Spotlight: Guelph Y Summer Day Camps

When you think back to summers spent as a child, what do you remember? Do you remember exploring with your neighbourhood friends? Do you remember spending long hours travelling in a car while being on a family vacation? For over 2,000 children in our community they will grow up to remember building their first camp fire, making their first friend, and feeling the rush of running off a dock into the cool water on a hot summer day at the Y.

As Canada’s largest camp provider, the Guelph Y offers a safe and inclusive camp experience for children ages 6 to 12. When you choose Guelph Y summer day camps, we provide the option between a traditional camp setting in the comfort of the Guelph Y or a one-of- a-kind ‘unplugged’ camp experience at Guelph Lake. At The Y camp gives campers the opportunity to enjoy active games, songs, crafts, sports, swimming, and field trips. Camp Conestogo gives campers the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and try fun activities such as low ropes, canoeing, nature hikes, and campfire cooking. Whether you choose the traditional At The Y camp, or the one-of- a-kind ‘unplugged’ setting at Camp Conestogo, all campers get the chance to learn new skills, try fun activities, and build lasting friendships in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

What makes Guelph Y summer day camps different?

Assistance

The Guelph Y works diligently to ensure that no one in our community is left behind. We understand that as a parent it can be a challenge to budget for camp and that is why we offer financial assistance. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and financial assistance ensures that all children are able to experience a safe space where kids can just be kids. In addition to offering financial assistance, we also offer additional support for any campers who may have any special needs who need any extra assistance to be successful at camp. While we do not provide direct one-on- one support workers for campers, we have developed a partnership with the community organization Supporting Kids in Camp (SKIC) that offers an easy SKIC registration form for a one-on- one support worker that can be filled out during registration for camp.

Safety

Safety is the top priority while planning and executing all Guelph Y camp activities throughout the summer. All of our camp staff from counsellors to team leads and coordinators are trained in Standard First Aid & CPR-C and the High Five-Principles of Healthy Child Development. Prior to the start of camp, all staff members undergo intensive YMCA Camp specific training to ensure a safe camp environment for all participants. During camp, our staff members help all campers reach their full potential through meaningful connections and through play right from day one.

Access

To ensure that we provide a convenient and close to home experience through our summer day camps, the Guelph Y offers various bus pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the city of Guelph. These pick-up and drop-off locations allow you to stick to a seamless routine throughout the week and our staff takes care of the rest! All Guelph Y summer day camps offer extended care before camp from 7:00 - 8:30 A.M., and after camps from 5:00 - 6:00 P.M. at the Guelph Y main building and at Trinity United Church.

The Guelph Y also provides summer child care for children enrolled in Junior Kindergarten or Senior Kindergarten and are offered at Jean Little Y Child Care Centre, Kensington Y Child Care Centre, or Harris Mill Public School. From story time, to crafts, singing, and playing make-believe, your child will enjoy a fun-filled day with our registered early childhood educators.

Give your child an experience that will last a lifetime this summer and register today.

Registration for summer day camp and summer care is available both online and in person at the Guelph Y. Families who require financial assistance must register in person at the Member Services desk. If you are have questions about your eligibility for financial assistance, please contact the Guelph Y at 519-824- 5150.

Register today:
Online - Click here to read more and register online
In Person – 130 Woodland Glen Drive