Camps

COVID-19 Update:

Unfortunately, in-person summer camps were not included in this year’s budget due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19. We understand and appreciate that families and children will be looking for more ways to stay active as things begin to reopen. That’s why planning is well underway to once again offer a variety of virtual camps for children of all ages to participate in. These include our virtual kids camp, adventure camp and Counsellor in Training program. Our Fun in a Box program will also continue. Residents can register for these programs and activities online at whitby.ca/getactive starting Monday June 14 at 9:00 a.m. We look forward to warmly welcoming our campers back in-person next year.

At the Town of Whitby, we offer children's camps throughout the year at Town facilities and in the community. These include camp programs around swimming, skating, technology, sports, parks and outdoor activities, reading, animals, arts and crafts, leadership, education, music, cooking and more.

Registration and programs

Registration for Summer Virtual Camps and Counsellor in Training programs opens June 14, 2021 at 9:00a.m.

You will need to complete the Mandatory Camper Information Form, which you will need to bring with your child on their first day of camp. You can contact us for a copy of the camper information form.

Inclusion services

All programs and services are integrated to include campers with disabilities, but our camps also offer inclusion services for extra care if required.

Counsellor-in-Training program

Our Counsellor-in-Training (CIT) program helps you train and develop skills associated with leadership, team building, safety and communication on your way to becoming a certified camp counsellor with the Town. You will also become certified in first aid and CPR. This is a great opportunity if you're looking to complete community service hours for your secondary school diploma.

After completing the program, you will have the opportunity to participate in Town camps and other volunteer opportunities to gain experience.

Become a certified camp volunteer

If you have already completed the CIT program and would like to volunteer for up to two weeks, please visit our volunteer online registration for listed opportunities.

Specialty camps

We partner with various community organizations to offer specialty camps. These include:

Kids Great Minds Technology Camps
Skateboard and Scooter Camp (with Evolve Skate)
Junior Firefighter Program
Youth Council Leadership in Training

Camper wellness and preparation

Review our camp program guidelines and safety measures before you send your child to camp.

Accidents and incidents

All camp leaders are trained in first aid and CPR. If your child is injured, camp leaders will use first aid as required. In an emergency, camp leaders will call 911 and accompany your child to the hospital. We will contact you and ask you to meet staff at the hospital.

Allergens

We advise all program participants suffering from known allergies or medical conditions, documented or otherwise, to register at their own risk. We inform all attendees to avoid bringing peanut or nut products to camp, but we cannot guarantee all patrons within camp facilities will follow this advisory as well.

The Town of Whitby and its employees, servants, agents, officials and contractors make no representations and accept no liability regarding the presence or absence of allergens at facilities where camps take place.

Arrival, departure and extended care

You must sign your child in and out each day. If someone other than a parent is picking up your child, you must provide written notice identifying who has permission to do so, and give the notice to the camp leader. You can sign a consent form allowing your child to be released on their own at the end of the day if they are 10-years-old or older.

You are expected to pick up your child on time each day. You can also sign up for extended care before the beginning of the camp week.

Extended care

Extended care is available at all full-day camps from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a flat rate fee that covers the entire week.

Clothing and personal items

Children should be suitably dressed for the weather, as our camps are held indoors and outdoors.

Children in the Kinder Camp program are expected to be toilet trained as staff cannot change children who have toilet accidents. We will call you to change your child and take them home.

Please label your child's items. We ask that your child leave any valuable items at home as we cannot assume responsibility for lost items.

Field trips

If a field trip is planned for your child's camp, you will be required to sign a consent form. Please bring all necessary items that are listed by the camp.

Food

You will be expected to provide your child with a packed lunch and snacks. We cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, but we ask that you do not send peanut butter or nut products because of possible severe allergies.

Medication and illness

You must sign a consent form for camp staff to hold prescription medication as directed by the label. Please provide it daily and pick it up at the end of the day. Please provide the exact dose required. Your child will be required to administer the medicine by themselves.

If your child becomes ill during the day or can't participate in activities, we will contact you to pick them up immediately.

Photographs

You will be asked to sign a consent form for the camp to use photos that may involve your child during camp activities. If you would like to take a photo of your child at camp, please only include your child in the shot.

Sun safety

Please provide sunscreen for your child and avoid products containing nut ingredients. We will remind all campers throughout the day to re-apply sunscreen as needed. We suggest that each child wear a hat. You must give permission on the pre-camp form if you would like camp staff to re-apply sunscreen on your child.

Kinder Camp children should arrive with sunscreen already applied.