Camps and pre-school

On this page

  1. Day camps
  2. Descriptions, times and fees for day camps
  3. Youth leadership development
  4. Getting ready for camp
  5. Pre-school drop in

Day camps

Here is what you and your child(ren) can expect at the City of Waterloo day camp in 2023:

  • making efforts to pair camper friends together at the request of parents
  • passive screening will take place every morning (asking if your camper is feeling well and symptom free)
  • if your camper is feeling unwell, please keep them home
  • masking is optional for campers and staff
  • to minimize the risk to campers and staff, parents will not be allowed beyond the screening table

Practices and protocols are subject to change based on the direction of the provincial and federal governments, and the Region of Waterloo Public Health Unit.

Descriptions, times and fees for day camps offered during school breaks.

Summer camp (ages 4 to 13, camp specific)

Consent forms are mandatory for camp attendance and must be filled out a week before camp begins.

Register March 8

Youth leadership development (ages 13 to 16, camp counsellor in training)

Consent forms are mandatory for camp attendance and must be filled out a week before camp begins.

Register March 8

View our youth drop in program at the Albert McCormick Community Centre

Getting ready for camp

Lunches - returning in summer 2023
If your camp is at RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex or WMRC, you can purchase lunch from our food services department any day of the week your child is in a camp or fun centre. Select the day(s) during the registration process or online up to the Friday before camp. Fees are $10.00 per day. Menu includes a main and two snacks. 

Camp leader certification
All camp leaders are certified in first aid and CPR, HIGH FIVE principles of healthy childhood development and all leaders have completed a vulnerable sector police reference check. 

Readiness for camp
Make sure your child is ready for camp by confidently answering “yes” to the below questions:
  • child is able to take instructions from a staff person and participate in programmed activity
  • child is successful doing daily activities (such as using bathroom) without a known guardian around and not have regular accidents
  • child feels comfortable interacting in a group environment, to the best of their ability
  • the child can participate in a way that is safe for themselves and others

Children at camp who are not ready can be withdrawn at the discretion of supervisory staff.

Assistance programs
If you're interested in camp but have concerns about fees or your child's abilities, visit our fee assistance and inclusion services page to learn more about how we can help.

Pre-school drop-in (ages 0 to 5)

Learn, Create, Play is a free active play program that encompasses mind, body, creativity and play. Children will move, learn and explore with exciting, new activities each week.

The Tots at Play program features a large indoor floor space and lots of toys and tools to keep kids busy. Drop-in format, no registration required.

  • This program is currently suspended