Winter Break Day Camp
Helping the next generation of leaders develop skills, discover themselves and build self-confidence through fun and adventure.
Registration opens Wednesday, October 14.
About Winter Break Day Camp
Every day at Winter Break Day Camp is a new adventure! Available at four of our Health and Fitness centres, campers ages 6–12 take on a new program each day: Creative Arts, Science, Performing Arts, and Eco-Science. At the end of each day, campers will bring home their camp creations or deliver a live performance for family and camp friends.
Campers who attend a full week of Winter Break Camp will develop a variety of new skills in each of the 4 program areas.
Campers will practice and develop:
- Creative process by following step-by-step instructions to complete their works of art
- Rhythm and performance skills through hands-on role roles in a bucket drumming performance
- Teamwork and collaboration in STEM-based projects
- Environmental awareness through building natural water filtration systems and a self-contained ecosystem.
More Than a Day Camp: Programs Overview
Each day of Winter Break offers a different program! Whether they’re building foundational skills, making new friends or becoming more confident, campers will have opportunities to learn by doing — and bring their creations home at the end of each day.
Creative Arts
Creative Arts gives campers the opportunity to develop their skills through various artistic mediums. They learn foundational skills including: molding & sculpting, cutting & scoring.
Performing Arts
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.
Science
Science is an inquiry based, experiential program that promotes discovery and curiosity. Science foundational skills include: Physics, movement mechanics, math & electronics.
Eco-Experimentation
Eco-Experimentation focuses on outdoor skill development, natural arts and science. At the end of the day, campers will be bringing home their eco-creations.
Ages 6–8: Explore and Build
What will they do?
Younger campers will focus on age-appropriate creations and receive clear steps and plenty of guidance from camp staff.
What will they learn or practice?
Foundational skills include molding & sculpting, cutting & scoring, timing & rhythm and STEM based inquiry.
How will they grow?
The winter break experience will help younger campers build confidence, cooperation, and independence as they discover their skills in a variety of programs.
Example activity:
Campers will work toward creating their own piece of Kinusaiga wall art by selecting a pre-made design, cutting their fabric and applying it to the foam board by following step by step instructions. Campers will take their unique work of art home at the end of the day.
Ages 9–12: Practice, Progress, and Create
What will they do?
Older campers will take on the design process from start to finish with more room to create and experiment.
What will they learn or practice?
Foundational skills include molding & sculpting, cutting & scoring, timing & rhythm and STEM based inquiry.
How will they grow?
Older campers will develop a greater level of creativity, independence, problem-solving and teamwork while gaining confidence in their abilities.
Example activity:
Campers will work toward creating their own piece of Kinusaiga wall art by creating their own unique design, scoring their base, cutting their fabric and applying it to the foam board by following step by step instructions. Campers will take their unique work of art home at the end of the day.
Woo Days
Campers participate in camp-wide themed activities on Woo Days! They happen once a week and we let parents know the week's team in advance so campers can show up in costumes or themed attire if they would like. Camper groups compete in either larger teams or program groups to gain points and ultimately win the Woo Day. It's all about teamwork, collaboration, and sportsmanship. Sample activities include cheer-offs, obstacle course, and minute to win it. Themes change every week and are different in each location. Here are some examples:
- Wild WIld West
- Under the Sea
- Pirates
- Olympics
- Carnival
- Superheroes
Jersey/Sports
A Camp Where Everyone Belongs
Camp is about fun, friendship, and creating lasting, positive memories. To make sure campers, staff, and volunteers have the best experience possible, we’re sharing our expectations about how to treat each other and our camp.
How to Register
Step #1: Create an account on My Y.
Step #2: See all programs available for registration on our Y Guide.
Step #3: Once you have selected your program, complete check out on My Y. For assistance, call 647-439-6611 (local) or 877-303-2267 (toll-free).
Financial Assistance
If you require YMCA Financial Assistance, please complete the form with proof of income, and continue registration for your program of choice.
If you require support to complete your online registration, please call 877-303-2267.
We are Ontario Camps Association (OCA) Accredited
As an accredited OCA member, we belong to an organization that is recognized worldwide for its commitment to making Ontario a premier destination for camping. We maintain the highest standards to give families and guardians peace of mind.
To qualify for accreditation, all members must:
- Follow the OCA standards for professionalism, accessibility, and safety.
- Follow all relevant provincial and federal government legislation.
- Receive regular visits for re-accreditation.
Accessibility and Inclusion Program Support
The Day Camp Accessibility and Inclusion program provides 1:1 support for children ages 4-12 years old who require additional assistance in order to participate in camp programming.
For families that are new to YMCA Day Camp, we will work with you through an intake process to find a camp location, a camp program and camp weeks to match with a counsellor that will set your child up for a successful and fun summer!
Please note, YMCA Inclusions Counsellors do not provide specialized 1:1 support with medical equipment and/or procedures such as g-tube feeding or catheter care and do not provide any washroom assistance which includes; lifts, wiping and diaper changes.
If your child requires specialized 1:1 support that the YMCA does not provide, you are welcome to provide their own Personal Support Worker for the duration of the camp program.
Join Our Y Day Camp Alumni
Camp is all about creating connections. Whether it has been one year or 10 years since your last summer working at Y Day Camp, we want to stay connected. Join a community that has made a positive impact on the lives of countless campers and peers.