Check out our Day Camp Field Guide for an overview of each program we offer. If you are still unsure, please email ymcadaycamps@ymcahbb.ca for more information.  

Yes. Please waitlist your child for our Helping Hands program when registering. 

Spaces are not confirmed until a member of the Helping Hands team has contacted you directly. If the program is full, families will be notified by April 6th, and we will continue to reach out if spaces become available later.

Please note, this program is in high demand so please register early to avoid disappointment. If you have any questions, please email helpinghands@ymcahbb.ca.

Yes. Camp runs from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Licensed Extended Care runs between 7:00 AM-9:00 AM and 4:00 PM-6:00 PM at an additional cost. Please see the Day Camp Field Guide for more details and locations. 

Yes, we provide bussing free-of-charge for all outdoor camps at Christie Lake Conservation Area from a variety of community bus routes in Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford. Please see the Day Camp Field Guide for more details and locations.

Email the Day Camp Office at ymcadaycamps@ymcahbb.ca or call 905-317-4929 with your child’s name, camp program, and reason for absence. 

Please call the Day Camp office at 905-317-4929 to ensure we are able to alert camp staff.

Only individuals 16+ listed as an Authorized Pick-Up during the registration process will be permitted to sign campers out. Authorized pick-ups including parents/caregivers will be required to show valid, government-issued photo ID daily.

If you need to update your Authorized Pickups at any time during the summer, please email ymcadaycamps@ymcahbb.ca with the updated list of names and phone numbers

A Late Fee will of $20 will be applied to your account for every 30 minutes late (or part thereof). If you encounter an emergency situation and are unable to pick up your child as planned, please let us know by calling the Day Camp Office at 905-317-4929.

For the safety of everyone involved, visitors are not permitted inside the program.

Yes. Please add the child’s name and age to the Grouping Requests section of the Camper Information Form when registering. Groupings are not guaranteed; however, we will do our best to accommodate. *Note: Children must be similar in age.
At Camp Chippewa, campers must be in the same section to be placed in a group together.

Camp will run rain or shine! In the event of rain, pavilion shelters are available and planned activities will be modified.

Christie Lake Conservation Area runs off a well system, so we do not have access to additional water-based activities. Instead, frequent water breaks, opportunities to rest, low impact activities, and more opportunities for shaded areas will be provided. As Camp Chippewa is close to the lake and forested areas, the temperature is typically a degree or two cooler than normal.

The YMCA will send out a weekly newsletter to all families the Thursday before indicating what to expect for the coming week of camp. Should we need to reach you in case of an emergency, we will contact the phone number listed on your camp account. If we are not able to reach you, we will email you and do our best to connect with one of the listed Emergency Contacts for your child.

No. Please pack a lunch for your child. Children will not have access to a microwave or refrigerator. Please do not send items that need to be heated up. Sharing of food will not be permitted. All items must be nut-free.

• A litter less and nutritious lunch and snacks that will fuel them for an active day
• A reusable water bottle
• A hat
• A light jacket
• A bathing suit and towel or change of clothes for swimming
• Running shoes and appropriate clothing for physical activity and the weather
• Sunscreen/bug spray* (recommended for outdoor programming at Christie Lake)

Please refer to the Cancellations, Camp Changes and Refund section on our Registration and Forms page. 
 

There are two avenues of financial assistance for families whose financial circumstances are limiting their ability to register for Day Camp programs.

• If you are looking to register your child for 1-2 weeks of camp, book an online Financial Assistance appointment.
• If you are looking to register your child for more than two weeks of camp, please reach out to your local region to inquire about receiving subsidy:
  • City of Hamilton: Subsidy Inquiries or 905-546-4870
  • City of Brantford Child Care Services: Subsidy Inquiries or 519-759-3330, Ext 6334
  • Regional Municipality of Halton: Subsidy Inquiries or 905-825-6000

Read the Subsidy Registration Instructions

Please email the Day Camp Office at ymcadaycamps@ymcahbb.ca.

We recommend connecting with the Day Camp Manager to discuss your child’s current break in service. This conversation will help us determine whether a summer camp experience would be a good fit at this time.