Plan ahead for a fun-filled summer!

Registration for Vaughan’s summer camps opens on Feb. 19 at 7 a.m.

Looking to take a mental break from winter? The City of Vaughan is here to help you switch gears as we introduce some brand new summer camps that will keep your kids busy and entertained! 

Head over to vaughan.ca/camps to view this year’s exciting lineup of camps with specialties in creative, culinary and performing arts, enrichment, leadership, recreation, sports, outdoor adventures, water adventures and inclusion.

Registration opens on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 a.m. for Vaughan residents, and Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7 a.m. for non-residents, at vaughan.perfectmind.com.

Camps begin on Monday, June 30 with one- and two-week sessions running until the end of August. Camps are located at Vaughan community centres, heritage homes, parks, the City Playhouse Theatre and Vaughan Studios & Event Space for children ages four to 16 years old.

City camp staff are trained and certified in the HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development, and Standard First Aid and CPR, contributing to a safe and supportive atmosphere that promotes self-confidence, resilience, empathy and adaptability among young campers.

Here are some NEW camp highlights!

• Summer Stars (inclusion) (for ages four to six years old): 

This inclusive summer experience for young campers is packed full of fun indoor and outdoor activities, including circle time, active games, wacky crafts, science experiments, special theme days and water play. 

• Medics Camp Discover: Blood, Bones and Breath! (for ages nine to 12 years old): 

Delivered in partnership with Medics Camp 

As a junior medic, campers will uncover the mysteries of germs, learning how diseases spread and infections take hold. They will learn about the heart, lungs and skeletal system while using real medical equipment to check vitals and apply splints and slings, as well as learn when to call 9-1-1 during a real emergency. 

• Medics Camp Explore: Brain, Belly and Banana Surgery! (for ages nine to 12 years old):

Delivered in partnership with Medics Camp 

As a junior medic, campers will get an up-close look at the incredible nervous system, uncovering how the brain works and the importance of mental health. They will learn about the digestive system, senses, human and animal health, and different forms of communication, such as sign language and braille. Campers can test out their surgical skills on a banana and top off the week with useful first aid skills.

A few of our featured favourites:

• Summer Adventure (for ages seven to 10 years old): 

It’s a summer of action and adventure, featuring arts and crafts, sports, water games, talent and music shows, plus special events.

• Summer Art Studio (for ages eight to 13 years old): 

Sharpen your artistic skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media art and more! Showcase one-of-a-kind pieces in an end-of-session art expo for family and friends, with select pieces featured on Recreation Vaughan’s Instagram page. Special event days and other camp-related activities complement the art instruction.

• Trip Takers: Splash N’ Go (for ages 10 to 14 years old): 

Water lovers embark on daily aquatic excursions to some of the coolest water locales, including trips to lakes and water parks.

• Counsellor in Training (for ages 15 to 16 years old): 

Under a brand-new format, this summer course offers five days of theoretical training followed by a one-week hands-on placement at a City of Vaughan summer camp to prepare for a job as a camp counsellor.

• Camp Oradaca (for ages four to six, seven to 11, and 12 to 14 years old):

Connect with nature close to home in this outdoor recreation adventure day camp, filled with nature-oriented activities led by a designated nature specialist, plus sports, crafts and outdoor water play. Three age cohorts are available for this camp – Camp Oradaca: Orioles for ages seven to 11 years, Camp Oradaca: Hawks for ages 12 to 14 years and Camp Oradaca Hummingbirds for ages four to six years. The Orioles and Hawks get to experience an overnight event where campers go on a night hike, sleep in tents and bond with new friends.

Inclusion camps:

• Nature Pursuits (for ages six to 12 years old): 

Campers will pursue a love of nature through play, games, crafts and scavenger hunts. Explore and experience the wonders of the environment (plants, animals, bugs) with different nature-themed outdoor and indoor activities each day.

• Summer Splashers (for ages eight to 12 years old):

This camp, for children who love spending time in water, provides a supportive environment where swimmers can build confidence and independence, while learning water safety and having fun. Daily aquatic activities include adapted water sports, relay races, cooperative games, and recreational swimming. Beyond the pool, campers will engage in exciting activities such as arts and crafts, games, and outdoor play throughout their day.

• Empowered Chef (for ages eight to 12 years old): 

Each day brings a new ingredient and recipe, alongside practical lessons in kitchen hygiene, food sourcing, grocery planning, healthy meals, safe utensil techniques and efficient organization. Mornings are spent learning by doing (mixing, measuring, simmering, sautéing and, of course, eating) and finding confidence in every new task. Afternoons are for other exciting activities, like swimming, to round out the day with fun and friendship. 

• Kool Summer Dayz (for ages 13 to 21 years old): 

Spend the days cooking, creating arts and crafts, playing co-operative games, enjoying theme days and kool special guests with new friends. Counsellors provide an intensive level of attention, support and encouragement to help participants improve social skills and stay active.

The power of partnerships: spotlight on partner camps:

• Young Yogis (for ages six to 10 years old): 

Learn to shift focus from perfection to progress and explore, move and grow through mindful yoga games, breathing activities, music and crafting that focuses on the process rather than the product. Deepen mind, body, soul connection in the sunshine through group activities and innovative games.

• Game Tech Titans (for ages eight to 14 years old)

Delivered in partnership with Logic Fusion

Elevate fundamental game development skills by recreating the legendary Pong game and employ AI to craft a responsive enemy paddle. From the physics of ball bouncing to intricate level designs, participants will use creativity to make this classic game their own!

• Hollywood Filmmaking (for ages nine to 13 years old): 

Delivered in partnership with Film Camp in a Box

Mentored by master filmmakers, campers will explore the filmmaking process, including pre-production, production and post-production. Working in small crews, budding filmmakers will create, act in and edit a short film and movie trailer, adding special effects, music, voiceovers, titles and sound effects with the latest technology. Movies will be presented at a red carpet popcorn film festival and archived in the City’s digital theatre.

To view all available summer camps with their corresponding dates, times and locations, check out the Summer Camps eBrochure at vaughan.ca/camps and head over to vaughan.perfectmind.com to register!

If you require assistance creating an online PerfectMind registration account, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281, email rec@vaughan.ca or watch this short informational video. View the full listing of programs at vaughan.ca/recreation.

To learn more about Recreation Services and stay informed about new programs and special promotions, sign up for the Recreation Services eNewsletter and follow the official channels on Facebook and Instagram.

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