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.
Summer Program Descriptions
Arts & Culinary Arts
Creative Arts gives campers the opportunity to develop their skills through various artistic mediums. Painting, drawing, textiles and sculpting techniques will be explored as campers work towards designing their own unique works of art. An art showcase will be held weekly. To complement 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 complement this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Y-Cook is a hands-on cooking program that develops skills and confidence in the kitchen. Campers will work in small groups to 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 complement 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, 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. Grove Cabin accommodations sleep 8. 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. 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. Grove Cabin accommodations sleep 8. 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.
Media Arts & Science
Science is an inquiry based, experiential program that promotes discovery and curiosity. Campers will develop an understanding and appreciation of science through participation in experiments and projects related to movement, construction and chemical reactions. To complement this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
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 process using their choice of clay, Lego or hand drawn animation 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 complement this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Check out some examples here:
Music Video & Movie Making is delivered in partnership with Film Camp in A Box.
Fill your week with action, adventure and comedy in Movie Making or dance and sing your way through Music Video production with Film Camp in A Box. In this film-based production program, campers will have the choice of music video production or movie-making. While being mentored by master filmmakers, campers will engage in hands-on exploration of the film/video making process including pre-production, production and post-production. Working in small crews, they will learn about cinematography, script-writing and digital post-production tools, including iMovie and Canva. Participants will have the opportunity to use our latest technology, including MacBooks, 4K cameras, tripods, boom microphones, green screens and the use of an aerial drone. Crews will create their own promotions and advertising using Canva and will use AI tools to create an original soundtracks. Music Videos & Movies will be presented to campers and archived on our digital theater. To complement this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Check out an example here:
Outdoor
Eco-Adventure focuses on outdoor skill development, 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, slacklining and tree identification. Campers ages 9–12, will have the opportunity to earn their orienteering outdoor skill buttons. To complement this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Eco Adventure + Lunch and Towel focuses on outdoor skill development, natural arts and science with additional camp perks!. 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, slacklining and tree identification. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers will receive a fresh swim towel for each recreational swim session and enjoy a daily hot lunch served in our air-conditioned dining facility.
Eco-Adventure focuses on outdoor skill development, natural arts and science. Campers will forage for natural art material, develop bushcraft skills, and participate in eco-science activities while learning about the importance of trees with Eco Educator Professor Pricklethorn! Campers also have the opportunity to earn the following Outdoor Skill Buttons: archery, fire building, knot tying, slacklining and tree identification. To complement this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Eco-Adventure focuses on outdoor skill development, 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. Once a week, campers will engage in a one-hour lake study on a solar pontoon boat, led by a Lake Saint George Field Centre Guide. Campers also have the opportunity to earn the following Outdoor Skill Buttons: archery, fire building, knot tying, slacklining and tree identification. Campers ages 9–12, will have the opportunity to earn their orienteering outdoor skill buttons. To complement this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Farm Camp provides a hands-on educational experience at the YMCA Cedar Glen organic farm. 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 complement 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 complement 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 1:10 ratio.
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, while learning about the importance of trees and plants with Eco Educator Professor Pricklethorn! To complement 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 1:10 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, fire-building, knot-tying, shelter-building and slacklining. To complement this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers must be able to ride a 2-wheel bike independently.
Outdoor Adventure + Lunch and Towel is an active skill-based program, with additional camp perks! Campers will have the opportunity to earn Outdoor Skill Buttons while participating in activities such as archery, biking, fire building, knot tying, shelter building and slacklining. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers will receive a fresh swim towel for each recreational swim session, and enjoy a daily hot lunch served in our air-conditioned dining facility. Campers must be able to ride a 2-wheel bike independently.
Outdoor Adventure + Overnight is an active skill-based program that provides campers with the additional overnight experience. Campers will have the opportunity to earn Outdoor Skill Buttons while participating in activities such as archery, biking, fire building, 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:
The overnight program starts at 4pm on Thursday with leadership activities such as rock climbing, high and low ropes, swimming and a camp fire. Campers sleep in the Grove Cabins, with a nearby washroom.
Meals Included:
Thursday: Packed lunch, dinner and snacks
Friday: Hot breakfast, lunch and snacks
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 complement this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers must be able to ride a 2-wheel bike independently. This program operates out of our home base near St Andrew's by the Lake Church.
Overnight Details: Campers will take a chartered bus from the ferry terminal at 9 am 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 campfire. Upon arrival campers will be provided with lunch and 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 pm.
Meals included:
Thursday: Packed lunch, dinner and snacks
Friday: Hot breakfast, lunch and snacks
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 complement 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 complement 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 + 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 complement 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 + Paddleboarding focuses on outdoor skill development with an emphasis on boating and biking. Each day campers will participate in three biking and paddling activities: canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding sessions. Campers will learn about water and trail safety, paddling skills and basic bike maintenance. To complement this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities. Campers must be able to ride a 2-wheel bike independently.
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 complement this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Sports
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 pickle ball. Campers may also participate in a variety of non-traditional sports such as tchoukball, and boom ball. To complement this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Basketball is a high energy program that focuses on developing fundamental basketball skills, teamwork, game play and athletic fitness. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Swimming Lessons
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 complement 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 able to use the toilet independently.
Swim Lesson programs are focused on building aquatic skills. In this 1-week program, 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 complement 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, campers are grouped by age when not in their swim lesson.
Swim Lesson programs are focused on building aquatic skills. In this 2-week program, 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 complement 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, campers are grouped by age when not in their swim lesson.
Variety
Kinder Camp offers a combination of sports, active games, crafts, and science. Campers will explore sound, rhythm, and creative thinking through storytelling, imaginative based play, and the use of percussion instruments. To compliment this program, campers will participate in outdoor water play on a weekly basis. Campers are required to be 4 years of age on the first day of camp and toilet independently. Supervision 1:10 ratio.
Variety camp includes a combination of sports, science, arts and crafts. Activities vary based on location and may include indoor and outdoor programming. To complement this program campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.
Variety + Lunch and Towel camp for kinder age campers includes a combination of active games, crafts, science, music and movement with additional camp perks. 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. Campers are required to be 4 years of age on the first day of camp and toilet independently. Supervision 1:8 ratio. Campers will receive a fresh towel for each waterplay session, and enjoy a daily hot lunch served in our air-conditioned dining facility.
March and Winter Break Program Descriptions
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, fire building, knot tying, shelter building and orienteering. Hikes, scavenger hunts and traditional camp games will round out this fun filled program.
Activities will vary based on the weather.
This program is only available at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre.
Activities will include arts, crafts, sports & games, which will vary based on the location and the facilities available. To compliment this program, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities.