Best Summer Camps in the GTA
From arts and sports to the great outdoors, here is a guide to the best summer camps in and around Toronto
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) boasts a vibrant and diverse array of summer camps, catering to a wide range of interests and ages. From art and sports to music and filmmaking, there’s something for every child looking to explore, learn, and have fun during the summer months.
With top-notch facilities, experienced instructors, and exciting programming, these camps provide the perfect opportunity for children to make new friends, develop skills, and create lasting memories.
Whether it’s diving into the world of art at the AGO, unleashing creativity at the Canadian Contemporary School of Art, or exploring the magic of filmmaking at TIFF, the GTA offers an abundance of excellent summer camp experiences awaiting eager campers.
So let’s get started, there is no time to lose. Here is our comprehensive guide to some of the best summer camps in and around Toronto.
Camp Kodiak
https://www.campkodiak.com/
Camp Kodiak is specifically designed to cater to children and teens with a wide range of learning disabilities which include, ADHD, and high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Kodiak offers a diverse range of programs and activities tailored to meet the needs and interests of campers. These are traditional camp experiences such as swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, sports, and outdoor adventures, as well as specialized programs focusing on social skills development, academics, and executive functioning skills. The camp is staffed by experienced professionals such as educators, therapists, and counselors who have expertise in working with children and teens with special needs.
Camp Northland
https://www.campnbb.com/
Northland offers a memorable summer camp experience for children and teenagers. The camp offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, arts and crafts, drama, music, sports, archery, nature exploration, and more. Camp Northland values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming campers from different backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. Cabin life encourages teamwork, cooperation, and the development of social skills as campers work together to create a positive and supportive living environment. Set in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands, Camp Northland offers a picturesque natural setting for outdoor exploration and adventure.
Kettleby Valley Camp
https://kettlebyvalley.com/
Kettleby Valley Camp offers many different types of activities- swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, ropes courses, zip-lining, climbing, arts and crafts, nature exploration and sports.
Camp Robin Hood
www.camprobinhood.ca
Robin Hood provides a phenomenal summer camp experience for children aged 4 to 16. The camp has various programs which cater to different interests and age groups that include: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, arts and crafts, sports, archery, ropes courses, zip-lining, drama, music and nature exploration.
Camp Timberlane
www.camptimberlane.ca
Camp Timberlane offers an exceptional summer camp experience for boys aged 7 to 16. At Timberland campers will find themselves swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, arts and crafts, sports, archery, ropes courses, climbing, and nature exploration. The camp sits on 400 acres of wooded land in the Haliburton Highlands,
Camp Wahanowin
www.wahanowin.com
Wahanowin is a well respected residential summer camp located on the shores of Lake Couchiching in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. Children between 6 to 16 relish the opportunity to attend. Camp Wahanowin offers a myriad of activities which include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, arts and crafts, sports, archery, ropes courses, climbing, nature exploration, drama, and music. Campers stay in cabins or lodges with their peers and counselors, fostering a sense of community, friendship, and belonging.
Green Acres Day Camp
www.campgreenacres.com
Green Acres Day Camp is a wonderful day camp experience for children aged 2.5 to 15 years old. It aims to create a safe, supportive, and fun environment where campers can build confidence, make friends, and participate in exciting activities.The camp offers soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, arts and crafts, swimming, water play, drama, music, nature exploration, science experiments, cooking, and more. The facilities are designed to ensure the comfort, safety, and enjoyment of all campers. Green Acres offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate families’ needs.
Debate Camp
www.debatecamp.com
Debate is an engaging environment for students to enhance their critical thinking and public speaking skills. It’s typically a day camp, suitable for children and teenagers aged 10 to 17.
Camp Walden
https://www.campwalden.ca/
A well-rounded camp experience with a focus on activities and character development. It’s typically a sleepover camp suitable for children aged 7 to 16.
SPORTS CAMPS
Cherry Beach Soccer Club
www.cherrybeachsoccer.ca
This full-day camp, open to children aged 6 to 18, is held outdoors at the Cherry Beach Sports Fields in the Port Lands. Options include a camp tailored for more advanced players and a general multi-sport camp featuring activities like baseball and capture the flag.
Elite Basketball
www.elitecamps.com
High-level basketball training for aspiring athletes. It’s typically a day camp suitable for children and teenagers aged 8 to 17.
Evolve
www.evolvecamps.com
Boys and girls aged 6 to 15 can enroll in this skateboard, scooter, and BMX day camp. Skateboard and scooter sessions take place at various skate parks throughout the city, so be sure to check the location closest to you.
Mayfair Fitness Club
www.mayfairclubs.com/kids/kids-sports-camps-toronto
Mayfair Fitness Club offers swimming, tennis, squash, and general sports camps at its locations on the Lakeshore, in North York, and in Markham. Boys and girls aged 4 to 17 are welcome.
TAC Sports
Starting at the end of June, this co-ed all-sports camp lets kids play soccer, tennis, basketball, mixed martial arts, robotics, and dance. Both full and half-day options are available, and the camp includes a healthy meal plan. It caters to children aged 6 to 12.
Toronto Premier Gymnastics
https://torontopremiergymnastics.com/
Located at the Railside Gymnastics Centre in North York, this camp focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and confidence through skill-building games, contests, and themed activities.
Northwaters & Langskib Canoe Tripping Programs
https://northwaters.com/
Known for immersive wilderness experiences fostering personal growth and leadership skills. These are sleepover camps suitable for teenagers aged 11 to 17.
Haliburton Hockey Haven Sports Camp
internationally-recognized boutique youth camp focused on a variety of professionally taught sports and traditional camp experiences. In our unique and dynamic setting we challenge our campers to discover their full potential through sports, education, leadership and team-building. Our programs are designed to cultivate confidence, instill a positive outlook, and provide a skills tool-set to prepare them for their bright futures! We do all of this with one concept top-of-
The World Class Hockey Development Camp
www.worldclasshockey.com
A prestigious program designed to provide aspiring hockey players with top-tier training and development opportunities. Led by experienced coaches and instructors, this camp offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on enhancing players’ skills, tactics, and overall understanding of the game. Participants have access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge training methodologies to help them reach their full potential on the ice. With a strong emphasis on individual skill development, team strategies, and mental conditioning, the camp aims to cultivate well-rounded athletes who are prepared to excel at the highest levels of hockey. Whether aspiring to play professionally or simply looking to improve their game, participants can expect a challenging and rewarding experience at the World Class Hockey Development Camp.
Culture Camps
Art Gallery of Ontario
Embark on an artistic journey through Canada at the AGO’s summer camps, available for all ages. Camps commence in July and extend until late August, offering an immersive experience with admission to the museum included. Early registration is recommended as these camps tend to fill up quickly.
Design Exchange – https://www.kidsprograms.ca/location/dx-design-camp-of-design-exchange-summer-design-camps/
Unleash your inner designer or fashion enthusiast at Canada’s design museum with week-long camps tailored for young creatives. Running from July 4 to August 5 for ages 6 to 14, these camps offer hands-on experiences and exploration.
https://ago.ca/learn/camps/summer-art-camp
Royal Conservatory of Music
Tailored gender-neutral programs await aspiring musicians aged 4 to 17 at the Royal Conservatory’s summer camps. From mid-July to the end of August, campers can choose from a variety of instrument-specific, vocal, or general music courses, including band camp, to hone their skills and unleash their musical potential.
TIFF
Lights, camera, action! Dive into the world of filmmaking at TIFF’s summer camp sessions at the Lightbox. Geared towards kids aged 8 to 17, these camps offer a range of exciting programs, from the Young Filmmakers Intensive to Film Fun 101, Movie Trailer Camp, and Slapstick & Spectacle acting camp. Led by TIFF staff, camps run throughout the summer, providing an unforgettable cinematic experience.
https://www.kidsprograms.ca/location/tiff-bell-lightbox-of-tiff-camps/
Final thoughts
After a summer filled with enriching experiences at the various summer camps across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), children emerge not only with new skills but also with a newfound sense of maturity, independence, and confidence. Through engaging activities, supportive instructors, and opportunities for personal growth, campers have learned valuable lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether it’s mastering an instrument, creating works of art, or honing athletic abilities, the journey through summer camp has empowered children to embrace challenges, forge friendships, and discover their potential.
As they return home with treasured memories and newfound skills, campers carry with them the confidence and independence that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives. Summer camps in the GTA provide an invaluable opportunity for children to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive and inspiring environment.
by Myles Shane
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