YMCA Day Camp FAQ

Registration for YMCA Day Camp in Niagara opens on specific dates for Winter Break, March Break, and Summer Day Camp. Once registration opens, families can register online through our website using the CampBrain platform.

When registration is finalized you can find the date on the respective camp pages:

Winter Break Camp

March Break Camp 

Summer Day Camp

YMCA Day Camp is offered in West Niagara, St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls, and Port Colborne at local schools, public parks, and YMCA Health, Fitness and Aquatic Centres.

Locations are subject to change based on site availability with school and community partners. In order to provide a quality camp experience, a session may be cancelled due to low registration. Campers will be offered an alternative location, refund, or credit.

Programs at outdoor park locations operate fully outdoors. Pavilion shelters are available in the event of rain, and activities are modified with additional breaks during extreme heat.

During extreme weather conditions, programs may be relocated, cancelled, or hours adjusted at the discretion of the YMCA. Parents will be informed as necessary.

In the event of snow-related closures, updates are communicated through the YMCA website.

YMCA Day Camp programs are offered Monday to Friday, with variations by program type and location.

Please review the specific session dates listed for your community. Camp is not offered at some sites on statutory holidays. In these cases, camp fees are prorated.

YMCA Day Camp programs are offered for children ages 5–14, depending on the camp type and location. Children must meet the age requirement by the first day of camp and be registered in the appropriate age group.

Within camps, children are grouped with peers of similar ages to support developmentally appropriate activities and strong peer relationships.

YMCA Kinder Care, offered at YMCA Child Care Centres across Niagara, is available for children ages 3–6.

Yes. A limited number of spaces are available through the Helping Hands program, which provides additional 1:1 support for children who require extra assistance in camp.

Families must register for “Helping Hands Intake” when registration opens to be added to the waitlist. The Integration Team will contact families if space becomes available.

Placement is not guaranteed.

YMCA Day Camp in Niagara offers extended hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to support working families. Core camp programming runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with supervised early drop-off and late pick-up available at each camp location.

After registration opens, families can register online through our website using the CampBrain system.

To register, simply:

1. Sign in or create an account
2. Select the season (Winter, March, or Summer)
3. Select or add participants (campers)
4. Select camp sessions for each participant*
5. Complete required forms for each participant
6. Choose a payment option**
7. Review your selections and submit your registration

You will receive a confirmation email with your invoice and program details once registration is complete.

*If your camper requires 1:1 support, please register for the Helping Hands Intake waitlist instead of selecting a specific camp. This places your child on the waitlist and does not guarantee placement. The Integration Team will contact families if space becomes available.

** Please note, if applying for subsidy, please select the latest available payment option to allow time for processing.

All refund requests must be submitted to the day camp office at [email protected]

For Summer Day Camp:
• Full refunds are issued if requested prior to the final payment date.
• Requests after the final payment date incur a $25 processing fee per camper.
• Camp fees are non-refundable within 10 days of the camp start date.

For Winter and March Break Camps:
• Full refunds are issued if requested prior to the final payment date.

No refunds are issued if a camper is sent home due to behaviour or illness.

If a session is cancelled by the YMCA due to low registration, campers will be offered an alternative location or refund.

Yes. Families receive a confirmation email upon registration that includes details of the program selected.

Yes. As a charitable organization, the YMCA strives to ensure every child can participate in camp. Financial Assistance may be available for eligible families.

Information about eligibility and how to apply can be found on our Financial Assistance page.

When selecting a YMCA Day Camp in Niagara, families may wish to consider:

• How many weeks will my child be attending camp?

• Will my child benefit from attending the same location or same type of camp, or do they prefer variety?

• What camp environment will my child enjoy most? Though every camp will engage in activities outside, our park-based camps take place completely outdoors and we provide port-o-potties and/or outdoor washrooms and hand-washing facilities.

• Is my child eligible for this camp based on the age ranges identified?

• Will my child be able to follow the YMCA Code of Conduct and Behaviour Guidelines. My child understands the expectations and has the ability to meet these guidelines.

Each YMCA camp is designed to provide active programming that supports skill development and positive peer experiences.