Camp Chippewa General at Christie Lake Conservation Area

Ages 6-13*

Located in the majestic surroundings of Christie Lake Conservation Area, Camp Chippewa includes spacious playing fields, a beautiful, wooded area for supervised explorations, and a safe waterfront setting. Campers will spend their days outdoors and experience a combination of traditional day camp activities such as arts and crafts, waterfront swimming, archery, canoeing, and wilderness and environmental science pursuits.

Staff to camper ratio is 1:10.

Paddle Skills Camp

Ages 8-13*

For new and experienced paddlers! Instructors have developed fun activities that emphasize safety and the fundamentals of canoeing. Backpaddling, draw stroke, J stroke - your camper will learn it all! Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activities, like swimming, arts and crafts and archery. Children must wear a life jacket while in the canoe. Campers will receive a skill assessment at the end of the week.

Staff to camper ratio is 1:10.
* Campers will be grouped according to age. 

Eco Explorers Camp

Ages 8 - 13*

Located at Camp Chippewa, campers will learn about the environment and the world around them through fun activities and wilderness games. Activities focus on nature education, science, leave-no-trace principles, and a variety of different wilderness survival techniques. Themed activities will include: air, water, animal tracks, eco-systems and more. Campers will also enjoy a full camp program, including swimming, archery, arts & crafts and canoeing.

Staff to camper ratio is 1:10.
* Campers will be grouped according to age. 

KidVenture Camp

Ages 6 - 12

Celebrate Discovery with KidVenture! Dive into a world of curiosity and creativity where science experiments, games, and weekly guest speakers bring learning to life. Campers will tackle exciting challenges, collaborate on innovative projects, and explore new ideas through hands-on activities. Packed with fun and discovery, KidVenture is the perfect place for young explorers to ignite their passion for science and teamwork. 

Offered at these locations

• Queen Victoria School (166 Forest Ave, Hamilton) 

• Tansley Woods Community Centre (1996 Itabashi Way, Burlington) 

• Laurier Brantford YMCA (100 Water St, Brantford)

Art Spark Camp

Ages 6-12

Unleash your creativity this summer with Art Spark! Our camp offers an exciting mix of artistic activities, including painting, sculpting, making friendship bracelets, and much more. Campers will collaborate on a unique art project each week, culminating in a special Art Gallery presentation every Friday to showcase their creations. Whether you’re a budding artist or just looking for a fun way to express yourself, Art Spark is the perfect place to explore your imagination and make lasting memories!

Offered at these locations

• Queen Victoria School (166 Forest Ave, Hamilton)

• Tansley Woods Community Centre (1996 Itabashi Way, Burlington)

• Laurier Brantford YMCA (100 Water St, Brantford)

Active Kids Camp

Ages 6-12

Get ready to move, groove, and play at Active Kids! This dynamic camp combines a variety of sports and movement activities to keep campers energized and engaged. With a focus on building fundamental movement skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship, Active Kids is the perfect place for young campers to stay active, make friends, and have a blast!

Sample activities include soccer, basketball, yoga, cardio circuits, dodgeball and other gym games.

Offered at these locations

• Queen Victoria School (166 Forest Ave, Hamilton)

• Tansley Woods Community Centre (1996 Itabashi Way, Burlington)

• Laurier Brantford YMCA (100 Water St, Brantford)

Helping Hands - 1:1 Inclusion Program

Ages 6-15

Leader in Training Level 1

Ages 14-15 (in the calendar year)

Prerequisite: Turning age 14 in the calendar year.

The Leader In Training program (Level 1) is an engaging program designed for participants to acquire camp-related skills (canoeing, archery and large group leadership) while learning to work as part of a team. Participants will learn about the YMCA and its core values. Participants will participate in group management, activity planning and team-building activities. Participants will complete volunteer hours supporting a camper group during the second week of the program.

Leaders in Training Level 1 includes:

• planning and delivering a new group game

• observing campers in various age groups

• debriefing about observation experiences through journaling and reflection

• goal setting

• discovering personality styles

• communication styles

• diversity and inclusion

• program planning and facilitation

• youth gambling prevention

Staff to camper ratio is 1:15.

Leader in Training Level 2

Ages 14-15

Prerequisite: Leader in Training Level 1 and campers must (at minimum) turn age 14 in the calendar year.

The Leader In Training program (Level 2) enhances the learnings of Level 1. While canoeing, swimming and playing games, participants will also learn the following skills through fun, creative sessions and hands-on experience. Participants will build on their skills and complete a placement within a specialized camper group in the second week of the program to develop their group management and leadership skills.

• team building communication, trust and support

• conflict resolution

• behaviour management techniques and inclusive practices

• placement within specialized camper groups and program areas

• journaling and reflection

• facilitation of skill-building activities

LIT Campers will be guided through these sessions by our trained staff. A certificate outlining the LIT campers' achievements will be awarded to each participant.

Staff to camper ratio is 1:15.