Choosing The Right Camp For You

Taking the time to choose the right camp can go a long way to ensure a positive experience for your child.

At the YMCA we are proud to offer a very wide variety of summer camps, because we know that families value choice and selection.

In order to assist you in finding the right camp for your child, we have implemented a system that classifies our camps in different ways: by program type, indoor vs. outdoor programs, and by the amount or type of swimming available.

Program Types

Traditional - Campers in traditional camps will have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of activities. Some of these activities may include arts and crafts, sports, canoeing, archery, orienteering, hiking, adventure based activities, large group games, sing-songs, and drama. These camps also feature weekly themes and special events.

Sport - Sport camp programs are recreational in nature, and emphasize sportsmanship and team play. These camps are designed for campers who have an interest in a particular sport, and would like to improve their basic skills. Programs range from variety style camps, which allow campers to sample many different kinds of sports, to camps that focus on one sport exclusively.

Specialty - Specialty camps are for those who have an interest in a specific activity, and would like to improve their skills in this area. Campers spend up to half of the day actively engaged in their specialty and the other portion of each day enjoying traditional camp activities.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Programs

Outdoor Programs - All camp activities take place outdoors, rain or shine. While each site has access to picnic shelters or pavilions, campers need to be dressed accordingly. This includes hats for sunny days, and jackets for rainy days. Camp programs are active; grass stains, dirt and sometimes mud can be expected on clothes.

Indoor programs - Camp activities are based in an indoor location, but children will be outside for a portion of the day, weather permitting. Some indoor sites including YMCA branches are air conditioned; others such as arenas and schools are not.

Water Activities

Water Games - Campers will experience water games and activities as part of the camp program.

Splash Pad - Campers will have access to supervised splash pad play throughout the week.

Swimming - Campers over the age of 8 will have access to a YMCA or Municipal Pool no less than three times per week (weather permitting). Swim time is recreational in nature.

Campers under the age of 8 years old attending camps that swim at a YMCA, Niagara Falls or Port Colborne Municipal pool will participate in water games or splash pad.

Campers under the age of 8 years old who swim in St. Catharines Municipal pools will participate in organized swim classes up to three times per week.

Aquatic Admission Criteria

The YMCA of Niagara is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience. The following age restriction admission criteria for children under 10 years of age are based on Public Health requirements.

Children 7 to 10 years of age If able to successfully demonstrate comfort in the water and complete the facility swim test (2 widths uninterrupted), children may swim independently. If not able to successfully complete the facility swim test, children must be accompanied by an adult / guardian (4:1 ratio) in the water in the shallow end of the pool.

Click here for Camps at a Glance