YMCA Summer Day Camp
Play. Grow. Thrive.
YMCA Day Camp gives children the chance to discover what they’re capable of.
Through new experiences, skill-building programs, and a caring community, campers grow in confidence, independence, and friendship. Each week invites them to be active, creative, curious, and connected.
A Camp for Every Kid
From arts and science to sports, swimming, leadership, and outdoor adventure, there’s a camp to match your child’s interests and help them build new skills along the way.
YMCA Day Camp is available for children ages 5–12, with select leadership opportunities for ages 13–14. Winter Break Camps and March Break Camps are also offered at select locations to support your family during school breaks.
My boys LOVED WonderBox and Mad Science. The things they did were so fun and the boys had such a great time in those programs.
My granddaughter came home everyday with new songs to sing. She had a blast!!!
Attending these camps has improved my son’s confidence and ability to adapt to new environments. We send him any chance we get.
They were so enthusiastic and engaging with the kids and communicated well with parents. I was very impressed.
Pick up and drop off was incredibly smooth and organized!
The beads are great he was very proud when he got the leadership bead at the end of camp.
Camp has had a wonderful impact on our child and our family. We’ve seen real growth, more confidence, and a happier daily routine.
My daughter enjoyed her time, especially being able to take home the stuffed animal at the end of the week for the Little Medical School Camp.
We appreciate the fun and supportive counsellors and the feeling of accomplishment we notice in our child when she comes home from camp each day.
My child enjoyed the opportunity to make new friends.
The YMCA has been essential for my child’s social development. He has learned how to socialize, make friends, and feel a sense of belonging.
Well-organized, with friendly staff and lots of fun activities. My daughter is excited to go every day. It’s such a relief knowing they’re in a safe, positive environment.
Variety Camp
Outdoor Adventures Camp
Wonder Box Camp
Creative Bug Camp
Mad Science Camp
Variety Camp
Aquatic Leadership Camp
Outdoor Adventures Camp
Creative Bug Camp
Leadership in Training
Little Medical School Camp
Aquatic Leadership Camp
Variety Camp
Outdoor Adventures Camp
Mad Science Camp
Creative Bug Camp
Wonder Box Camp
Leadership in Training
Little Medical School Camp
Variety Camp
Outdoor Adventures Camp
Variety Camp
Outdoor Adventures Camp
Mad Science Camp
Variety Camp
Leadership in Training
Outdoor Adventures Camp
Little Medical School Camp
Variety Camp
Mad Science Camp
Wonder Box Camp
Flip through the 2026 Summer Camp Brochure!
Explore Day Camp Experiences
From sports and creative arts to archery and water safety, YMCA Day Camps offer focused experiences that help children build skills while having fun. Explore the camps below to find the right fit for your child’s interests and goals this summer.
Wondering what your child might discover at camp? Look for these icons throughout the page to see the skills and experiences campers can build in each program.
Outdoor Adventures
For explorers who thrive outside. Campers build practical outdoor skills like shelter building, archery, and orienteering while staying active through games, hikes, and team challenges. Nature becomes the classroom as children grow in confidence, resilience, and curiosity while learning to problem-solve, cooperate, and explore the outdoors safely.
For kids who want to try it all. Each day blends sports, creative projects, outdoor play, and team challenges so campers can explore new interests while building confidence and friendships. With a rotating mix of games, crafts, and active play, campers stay curious, energized, and engaged while discovering new skills and activities they enjoy.
For kids who love the water. Campers spend 1.5 hours each day swimming, building confidence and developing new skills through supervised aquatic games and activities. The rest of the day includes outdoor play, crafts, and active group games, creating a fun and well-rounded camp experience both in and out of the pool.
For kids who love to move. Campers stay active through a mix of sports, gym games, and team challenges in a high-energy mix of indoor and outdoor settings, with chances to explore the fitness floor and join fitness classes. Each day builds confidence, coordination, and teamwork while giving kids space to try new activities, stay active, and connect with others.
Powered by community partners
Young Engineers
For kids who love to figure out how things work. Campers explore engineering and STEAM concepts by building moving models and simple machines, turning ideas into action. Each day grows problem-solving skills, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment.
Powered by community partners
Mad Science
For curious kids who love to experiment. Campers explore chemistry, space, environmental science, and forensic investigation through hands-on STEM challenges. As they test, analyze, and strengthen critical thinking, observation, and problem-solving skills in an energetic, discovery-driven environment.
Powered by community partners
Creative Bug
For young artists ready to create. Campers explore painting, clay, and mixed media while building technique, imagination, and artistic confidence. Guided projects help children strengthen creative expression and fine motor skills while experimenting with colour, texture, and form in a supportive hands-on setting.
Powered by community partners
Little Medical School
For future doctors, veterinarians, and scientists. Campers step into real-world medical roles through interactive experiments and role play. Using real tools and guided activities, they build critical thinking, compassion, and confidence while exploring healthcare, biology, and the science behind saving lives.
Powered by community partners
Wonder Box
For builders and big thinkers. Campers dive into hands-on STEAM challenges by following guided instructions to construct exciting projects from their WonderBox kits. As they build, test, and adjust their creations, they strengthen focus, creativity, and practical problem-solving skills.
Includes Bronze Star, or Bronze Medallion or Bronze Cross and First Aid Certification
For strong swimmers ready to grow. Campers build water safety knowledge and leadership skills while working toward recognized Lifesaving Society certifications. Through hands-on rescue training, teamwork, and scenario-based learning, they develop confidence, responsibility, and practical life-saving abilities.
Value Beads: Celebrating Character at Camp
At YMCA Day Camp, Value Beads are a meaningful way we recognize positive choices, effort, and growth.
At the start of the week, each camper receives a necklace or bracelet with a white bead representing friendship — a reminder that camp is a place to connect and belong. Throughout the week, campers have opportunities to earn additional beads by participating, trying new things, and demonstrating our YMCA core values: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty, Health, Inclusiveness, and Advocacy.
Beads are awarded daily and worn with pride. They’re small, but they represent big moments — showing kindness, taking initiative, supporting a friend, or stepping outside a comfort zone.
It’s one of the ways we help campers see and celebrate the best in themselves.
Accredited by the Ontario Camps Association
YMCA of Niagara Day Camps are proud to be accredited by the Ontario Camps Association (OCA), a recognized body that sets rigorous standards for health, safety, staffing, and program quality.
What this means for your family
✔ Regular review of safety practices
✔ Established supervision and staffing standards
✔ Clear policies for risk management and child protection
✔ Commitment to continuous improvement
Being an Accredited Member of OCA reflects our ongoing dedication to providing a safe, high-quality camp experience.
Register Online
Registration opens on April 9 at noon and will remain open until all spaces are filled.
Register online through our Camp Brain Portal.
Camp spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If a session is full, you’re encouraged to add your child to the waitlist. Our team will contact you if a space becomes available.
Your Camp Questions, Answered
Find helpful information about YMCA Day Camp in Niagara, including registration details, program options, ages, locations, fees, safety policies, daily schedules, and financial assistance.
Registration for YMCA Day Camp in Niagara opens on specific dates for Winter Break, March Break, and Summer Day Camp. Registration dates are announced through email, social media channels and on the website a few weeks before opening. 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:
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.
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.
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:
- Sign in or create an account
- Select the season (Winter, March, or Summer)
- Select or add participants (campers)
- Select camp sessions for each participant*
- Complete required forms for each participant
- Choose a payment option**
- 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.
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.
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.
Refunds will not be issued if a camper is absent, sent home as a result of their behaviour, if they are ill or if they are directed to isolate/stay home.
If a session is cancelled by the YMCA due to low registration, campers will be offered an alternative location or refund.
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.
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.
Yes. Families receive a confirmation email upon registration that includes details of the program selected.
When selecting a YMCA Day Camp in Niagara, families may wish to consider:
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How many weeks will my child be attending camp?
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Will my child benefit from attending the same location or same type of camp, or do they prefer variety?
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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.
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Is my child eligible for this camp based on the age ranges identified?
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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.
Still Have Questions?
Our Day Camp team is here to help. Reach out anytime with questions about programs, registration, or finding the right camp for your child. Our Day Camp team is here to help. Reach out anytime with questions about programs, registration, or finding the right camp for your child.
YMCA Day Camp Office
(905) 934-9755 x280YMCA Day Camp is powered by our partners, donors, and supporters
Niagara Community Foundation: a public foundation serving the people of Niagara since 2000. NCF connects donors to causes and communities to resources through permanent endowment funds, providing grants to eligible charitable organizations in culture, health, education, environment, recreation and social service sectors. NCF turns intent into impact.
Interested in helping programs like this shine? Connect with our Philanthropy Team or donate today.