Types of Kingston summer camps and programs
With day and overnight camps, as well as virtual and in-person programs, available, Kingston youth have many fun and exciting experiences awaiting them.
Kids and teens enrolled at Kingston summer camps benefit long-term from the experience. They acquire transferable skills like problem-solving, responsibility, personal organization, and communication skills. Kingston, Ontario’s diverse youth mix and participate in these camps. Active, creative, and innovative kids all have something to look forward to, as there are many sports, arts, or technology camps that satisfy their needs and challenge their pre-existing skills.
With Queen’s University in the heart of Kingston, along with two colleges and many museums, educational Kingston summer camps are indeed popular. Young kids and prospective high school students have the opportunity to take part in educational activities like engineering, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and more.
Alongside this traditional educational ethos, technology education is available at immersive technology summer camps. At these camps, students participate in STEM challenges, or focus on topics such as robotics and space. Kids and teens can also play and learn through games like Minecraft or Roblox at these camps.
Traditional camps are also incredibly popular with the city’s youth. Kids participate in various activities ranging from sports (basketball, baseball, etc.) to arts (arts and crafts, music, and theatre) to adventure (rock climbing, wilderness trekking, etc.).
Whether your child is more active, creative, technological, adventurous, or all four, traditional camps satisfy their needs and push them out of their comfort zone. Day camps assist kids and teens in finding their passion. Your child is exposed to many new experiences. They explore new subjects, socialize with new friends, and experience personal and emotional growth.
Overnight Kingston summer camps are another ideal camp experience. Here, your child resides with fellow campers for a week (or more) while participating in fun, adventurous activities. Often, an overnight camp follows a traditional camp curriculum that challenges children’s existing skills and grows new ones. Kids and teens embark on a journey of self-discovery as they work and play away from home. Without parental guidance, kids connect deeply with themselves as they discover more about their strengths and weaknesses, their likes and dislikes, and their personal goals. They meet like-minded campers and both the memories and the friendships can last a lifetime. It’s a powerful influence on their development as people, students, and leaders.
Finding the best Kingston camp for you
Our Kids Media’s Summer Camp Expo, held annually in February, is the perfect resource for prospective summer camp families. Held more than three months in advance of the summer camp season, this expo helps families take the time to consider all their Kingston camps options. Camp directors from across Ontario and Quebec gather at this expo to deliver all the information parents and kids may need to make their decision. You’ll discover camps you’ve never heard of.
Begin your search early to ensure enrollment and admission for your child. It also gives you time to apply for scholarships and other aid, or to do all other preparation you may need.
If you research from home, selecting the best summer camp for your son or daughter can be easy. Comparing Kingston camps is easier when you narrow down your priorities first:
- Create a list of all summer camp elements that appeal to you most. This includes the camp's location, price, activities, and more. Try to be as flexible as possible with these, while more fixed with others (i.e accommodations, special needs support).
- Involve your child in the decision making process as much as possible. They may have different ideas and goals than you. Compromise when you can.
- Contact camp leaders directly or attend open houses and other camp events to get a deeper understanding of the camp’s values and how it’s run. Never be afraid to ask questions.
- Always have back-up camps in mind. More popular camps may fill up fast. Plan early!
Using these tips makes the selection process much easier! For further camp advice, check out our list of camp information articles.
Frequently asked questions about Kingston summer camps
What types of Kingston summer camps are available?
Kingston summer camps include day camps, overnight camps, educational camps, technology camps, sports camps, arts camps, and traditional multi-activity programs for kids and teens.
What ages are Kingston camps for?
Kingston camps are available for a wide range of ages, from young children to teens, although age ranges vary by camp and program.
When should families start looking at camps in Kingston?
It’s best to start researching camps in Kingston as early as possible so you have more time to compare programs, ask questions, and secure a spot in popular camps.
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