YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
St. Thomas YMCA St. Thomas YMCA

YMCA Day Camps: Where Every Child Shines and Adventures Await!

YMCA Day Camps offer unforgettable experiences for kids aged 4 to 12, filled with laughter, adventures, and new friendships. From crafts and outdoor fun to exciting games, our camps provide the perfect mix of adventure and learning. We believe every child has the potential to thrive, and our camps are designed to help them overcome obstacles, unlock their full abilities, and shine.

Built on YMCA Healthy Child Development principles and our core values - caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and inclusiveness - we strive to create a space where every child feels they belong. Our compassionate and well-trained staff ensure each camper is treated with dignity and care, providing a safe, welcoming environment where they can grow, learn, and have fun.

At the Y, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to participate. That’s why we offer financial assistance, ensuring that all families can access the enriching experiences our camps provide. Join us for a summer where your child can truly shine!

Traditional Camp Fees
Members: $120/3-day week, $160/4-day week, $200/5-day week
Non-members: $144/3-day week, $192/4-day week, $240/5-day week

Specialty Camp Fees
Members: $220/week
Non-members: $260/week

Registration Form

Register

Ages 4-5

YMCA based. Children are dropped off and picked up at the YMCA located at 20 High Street.

Ages 6-8

Pinafore Park in the morning and YMCA in the afternoon. Children are dropped off at Pinafore Park by a parent/guardian and bussed to the YMCA at noon. Children are to be picked up at 20 High Street in St. Thomas at the end of the day.

Ages 9-12

Pinafore Park in the morning and YMCA in the afternoon. Children are dropped off at Pinafore Park by a parent/guardian and bussed to the YMCA at noon. Children are to be picked up at 20 High Street in St. Thomas at the end of the day.

Three Children at the YMCA

Traditional Summer Day Camps

Weeks & Dates

WeekDates# of DaysBig Day Theme
WK 1July 2 – 43Slumber Party
WK 2July 7 – 115Western Round Up
WK 3July 14 – 185Movie Magic
WK 4July 21 – 255Animal Planet
WK 5July 28 – Aug 15Beach Party
WK 6Aug 5 – 84Dinosaurs
WK 7Aug 11 – 155Superheros
WK 8Aug 18 – 225Wonderous World
WK 9Aug 25 – 295Happy All-idays

Specialty Camps

Springwater Conservation Area

(Campers 6-12 years) 
Children are dropped off and picked up by a parent/guardian at Springwater Conservation Area. Located at 8059 Springwater Rd. Aylmer N5H 2R4. This camp is a week full of fun in Aylmer at Springwater Conservation Area. Campers will discover the natural world through outdoor play and educational programs. The week will end with a wagon ride from a park Ranger! This program is ideal for youth who enjoy being outdoors, exploring and getting dirty. It is a requirement for all campers to bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, bathing suit and towel. In the case of inclement weather that affects the safety of campers and counsellors, campers can be dropped off at the YMCA located at 20 High Street. Parents/guardians will be notified the night before via email or telephone.

  • Available Week 2 & Week 7 

All Sorts of Sports

(Campers 6-12 years) 
Children are dropped off and picked up by a parent/guardian at 20 High Street in St. Thomas. Campers can unleash their inner athlete with the full week of a variety of sports! Sports include floor hockey, pickleball, soccer, swimming, basketball, dodgeball, and flag football. It is a requirement for all campers to wear appropriate footwear, bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, bathing suit and towel.

  • Available Week 3

Karate Camp

(Campers 6-12 years)
Children are dropped off and picked up by a parent/guardian at 20 High Street in St. Thomas. Karate is a non-aggressive approach towards conflict resolution and emotional regulation. Campers will spend the morning with their counselors and Sensi Tom, learning all the basic blocks, kicks, and striking techniques. It is a requirement for all campers to wear appropriate footwear, bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, bathing suit and towel.

  • Available Week 4

Cooking Camp

(Campers 6-12 years) 
Children are dropped off and picked up (by a parent/guardian) at 20 High Street in St. Thomas. C is for cupcake and cooking camp - that's good enough for me! (YMCA based)

  • Available Week 5 

Fishing Camp

(Campers 6-12 years)
Children are dropped off at Pinafore Park by a parent/guardian and bussed to the YMCA at noon. Children are to be pick up at 20 High Street in St. Thomas at the end of the day. Campers will have the opportunity to learn about water safety, wildlife conservation and the basics of fishing including tying knots, handling bait and tackle! Campers will have the opportunity to fish each morning at Pinafore Park. Please bring your fishing rod. Bait will be provided. It is a requirement for all campers to bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, bathing suit and towel.

  • Available Week 6 & Week 8

Junior Lifeguard Club

(Campers 6-12 years)
Children are dropped off and picked up (by a parent/guardian) at 20 High Street in St. Thomas. Junior Lifeguard Club is a fun, fast paced opportunity for swimmers to stay active in the water while learning rescue skills and swimming techniques from experienced lifeguard role models.

  • Available Week 9

CAMP BIG DAY FRIDAYS

YMCA Day Camps hold a special BIG DAY every Friday to celebrate another awesome week at camp. Themes may include Carnival, Superhero, and more! Please ask your camp supervisor for more information.

Typical Day at Camp

  • 7:30am-8:30am - Optional extended care
  • 8:30am-9:00am - Camper drop-off
  • 9:00am-9:30am - Opening circle and morning announcements
  • 9:30am-12:00pm - Camper group fun! (craft, active games & circle activities)
  • 12:00pm-12:30pm - Lunch time!
  • 12:30pm-3:30pm - More camper group fun! (nature exploration, water activity & cooperative games)
  • 3:30pm-4:00pm - Closing Circle & Core Values Based Activity
  • 4:00pm-4:30pm - Camper pick-up
  • 4:30pm-5:30pm - Optional extended care

EXTENDED CARE

Members: No charge | Non-members: $8/day registration by week
Extended Care is available to support families who need an earlier drop-off and/or later pick-up time. Supervision begins at 7:30am and closes at 5:30pm.
Extended Care is free for YMCA members.

SUBSIDY & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Subsidy is available for all camps through your local municipality. Financial assistance is also available through the Y. For more information please contact our Camp Admin team at daycamp@swo.ymca.ca.

INCLUSION

1:1 camp inclusion is available at all locations for campers who require additional support. Registration for this program is only available by contacting daycamp@swo.ymca.ca.

Family at Gym Family at Gym