Camps in Thornhill
Thornhill has a variety of camps to offer young and eager campers, including a mix of day and overnight camps, and virtual, in-person, or after-school programs. Your child may also select from a wide range of specialised, multi-activity, or traditional camps depending on what activities most intrigue them.
The most popular type of camp is day camp, a fun and affordable way for kids and teens to mingle and learn new skills. Whether specialised or multi-activity, campers are constantly learning. At the former, kids and teens learn many specific life-long skills that are beneficial in school or professional settings. Traditional multi-activity camps often have a packed itinerary, and kids often switch from one activity to another by the hour. It gives them a chance to try out various activities to find their passions. Thornhill’s day camps also build good character by teaching kids and teens how to be respectful of others and stay true to themselves.
Specialised camps focus on disciplines within sports, the arts, education, or technology. For active kids, sports camps are an ideal choice, as they challenge children’s natural competitive spirit through individual sports (badminton, cycling, tennis) or team sports (basketball, baseball, etc.). In your research, be sure to identify which sports camps are mainly recreational versus competitive, as the latter are typically more intensive.
Creative, hands-on learners find joy in arts camps, which range from activities such as vocal training, music instrument training, and musical theatre. Your child’s visual and performance skills are enhanced at these camps, as they apply their creativity in various artistic media.
For kids and teens seeking fun learning experiences, educational and technology programs may be best suited for them. STEM and STEAM disciplines are often taught here, with activities including robotics, AI, design, and more.
Thornhill youth have further opportunities to connect with their active, creative, and innovative minds all at once. Traditional (aka multi-activity) camps combine these activities all together to help kids and teens identify their passion and connect with it more deeply. Adventure and nature activities can be found at these camps, with wilderness walks and ropes courses often integrated into their curriculum.
Thornhill families should not disregard overnight camps. These sleepaway camps teach children unique life skills not learned at any other camps. Away from parental supervision, kids and teens are challenged to be responsible for themselves, their actions, and their belongings. Parents often find their children more mature by the end of camp. A sense of independence is built as well, as kids learn to live, work, and play away from the guidance of their parents. The social scene at overnight camps is often livelier as well, as kids play, dine, and lodge with the same group of kids for a week or more. Overnight camps typically follow a traditional camp curriculum which offers many unique activities to try.
Whether you’re interested in summer camp, March break camp, or off-season camp, there is something for all children. Thornhill is a great playground for kids to discover more about their city and themselves.
Finding the best Thornhill camps for your child
Beginning your summer camp search early will make the selection process less stressful. In fact, Our Kids Media holds an annual Toronto Summer Camp Expo in February to help families initiate their camp search. This forum allows parents and prospective campers to converse directly with camp leaders and learn more about what each camp has to offer. Planning this early not only gives you enough time to make your decision, but it also gives you time to consider all of your essential camp elements. These include:
- Camp location
- Age range
- Activities offered, desired itinerary
- Cost (including discounts, scholarships, etc.)
- Special needs support
- Extra dietary or overnight accommodations
Prior to the expo, or your search at home, make a list of all your desired elements. However, try to stay flexible with certain items, to broaden your options. It’s a great opportunity to ask camp leaders questions about their ideas and goals for the summer at camp. Some possible questions you may ask might include:
- What does a typical day at camp look like?
- How many activities are covered in a single day? What types of activities?
- Do you provide before and after care? What times do these run?
- Are your counsellors and leaders trained in First Aid, CPR, and/or lifeguard training?
- Are counsellors police-checked prior to camp?
- How often are kids working hands-on? What equipment is provided or required?
- At overnight camps, what meals are provided? Are children with dietary restrictions or needs (allergies, religious diets, vegetarianism/veganism etc.) accommodated at this camp?
- What is the age range of this camp? Do you divide older and younger campers?
Ask these questions and gain a deep understanding of each camps’ values. If you cannot make it to our expo this year, our tips still work for at-home searches! For further information, browse our list of camp information articles, as well as more summer camp advice.
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