Camps and pre-school

Recreation facilities and programs are expected to gradually re-open in July. Sports leagues (CARL) are cancelled for the summer season.

Read our media release for full details on opening dates and restrictions.

Visit our COVID-19 webpage to find out how other city services have changed

Summer 2020 camps during COVID-19

The City of Waterloo's number one priority is the safety of our campers and staff, while creating an enjoyable experience for our campers this summer. Because of COVID-19 new camp protocols and practices will be in place.

Here is what you and your child(ren) can expect this summer at the City of Waterloo Day Camp:

  • a current 4:1 camper to camp counselor ratio
  • maintaining groups of 5 who stay together help to minimize risk
  • attempting to place siblings in the same group to limit household exposures
  • making efforts to pair camper friends together at the request of parents
  • there will be no offsite field trips, or onsite special guests
  • camp staff are exploring the idea of live streaming guest speakers
  • screening will take place every morning:
    • key health questions will be asked
    • campers' temperatures will be taken to ensure everyone who is onsite is healthy
  • to minimize the risk to campers and staff, parents will not be allowed beyond the screening table
  • hygiene and cleaning practices will increase:
    • increased frequency and supervision of hand hygiene
    • increased frequency of cleaning high contact surfaces

These are just some of the current practices and protocols we are putting in place. More specific instructions will be coming and these 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. Additional info on camp counsellor training and pre-school programs.

Summer camp (ages 4 to 14, camp specific)

Register now

Summer fun centres (ages 4 to 7)
Fun centres have themed weekly activities designed to get younger children engaged with hands-on crafts and outdoor play. They run out of RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex and AMCC on weekdays from July 6 to September 4 (excluding holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fees range from $67 to $155/child/week with the option of doing full or half days.

Summer day camps (ages 6 to 14)
Day camps have themed weekly activities to engage your child and build on their interests. They run out of RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex, AMCC and WMRC on weekdays from July 6 to September 4 (excluding holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fees range from $200 to $270/child/week.

Camp t-shirts are required for camps that travel off-site. You will be prompted to purchase one during registration. You can reuse the shirt if you have one from previous years.

Camp counsellor in training (ages 13 to 16)
The Youth Leadership Development Program takes place at RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex. Participants then volunteer for two weeks as a city camp counsellor, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fees are $217.39/person.

Parent information package.

 Additional camp info including consent forms
 

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

Summer day camp consent form

Youth leadership development camp consent form

Summer day camp parent packages:

Lunches
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 $8.50 per day. Menu includes two snacks, a main and a drink. 

Camp leader certification
All camp leaders are certified in first aid and CPR, 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 β€œyes” 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 6)

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

  • Monday and Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the indoor sports fields at Bechtel Park
  • $5.90/visit for up to four children (cash or FitPass payment only)
  • This program returns in Fall 2020.

To search our registered seasonal pre-school offerings, visit ActiveWaterloo.