As we approach Summer 2020, it is important to recognize that children and adults will have different experiences understanding physical distancing and other protocols in place due to COVID-19. Although attending traditional summer camps may not be possible this year, there are alternatives. Many classrooms and businesses are offering virtual services including summer camps. Below is a list of virtual summer camp options. Please note, some camps have a registration fee.
Shadow Lake Camp
Campers will enjoy a wide variety of virtual activities. Each week of virtual camp follows a theme and the activities/crafts are geared to the weeks theme!
Virtual Camp will consist of a combination of large “all camp” activities as well as smaller “Cabin” activities. This enables the campers to have opportunities to interact in large and small groups and with different staff and campers each day/week! Much of the “live” feed will be streaming directly from our actual camp so participants will feel more connected, engaged, and involved. They will also receive a camp kit worth over $50 including tuck treats every day, craft supplies, various activities to do while at home, or with the camp staff through Zoom and a camp shirt! (additional camp kits can be purchased if there are multiple people in the household).
Virtual Camp will be offered Monday to Friday each week beginning June 29, 2020. Morning sessions will run from 10:00am-12:00pm and afternoon sessions will run from 2:00- 4:00pm, (except for Fridays, which will finish by noon). Mid-day breaks will be complemented by Facebook Live activities.
Cost: $300 per week
Registration: please visit MyCommunityHub.ca. Follow this link or search with registration number: 12412. For more information contact Shadow Lake staff at shadowlake.office@cltoronto.ca or at 905-640-6432.
Kerry’s Place – Camp Connection
Children and youth will have the opportunity to develop skills related to social interaction, maintaining friendships, and learning about others through fun activities that strengthen turn-taking and sharing skills as well as their imagination.
The camps will be facilitated by the Kerry’s Place Community Services team and will take place on Zoom, an online platform.
Virtual camp will be offered Monday through Friday beginning July 6, 2020.
9:30am-3:30 pm in one-hour intervals
Families will be able to express their interest beginning June 10, 2020.
Cost: Free
Registration: https://www.kerrysplace.org/campconnection/
Belwood Lodge and Camps
Live programming will include social time, games, theme days, dances, coffee houses and performances, pageants, dances and more! Additionally, pre-recorded videos are available that explore the animals and the nature of camp.
June 1st to August 29th, 2020 daily activities online Monday to Saturday.
Cost: Free
Registration: https://www.belwoodlodgeandcamp.com/virtual-camp
The Boys & Girls Clubs
The Boys & Girls Clubs have partnered with Jays Care to offer a virtual summer camp. Registering for this camp will include weekly activity kits delivered to you, interactive programming and great resources for the whole family!
Camps will run in week-long sessions beginning on June 29 and each session will be 45 minutes to 1 hour long.
Cost: Free
To register, go to https://www.wsncc.org and click “Register Now” to select the week you would like to attend this virtual camp experience! If you have any questions about the camp or regarding registration, please email Northstaff@wsncc.org or call 416-500-9268 for more details.
STEM Camp
Offers virtual camps for gamers and those interested in website building and coding. From website design to Minecraft camp, these sessions will keep young minds busy and engaged.
Cost: $89 per week
Registration: https://stemcamp.ca/virtual-stem-camp/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgdXBkfH36QIVkobACh0KxgErEAAYAyAAEgJEZPD_BwE
Easter Seals
Through interactive, fun, and social online activities and programs, campers of all ages and diverse abilities learn with trained counselors through role-playing game adventures, crafts, drawing, cooking and more.
Through live video streaming, counsellors lead discussions, offer mentorship, and cheer on campers during activities.
Cost: $75 per week
Registration: https://www.eastersealsbcy.ca/virtual-summer-camp/
Great Big Theatre Company
Innovative Online Summer Drama Camp with a variety of fun and interactive activities for kids and young people age 6-14 years. Participants will engage in collaborative and engaging drama games, improvisations, art projects, plays and scenes, along with lots of music, mixed in with fun movement activities and dance parties.
A camp week consists of two 75-minute participatory sessions each day, Monday to Friday, in which coaches will share movement games as well as storytelling and playwriting along with music, poems and fun raps.
Cost: $85 per week
Registration: https://www.gbtc.com/virtual-day-camps.php?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl5PVxNT66QIVydSzCh1C4ArtEAAYASABEgLRcfD_BwE
McMichael ArtVenture Summer Club
McMichael’s art instructors have developed a fun and action-packed curriculum of virtual programming for children aged 6 to 12 years that includes artmaking activities, guided viewing of iconic gallery artworks and creative exercises that will nurture creative spirit and allow them to socialize with their peers in a safe online environment.
Camps will run in week-long sessions beginning on July 6.
3-hour daily sessions
Cost (5-day sessions): $225 per week
Member discounts are available
Registration: https://mcmichael.com/artventure-summer-club/
Available Financial Support
One to One Summer Support Worker Reimbursement Fund
Do you need support for your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) this summer? The 2020 One-to-One Summer Support Worker Reimbursement Fund is available to Ontario families of children or youth with ASD who retain the services of a one-to-one support worker for their child as follows:
Eligible Services:
- Respite services to support caregivers during the day, evening or weekend, at home or elsewhere (for example supervision of the child or youth, help with daily living activities or taking child out for an activity); and/or
- Fees for online or in-person recreational and cultural activities and camp programs that help to promote independence and develop social, communication and life skills (for example sports, arts and music programs, museums, and camps).
Note that these eligible expenses are consistent with OAP eligible expenses. Please click here to apply and for more information: https://www.autismontario.com/camp