times, check out our bus schedules!
Do you offer extended hours?
Yes, we offer an extended hours program at a number of our camp locations. If you have registered your camper for extended hours, you can drop your child off any time between 7:30am – 9:00am. The end of the camp day is 4:00pm. If your camper is registered in extended hours, the latest time to pick up is 6:00pm. Please pack an extra snack for both AM & PM with a re-fillable water bottle.
What is your withdrawal policy?
If you wish to withdraw a participant from a program, you can do so by accessing the participant’s Registration History via your My Y Account or by submitting your request to withdraw by email to register@ymcagta.org.
Withdrawals that are processed online or requested by email 10 days before the start of the program will receive a full refund, minus an administration fee of 10% per program being withdrawn.
Withdrawal requests received with less than 10 days’ notice must be submitted by email to register@ymcagta.org. You will receive a refund minus an administration fee of 50% of the cost of the program being cancelled.
A doctor's note is required for any withdrawal due to medical reasons.
Refunds are not granted for inclement weather. Any request received after the start of the course will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Refunds take 2-3 weeks to process.
What does a typical day at camp look like?
7:30 – 8:50am: Extended Hours (Dependent on Camp Location) The Extended Hours program provides campers with a variety of activities to choose from such as board games, puzzles, melt beads and arts & crafts.
Please bring an extra snack and re-fillable water bottle.
8:50 – 9:00am: Sign In
9:00 – 9:30am: Opening Circle and Attendance
Campers and staff participate in fun songs, games and camp traditions
9:30 – 9:45am: Transition Time
Campers and staff rotate to their first activity. They are given the opportunity to hydrate, eat a snack, use the washroom and apply sunscreen or bug spray if required.
9:45 – 10:30am: Program Block 1
Campers participate in their first program. For example, campers in science may participate in an exciting science project or experiment. Please note that some groups may combine two program times depending on the activity.
10:45 – 11:00am: Transition Time
11:00– 12:00am: Program Block 2
12:00 – 12:45pm: Lunch
12:45pm – 1:45pm: Program Block 3
1:45pm – 2:00pm: Transition Time
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Program Block 4
3:00 – 3:45pm: Closing Circle and Values Bead Ceremony
The camp day ends with a closing circle and values bead ceremony. Counsellors recognize campers who have demonstrated positive values throughout the day. At the end of the week, campers who have earned all 6 values beads are awarded their gold bead of excellence. On Fridays, the coveted camp spirit trophy is awarded to the camper group that earned the most spirit points.
3:45 – 4:00pm: Sign Out
4:00 – 6:00pm: Extended Hours (Dependent on Camp Location)
Do you offer Financial Assistance?
Yes. If you require YMCA Financial Assistance, please complete this form with proof of income, and continue registration for your program(s) of choice. We recommend you do this to hold your spot(s) until assistance approval is received. Spots and assistance are not guaranteed, and YMCA assistance is available on a first come first served basis. To register in advanced of assistance approval, a credit card will be required for payment of deposit. You will receive a full refund if assistance is not approved, and you choose not to attend the program. If you require support to complete your online registration, please call 1-877-303-2677.
Do you offer overnight programs?
Yes! In the summer we offer a 1 night overnight program at our Toronto Island Y Day Camp and at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre Day Camp for campers ages 9 – 12. Campers will participate in leadership activities such as rock climbing, high and low ropes, swimming and a camp fire. Campers will spend the night in a cabin at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre. All meals will be provided.
We also have an overnight component in our Counsellor in Training Program. This program is offered at our Toronto Island Y Day Camp and at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre Day Camp for campers ages 13 – 15. During week 2 of this 3-week program, Youth will stay at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre. Youth 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. All meals are provided.
Check out our overnight programs on our YGuide!
What is the Value Beads program?
Value Beads play an important role as a sign of character and personal achievement. Beads at camp provide recognition and promote positivity. They are worn as a reminder of what we value in our camp community.
Throughout the week, beads are awarded to individual campers for demonstrating our Y Day Camp values of kindness, inclusiveness, respect, integrity, optimism and well-being. Ask your camper how they earned their beads!
What’s your COVID-19 policy and air quality procedure?
Learn more about the Y’s COVID-19 policy.
Air quality concerns at Y Day Camps
Forest fires in Ontario and Quebec are currently causing high levels of air pollution. With poor air quality expected to continue into next week, the YMCA of Greater Toronto will adjust activities at our Day Camps.
Camp programs with both outdoor and indoor spaces will relocate activities indoor as much as possible. Camp programs without indoor spaces will modify outdoor activities in response.
Staff and campers at all locations will be advised to:
· Stay hydrated
· Limit strenuous activities that makes them sweat or breathe hard
· Avoid long periods in the sun
· Participate in water play
· Wear a N95 mask (Please note, N95 masks reduce exposure to the fine particles, but not the gases, in wildfire smoke)
· Listen to their bodies and limit or stop activities if they are experiencing symptoms such as headaches, mild cough, phlegm, sore and watery eyes, or nasal congestion
If you child has a heart or respiratory issue, please contact their camp director immediately. Their contact information can be found on your day camp location page.
Please note, campers who miss day camp due to weather conditions will not be refunded. For more information visit the Air Quality Health Index
What is your program transfer policy?
If you wish to transfer a participant from a program, you can do so by accessing the participant’s Registration History via your My Y Account or by submitting your request to transfer by email to register@ymcagta.org.
Transfers must be processed online or requested by email 10 days before the start of the program. Transfer requests received with less than 10 days’ notice will be treated as a withdrawal and will receive a refund, minus an administration fee of 50% of the cost of the program being withdrawn. These requests must be submitted by email to register@ymcagta.org.
A doctor's note is required for any transfer due to medical reasons.