Here's what makes Pickering College Summer Camps stand out
We are excited to announce another fun-filled summer. Our nature-centered day camp is open for campers going entering K-Gr. 5. Campers in Gr. 5-8 are offered Arts, Leadership/LIT, Music, STEM, Create & Design and our new Harvest Hub at our Blue & Silver Farm. For campers entering Gr. 9-12, Pickering College offers overnight camp options for Global Leadership and ESL.
We are known for being an outdoor education based camp. For day camps, each week with have an theme where all the arts, STEM, sport and challenge activities will tie into the theme. There will also be an outdoor education portion each week. Middle School students will have a number of new and exciting Leadership, Arts, STEM, Create & Design and Music options.
New: Harvest Hub @ The Blue & Silver Farm. Campers entering Grades 4–8 will be bused from our main campus to the farm daily for an action-packed day of farm-to-table food cultivation and preparation, farm craft, outdoor education activities and wilderness skills. Organic snacks and lunch are included as part of the experience. This program includes an overnight experience at the farm
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Pickering College Summer Camps currently has 0 program available; 22 TBD.
Wilderness Skills|Nature/Environment|Nutrition|Strength and Conditioning|Baseball/Softball|Basketball|Dodgeball|Soccer|Hiking|Rock Climbing|Sports-Instructional and Training|Track and Field|Yoga|Zip Line
All registration for our camps is done online through the CampBrain system. Weeks that are available will be shown online. New families will need to set up an account to register. All documents, payments, etc will be done online through this system. For any questions, please email [email protected]
The Our Kids review of Pickering College Summer Camps
Pickering College was founded as the West Lake Seminary by Quakers in 1842 and, as you might expect, has had a long and interesting history since. It began—remarkably for the time—as a co-ed school, and as such provided an expression of the Quaker ideal that both sexes should be educated equally. In that, and so many other ways, Pickering has truly charted its own course, though always with an eye to the international community. The campus is frankly gorgeous, with the full range of amenities, including extensive athletic facilities. It’s also ideally located to be able to offer a true camp experience—campfires and s’mores—as well as trips to some of Canada’s foremost cultural and historic landmarks. (The campus itself has some nice landmarks of its own, including paintings by Franics Johnston, a member of the Group of Seven, who also taught here. Rogers House, the main building on campus, was designed by John Lyle, who was also the architect for Toronto’s Union Station.) The ESL programs build off the expertise of the faculty. They are run all year, though the summer programs are dedicated to language learning while offering a fun, vibrant, collegial experience. Campers gain a sense of the school, as well as a sense of the country—for some, the summer programs serve as a means of experiencing the school with an eye to enrolling in the boarding program. Certainly, it can be a great entrée, allowing for an easier acclimation come September. For others, it's a unique opportunity to gain langauge skills from qualified, experienced instructors.
My daughter absolutely loved all the learning activities related to the different weekly themes. The crafts and experiments were tailored and appropriate to her age.
Parent, Parent
Summer Camp
My son really enjoyed the Dining Hall experience every day. He enjoyed spending time in nature and working on a variety of crafting projects.
Parent, Parent
Summer Camp
The farm trip was a definite top highlight, as he loves horses and could spend every day there! Playing dodgeball was another super fun experience.
Parent, Parent
Summer Camp
My daughter loved all of the camp staff and immediately felt comfortable there.
Anon, Parent
Enrichment Circles Review
It [Language Arts, Mathematics and STEAM circles] is so good to compliment the education of children who need more challenge than day school provides.
Hong Yen Nguyen, Parent
Thank you - ESL Program 2018
I am very pleased to receive your weekly update email. I am very happy when my son tells us of the many excellent daily activities which he has experienced during the course of the ESL program. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of you for the wonderful memories that you have given to my son. Thank yo so much and wishing you all the best! ...Show More
Megan, Parent
Enrichment Thank You
My daughter is really enjoying the enrichment programs. Please extend our thanks also to the instructors. It has been so good to have this during this time and we have especially appreciated all the interactive and extension we have been given. It has really supported and engaged our daughter’s learning.
...Show More
Tuvshin and Bolotuul, Parent
Thank you - ESL Program 2018
Thank you all for your service to my son. He enjoyed himself and talks a lot about his experiences at Pickering College. We wish all the best to the staff of Pickering College.
Anita , Parent
Thank you - ESL Program 2018
Thank you for much for the weekly photo updates. I love them! I think Jonathan is experiencing a wonderful summer camp!
Maria - Mexico, Camper
Testimony - 2017
What I liked about the ESL classes was that it was not just about taking notes and sitting down. It involved a lot of debating and discussing and through this we could improve our English skills. The counselors are very friendly and always takes care of us. The camp is really well organized and fun! ...Show More
Ariana - France, Camper
Testimony - 2017
During my time at Pickering College, I really enjoyed speaking my friends about our different cultures and countries. I was able to make a comparison with my country and gain more awareness of the world. I would say that Pickering College compounds is like being in an American movie and I loved my time here ...Show More
Hinako - Japan, Camper
Testimony - 2017
What I enjoyed about the ESL classes was that the teachers gave us fun projects such as preparing to host a radio show and presenting an environmental problem as I like to discuss and find solutions with my friends. I also liked Pickering College's facilities of having the track, the arena and three large yards. ...Show More
Miriam - Germany, Camper
Testimony - 2017
What I enjoyed most about the camp was the diversity I experienced. I had never before met people from so many other countries. I really enjoyed learning about other cultures and getting to know the other students' countries. ...Show More
Abdulaziz - Saudi Arabia, Camper
Testimony - 2016
During my time at Pickering College, I had a great experience. We did all sort of activities, the classes were really educational and fun, I never got bored, there was always something to do. The camp gave me a good idea on how beautiful Canada is ...Show More
Ana - Brazil, Camper
Testimony - 2016
I enjoyed my time at Pickering College because I could have fun and improve my English at the same time, with interesting classes, awesome trips and making friends. It was an unique experience in a life time and I am sure I will never forget the time I had at Pickering College ...Show More
Italy - Francesca, Camper
Testimony - 2016
My experience was pretty great, we had a lot of activities and trips that were so fun and interesting, I know a lot of things about Canada now and that’s amazing. I will recommend this camp to my friends because it worth’s every single moment, here the people are super nice. I won’t forget this experience because it helps me growing as a student but also as a being woman, which is really important for me ...Show More
Yurina - Japan, Camper
Testimony - 2015
I really enjoyed this summer camp because I made many friends from different countries. I liked the teachers because when I had a question about something, they taught me. If you come to this camp, you can do many new things. There is a radio station at Pickering College and we did shows on the air. In class I learned many things. This is my experience of this camp. This camp was so much fun ...Show More
Time Pongwit Phutragulpant - Thailand, Camper
Testimony - 2015
I enjoyed Pickering College very much and I have improved my English in 4 weeks. I learned more than English. I would like people in other countries to know that if English is not your first language, I would like you to come to learn at Pickering College. It was very good for me ...Show More
Transcript of our interview with Julia, Sr. Director of Strategic Innovation
What is unique about Pickering College Summer Camps?
Our summer day camp is really unique because we both build on the traditional summer camp experience with a primarily outdoor education-based camp, and we combine it with projects and exciting technology innovations with a different theme every week of the summer.
What type of child is successful at Pickering College Summer Camps?
I really think our camp has something for everyone. We know that kids love big outdoor games and we have a big outdoor game every day. We know that kids love crafts and we have a lot of different opportunities for both traditional arts and crafts with more building and steam machine-based building activities. We have sports and general activities throughout the day.
We are also super fortunate that we have a farm that's been bequeathed to the school that’s a short five-minute drive away. And every week we have a big cookout and campout day at the farm with some exciting team-building, whole-camp game or challenge followed by an opportunity for kids to cook their own lunches and do some more really exciting outdoor education activities. So I really think our camp has something for everyone and provides an opportunity for every child to be successful.
Is your schedule structured or is it more open?
There is a structure because kids really do respond well to having certain times of day for various activities. But within that schedule, there is a lot of choice. For example, our campers arrive in the morning and we have a welcome circle with their group. But we have activity blocks of things involving building and crafts, things that are more physical activities and things that are more whole-camp games.
We also have a clear snack and refreshment time in the morning and in the afternoon. And one thing that's really exciting for campers and for parents is that we do have a hot lunch provided to our campers in the middle of the day.
Within our activity blocks, there are lots of choices for kids so that they get to do something that they're really interested in. And one of the main choice aspects is the theme of the week. So each week has its own theme, and we think that this is a really great way for kids to get engaged with something that they're really interested in.
For example, one of our theme weeks is interacting with our ecosystem. We have crafts and do some building, and we do all these big games and activities around the theme of interacting with the ecosystem. We have another theme week called “Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water,” and that week really focuses on the elements and again, everything the kids do is focused around it.
Another interesting theme is in week four: treasure hunting, archaeology, and orienteering. And that really takes the kids into these ideas, and it allows a lot of imaginative exploration and also a lot of challenges around these hunts and treasure and orienteering.
We have another theme called “Traditions in Our Land” that looks at the first people around the world and how they've interacted with the land in different countries. What have they built to interact with their land? What sort of arts have they created and what sort of games have they played?
How do your staff deal with behavioural issues?
The primary way to manage behaviour is to keep kids engaged. We plan a super engaging program. We know that kids have different interests and kids come in all different characters, and so we really try to offer lots of stuff to keep our kids engaged. And that's the number one way of stopping behaviour problems when they’re linked to boredom: creating experiences that they're really engaged in.
We are not anticipating any boredom at our camp this summer. If we did have any sort of behaviour challenge, then the first thing we do is communicate with the parents. We really try to partner with parents in our day program for the school year and similarly, in the camp we reach out to the parents [if there’s an issue]. Having a conversation is our first step. We haven't had any major situations that haven't been easily managed between parents and staff.
What do campers value the most about their experience at Pickering College Summer Camps?
There are so many studies saying how much value kids get from spending time outdoors, and we have this beautiful campus with lots of outdoor spaces and also the farm property that we will use. And so the thing that the kids are going to get the most out of our camp is that really authentic interaction with the outdoors. They're going to get lots of fresh air, they're going to get lots of vitamin D, they're going to have chances to run around with their friends and enjoy this large outdoor space.
What message would you give to a new child attending Pickering College Summer Camps?
Often, you don't get that opportunity during the school year to get that full outdoor experience. We really think our camp is going to be the perfect experience for kids who join us for the first time this year to have an outdoor fun summer program. We are super excited to have you with us. We planned a really exciting program for you and from the moment you turn up, you're going to be made to feel very welcome.
00:52 - What type of child is successful in this program?
01:50 - Is the schedule structured or is it more open?
04:07 - How do your staff deal with behavioural issues?
04:59 - What do participants value the most about an experience in the program?
05:43 - What message would you give to a new participant of the program?
Director's Message
Erica is a Pickering College Alum and is returning for her second year as the Hilltop Summer Discovery Camp Director. She spent her summers at camp before joining LIT programs and more.
Campers ages 4 – 11 will love our traditional outdoor summer camp, featuring nature challenges, games, sports, crafts, leadership activities and weekly themes.
Pickering College has a long history of offering exceptional experiential education to students and we look forward to welcoming your child to our summer programs on our main campus and our outdoor education campus, the Blue & Silver Farm.
Campers entering Grades 4 – 8 have several options for specialty summer programs this summer. In addition to the popular Arts Academy and STEM Challenge, we are excited to announce Harvest Hub @ Blue & Silver Farm, Leadership Skills, Leader-In-Training, Create & Design, and Music.
A fresh and delicious hot lunch is provided daily for campers in our beautiful dining hall and campers are cared for by a full-time nurse. We have 35 acres of outdoor space as well as air-conditioned gymnasiums, a makerspace, and radio station for camper use.
Staff and Counsellors
Our staff consist of teachers, university students (some with an education based focus), and senior school students and high school students. All staff go through training before camp begins. All of our staff enjoy the outdoors and have a passion for working with children. The ratio of staff to campers is 1:8.
More details about property: Located in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, Pickering College offers the benefits and safety of small town living and is within easy access from Pearson international Airport, and all that the City of Toronto has to offer.
• Rogers House – Meeting Hall, Classrooms, Music room, Library, Book & Clothing store
• Dining Hall
• Student Lounge
• Separate Girls & Boys Residences
• Health Centre
• Computer lab
• Indoor Athletic Cacility
• Indoor Ice Arena
• Outdoor ¼ mile track
• 3 grassy sports fields (soccer pitches)
• Blue and Silver Stables - Outdoor Education Centre
• Radio Station
• Close to indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, ski hills, horse and mountain bike trails
Accommodations
Sleeping Accommodations
Dorm or Building
Amenities
Electricity in Sleeping Area
Shower in Sleeping Area
Toilet in Sleeping Area
Washrooms Facilities
Composting Toilets
Flush Toilets
Showers (indoor)
More details about accommodations: There are two dormitories on our campus - New House (boys) and Firth House (girls). Pickering College is boarding school during September-May and in the summer is is used for boarding facilities for our overnight camps.
Are meals provided?
Yes.
Is Pickering College Summer Camps technology free?
Day camps - campers are not permitted to use technology unless it is part of the program
Overnight camps - technology will be limited to outside of the main programming
Rentals & Services
Available for private rentals: Yes
We offer rentals during the winter months of our arena
I am very pleased to receive your weekly update email. I am very happy when my son tells us of the many excellent daily activities which he has experienced during the course of the ESL program. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of you for the wonderful memories that you have given to my son. Thank yo so much and wishing you all the best!
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all teachers, counsellors and the camp directors. Both Bosco and Antony are definitely having a great time in Pickering College. They have both already expressed that they would like to return/study next September. Thank you for your invitation to the graduation ceremony, it is a pity that I will not be in Toronto then. However, I will be contacting you soon about their performance and questions about their application. Thanks very much.
My two years at Pickering College ESL Camp have been absolutely amazing! The staff here are wonderful and they truly care about the students. My favorite thing about the programme is that students do not only get the opportunity to improve their skills in English but also get the chance to explore Canada. Students create relationships with people from all around the world, that they cherish for years to come!
My experience with the Pickering College English as a Second Language Program has been nothing but astounding. Working as an English as a Second Language teacher this past summer provided me with the opportunity to work with students from around the world at a close and personal level. With no more than sixteen students in each class, the English as a Second Language teachers feel that they are able to work one-on-one with students to improve all aspects of their English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. I can say that I am proud of every one of my summer students.
The program is inquiry based with an emphasis on collaboration and group learning. With a focus this summer on the European Cup and the summer Olympics, we were able to involve sports from around the world to engage our students with real life practices in the classroom. I have seen students grow in both their social and academic abilities and have never met a more amazing group of inspirational, international students.
I am writing a few words to thank for the wonderful time that my daughter had at Pickering College this summer 2017; it was a great experience for her, she was so happy, she learned, shared, cried, ate and specially she made many new friends from all over the world. As parents we made the best decision in sending her to Pickering College! I want to thank everyone at Pickering College who made this camp the best experience for my daughter ever.
Pickering College is one of a few private boarding school in Canada that offers excellent ESL + Activities programs during summer. It also provides very welcoming and at-home atmosphere from the first day students arrive at campus until the very end when students walk through the security gates at Toronto Airport. Every summer program staff at Pickering College is well trained, experienced, and most importantly, wanting to make the summer program memorable for students in every possible way. Therefore, all of our students are always well taken care and have lots of fun. There are great ranges of activities, the fun part of summer program, such as camping and outdoor activities in nature, city sightseeing of Toronto, watching professional games, and many more. In addition, students come from many different countries to the program every summer. The administration works its utmost to have as many nationalities and mixes as possible. This creates an atmosphere where students are encouraged to interact with students from different cultures and backgrounds in English. We would say this summer program is the perfect program for those who want to improve English and experience what it is like to go to a boarding school in Canada.
I think the ESL camp was the best thing I ever did in my summer holidays. It also was a great thing to meet other people from other countries. I met guys from Mexico, Colombia , Hong Kong… and they taught me about their culture, it was very funny. I had a very great time in my summer at Pickering College and I really want to come back ! Best wishes.
I want to take the opportunity to thank you for all the happy moments that my kids had during the summer camp, they came back fascinated and wanted to stay for longer. Our main goal was to give them the opportunity to broaden their view of the world and always to have the desire to do and be better. And thanks to Pickering College camp, I can say “Mission was accomplished”
Last summer I spent a fabulous time in Canada. It's a great experience where you have fun and at the same time you can learn English and about other cultures. The staff was so nice! We have classes in the morning, and in the afternoons I cooked, I made a short film, I played sports, I went to swimming pools, with slides and more fun things! In the evenings we watched films and spent time with our friends eating marshmallows and having barbecues. I’d recommend this experience to everyone who wants to meet people from all around the world.
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