Although winter days have yet to depart, many parents are already scrambling to plan for summer. As a family of two working parents and three school-aged kids (two of whom “luged” down the stairs on couch cushions yesterday), our summer days have to be carefully calculated. So, come early March, I’m researching summer camps with the intensity of an investigative journalist. To help parents jump start their own sleuthing, I’ve compiled some Look Local favourites that cover a spectrum of kids’ interests and skills.
For Kids into the Arts
KooGle Theatre
1450 Headon Road, Second Floor, Burlington | Koogletheatre.com
Kids can be a “star” at KooGle’s musical theatre camp where they learn scenes, songs and choreography from popular musicals, including 42nd Street (ages 10 to 18), Annie (ages 7 to 11), Disney (ages 6 to 8), and Mary Poppins (ages 7 to 11). Programming is crafted and run by professional theatre artists – and husband and wife duo – Leslie and Christopher Gray.
The CBY Academy of Performing Arts
21 Mill Street North, Waterdown | Cbyacademy.com
Held at an award-winning performing arts academy in Waterdown, CBY offers an inclusive camp experience with different themes throughout the summer. From Broadway Minis to Road Legends, there’s no shortage of fun for children ages 4 to 12. Kids will love writing music and dressing up in costume as they act, sing and dance.
Canadian Dance Company
2544 Bristol Circle, Oakville | Canadiandancecompany.com
Whether your child is a tutu-loving toddler or a tween who can shimmy sham across a tap floor – there’s a place for them here. With weekly themes supporting recreational and competitive dancing, campers are encouraged to discover their star potential. Each camp explores different dance styles and music while inspiring creative thinking, socialization and fun.
For Kids Who Love the Outdoors
Ways of the Woods by Conservation Halton
Multiple locations | Conservationhalton.ca
Ways of the Woods summer camp offers a one-of-a-kind summer experience for kids. Hosted by Conservation Halton, the camp takes place at its locations across Halton, including Kelso, Mountsberg and Crawford Lake, and offers unique and diverse programming, such as Mountain Bike Camp, Waterfront Camp, Farm Camp, Construction Camp, Athletic Camp, Girls Camp and Adventure Camp.
Camp Kandalore
1143 Kandalore Road, Algonquin Highlands |. Kandalore.com
For adventures and new outdoor experiences – and maybe a first time away from home? For more than 75 years, Camp Kandalore has created magical summer experiences steeped in tradition, but always fresh for kids ages 6 to 16. With more than 30 in-camp activities, campers take part in daily swim and canoe lessons as well as other fun activities of choice, from waterskiing to high ropes to archery.
Bronte Harbour Yacht Club
2514 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville | Bhyc.on.ca
Ease out the sails and spend a summer on the water with Bronte Harbour Yacht Club. Its Learn-to-Sail program is for kids ages 7 to 17, and features Sail Canada certified instructors in a safe, fun and active learning environment. Sailors can achieve Sail Canada levels as they spend two to four hours on the water, and have the rest of the day open for activities, such as paddleboarding, exploring the creek, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, soccer and more.
For Kids Who Love Science
Oak Learning
483 Dundas Street West, Oakville. |. Oaklearningcenter.com
Oak Learning has summer fun down to a science with their hands-on STEM and Robotic camps for kids ages 6 to 13. During each week-long camp, campers learn to build and program a fully functioning robot alongside smaller science projects. The balanced day includes daily team activities, science projects, outdoor recreation, a nutritious hot lunch and snacks.
Code Ninjas
3410 Mainway, Burlington |. 2333 Taunton Road, Oakville. |. Codeninjas.com
Technology-loving kids, ages 5 to 14, get hands-on experience in learning how to code as they create video games, and more. They also gain important skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and acquire STEM know-how in a supportive, fun environment.
For All Interests
Town of Oakville
Various locations throughout Oakville | camps.oakville.ca
The Town of Oakville offers fun and affordable summer camp options for children aged four to 12. Their HIGH FIVE® trained staff, high safety standards, and engaging summer programming set them apart. Explore a variety of safe and diverse summer camp programs to suit any interest, including arts, adventure, athletics, and more.
A “Super Playgrounds” half-day camp membership allows campers to enjoy supervised activities without the commitment of a week-long camp. Offered weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at select park locations. One fee lets you play all summer.
Oakville Museum
8 Navy Street, Oakville | oakville.ca/museum
Looking for a curated summer camp experience for curious minds? Oakville Museum camps blend learning and hands-on fun with arts and crafts activities, outdoor games and nature exploration in a picturesque lakeside setting. Cultivate creativity in the garden, unravel museum mysteries, enter the enchanting world of fairy tales, and more. Full-week day camps available for ages 6-9. Half-day mini programs available for little ones aged 4-5.
Appleby College
540 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville | Appleby.on.ca
Kids can choose from more than 50 indoor and outdoor programs and over 220 weekly sessions that cross a variety of interests and activities. All camps have a low camper-to-instructor ratio, and include nutritious lunches and swim time. The Early Discovery program for ages 4 to 7 offers full and half-day camps and weekly themes. Campers ages 7 to 14 can choose from programs in sports and adventure, arts and media, and science and success. Leadership camps are available for participants ages 12 to 17.
