Canadian summer camps are considered amongst the finest in the world. There is sure to be a camp near you that is perfect for your child!
Parents should involve their children in the process as they are selecting a camp. Of course, it is a good idea to seek camps that meet the interests and needs of your child.
It is important to select an accredited camp. While all camps must meet the legislated standards within their province, an accredited camp meets additional requirements relating to site, facility, administration, leadership, health, food service and program determined by the provincial association.
Steps in Selecting a Suitable Camp
1. Begin by talking to your child about the programs he is interested in, where he would like to go, how long he would like to stay and if he is willing to go alone or if he prefers to go with a friend.
2. Talk to friends, family and neighbours whose children have attended camp before or who attended camp themselves when they were younger.
3. Contact your provincial camping association and visit their website (we’ve included links to the provincial camping association websites below).
4. Attend local camp information sessions or fairs advertised on the provincial association website or in local media.
5. Make a shortlist of possible camps and visit their websites.
6. Compile your questions and call the camp director.
7. Sometimes, the camp director may offer to visit your family home and share a presentation about the camp.
8. Ask if it is possible to tour the camp facility before making a final decision.
Resources
Your provincial camping association website has tools that should allow you to browse both accredited day and overnight camps. The links to the provincial camping associations below will help get your search started:
British Columbia Camping Association
Saskatchewan Camping Association
Association des camps certifiés du Québec
New Brunswick Camping Association
Camping Association of Nova Scotia
Newfoundland/Labrador Camping Association
(709) 686-2363
There are several third-party directories that can help you in your search, including: