The Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps in Simcoe County 2018
School’s out for the summer! Ok, so spring has just sprung and there’s still a little while to go before school is actually out, but now is the time to start thinking about what you will do with the kids once school is over for the year. Summer camps are a great option for keeping children occupied, active and expanding their knowledge even when they aren’t in school…but they often fill up fast!
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some great summer camp options around the region. But take our advice… you will not want to wait until the last minute!
Overnight
Camp Couchiching
For over 70 years, Camp Couchiching has provided thousands of girls and boys excellent camping opportunities. The camp is located on 20 acres of fields and forest on the eastern shore of Lake Couchiching, and brag of one of the warmest lakes in Ontario!
They aren’t just a “summer camp,” but a place where lifelong friendships are formed, and where learning about life and leadership skills are an integral part of a fun and kind, spirited experience. Most campers returned each year for fun, education, and leadership skills, and many continue on to join the staff to pass along the lessons learned to each new group of campers.
For dates and rates, click here: https://www.campcouchiching.com/program-rates/summer-overnight-campers/
Sparrow Lake United Church Camp
Sparrow Lake United Church Camp is a caring, inclusive Christian community providing a quality outdoor camping experience for children, youth and families in a natural environment. Celebrating over 106 years of camping excellence, Sparrow is an overnight camp for children aged 6-16, focused on providing children with an experience of a lifetime! Offering everything from a Pee Wee Program and Pee Wee Samplers for campers aged 6-8 for shorter overnight camp experiences, to one and two-week long camp stays, to Leadership or Counsellor in Training programs, this camp has it all.
For rates, dates and registration, click here: https://sparrowlakecamp.com/rates-and-dates/.
Muskoka Woods
Nestled on the gorgeous and prestigious Lake Rosseau, the Muskoka Woods Bible Camp offers an exceptional camp getaway for all. This Christian youth development organization offers day visits and group retreats for all ages as well as leadership development and summer camp programs for children and youth seven to 17 years of age. Additional outlets are provided through their CityCamp programs that bring the camp lifestyle to cities throughout Ontario. Offering something for everyone, campers can customize their schedules to include the activities most suited to their interests, including more than 50 water sports, athletics, arts activities and more. www.muskokawoods.com
Camp Mini-Yo-We
Established in 1946, Camp Mini-Yo-We has built a tradition of faith and fellowship at their Christian based summer camp. Their framework is constructed on developing tomorrow’s leaders through life-changing adventures in God’s creation. Nestled on 270 acres in the beautiful cottage country of Muskoka, campers are immersed in majestic forest trails, a natural rock wall, a private island and kilometres of waterfront. Delivering programs for all eight weeks of the summer, children and youth ages five to 17 can participate in a weekly getaway of activities or leadership training. Programs include swimming, biking, canoeing, kayaking, sports, archery, campfires, bible teaching and more!
www.miniyowe.com
Camp Horseshoe
Throughout the months of July and August, young campers and youth aged eight to 16 can enjoy day programs or overnight full camp experiences. This camp is for the true sports enthusiast with activities including biking, zip lining, tree-top trekking, rock climbing, a ski ramp jump, swimming, canoeing and so much more. Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm with extended care available or for a full week overnight adventure.
https://horseshoeresort.com/activities/summer-activities/camp-horseshoe/
Camp Wahanowin
Nestled on the shores of Lake Couchiching in Orillia, as well as neighbouring Lake St. John, this beautiful 150-acre camp offers a classic outdoors experience and tons of fun. Founded by the Nashman family, Camp Wahanowin has delivered a memorable camp adventure for children and youth aged 6 to 15 for over 60 years with rustic full service cabins for an overnight home away from home. Learning and development activities include land and water sports, arts and crafts, hiking and exploration, skiing, fishing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, flyboarding and so much more. Rates range from $2,600 for a 12-day package to $9,100 for a full summer experience.
www.wahanowin.com
National Music Camp
Hosted at Camp Wahanowin since 1965, the National Music Camp offers an overnight camp experience with musical arts curriculum for all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Campers will participate in many of the same traditional camp activities along with musical theory and instrumental discovery. Camp Wahanowin’s facilities offer 10 large rehearsal halls for teaching, 25 ensemble practice spaces and a new state-of-the-art theatre and concert hall for performances. Two camp dates are offered for both junior and senior division programs in August at an enrollment fee of $974 for either program plus possible instrument rental fee.
www.nationalmusiccamp.com
YLCC
Over 108 acres of Muskoka woodland on the shores of Lake Simcoe in Orillia is home to Youth Leadership Camps Canada (YLCC). Delivering a challenge to Dream-Dare-Do, they offer fun, friendship and memories to last a lifetime. Programs are specified for children and youth from kindergarten to grade 12 and are offered in both day programs and overnight camps. Their leadership curriculum aims at pushing campers to learn about themselves and how they can be successful leaders. YLCC helps campers discover their true potential.
http://ylcc.com
OELC
The Ontario Educational Leadership Centre (OELC) in Orillia offers an overnight camp designed to engage and educate youth to maximize their leadership potential. Campers from grades 6 to 12 will participate in a variety of daily workshops and activities designed to encourage them to contribute positively to their schools, communities and beyond. Established in 1948 by the Department of Education and now run by a not for profit organization, activities range from athletics, to arts and crafts, team building and more. Programs are specified to the child’s area of interest in the arts, athletics, global issues or student governance. Programs range from $255 to $620 plus a uniform purchase. A 2 week grade 12 credit course is also available for $2,486.
www.oelccaso.com
YMCA Kitchikewana
The YMCA offers many recreational programs and services for all ages including the overnight camp Kitchikewana. Located on Beausoleil Island, part of the Georgian Bay Islands National Park, campers will enjoy kilometres of hiking trails, woodland and 3 private beaches. Owned and operated by the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka for over 95 years, Camp Kitchikewana’s mission is to inspire each member the opportunity to be active, learn and grow. Campers will build self-confidence while having fun and creating friendships. Activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, archery and so much more. Choose from the following programs:
Waterbug Club – 1 Week – Ages 6 to 9 – $934
Traditional Camp – 2 Weeks – Ages 7 to 14 – $1,632
Sailing Camp – 2 Weeks – Ages 12 to 14 – $1,706
Leadership 1 Camp – 4 Weeks – Age 15 – $2,740
Leadership 2 Camp – 4 Weeks – Age 16 – $2,740
https://ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/ymca-camp-kitchikewana
YMCA Geneva Park’s Leadership Camp
Sponsored by the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, the Geneva Park Leadership Experience and Adventure Progression (GP LEAP) camp has offered adventure based day programs and overnight camps for over 100 years. They host school, youth, post-secondary, club, team and conference groups to develop team building, leadership and communication skills. On the shores of Lake Couchiching just outside of Orillia, over 150 acres sets the scene for exploration and traditional camp fun. Sign up for one of the following programs:
Expedition Camp – 1 Week – Ages 14+ – Focused around a recreational canoe expedition – $950
Recreation Camp – 1 Week – Ages 14 to 15 – The traditional outdoor and adventure camp – $750
Education Camp – 2 Weeks – Ages 15 to 16 – Building hard skills in adventuring – $1450
Development Camp – 3 Weeks – Ages 16 to 17 – Evolving soft skills in behaving as a leader – $1950
Volunteer Program – 1 Week – Ages 17+ – Implementing hard and soft skills as a volunteer leader – No Fee
https://ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/team-building-leadership
Day Camp
The S.T.E.A.M Project
Kempenfelt Bay School is host to The S.T.E.A.M Project. S.T.E.A.M is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. As youth design and create, they will learn about and develop skills in these areas as they relate to the problems they are trying to solve. If your kids are excited about inventing, building, space exploration and robotics and engineering, then this is the camp for you! Register online for one or all of these three exciting units:
July 3-6 – Inventioneering
Be an inventor! Unleash your creativity as you learn how to use tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics and more to invent, design and engineer solutions to make a better world!
July 9-13 – SpaceX
3-2-1…BLAST OFF to outer space! Build rockets, control rovers, design habitats, and more while learning about space exploration and the possibility of living on other planets!
July 16-20 – Spark
This week is electric! Experiment with circuits, program robots, build solar powered vehicles and complete projects powered by your imagination.
Where: Kempenfelt Bay School
When: July 3-6, 9-13, & 16-20
Cost: $375-460 per week.
Multi-week and/or multi-child discounts will be applied upon registration.
Register here: https://www.thesteamproject.ca/rates-dates
The Yoga Project
Join The Yoga Project (TYP) for an unforgettable week of Summer Camp! TYP’s Creative Arts Camp is a lively and dynamic exploration of classical yoga infused with games, music, nature and adventure, art activities, mala-making, journaling and, everyone’s favourite part…RELAXATION!
Where: Kempenfelt Bay School
When: June 18-22
Camp Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Open to Ages: 5-12+ boys & girls
Cost: $250+HST/camper (Drop-in days available for $50+HST/day)
Inquire about registrations by emailing info@yogaproject.ca.
The Director’s Cut
Call all budding directors! Get your LEGO® on at the Directorʼs Cut LEGO® stop motion animation workshop! Filmmaking crews will work together with a real filmmaker to create a stop motion animation film that is sure to rival the works of Hollywoodʼs most talented directors. Small crews will storyboard, script, build, design, capture, and adds ound effects, titles, voices, and music, culminating in your child’s own amazing creation. Participants will also learn how to make their films by creating a website, social media posts, and movie posters! For more info, please visit www.thedirectorscut.ca.
Where: Kempenfelt Bay School
When: June 25-29
Camp Hours: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $327.00 (including HST)
Contact: Mrs. Wallace (705) 739-4731
Kaleidoscoppe Indoor Playground
Live Active! Be creative! That’s the moto that Kaleidoscope Indoor Playground builds a foundation on for their drop-in, group party and summer camp programs. This play centre is like no other providing a classic fun-filled playground as well as numerous STEM toys that encourage children to use their imagination and develop motor skills. Summer camp programs also include yoga, science experiments, games, and outings. Enjoy nature walks, arts and crafts at Creative Café, sports at Taekwando and more. Programs are offered for children aged five to 12 years and run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm weekdays July 9 to August 31. The cost is $275 per week with a 5% discount for siblings. Extended care is also available for an additional fee.
www.kaleidoscoppe.com
Harvest High Five
Harvest Bible Chapel in Barrie delivers a high-impact day program for campers in JK to grade six. Every day begins with a high-energy worship series to get campers pumped up for a day of fun. Each camper chooses two electives that will fill their morning and afternoon with loads of excitement and learning. Activities include outdoor survival, woodworking, mad scientist experiments, daughter of the King princess parties, cooking, music, crafts and more! Programs run from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily the week of July 9 to 13.
www.harvestbarrie.ca/highfive
Simcoe County Museum
The Simcoe County Museum offers camp programs on various PA Days throughout the school year as well as all summer long to keep children engaged and learning. Youth are immersed in a series of weekly themes that incorporate a little bit of history into traditional arts and crafts, sports and experimental activities. Programs are offered for children aged six to 12.
https://museum.simcoe.ca/family/camps
Elephant Thoughts
Elephant Thoughts offers various camp programs throughout the year on PA Days, march Break and throughout the summer months. With a base curriculum around science and biology, three camps are offered for various age groups throughout July and August, all offered on a weekly basis with the option of participating daily as well.
Barrie: In partnership with Smart Moves Play Place, Elephant Thoughts brings science learning to a fun an interactive indoor environment for ages four to 10. Children will enjoy play time fun along with science activities and experiments.
Collingwood: Teaming up with The Environment Network and the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, children aged six to 10 will enjoy experiments and activities, exploring animals and nature, swimming and a visit to the Humane Society.
Kimbercote: This outdoor education centre owned and operated by Elephant Thoughts is located in Beaver Valley. Children aged four to 10 will enjoy bus trips for daily fun participating in experiments, outdoor and indoor activities and exploring nature around the centre.
www.elephantthoughts.com/steam-education/local-science-camps/
Georgian College
This traditional day camp program offers plenty of options to suit all personality types. Themed programs allow children aged five to 12 to explore the creative arts, theatre, their CSI sleuth skills, robotics, science, LEGO building, leadership and more. Outdoor activity breaks throughout the day keep children active. Programs run Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with 8:00 am to 5:00 pm extended care available for an additional fee. The cost is $260 per week with a discount of up to $50 for students, staff and alumni.
Georgian Summer Camps
Barrie Soccer Camp
Hosted by the Barrie Soccer Club, campers aged six to 14 can participate in a week-long soccer camp that builds on their agility, sportsmanship and athletic skills. Optional elements include yoga, dance, speed and agility exercises. With three weeks to choose from, programs are offered for either half or full day participation and run from 9am to 4pm with pre and post camp 8:00 am to 5:00 pm supervision available. www.barriefc.ca/summer-camp
Bulldog Fitness
Focusing on keeping kids creative, active and engaged, Bulldog Fitness offers a Bulldog Kids weekly summer camp. Themes include carnival, Star Wars, superheroes, once upon a time and more. Programs are available for children aged 4 to 9 with prices ranging from $180 to $225 per week. www.barriebulldog.com/camps
MacLaren Art Centre
Budding artists aged three to 14 can express their talents at weekly day camps offered by the MacLaren Art Centre. In partnership with the YMCA of Barrie, some programs even combine art with outdoor physical activity. Artists will practice various mediums including painting, drawing, print making, sculpture creation and more.
MacLaren Art Camps
Willow Creek Day Camp
Offered for children from JK to grade five, Willow Creek Baptist Church in Midhurst offers a traditional day-camp with a focus on biblical teaching. Campers will participate in a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, arts and crafts, sports and recreation, games, interactive fun with animals, learning, history lessons and more. Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm with the option for 8am to 5pm extended care.
http://willowcreekdaycamp.com
Emmanuel Barrie
Hosted by Emmanuel Baptist Church in Barrie, three different camps keep kids entertained and active offering a mix of interests for all campers. Camp runs from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday at a cost of $137 to $155 per week.
Adventure Camp: Campers from JK to grade five will enjoy activities centred around music, skits, short day trips and daily themes.
Sports Camp: Grades four to five campers will love participating in on-site sports games as well as field trips to rock climbing, canoeing and more.
Extreme Camp: For the advanced camper in grades six to eight, adventure awaits with activities including tubing at the Elora Gorge, caving, tree-top trekking and more. www.emmanuelbarrie.org/daycamp
Camp Tiffin
With over 300 acres of natural wilderness to explore, the Tiffin Centre for Conservation offers weekly programs where children aged five to 12 participate in hands-on activities to discover species and spaces within Simcoe County. Activities include hiking, bird watching, canoeing, building shelters, wilderness sports and more. Camp price is just $190 per week with extended care offered for an additional $10 per day or $40 per week. For youth aged 13 to 15, the Junior Leadership Camp offers similar outdoor adventure with a focus on instructing and mentor ship. The cost is $195 per junior leader for a two week program.
www.nvca.on.ca/events-education/camp-tiffin
Wasaga Beach Adventure Park Summer Day Camp
Ages 10-15
$349.00
July 9th – 13th, 2018
Low Impact Ages 8 -13
$349.00
August 6-10, 2018
https://www.wasagaadventurepark.com/day-camp
Summer Camps Through the City/Township
Township of Oro-Medonte Summer Camps
Town of Penetanguishene Summer Camps
Township of Ramara Summer Camps
Township of Severn Summer Camps
Township of Springwater Summer Camps