Day camps

Registration for our summer day camps will open March 20, 2024.

Day camps are a safe and fun way for kids to stay active and make friends. The City offers a limited number of day camps seasonally at select community centres. Find information related to our 2024 summer day camps, PA day and march break day camps on this page.

Please visit Play Your Way online or call 519-661-5575 to register for one of our day camp programs. If you require financial assistance, please visit our child care fee subsidy program page. 

Register for a day camp session

Summer programs

Keep checking for updates and information on locations and offerings for our summer day camp and neighbourhood playground programs.

Summer day camps

Registration opens Wednesday, March 20, 2024

The City is offers a limited number of summer day camps at select community centres in July and August for children aged 4 to 12. Core program hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended care is available at all summer day camp locations. 

Summer day camp locations

Summer day camps for children aged 5 to 12 will be offered at 15 sites for a period of seven to nine weeks, with select sites (*) offering programs for children aged 4 to 12. Please see the list of current locations:

  • Byron day camp (1308 Norman Avenue)
  • Carling Heights day camp (656 Elizabeth Street)
  • Earl Nichols day camp (799 Homeview Road)*
  • East Lions day camp (1731 Churchill Road)*
  • Glen Cairn day camp (360 Chippendale Crescent)
  • Kinsmen day camp (20 Granville Street)*
  • Lambeth day camp (7112 Beattie Street)
  • Medway day camp (119 Sherwood Forest Square)
  • Northridge day camp (25 McLean Dr)
  • Oakridge day camp (550 Pine Tree Dr)
  • South London day camp (565 Bradley Avenue)
  • Stoney Creek day camp (1335 Nicole Ave)
  • Storybook Gardens day camp at Byron Northview (1370 Commissioners Road W)
  • Stronach day camp (1221 Sandford Street)*
  • Summerside day camp (2541 Meadowgate Blvd)

Please note: Additional locations will be made available if posted, and this webpage updated accordingly.  If locations are changed, families will be contacted in advance and made aware of the new location. 

Summer day camp weeks
  • Week 1 (July 2 – July 5) *4-day week
  • Week 2 (July 8 – July 12)
  • Week 3 (July 15 – July 19)
  • Week 4 (July 22 – July 26)
  • Week 5 (July 29 – August 2)
  • Week 6 (August 6 – August 9) *4-day week
  • Week 7 (August 12 – August 16)
  • Week 8 (August 19 – August 23) 
  • Week 9 (August 26 – August 30)
Summer day camp costs
  • 5-day week: $145.40
  • 4-day week: $116.32
Summer day camp offerings

Senior Camp

  • For campers aged 7 (entering grade 2 in 2024-2025 school year) to age 12
  • Offered at the following locations: 
    • Carling Heights day camp
    • Earl Nichols day camp
    • Kinsmen day camp
    • Stronach day camp

Junior Camp 

  • For campers aged 4-7 (entering grade 1 in the 2024-2025 school year)
  • Campers must be “school ready” in order to register for camp, including being toilet trained 
  • NO age exceptions for this camp; no 3-year old’s are permitted 
  • Offered at the following locations: 
    • Carling Heights day camp
    • Earl Nichols day camp
    • Kinsmen day camp
    • Stronach day camp
Summer day camp activities

Each camper group will participate in a diverse selection of activities including active and quiet games, arts and crafts, nature-based activities and outdoor activities when space and weather permit. In addition, we are excited to announce the return of field trips and swimming! 

For field trips and swimming, parents or guardians will be notified ahead of time to grant permission for their camper to participate and complete an associated form. Our camp coordinators are also excited to share fun on-site options like virtual field trips and virtual fitness activities. 

 

Surprise Day Camps

Surprise day camp is a specialized summer day camp program to support youth between the ages of 12 to 21 years old with differing abilities. These programs operate in a 1:3 staff to camper ratio. Surprise day camp staff can support lifts/transfers, feeding, changing, and toileting. We cannot support GI tube needs. 

Surprise day camp activities

Participants partake in several activities, such as crafts, movies, nature exploration, board games, and more! Seasonally, participants may also attend trips to local pools, splash pads, and other fun field trips. Core program hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Extended care will be available at all summer day camp locations this year. Please see the FAQ for more information.  

Surprise day camp locations 

Summer Surprise day camp for youth agreed 12 to 21 years old with differing abilities will be offered for a period of 8 weeks at the following location:

  • Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre (656 Elizabeth Street)
Surprise day camp weeks
  • Week 1 (July 2 – July 5) *4-day week
  • Week 2 (July 8 – July 12)
  • Week 3 (July 15 – July 19)
  • Week 4 (July 22 – July 26)
  • Week 5 (July 29 – August 2)
  • Week 6 (August 6 – August 9) *4-day week
  • Week 7 (August 12 – August 16)
  • Week 8 (August 19 – August 23) 
Surprise day camp costs
  • 5-day week: $176.00
  • 4-day week: $140.80

 

Neighbourhood Playground Programs

The City offers a limited number of free neighbourhood playground programs at parks and schools in communities across London. 

Neighbourhood playground programs are available for children aged 6 to 12. Core program hours are Monday to Thursday, running in either morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) half-day sessions during the months of July and August. Programs will begin to take place on Tuesday, July 2 and will operate until Thursday, August 15. Core program hours are Monday to Thursday, running in either morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) half-day sessions. 

Registration will open on Tuesday, June 25th at 8:30 a.m. for the first week of morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) programs and will continue to open for week-by-week registration on Tuesday mornings for the associated seven weeks. Registration for each program will close the Thursday prior at 12:00 p.m. 

Neighbourhood playground offerings

Our free neighborhood playground programs run in distinct morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) two-hour and 45-minute sessions. We do not provide before and after care or lunch care during our playground programs. Parents/guardians must register their participant separately for a morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) program, if desired. 

Morning (AM) camper drop-off: 8:45 a.m. 

Morning (AM) session: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. 

Morning (AM) camper pick-up: 11:30 a.m. 

No lunchtime coverage provided

Afternoon (PM) camper drop-off: 12:30 p.m.

Afternoon session (PM): 12:30 to 3:15 p.m. 

Afternoon camper pick-up (PM): 3:15 p.m.

Neighbourhood playground weeks
Playground week offeringsRegistration opensRegistration closes
Week 1 (July 2 – July 5) *4-day weekTuesday, June 25, 2024Thursday, June 27, 2024
Week 2 (July 8 – July 12)Tuesday, July 2, 2024Thursday, July 4, 2024
Week 3 (July 15 – July 19)Tuesday, July 9, 2024Thursday, July 11, 2024
Week 4 (July 22 – July 26)Tuesday, July 16, 2024Thursday, July 18, 2024
Week 5 (July 29 – August 2)Tuesday, July 23, 2024Thursday, July 25, 2024
Week 6 (August 6 – August 9) *4-day weekTuesday, July 30, 2024Thursday, August 1, 2024
Week 1 (July 2 – July 5) *4-day weekTuesday, August 6, 2024Thursday, August 8, 2024
Neighbourhood playground activities

Each playground group will participate in a diverse selection of activities including active and quiet games, arts and crafts, nature-based activities and outdoor activities when space and weather permit. In addition, we are excited to announce the return of field trips and swimming! 

As per Provincial guidelines, campers will not be participating in cooking activities or hot lunches. For field trips and swimming, parents or guardians will be notified ahead of time to grant permission for their camper to participate and complete an associated form. Our camp coordinators are also excited to share fun on-site options like virtual field trips and virtual fitness activities. If this situation changes, updates will be posted to our webpage and communicated to registered families, accordingly.

 

Day camp inclusion support

Inclusion spots for Spring programs will be dependent on staff availability. At this time, we are accepting inclusion spot requests for PA Day camps. Please email inclusiondc@london.ca and indicate the campers age as well as the site(s) and week(s) you would like your camper to be enrolled in, if a spot were to come available.

Please note: the intent to register and inclusion waitlist process is NOT required for our Surprise day campers. Those interested in surprise are able to register their camper in the Surprise day camp programs when camp registration opens each session.

The City of London is pleased to provide inclusion staff and adapted program options to campers who require additional support. To be eligible for 1:1 designated inclusion support, your camper must meet at least one or more of the following criteria:

  1. Your camper is prone to running away from supervision/into danger/not following instructions to stop and/or prevent this behaviour.
  2. Your camper has a history of acting aggressively toward themselves, their peers, and/or their caregivers/guardians/teachers, etc.
  3. Your camper requires assistance with personal care and hygiene such as toileting, eating, dressing, etc.
  4. Your camper works with and/or is supported by an educational assistant at school.
Types of inclusion supports

The City of London offers three different designated inclusion support options at our group day camp locations.

  1. 1 to 1 designated inclusion support: Available for up to two weeks of camp.
  2. Family-hired support (City-funded): The City will accommodate and pay for a family’s support person for up to two weeks of summer camp and to attend any location (limited spots available). Some restrictions may apply; please contact our Camp Recreation Supervisors for details.
  3. Family-hired support (Family funded): If families are providing their own support worker, they can attend as many weeks of the summer as they would like at any location. Some restrictions may apply; please contact our Camp Recreation Supervisors for details.

Family Hired Support Guidelines

Inclusion intent to register (summer 2024)

The intent to register date for summer 2024 opened on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m, and all spots have been filled. If you would like to be added to our summer 2024 waitlist, please email inclusiondc@london.ca and indicate the campers age, as well as the site(s) and week(s) you would like your camper to be enrolled in. 

The intake process for 1-to-1 designated inclusion support and family-hired, City-funded supports will be completed in three steps for summer day camp programs in 2024. Please note that these spaces are limited and have been assigned on a first-come, first-served basis based on the time of your survey submission. If the spaces are available, you will receive a phone call from our camp supervisors regarding placement opportunities. If the spaces are unavailable, you will be notified via email that you have been placed on a waitlist.

Please note: the intent to register process is NOT required for our Surprise day campers. Those interested in surprise are able to register their camper in the Summer Surprise day camp process when camp registration opens Spring 2024.

1. At this time, all 1-to-1 designated inclusion spots have been assigned for summer 2024. If you wish to be added to the waitlist, please click on the blue survey button above and you will be contacted if a spot becomes available. Please see below a preview of the questions that you are required to fill out for the intent to register process. If you will require assistance in completing this process, please download the document in order to best prepare your responses for the online submission process. Submissions over the phone or email will not be accepted.

Intent to Register Survey Questions

2. Once completed, you will hear from one of our camp supervisors regarding your camper’s status in the intent to register process; whether there is a spot in one of our camps, or whether your camper is on the waitlist.

3. If assigned a space, families must complete the financial transaction and formal registration process with a member of our customer service team.

Please note: Families will be required to complete and submit a recent All Kids in Camp Form once registration is complete.

All Kids in Camp Form

Spring day camps

Registration for our Spring programs are currently open! Spring program registration opened on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. We will be offering single day PA day programs to support school-age children throughout the academic year. Registration for winter day camp programs will be announced in November.

We are accepting waitlist applicants for 1-to-1 inclusion support during our day camp programs taking place during the school year. Please send your registration request and information to recreation@london.ca to be added to the waitlist. You will be contacted by a day camp supervisor if a spot becomes available.

PA day camps

What is the cost for PA day camp?

  • $29.08

What is the cost for extended care during PA day camp?

  • AM (morning) care only: $4.70
  • PM (afternoon) care only: $4.70

Where and when are the PA day camps offered?

Monday, April 8, 2024

  • Locations: to be released closer to registration date. Keep checking here for updates!
  • Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Extended care hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday, May 31, 2024

  • Locations: to be released closer to registration date. Keep checking here for updates!
  • Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Extended care hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
March break camp (FULL)

Registration is now FULL. Please contact our customer service team to be added to the waitlist. 

Day camp programs are offered during the March Break holiday that aligns with that of the Thames Valley District School Board, and London Catholic District School Board. These programs involve crafts, spring-themed activities, outdoor play, and more!

When will March Break camp be offered?

  • March 11, 2024 – Friday, March 15, 2024 

Where will March Break camp be offered?

  • Locations: Kinsmen Recreation Centre, South London Community Centre, East Lions Community Centre, and Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre
    • At this time, there will not be a Surprise March Break camp planned for the March Break. If this changes, updates will be found here!
  • Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Extended care hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Leadership Program

Leadership in Training

The leader in training program is a three-tier program that focuses on building leadership in our teen community members, while also preparing them for child and youth recreation leadership opportunities. Please visit Play Your Way online or call 519-661-5575 to register for our Leadership in Training programs. 

Leader in Training 1

This program is the first step in the Leadership in Training continuum. The program consists of 14 in-class hours and 6 to 8 hours of placement experience in a City of London child and youth recreation program or day camp. In-class workshops include topics such as communication skills, leadership styles and child development, as well as a variety of team building exercises, exciting camp games and opportunities to create friendships with classmates! All placement hours can be used towards completing your high school volunteer hours. Participants must attend all classes to receive their certification. Get ready to make new friends, develop your potential and get involved in your community!

  • Cost: $83.40
  • Age: 13 to 18 years old
  • The Leader in Training 1 program is a pre-requisite for Leadership in Training 2
Leader in Training 2

This program is the second step in the Leadership in Training continuum. The program consists of 16 in-class hours and 15 to 20 hours of placement experience in a City of London child and youth recreation program or day camp. In-class workshops will include topics such as organization skills, teamwork, and goal setting, plus exercises to further leadership skills both individually and in a team setting. Participants learn lots of camp related games and team building activities to prepare them for working with this age group.  All placement hours can be used towards completing your high school volunteer hours. Participants must attend all classes to receive their certification.

  • Cost: $149.40
  • Age: 14 to 18 years old
  • The Leader in Training 2 program is a pre-requisite for Leadership in Training 3
Leader in Training 3

This program is the final step in the Leadership in Training continuum. The program consists of 18 to 20 in class hours and 15 to 20 hours of placement experience in a City of London child and youth recreation program or day camp. Participants will have the opportunity to receive their HighFIVE® certification during in-class hours. In-class workshops will focus on building on the content learned in levels one and two in more detail. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with others in the program, learn lifelong skills, and build confidence in reaching their leadership potential. All placement hours can be used towards high school volunteer hours. Participants must attend all classes to receive their certification. 

  • Cost: $196
  • Age: 15 to 18 years old

Forest City Leaders

This program, intended for those ages 15 to 18, will develop the next generation of leaders, introducing them to specific content and subject matter that can be applied to becoming a leader in their community. Topics covered include self-empowerment, career literacy, financial literacy, environmental sustainability, and more! This course is completed through 20 in class hours. The cost is $196.00. The Leader in Training program is not a pre-requisite for Forest City Leaders.


 Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the hours of operation for camp?

Core program hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with drop-off occurring at 9 a.m. and pick-up at 4 p.m.  

Will there be extended care offered?

Yes, extended care is currently being offered at five-day long camps during the following hours:

Before morning (AM) care: 

  • 7:30 to 9 a.m.
  • $23.50

After afternoon (PM) care:

  • 4 to 5:30 p.m.
  • $23.50

Please visit Play Your Way online or call 519-661-5575 to register for our extended care camp programs.

What is the refund policy?

In any instance where the City of London cancels a recreation program, a full credit or refund will be issued.

1. Registered Programs - Withdrawal & Refund Policy

Section 1.0 applies to all registered recreation programs including (but not limited to): Learn to Swim Programs, Aquatic Leadership, First Aid Programs, Learn to Skate Programs, Community & Seniors’ Centre Programs, Day Camp Programs and Storybook Gardens Programming.

The effective date of any withdrawal is the date the request is received by Recreation & Sport Customer Service, regardless of whether a participant attended the program.

  • For withdrawal requests made before the start of the program your account will be credited in full. Customers can withdraw online before the start of the program.
  • For withdrawal requests made after the start of the first class until the end of the program for compassionate reasons, you will be credited amount of remaining balance after a per class fee for program dates that have already occurred (regardless of attendance) have been deducted. All requests for compassionate withdrawals after the start of the program will require you to contact our customer service office at 519-661-5575.

2. Drop-In Programs - Withdrawal & Refund Policy

Section 2.0 applies to all drop-in (one time) programs offered at any City of London recreation facility.

  • For withdrawal requests made prior to the start of the program, your account will be credited in full. Customers can withdraw online before the start of the program.
  • No credits or refunds will be issued for withdrawal requests made after the start of the program, except in extenuating circumstances as approved by a supervisor. All requests for withdrawals after the start of the program will require customer to contact our customer service office at 519-661-5575.
Will I have the opportunity to speak to a staff member prior to the camp? 

You will receive an email one week prior to the program start date with forms you will need to fill out, instructions on our drop-off and pick-up procedures, other program details and guidelines that you and your child need to be aware of as well as general information about the program. If you still have questions after reading through the information, the email will include an option to have a phone conversation with the Coordinator prior to the program start date. As our staff are busy with preparations and training, we ask that you wait to ask questions until you receive this email.

NOTE: Please ensure your Play Your Way Online registration account includes an email address you check frequently. 

What are the staff ratios this year?

Our staffing model will be one leader for each group of eight to twelve children, with additional staff present for planning, oversight, coordination and cleaning. 

I have an urgent question. Who can I contact?

Urgent questions can be forwarded to recreation@london.ca. We will reply as soon as possible.

Last modified:Monday, March 18, 2024