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Oakville Summer Camps: Town of Oakville

Families know an active and rewarding summer is important for their kids. That's why so many families choose Town of Oakville camps. With 9 weeks of camp programs available, kids can be active all summer long! Download or view the summer camps brochure (pdf, 1.9 MB). View the summer camp programs in iris, the online registration system.
Please note: Pre-authorized payments for August camps will be processed on July 1, not July 3 as stated in the camps brochure.

The aim of all recreation programs and services offered by the town is to provide enjoyable activities in a safe and positive environment. Please download the Summer Camp Parent Handbook (pdf, 82 kB) for policies and procedures, contact information, etc.



Did you know?

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  • Programs are offered to children ages 4-14 in the areas of visual and performing arts, science, sports, adventure, and general interest. The Teen Adventure Program is for participants with special needs ages 14-21.

  • All Town of Oakville camp leaders are trained in the HIGH FIVE principles of healthy child development.

  • Scheduled payment options are available (details provided below).

  • Before and after care is offered for most camps.

  • Busing options (from Glen Abbey or Iroquois Ridge community centres) are offered for camps at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC).

  • We offer limited spaces for one-on-one support for participants with disabilities or special needs in our Summer Sizzlers and select specialty camps. Prior to registering, please contact Carol Gall at 905-845-6601, ext. 3153 or [email protected].

  • You can browse through program options by location in iris. Click on Find Programs from the iris Start page. Then select the Camps category, and select the desired Complex in the top right corner.


Payment plan for summer camps

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This year we’re offering a pre-authorized payment option for our summer camps! Here’s how it works: 50 per cent payment is due when you register and then the remaining 50 per cent will be automatically deducted from your credit card on June 1 (for July camps) or July 1 (for August camps). When registering online, please check the schedule box to confirm your pre-authorized payment. Questions? Contact registration staff at 905-338-4250.

Recreation and Culture also offers financial assistance to qualified individuals who are unable to afford town recreation and leisure services. Visit the Subsidy Programs page for more information.

Half-day Summer Studio programs at QEPCCC

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Not looking for a full day camp? Check out the half day summer studio programs at QEPCCC! Work with an art instructor Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings or afternoons. All materials are included.

Preschool

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Summer Studio Adventures in Art (ages 3-5) is a parented program where you and your preschooler develop creative skills through dynamic drawing, painting and clay activities. This morning program runs 9:30–11 a.m.

Summer Studio Exploring Art (ages 4-6) is a specially designed program that introduces preschoolers to drawing, painting and clay sculpture. This morning program runs 9:30–11 a.m.

Children

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Summer Studio Crafty Kids Junior (ages 7-9) is a chance to try a range of different textile projects: knitting, crocheting, dyeing, felting, stitchery and quilting. Projects will be fast, fun and teach you the basics. Discover which textile art you'd like to pursue further! This morning program runs 9 a.m.-noon.

Summer Studio Junior Fashion Designer Senior (ages 10-12) is an introduction to creating your own clothes. You’ll learn the basics of fashion illustration, sewing, and taking existing garments and converting them into one-of-a-kind designer pieces. Why look like everyone else when you can recycle good pieces into great wearable artworks? This afternoon program runs 1-4 p.m.

In Summer Studio Painting Junior and Senior, children will explore drawing and painting techniques and be introduced to composition, colour and form using a range of media. Drawing exercises will involve both creative exploration and technical skill development. Painting will include watercolour and tempera. Two age groups are offered: Junior (ages 7-9) and Senior (ages 10-12). This afternoon program runs 1-4 p.m.

Youth (ages 13-16)

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Summer Studio Digital Photography is an introduction to using your own digital camera. You’ll learn how to get the most out of the camera’s features. Learn how to utilize and optimize lighting and how to compose a shot that takes your images from good to great. You’ll also be introduced to image editing software and how to tweak your photos into everything from clearer images to complete fantasies. Basic MAC OS knowledge is recommended. Your own digital camera is required. This morning program runs 9 a.m.-noon.

In Summer Studio Graphic Design, learn how to combine text and visuals to create engaging and effective print materials. You will be introduced to image editing and layout software. A range of projects including business cards, brochures, programs and posters will be covered. Basic MAC OS knowledge is recommended. This morning program runs 9 a.m.-noon.

Discover how to translate what you see in your mind’s eye to paper and canvas. In Summer Studio Painting and Drawing, you will handle a range of drawing media including pencil, conté, charcoal, and pastel. Painting techniques will be introduced through basic lessons in watercolours and acrylics. This afternoon program runs 1-4 p.m.

Summer Studio Textile Arts is an introduction to textiles. Students will explore felt making, knitting, dying, and stitchery techniques. Learn the difference between various fibres. This afternoon program runs 1-4 p.m.

Need help creating a website? In Summer Studio Websites, a professional website designer will lead you through an easy set-up without having to learn HTML. This morning program runs 9 a.m.-noon.

In Summer Studio Woodworking, learn about various tools and woodworking equipment, and acquire knowledge of the nature of wood. Students will acquaint themselves with the techniques and skills of the basics of woodworking and creatively produce objects from raw materials. An introductory class appropriate for those with a keen interest in working with wood. This morning program runs 9 a.m.-noon.

Summer Sizzlers

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This year we’ve expanded our full-day, week-long summer camp options for children ages 4-12. With
HIGH FIVE trained staff, our Summer Sizzlers camps offer a safe environment for learning, laughing and exploring.

Each unique week offers entertaining theme days, crafts, sports, PLUS an on-site special guest or off-site excursion. Campers will swim three times per week at all Summer Sizzler locations except River Oaks Community Centre and St. Joan of Arc school.

Four age groups are available: Tots (4-5), Tykes (6-7), Juniors (8-9) and Seniors (10-12). Children must turn the appropriate age for the program by December 31, 2013.

The 2013 summer camp program hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Off-site trips and visits from special guests will not begin before 9 a.m. Campers will be back on site by 4 p.m. Before and After Care is also available.

Please look below for details regarding Summer Sizzler weekly themes. Off-site excursion information will be available late May.

Summer Sizzler themes

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Week 1: Make Your Move, July 2-5
It will be games-a-palooza this week, so don’t miss out on all the fun! No camp on July 1.

Week 2: Wet and Wild Water Week, July 8-12
Beat the heat with water games, water balloons, water safety and tons of water fun!

Week 3: Music and Movie Madness, July 15-19
This week is all about Hollywood glamour, cartoon capers, Disney adventures and turning the beat
around to some classic tunes. Join us for a week dedicated to all things entertainment!

Week 4: Call of the Wild, July 26-26
This week is all about paws, claws and jaws as we learn about different animals and insects. Come join us and discover where the wild things are on our big, beautiful planet.

Week 5: Game Show Extravaganza, July 29- Aug 2
Are you ready to put your knowledge to the test in Jeopardy or outwit, outplay and outlast during a Survivor Challenge? Come one, come all to the ultimate Summer Sizzlers game show showdown.

Week 6: Summer Celebration, August 6-9
This week is about celebrations and parties! Most importantly, join us for our sizzling annual Summer Carnival – you won’t want to miss it! No camp on August 5.

Week 7: Under the Sea Adventures, August 12-16
Set sail for a week of mermaids, pirates, shipwrecks, buried treasure and water adventures.

Week 8: Let's Do the Time Warp, August 19-23
Be prepared, as we step back into the past and leap forward into the future and the unknown!

Week 9: The Grand Finale, August 26-30
We will be offering the best of the best of the past eight weeks! Bid farewell to an amazing summer, and have fun doing it! Please note that limited sites are in operation.

Please note: Off-site excursion information will be available late May.

Specialty camps

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Our specialty camps offer the ‘total camp experience’ for campers who want to develop or fine tune their skills in special areas of interest. Skilled instructors and coaches provide the specialized portions of the day. Trained camp staff will complement the time with a full range of traditional camp activities. Areas of focus include arts, science, leadership training, etc. Descriptions of just a few specialty camp options follow.

The Teen Adventure Program (ages 14-21), at QEPCCC, is a full day, full week camp for teens with special needs. Special events, activities, off-grounds and swimming are included. Emphasis is on fun and participation. Teens must be able to participate within a 3 to 1 staff level of support.

At Pack and Play (ages 10-14), each week will be filled with full or half-day adventures and activities throughout the GTA. The one-on-one support program is not available for this camp. However, we do welcome participants with their own support worker (please note contact information provided above). Look below for the 2013 Pack and Play schedule (subject to change).

Get your Hands on History at Oakville Museum. Full day programs run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with Before and After Care available for ages 7-11. Half-day programs are available for ages 4-6. The Oakville Museum is proud to be a member of the international “Kids in Museums” network, an international association dedicated to creating welcoming, accessible, interactive, family-friendly experiences for the upcoming generation of museum-goers.

The Town of Oakville and Lights Camera Action Educate are offering a series of multimedia camps at Oakville Arena. Create your own comic book or learn how to film, edit, and add music, sound effects and more to your own special feature! Best of all, you get to take a copy of your comic or DVD home to share with family and friends.

Sport camps

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With an emphasis on F-U-N, our sports camps offer kids an action-packed week of conditioning and skill development to enhance their technique and teamwork skills. Before and After Care is available at some, but not all, locations. Descriptions of just a few sport camp options follow.

Focus on one sport or try them all! At Ultimate Sports Camp (ages 8-12) you'll sample everything from aquatics to ultimate frisbee. Campers swim on Monday and attend the water park on Friday. Mix it up with the Dip Kick and Swing program (ages 6-10) at White Oaks Pool or Skateboard and Swim Ramp-O-Rama camp (ages 8-12) at Kinoak Arena.

Sync and Swim Camp (ages 8-12) at Centennial Pool is a new program with a camp atmosphere for girls who would like to learn all about synchronized swimming and the various elements of the sport. This program is great for anyone who wants to take swimming to a different level and learn new skills. Must be able to swim 50 metres.

The Town of Oakville is proud to partner with several community sports groups to offer camps filled with drills and thrills. Learn to Skate with Skate Oakville. Train with the Oakville Blades or Hornet's Girls Rep. hockey teams. Try canoeing and kayaking in the half-day Canoe Kids camp with the Burloak Canoe Club. Join us for a fun and active summer!

Pack and Play schedule

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July 2-5: Monday - no camp; Tuesday - swimming at White Oaks Pool and Putting Edge Golf; Wednesday - Hopedale Bowl and movie at Silver City; Thursday - CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame; Friday - Wild Water Works.

July 8-12: Monday - swimming at White Oaks Pool and movie at Silver City; Tuesday - ROM; Wednesday - Fort George Niagara; Thursday - Safari Niagara; Friday - Bingeman's Waterpark.

July 15-19: Monday - swimming at White Oaks Pool and laser tag; Tuesday - Ontario Science Centre; Wednesday - Crawford Lake; Thursday - Crackpot Studios; Friday - Wild Water Works.

July 22-26: Monday - Family Golf and swimming at White Oaks Pool; Tuesday - Black Creek Pioneer Village; Wednesday - Reptillia; Thursday - Art Gallery of Ontario; Friday - Bingeman's Waterpark.

July 29-August 2: Monday - swimming at White Oaks Pool and Hopedale Bowl; Tuesday - snorkelling at White Oaks Pool and Mainway Sports Centre; Wednesday - African Lion Safari; Thursday - movie at Silver City; Friday - Wild Water Works.

August 6-9: Monday - no camp; Tuesday - swimming at White Oaks Pool and Scooters Roller Palace; Wednesday - Crock A Doodle Crafts; Thursday - Casa Loma; Friday - Bingeman's Waterpark.

August 12-16: Monday - Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland Athletics; Tuesday - Skyzone Trampoline and Burloak Canoe Club; Wednesday - Marineland; Thursday - Lawn Bowling; Friday - Wild Water Works.

August 19-23: Monday - swimming at White Oaks Pool and Putting Edge; Tuesday - Mini Indy; Wednesday - Playdium; Thursday - Fort York and tour of the Air Canada Centre; Friday - Bingeman's Waterpark.

Please note: This schedule is subject to change