Camps and pre-school

Our camps run throughout the summer months, winter break and March Break. Find information about PA Day activities, camps, youth leadership and pre-school programs.

On this page

  1. PA Day activities
  2. Winter break camp
  3. March Break camp
  4. Summer camp
  5. Youth leadership development
  6. Getting ready for camp
  7. Pre-school drop-in

Sign up for PA Day activities

Fall 2024 PA Days for Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and Waterloo Region Catholic School Board (WRCSB) include:

  • September 3, October 11, November 1, and January 17 for elementary schools
  • September 3, October 11 and November 1 for secondary schools

View schedules and register for PA Day activities by clicking on the links below:

Winter break camp (ages 4 to 10) - FULL

Our annual winter break camp takes place at RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex:

  • camp runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 30, January 2 and January 3
  • register for each day separately

You must fill out the consent form by December 15:

Join the waitlist

March Break camp (ages 4 to 10)

Check back in November for details.

Summer camp (ages 4 to 13)

Our summer camps take place at three locations: Albert McCormick Community Centre (AMCC), Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex (WMRC) and RIM Park

  • July 2 to August 30 
  • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday
  • lunches available when registering or by order form (excluding camps at AMCC)

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

Register for camp

Youth leadership development (ages 13 to 16)

Join our camp counsellor in training program:

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

Register for youth leadership

Getting ready for camp

Staying healthy at camp

When a camper is not feeling well, please keep them at home.

  1. Masking is optional for campers and staff.
  2. To minimize the risk to campers and staff, parents will not be allowed beyond the sign-in 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.

Lunches — summer 2024
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 $11.00 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

If you answered 'no' to any of these questions, consider completing an inclusion membership application for program support.

Children at camp who are not ready can be withdrawn at the discretion of supervisory staff.

Fee assistance and inclusion support

Interested in camp but worried about fees or your child's abilities? Visit our fee assistance and inclusion services page to learn more about how we can help.

Region of Waterloo camp subsidy program

The Region of Waterloo offers a camp subsidy program to provide financial aid for children to attend camp at a reduced cost. Eligible City of Waterloo camps include:

  • Summer Fun Centres (ages 4 to 6)
  • Variety Day Camp (ages 7 to 12)
  • Summer Adventure Camp (ages 7 to 12)
  • school break camps

To apply, review eligibility criteria and submit an application online or by calling 519-575-4400. Once you've applied, Region of Waterloo staff will schedule an appointment to check if you qualify.

Don't forget to contact your caseworker when registering for camp, as we may need proof of your subsidy request.

For more information about the childcare subsidy program, visit the region's website.

Pre-school drop-in (ages 0 to 6)

Learn, Create, Play

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.

Littles at Play

Littles at Play is designed for children to have fun through collaborative play with their adults and peers. Caregivers are asked to remain with the children at all times.

Registration opens 72 hours in advance of each Friday session.

Register for Littles at Play