City of Pickering

Day Camps

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

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March 16 - 20, 2026

March Break Camps

Registration has started for 2026 March Break Camps.

*Please note: Only camps located at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex go swimming.

Register for March Break Camps

This fun-filled camp offers a variety of activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity, including arts and crafts, dancing, outdoor adventures, and plenty of games. Little ones will have a blast socializing with their peers, developing new skills, and staying active in a safe and nurturing environment.

Special Guest: Hands on Exotic will visit during the week, giving campers an opportunity to meet and learn about a variety of amazing animals and reptiles.

From creative play to outdoor exploration, every day is packed with laughter, learning, and lots of fun!

Location

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Creative Centre

Adventure Camp is an exciting week of outdoor fun and learning! Campers will enjoy nature-themed arts and crafts, team-building activities, and explore the outdoors while discovering new skills. They’ll learn basic survival techniques, practice archery, and work together to tackle fun challenges.

Special Guest: Hands on Exotic will visit during the week, giving campers an opportunity to meet and learn about a variety of amazing animals and reptiles.

Led by our enthusiastic staff, this camp is the perfect way for kids to build confidence, make new friends, and enjoy a week of adventure in nature!

Campers will dive into a wide range of hands-on activities, including drawing, painting, crafting, dancing and music. Each day offers something new; whether designing their own masterpieces, moving to the beat, or joining in on fun games and exciting challenges.

With a dynamic blend of artistic exploration and active play, this camp encourages creativity, builds confidence, and helps campers connect with new friends in a supportive, inspiring environment.

Special Guest: Arts Camp participants will also take part in an exclusive Art Workshop led by one of our most talented and experienced art instructors; giving campers opportunity to learn new techniques and bring their creativity to the next level.

Offered at 2 locations:

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Arts Studio
East Shore Community Centre

Get ready for the spotlight! Campers will dive into a world of dance and drama, where they can explore their creative sides and bring their inner performer to life. They'll stay active through exciting games and engaging activities, all led by our passionate camp staff. This camp features a variety of workshops, fun-filled games, outdoor play, arts and crafts, and more!

Special Guest: Keystone Dance Co. is stepping into the groove this week for an unforgettable workshop packed with high-energy moves, fun vibes, and a chance to learn from the best!

Let’s dance, laugh, and level up together! The week will culminate in a special performance, where campers can showcase their talents to family and friends.

Location:

George Ashe Community Centre

Unleash your creativity! Campers will dive into the world of clay, crafting unique projects that reflect their personal style. They’ll also master the art of painting, creating stunning masterpieces to proudly display at home.

Location:

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Pottery Studio

Get ready for an action-packed week at our Sports Camp, where campers stay active, build skills, and have a blast from start to finish! Designed for kids who love movement and friendly competition, this camp features a high-energy mix of basketball, floor hockey, soccer, swimming, and group games. Whether they’re shooting hoops, scoring goals, splashing in the pool, or teaming up for exciting challenges, campers will develop their abilities, make new friends, and enjoy a fun, supportive environment.

Special Guest: As a special highlight, campers will also take part in a Pickleball Workshop led by our expert instructors, giving them the chance to learn new skills and try one of the fastest-growing sports around!

Offered at 2 locations:

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Arena
Dunbarton High School

Get ready for an action-packed week at our Sports Camp, where campers will stay active and have a blast! Designed for kids who love sports and fun, this camp offers a variety of exciting activities, including basketball, floor hockey, soccer, and group games.

Get ready for an exciting Pickleball workshop at Sports Camp on Friday, March 14th! Expert instructors will guide kids through the game's rules, techniques and strategies in a fun and interactive setting. It's the perfect chance to develop new skills!

Whether shooting hoops, scoring goals, or playing team games, campers will improve their skills, make new friends, and stay active in a fun, supportive environment.

Location:

Dunbarton High School - Gymnasium

This camp is designed for youth with disabilities, looking for an active, engaging, and social camp experience. This is a fun filled week of recreational, social, and physical activity.

Special Guest: Hands on Exotic will visit during the week, giving campers the chance to meet and learn about a variety of amazing animals and reptiles. This unique, interactive experience will bring learning to life in a way they’ll never forget!

Please note: Participants must be able to manage personal care tasks such as changing and toileting independently, unless attending with a personal support staff.

Location:

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Meeting Room 4

*Only Available for camps at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.*

Our extended camp program offers a wide variety of fun and exciting activities before and after regular camp hours:

Morning: 7:00 am to 9:00 am
Afternoon: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Additional fees apply and can be selected during the checkout process when registering for a camp.

*March Break Camp - Inclusion Support is NOW FULL*

Campers with special needs requiring additional staff support at camp can apply online at pickering.ca/active

A camper profile will be required for all inclusion support campers: Inclusion Support Request Form

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

Once Registered

March Break Session Letters

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

 

seasonal

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.

Upcoming Dates:

January 23 - Paint & Play (5 - 12 yrs)

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

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.

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.

Campers should bring:

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

  • 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

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.

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

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

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

  • 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.

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.

Contact Us

One The Esplanade
Pickering, Ontario
Canada L1V 6K7

905.683.7575

Department Contacts

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