City of Pickering Camps

The City of Pickering offers camp opportunities for children throughout the year including PA Days, Winter Holidays, March Break, and Summer.

Jun 30 - Aug 30, 2025

Summer Camps

Registration is ongoing throughout the summer.
Spaces are still available.

Inclusion Support for Campers with special needs

Inclusion Support for City of Pickering Camp Programs

Inclusion support for summer camp is designed to provide tailored 1:1 assistance to children with special needs, ensuring that all participants can enjoy a meaningful and integrated experience at camp.

This program is intended to support children who require extra help due to physical, developmental, and/or learning disabilities, allowing them to fully engage with the broader camp activities.

Eligibility & Requirements:

Toilet Training: Participants must be toilet trained, as we do not change diapers during camp.
Integration: The child must be able to be integrated into the larger camp program, meaning they should be able to participate in activities with additional support provided by their 1:1 support staff.
Behavior Expectations: All participants are expected to adhere to the City’s respectful conduct policy. If a participant’s behavior goes against the policy—such as harming staff or other participants—they will be removed from the program. The safety of both staff and participants is our top priority.
Participant Profile: All families are required to complete a Participant Profile, which helps camp staff understand how best to support the child. This ensures that we can provide the appropriate accommodations and meet the specific needs of each child.

Additional Information:

Inclusion support is available exclusively for Pickering residents.
Support is available for a maximum of 4 weeks, depending on available resources at the time of registration. It is important to note that support is not guaranteed and is subject to availability.

Registration Dates:

Camp registration starts March 20, 2025, at 7:00 AM
Deadline to apply for Inclusion Support: June 20, 2025.

This program offers an inclusive, enriching experience, ensuring that every child can enjoy the camp environment while receiving the support they need to thrive.

A camper profile will be required for all inclusion support campers. Form is available via links below:

Camper Profile | download/print

Please contact program registration by phone at 905.420.4621 or email registration@pickering.ca with any questions.

View / Register Summer Camps

Once Registered

Summer Camp Session Letters

Session Letters provide detailed information about each camp session.
They will be posted here one week before the start date of each camp session.

Week 2: Jul 7 - Jul 11

Mini Pidaca

Adventure - Altona Forest
Adventure - Pineridge SS
Arts
Dance & Drama
Eco-Adventure
Skateboard
Specialty Arts
Sports - CHD Rec Complex
Sports - Dunbarton HS
Youth Exceptionalities

Extenda-Camp

Week 3: Jul 14 - Jul 18

Mini Pidaca

Adventure - Altona Forest
Adventure - Pineridge SS
Arts
Dance & Drama
Eco-Adventure
Firefighter
Specialty Arts
Sports - CHD Rec Complex
Sports - Dunbarton HS
Youth Exceptionalities

Extenda-Camp

PA Day Camps

PA Day Camps are offered throughout the school year and offer parents and children a safe, supervised, and active options for the day.

View / Register for PA Day Camps

About Our Staff

All Camp Staff are certified in Standard First Aid & CPR-C, completed courses in the “High Five” Principles of Healthy Child Development, and have satisfactory vulnerable sector screening (Police Check).

Registration notes:

Campers must be minimum age at start of camp.
Once registered, check the appropriate camp section for additional camp information and specific details including camp session letters.

Participant Behavior:

We strive to encourage and create an environment of trust, safety, and fun for all participants.
We will not accept disrespectful or aggressive behaviour.
Inappropriate behavior will be addressed in accordance with the City's Respectful Conduct Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

What age groups are your camps for?

All camps accept children ages 5–12. The only exception is Mini Pidaca, which accepts campers ages 3–5. Children must meet the required age by the time they attend camp.

What are the camp hours?

The regular camp day runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Extended care is available through Extend-A-Camp at CHDRC, DHS, and PRSS, from 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM.

What should a camper bring each day?

Campers should bring:

Running Shoes
Nut-free snacks and lunch
Water bottle
Extra clothes
Swimwear (for camps that swim)
Sunscreen
Hat

What training do your staff have?

All staff are:

HIGH FIVE® certified
CPR and First Aid certified
Cleared through a vulnerable sector screening (police check)
They also complete an extensive summer camp training program.

What is the camper-to-staff ratio?

Ages 3–5: 1 staff to 8 campers
Ages 5–12: 1 staff to 12 campers

Do you accommodate children with special needs?

Yes. We offer 1:1 support to help campers with special needs integrate into the program. The deadline to apply for support is June 20, 2025. Please see below for further information.

Can friends be placed in the same group?

We try our best to accommodate friend requests. Contact information for Camp Directors is included in the session letters. Please email them directly with any group placement requests

What happens if my child is late on a trip day?

Campers must arrive on time for off-site trips. Buses depart at 9:30 AM sharp and will not wait. If your child misses the bus, you will need to transport them to the trip location. All trip details and addresses are listed in the session letters.

How is my child’s EpiPen managed at camp?

Campers may carry their own EpiPen
or Their group counselor will securely carry it and ensure it is accessible throughout the day. Parents may choose to leave the EpiPen at camp overnight or take it home daily

My 7-year-old is a strong swimmer. Can they take the swim test?

Only children ages 8–9 may take the swim test. Campers 10 and older may swim freely (with staff supervision or life jacket if needed). Campers under age 8 must wear a life jacket in the big pool and be accompanied by staff.

Where can I find information about each camp week?

Weekly session letters are posted online and emailed to participants. These include schedules, trip details, and Camp Director contact information.

Is there a lost and found?

Yes. Directors do a sweep at the end of each day to collect lost items. Each camp has a Lost and Found bin.

What is your allergy policy?

We are a nut-free camp. Please pack only nut-free snacks and lunches.

What are the drop-off and pick-up procedures?

Drop-off: 9:00 AM
Pick-up: Anytime before 4:00 PM
Photo ID is required at pick-up Only authorized individuals may pick up campers. If someone not listed is picking up your child, please notify the Camp Director at drop-off with their name and contact information.

What is your refund policy?

Refunds are available from the date a written request is received and are subject to an administration fee.

Please note: No refunds will be issued within five business days of the start of camps, unless a doctor’s note is provided.