Day Camp Program Information
YMCA of Three Rivers Day Camps: Choose Your Adventure
Day Camp Options:
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Day Camp – Outdoor Camp
Perfect for youth who love nature, outdoor activities, and adventure. These camps provide immersive experiences in various natural landscapes with unique activities such as hiking, archery, gaga ball, and more.
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Day Camp – At the Y Camp
A local YMCA Health and Wellness Centre experience with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities tailored to younger campers.
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Day Program – Leaders in Training (LIT)
For teens ready to build leadership skills and explore the transition from camper to leader. This two-week program includes team building, mentorship, and hands-on experience, helping young leaders grow confidence and readiness to guide campers.
Outdoor Camps
Calling all children and youth who love to explore nature and the outdoors! These sites offer a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience for campers based on the unique landscape of the camp location. Many of our camps are located directly on beautiful local lakes and beaches. Our Y outdoor day camps inspire campers to build connections with nature and their peers and encourage campers to step outside of their comfort zones and try something new. This is a great way to introduce children to the traditional camp experience while staying close to home.
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Beautiful forested area for nature exploration, games, and hikes
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Campfires
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Arts & Crafts
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Field games and camp-wide challenges
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Gaga ball pit
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Shaded pavilion
Registration Information
A $50 nonrefundable deposit per camper per week is due at the time of registration. Fee assistance is available.
2025 Outdoor Day Camp Schedule
Drop off 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Pick up 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Session 1 June 30 – July 4* (4-day week, no camp on July 1)
Session 2 July 7 – 11
Session 3 July 14 – 18
Session 4 July 21 – 25
Session 5 July 28 – August 1
Session 6 August 5 – 8* (4-day week, no camp on August 4)
Session 7 August 11 – 15
Session 8 August 18 – 21
*YMCA Camps Belwood and Camp Ki-Wa-Y Day Camp sites open on Canada Day (July 1) and the Civic Holiday Monday (August 4).
At the Y Camps
At the Y Camps offer day camp programming in the comfort and convenience of your local YMCA Health and Wellness centre. At the Y Camps provide an opportunity for our younger campers to play, connect, build skills, and make friends and memories that last a lifetime. To help your child reach their full potential, your child will be active and engaged all day enjoying a wide variety of activities such as:
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Daily gym time for sports and active games
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Daily outdoor time with trips to local parks and trails
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Dramatic play
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Arts & Crafts
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Music & Dance
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STEM activities
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Camper challenges & team building activites
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Pool time with swimming instruction (subject to lifeguard availability — more details coming soon)
Registration Information
A $50 nonrefundable deposit per camper per week is due at the time of registration. Fee assistance is available.
2025 At the Y Day Camp Schedule
Drop off 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Pick up 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Session 1 June 30 – July 4* (4-day week, no camp on July 1)
Session 2 July 7 – 11
Session 3 July 14 – 18
Session 4 July 21 – 25
Session 5 July 28 – August 1
Session 6 August 5 – 8* (4-day week)
Session 7 August 11 – 15
Session 8 August 18 – 22
Day Camp Leaders in Training Program (LIT)
Engage in practical, experiential leadership development with the YMCA of Three Rivers Day Camp Leaders in Training (LIT) program.
Youth aged 13 to 15 are invited to embark on a two-week leadership journey designed to develop skills and build confidence in all areas of their lives. The LIT program supports the transition from camper to camp leader through instruction, teambuilding, mentorship, and volunteer placement. With guidance from LIT Trainers, participants will explore:
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Teambuilding and Group Initiatives: Communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and community development.
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Equity and Advocacy: Understanding inclusiveness and how to advocate effectively.
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Personal Leadership: Identifying individual strengths, assets, and leadership styles.
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Coaching and Mentorship: Giving and receiving feedback.
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Goal Setting and Self-Awareness: Journaling and reflective practices.
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Camper Care: Healthy child development, inclusion, and camper support.
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Camp Skills: Outdoor living, boating, archery, swimming, campfires, and survival skills.
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Program Planning: Designing and leading camper activities.
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Health and Safety: Managing risk and ensuring safe environments.
Camp Locations
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YMCA Camp Conestogo
5422 Jones Base Line, Guelph, ON N1H 6J1
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YMCA Camp Heidelberg
2001 Kressler Rd., Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z4
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Shade’s Mills Conservation Area
450 Avenue Rd., Cambridge, ON NIR 5S4
Registration Information
Cost: $500 per two-week session — fee assistance available
Program Levels
LIT Level 1
Level 1 lays the foundation for leadership development, with a focus on mastering camp skills such as canoeing, kayaking, archery, rock climbing, low ropes, survival and nature skills, initiatives, and games. Participants leave with increased confidence in teaching these skills to campers.
LIT Level 2
Building on the skills gained in Level 1, participants learn how to teach camp skills effectively. Level 2 emphasizes empowering, energizing, and advocating for campers, preparing LITs to take on greater leadership responsibilities.
LIT Level 3
The practical phase of the program focuses on applying lessons learned in Levels 1 and 2. Participants confidently engage with campers, plan and lead activities, and receive mentorship from LIT Trainers. By the end of the session, LITs will have successfully implemented and evaluated a camper activity.
LIT Volunteer Placement
Optional | Ages 15+ (must turn 15 within the camp calendar year)
Spaces limited! Earn up to 40 OSSD community involvement hours.
LITs who successfully complete Level 3 may be offered the opportunity to volunteer for a one-week placement at YMCA Day Camps. This experience allows them to apply their skills in a real-world setting while earning valuable community service hours.
Embark on the LIT journey and discover the leader within!