2026 Kawartha Lakes Summer Day Camps Guide by kawarthalakes

Kawartha Lakes

Summer Day Camps

Jump In and connect through Kawartha Lakes Summer Day Camps! Our programs provide an opportunity for all children to try different activities, meet new friends, and develop important skills.

This summer we are proud to offer a variety of Day Camps for children aged 5 to 12, along with a Leaders in Training program for youth aged 13 to 15.

Our enthusiastic camp staff are committed to fostering quality experiences for all campers, in a healthy, safe and fun-filled program environment.

2026 Summer Day Camp registration will begin Tuesday, April 14 at 9am through our Kawartha Lakes

Summer Day Camp Information

Registration

Day Camp 2026 registration will begin Tuesday, April 14 at 9am through our Online Program Registration website at: kawarthalakes.perfectmind.com

In order to register, you must have an account. To get started, simply select the ‘Signup’ button at the top of the landing page and complete the required fields.

Payment is due at the time of registration. Once confirmed, any changes or cancellations are subject to our Cancellation Policy. Learn more on our Day Camps webpage at: kawarthalakes.ca/camps

If you require alternate payment arrangements, contact us prior to registering by email at: recreation@ kawarthalakes.ca or by phone at: 705-324-9411 extension 1307.

Camper Forms

During registration, you will be required to complete the Emergency Contact and Consent form. Additional completed forms are to be submitted by the Thursday before your week at camp. Alternate formats of these documents are available upon request. Please contact us by email at: recreation@kawarthalakes.ca or by phone at: 705-324-9411 extension 1307 for further information.

Learn more about Allergens, Medication, and EpiPens on our Day Camps webpage at: kawarthalakes.ca/camps

Waitlist, Refunds and Transfers

Register early to secure your first choice of camps! Campers that register after a program has reached capacity are put on the waitlist. Payment is not required to secure a waitlist spot. Should a spot become available, individuals will be contacted following the chronological order of the waitlist. Those registered for an alternative program that wish to transfer to the now available camp, may do so at no additional charge (given the cost of the program is equivalent).

The Parks and Recreation Division reserves the right to cancel programs due to insufficient registration. In these cases, a full credit or refund is issued. If a camp is cancelled, staff will contact participants and provide options for alternative programs (where space is available).

Refunds and credits for any other reason are subject to approval and an administration fee of 15% (minimum of $5). Refunds will not be issued in circumstances of illness, no-shows, or last minute cancellation. All refund requests must be made in writing and sent to recreation@kawarthalakes.ca

Communication

Please check your email for camp communication! Weekly newsletters will be sent to caregivers before the week of fun begins.

Preparing

For Day Camp

Please reference the checklist below to help prepare for camp!

What to Bring

Campers are encouraged to bring the following with them to Camp each day:

• nut free lunch and snacks

• reusable water bottle

• closed-toe shoes (no Crocs)

• hat

• sunscreen

• bug spray

• towel and slide shoes

• swimsuit

• extra set of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, socks)

• weather-appropriate clothing

What Not to Bring

The following items are discouraged and will not be permitted at Camp:

• toys from home

• money

• electronics (phones/video games)

• personal valuables

• peanut products or food that is not identified as peanut free

• weapons

• lighters

The City of Kawartha Lakes is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.

Age Requirements

Programs are available for campers aged 5 to 12 years old, and youth programs for ages 13 to 15.

Specialty camps have different age requirements; all camp programs have age requirements included in their respective program description. All children must be toilet trained to attend camp.

Camp programs will provide ageappropriate programming. Camper groups will be determined based on the age of participants registered in the particular program, while abiding by mandatory staff supervision ratios.

Attendance and Absences

Report camper absences by calling 705-324-9411 extension 1307. Please leave a message with the date, the child’s first and last name, and the camp they are registered for.

If no absence is reported and your child has not arrived to camp by 10am, calls home will be made to confirm whether your child will be attending the program that day. This is in an effort to ensure your child’s safety during the hours of camp programming.

Camper Behaviour

To foster a safe and enjoyable experience for all, staff and volunteers uphold the highest standards regarding appropriate behaviour while at camp. Please report any incidents or concerns to staff. The Parks and Recreation Division reserves the right to remove camp participants that are unable to follow the behaviour expectations, as outlined in the Behaviour Code of Conduct; this includes behaviour that jeopardizes the safety of the camper themselves, program staff, and/or other participants. For further information regarding our Camp Policies and Behaviour Code of Conduct, visit our Day Camps webpage at: kawarthalakes.ca/camps

Caregiver Communication

Weekly newsletters are sent to caregivers on the Wednesday, by end of day, of the week prior to your week at camp. This will include information regarding daily schedules, weekly theme, and other important information to help you prepare for camp!

All camp communications will be sent via email, so be sure to check your email inbox. Communications will be sent to the email address associated with your online Program Registration account. If you do not receive an email, check your junk/spam folder and do not hesitate in contacting us at: recreation@kawarthalakes.ca

Drop Off and Pick Up

To ensure camper safety, governmentissued photo identification must be present at the time of pick-up for campers to be released. All individuals permitted to pick up your camper(s) must be included as an Emergency Contact and/or Person(s) Permitted to Pick Up. Individuals who are not included on this form and/or individuals without identification will not be permitted to sign the camper out.

Extended supervision is available in the mornings starting at 8am, and in the evenings until 5pm. There is no additional cost for extended care services. If you wish to register for extended care, be sure to indicate this at the time of registration.

Hours of Operation

Summer Day Camps will run on a weekly basis from July 6 to August 28, 2026. Programs will operate Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Camps will not operate on statutory holidays (Monday, August 3).

Lunch and Snacks

Campers are required to bring their own litter-less lunch, snacks, and reusable water bottle to camp each day. There will be two nutritional breaks, in addition to a lunch period. Snacks and/or meals are not provided, with the exception of our Pizza Lunch program.

• All camps are nut-free programs. Peanut butter, nuts, tree nuts, and/or any food that contains nuts are not permitted.

• We ask that caregivers refrain from sending food that needs to be refrigerated or heated.

• Food will not be shared or traded amongst camp participants.

Swimming at Camp

All camp programs include swim and/or water play opportunities throughout the week. Campers are asked to bring a towel, bathing suit, and appropriate shoes for the pool deck/outdoor water play. Below are the applicable rules in place to keep campers safe while in the water:

• Campers six and under are required to wear a lifejacket in the pool and are supervised closely by camp leaders.

• Campers seven to nine years old, that do not pass the swim test must wear a lifejacket and be supervised by a camp leader while in the pool.

• Campers seven to nine years old, who are able to pass the swim test, may be admitted to the pool unaccompanied and without direct supervision of a camp leader.

• Children 10 years and older may be admitted to the pool without direct supervision of a camp leader. To enter the deep end of the pool, campers must pass the swim test.

If your camper has passed the swim test and has a swim test card, please let staff know at drop-off. Campers with valid swim test cards are not required to retake the swim test.

Inclusion Support Program

Returning this summer, the Parks and Recreation Division is proud to offer our Inclusion Support program. This program is intended to foster accessible, inclusive opportunities for participants of all abilities. This program may be suitable for your camper if they:

• Receive support at school;

• Engage in behaviours that could affect the safety of themselves or others;

• Are associated with a support agency.

Caregivers will be required to complete an in-depth questionnaire, detailing the needs of the camper that the support is being requested for. We ask that caregivers be sure to include details of behaviours that may affect the safety of the camper or others while at camp (i.e., biting, hitting, tendency to elope or exit-seek, etc.). While we strive to offer accommodation options for all participants, our limited program space may not be best suited for all campers. Participants who require assistance with toileting or continence-related needs will be asked to provide an external support worker or caregiver to assist with these needs. Camp staff are not responsible for assisting with toileting or continence-related needs. After review of camper’s support

requests, staff will reach out to the family for more information to ensure our program is the right fit.

Participants will be eligible to receive support for a maximum of two weeks, to ensure that all applicants have the opportunity to participate in the program. Applicants must register in the Inclusion Support course for the week of their choosing. Registering in the course is the only method to ensure the request for support is received. The Program Coordinator will confirm if the request for support has been fulfilled. Requests are processed in the order they are received, and based on the availability of inclusion staff.

All camp participants are to abide by the Behaviour Code of Conduct. The Parks and Recreation Division reserves the right to remove camp participants that are unable to follow the behaviour expectations as outlined in the Behaviour Code of Conduct; this includes behaviour that jeopardizes the safety of the camper themselves, program staff, and/or other participants. For further information regarding our Camp Policies and Behaviour Code of Conduct, visit our Day Camps webpage at: kawarthalakes.ca/camps Communication

Please check your email for camp communication! Weekly newsletters will be sent to caregivers before the week of fun begins.

External Support Workers

Participants are welcome to provide their own support staff while attending camp. Families with external support workers are required to complete the Outside Support Worker Release form prior to attending the program.

Week Three

July 20 to July 24

Course ID: 53385

Week Four

Prior to attending the program, external support workers must submit a Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (issued within the last six months), and provide proof of valid Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification. The municipality may request personal information from the support worker, in case of emergency.

For further information, contact our Program Coordinator by phone at: 705-324-9411 extension 1307.

Week One

July 6 to July 10

Course ID: 53383

Week Two

July 13 to July 17

Course ID: 53384

July 27 to July 31

Course ID: 53386

Week Five

August 4 to August 7

Course ID: 53387

Week Six

August 10 to August 14

Course ID: 53388

Week Seven

August 17 to August 21

Course ID: 53389

Week Eight

August 24 to August 28

Course ID: 53390

Weekly Day Camps

Lindsay Littles

5 to 6 years of age

This camp will introduce younger campers to the summer camp experience, while participating in age-appropriate activities.

Junior campers will participate in a week of fun activities, active and passive games, themed crafts, outdoor fun, and more! This camp will have the opportunity to swim three times a week.

Kawartha Kids

7 to 12 years of age

This camp will provide campers with the authentic summer camp experience. Campers will participate in a week of fun-filled activities, several themed crafts, active and passive games, outdoor fun, and more!

This camp is for your kiddos that are looking for a day camp experience, filled with arts and crafts, cooperative games, creative and themed activities. Throughout the week, campers will have the opportunity to take part in a themed workshop, event, and/or visit from a special guest! This camp will swim daily.

Lakeside Legends

7 to 12 years of age

This action-packed camp will keep campers busy with themed activities, active and small-sided games, and a daily camp swim. This camp is best suited for your active, sportsenthusiastic kiddos.

Focusing on team building and fair play, campers will have the opportunity to get active, make legendary memories, and enjoy all the fun camp has to offer!

July 6 to July 10

Cost: $220

Lindsay Littles: 53396

Kawartha Kids: 53515

Lakeside Legends: 53523

Week Two

July 13 to July 17

Cost: $220

Lindsay Littles: 53397

Kawartha Kids: 53516

Lakeside Legends: 53524

Week Three

July 20 to July 24

Cost: $220

Lindsay Littles: 53398

Kawartha Kids: 53517

Lakeside Legends: 53525

Week Four

July 27 to July 31

Cost: $220

Lindsay Littles: 53399

Kawartha Kids: 53518

Lakeside Legends: 53526

Week Five

August 4 to August 7

Cost: $176

Lindsay Littles: 53400

Kawartha Kids: 53519

Lakeside Legends: 53527

Week Six

August 10 to August 14

Cost: $220

Lindsay Littles: 53401

Kawartha Kids: 53520

Lakeside Legends: 53528

Week Seven

August 17 to August 21

Cost: $220

Lindsay Littles: 53402

Kawartha Kids: 53521

Lakeside Legends: 53529

Week Eight

August 24 to August 28

Cost: $220

Lindsay Littles: 53403

Kawartha Kids: 53522

Lakeside Legends: 53530

Specialty Day Camps

Aces Academy

8 to 12 years of age

New! In partnership with the Lindsay Golf and Country Club (LGCC), this camp offers daily golf instruction with a CPGA teaching professional at the LGCC facility. Golf equipment will be provided, however, campers are welcome to bring their own!

On the last day of camp (Friday), golfers will test out their skills on the golf course, followed by breakfast at the club.

Campers will also participate in active and passive games, crafts, and a daily swim.

Week One

July 6 to July 10

Cost: $275

Course ID: 53531

Kawartha Eco-Explorers

8 to 12 years of age

This camp is perfect for kiddos curious about the natural world and eager to make a positive impact on our planet. This experiential camp blends outdoor adventure, creative learning, and ecoconscious values to help inspire the next generation.

Campers will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, discover local ecosystems, and learn practical skills in a fun and engaging way. This camp will also keep campers busy with a range of fun activities, active and passive games, themed crafts, outdoor fun, and a daily camp swim.

Week Two

July 13 to July 17

Cost: $275

Course ID: 53620

Leader in Training (LIT)

13 to 15 years of age

This two-week leadership program is designed for youth who are ready to grow as role models and future camp leaders. This handson program combines leadership development, practical experience, and personal growth in a supportive camp environment.

The course will include one week of in-class content focusing on

communication skills, teamwork, resume building, behaviour management, program planning, and more!

The second week provides real-life leadership opportunities while LITs are placed with a camp of their choosing. Participants will leave with stronger leadership abilities, Standard First Aid and CPR C certification, earned volunteer community service hours, and the confidence to take on future roles within camp and beyond!

Week Two and Three

July 13 to July 24

Cost: $195

Course ID: 53534

Week Six and Seven

August 10 to August 21

Cost: $195

Course ID: 53535

7 to 12 years of age

Our Swim Lesson Camp will be a two-week camp that offers campers an opportunity to participate in daily swimming lessons, in addition to all the fun of summer camp!

Campers will participate in fun activities, active and passive games, themed crafts, outdoor fun, and more. In addition to the morning swim lesson, campers will join the afternoon camp swim.

Swim Lesson Camp participants are required to provide previous swimming progress information at the time of registration. Please note that achieving a swim level is dependent on the child, and participation does not guarantee the successful completion of a level.

Week Three and Four

July 20 to July 31

Cost: $550

Course ID: 53532

Canoe Crew

8 to 12 years of age

Returning this summer, this fun and active camp program offers campers the opportunity to get out on the water with a certified ORCKA instructor and learn the basics of canoeing.

With daily on-the-water lessons, campers will focus on core techniques and learn the importance of communication, teamwork, and respect for the water. Campers will also have the chance to earn their Safe Canoeing Certificate.

Off the water, campers will participate in fun activities, themed crafts, active and passive games, a daily swim, and more! No paddling experience is necessary; all skill levels are welcome.

Please note: This program will be offered in Bobcaygeon, located at the Forbert Memorial Pool and Workout Centre. Paddles and personal floatation devices will be provided.

Week Five

August 4 to August 7

Cost: $250

Course ID: 53533

Creative Cove

7 to 12 years of age

This exploration-based camp is designed to inspire imagination and build confidence through the arts. Perfect for children who love to create, this camp is where they can explore a variety of artistic mediums, experiment with new techniques, and learn foundational knowledge. From painting and drawing to sculpture and more, creativity takes center stage – building skills, friendships, and confidence that last far beyond the summer.

Beyond their artistic pursuits, campers will participate in a range of fun activities, themed games and crafts, outdoor fun, and a daily camp swim.

Week Six

August 10 to August 14

Cost: $275

Course ID: 53619

AquaFun Adventures

8 to 12 years of age

Does your camper love the water? In addition to the daily camp fun swim, campers will have an hour of pool time each day where they can try unique and exciting water activities.

These activities may include water polo, underwater hockey, diving, and more! On land, campers will participate in a variety of active and passive games, fun activities, themed crafts, and outdoor fun.

Please note: to be eligible for this program, campers must have completed Kawartha Swim’s Swimmer 4 level or equivalent. This eligibility requirement is in place to ensure all campers are able to fully participate in all the activities!

Week Seven

August 17 to August 21

Cost: $275

Course ID: 53618