Toronto to offer CampTO programs starting July 13, registration starts June 24
TORONTO, ON., June 10, 2020 — Following the Ontario government’s announcement that summer day camps can operate as part of the province’s Stage 2 of reopening, Toronto’s CampTO initiative will begin summer camp programs across the city starting on July 13.
The City says CampTO will offer more than 32,000 registered camp spaces for children between the ages of 6 and 12, over eight weeks of camps at approximately 150 locations across the city.
With CampTO residents will find traditional day camp experiences, including dance, drama, music, arts and crafts and active games. In addition to camps offered at Parks, Forestry and Recreation locations, CampTO will also be offered at six Toronto History Museum sites and one City art centre.
“The City of Toronto’s annual summer camps have long been a safe and enjoyable annual event for kids and staff alike,” said Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York), Chair Toronto Board of Health. Summer camps provide positive social interactions, childhood development, and youth employment. These programs are especially important for vulnerable kids. Learning to live with COVID-19 will be challenging, but with significantly enhanced health measures under CampTO, Toronto summer camps can go on”.
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, CampTO programs will meet health guidelines designed in consultation with Toronto Public Health and in alignment with provincial health guidelines for day camps. Guidelines include lower ratios and capacity, physical distancing, mandatory health screening and enhanced facility cleaning.
Programs will be available for viewing on Saturday, June 13 at toronto.ca/camps.
Registration for CampTO will take place beginning at 7 a.m. on:
- Wednesday, June 24 for Etobicoke/York and Scarborough districts
- Thursday, June 25 for Toronto/East York, West Toronto/York and North York districts
The quickest and easiest way to register is online at efun.toronto.ca. Phone registration will also be available at 416-396-7378. As Civic Centres and community recreation facilities remain closed, in-person registration will not be available.
Residents can call 416-396-7378 Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for help preparing for registration. Extended hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. will be offered on June 22 and 23.
Information on free programs and subsidies for recreation programs is available at toronto.ca/lowcostrecreation.
Summer camps provide children and youth with important opportunities for social interaction, and parents and caregivers with necessary childcare. The City’s CampTO program can provide needed respite for children and parents, during the COVID-19 pandemic. City summer camps also provide employment opportunities for many young people across Toronto.
Approximately 68,000 summer camp registrations were cancelled in mid-May due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
