Day Camp The YMCA Way

We are Committed to Quality

YMCA Day Camps are committed to maintaining the highest standard of quality to ensure a fun, safe and memorable camp experience for all. The YMCA of Niagara has aligned itself with like-minded organizations and partners to provide programs that meet and exceed quality indicators.

Ontario Camps Association

Since 1937, the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) has played an important leadership role in promoting and encouraging camping in Ontario. OCA Standards have offered camps in Ontario a benchmark for sound camp operation and administration and set the standard for quality. The YMCA of Niagara Day Camps are accredited by the Ontario Camps Association. For more information, please visit www.ontariocamps.ca

High Five

HIGH FIVE® is Canada's only comprehensive quality standard for children's sport and recreation programs and service delivery. It represents a true commitment to children and is based on research involving child development experts, recreation and sport professionals, families and leaders. HIGH FIVE® is built on the belief that all children deserve to have recreation and sport experiences that support healthy child development. YMCA of Niagara Day Camps are currently a registered member of HIGH FIVE®. For more information visit www.highfive.org

Annual YMCA Parent Satisfaction Survey

The annual YMCA Day Camp Parent Satisfaction Survey is sent out to our families through YMCA Ontario. Results from this survey are very valuable because they allow us to maintain high standards and to make changes to our programs based on parental feedback.

We Build Strong Kids

The YMCA way of building strong kids is based on our 77 years of day camp experience and extensive research. Studies conducted by the Search Institute of Minneapolis identified 40 experiences and qualities (assets) that, when brought into the lives of children and youth, help them to grow up healthy and responsible. In camp we strive to provide campers with the opportunity to develop assets.

We Hire Role Models

Members of the YMCA Day Camp Staff Team are carefully selected based on their maturity, experience and ability to role model YMCA values. All YMCA staff hold a current First Aid and CPR certificate, current criminal reference check and are trained in YMCA Healthy Child Development, High 5 Quality of Play as well as program planning and behaviour management techniques.

We offer Choice

With over 30 different camps operating out of fifteen sites across Niagara, we are confident we have the program that is right for you and your child. From traditional style camps to specialty offerings, the YMCA routinely partners with agencies across Niagara to deliver programs you simply won.t find anywhere else.

We Build Relationships

At the YMCA we understand that children and youth need positive peer and adult relationships in their lives. This summer we will create a camp environment that encourages campers to develop lasting relationships with their peers. At the same time we want to develop a relationship with our camp parents so please ask us any questions and share your feedback.

We Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

It is our goal to provide a healthy, safe and secure environment for all participants. As a fully integrated Day Camp, the YMCA values diversity and the differences that form the camp community. Day Camp staff use a positive, values based approach to guide appropriate behaviours and seek to reward and reinforce positive behaviour. Campers are expected to follow YMCA behaviour guidelines and to interact appropriately with their fellow campers.

We Encourage Family Involvement

Camp parents are invited to become part of the camp experience by participating in our Family Involvement Events.

Camp parents are invited to become a part of the camp experience by participating in our Family Involvement Events. Pre Camp Family Involvement Event - Healthy Kids Day (June 4, 2011)

Your family is invited to join us at your local YMCA of Niagara branch to participate in Healthy Kids Day activities! Come out and meet members of our camp staff team and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon participating in camp oriented activities.

Camp Family Involvement Events

Parents are invited to join us at camp each Friday to experience camp activities as a family. To find out about the family involvement event happening at your camper.s specific camp, please speak to the Head Counsellor.

We Promote Learning

YMCA camps provide opportunities for our campers to learn and grow. Through a combination of direct instruction and discovery learning techniques, campers will learn more than just how to paddle a canoe. They will develop greater self reliance and self confidence that they will carry with them their whole lives.