City of Pickering
The City of Pickering offers camp opportunities for children throughout the year including PA Days, Winter Holidays, March Break, and Summer.
Dec 22 - Jan 2
Registration opens November 4 and is ongoing as spaces permit.
Dec 22 | Dec 23 | Dec 29 | Dec 30 | Jan 2
These one-day camps are taking place at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.
Winter Break: Mini Pidaca (3 - 5 yrs)
Each day will include exciting new activities to get your little camper up and moving! Activities will consist of dance, arts & crafts, creative time, outdoor adventures and lots of games and fun!
Location:
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Creative Centre
Winter Break: Winter Fun All-in-one Camp (5 - 12 yrs)
School is out and the holidays are here! Enjoy a fun filled day of all of your favourite camp activities including swimming, sports, dance and arts and crafts!
Location:
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Meeting Rooms 2 & 3
Winter Break: Skating Camp (5 - 12 yrs)
For children who love being active in a wide variety of activities, both on and off the ice! Campers will enjoy lots of ice time; learning and improving their skating skills.
Campers will need their own ice skates, a CSA approved hockey helmet, (no bike helmets) and gloves. A full-face mask is highly recommended.
Location:
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Arena - O'Brien Rooms
Winter Break: Specialty Arts (8 - 12 yrs)
Unleash your creativity! Campers will have the opportunity to discover the world of clay, crafting unique projects that reflect their personal style. They will enjoy painting and creating stunning masterpieces to take home.
Location:
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Art Studio
Winter Break: Youth Exceptionalities Camp (13 - 23 yrs)
This program is tailored for youth with disabilities who are seeking an active, engaging, and social camp experience.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities in a supportive and inclusive environment.
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 - Program Room C
Inclusion Support for Campers with special needs
Inclusion Support for City of Pickering Camp Programs
Inclusion support for 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:
Registration Deadline for Participants requesting inclusion support for Winter Break Camps is:
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.
Q: What age groups are your camps for?
A: Camps are available for several different age groups from 3 years and up. Children must meet the required age by the time they attend camp.
Q: What are the camps hours?
A: The regular camp day runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Extended Care is not provided throughout Winter Camps.
Q: What should a camper bring each day?
A: Campers should bring:
Q: What training do your staff have?
A: All staff are:
Q: What is the Camper – to – staff ratio?
Q: Do you accommodate children with special needs?
A: Yes. We offer 1:1 support to help campers with special needs integrate into the program, however spaces are limited. The deadline to apply for support is December 5, 2025. Please email camps@pickering.ca to request 1:1 support. After the deadline we are unable to take any more requests.
Q: Can friends be placed in the same group?
A: We try our best to accommodate friend requests. Please email camps@pickering.ca for any requests or concerns.
Q: Can a bike helmet be worn for skating?
A: No, all kids must wear a CSA approved Hocket Helmet when skating.
Q: How is my child EpiPen managed at Camp?
Q: Will my children be playing outside at Winter Camps?
A: Yes, children may have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, weather permitting. Our staff ensures all activities are safe and appropriate for winter conditions. Be sure to pack suitable clothing for cold weather!
Q: My 7-year-old is a strong swimmer. Can they take the swim test?
A: 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.
Q: Where can I find information about the camps?
A: Session letters will be posted online at www.pickering.ca/camps and emailed to parents. The session letter includes schedules, camp information and more.
Q: Is there a lost and found?
A: Yes. Directors do a sweep at the end of each day to collect lost items. Each camp has a Lost and Found bin.
Q: What is your allergy policy?
A: We are a nut-free camp. Please pack only nut-free snacks and lunches.
Q: What are the drop – off and pick-up procedures?
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: 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
Once Registered
Session Letters provide detailed information about each camp session. They will be posted here one week before the start date of each camp session.
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:
November 14 - Paint & Play (5 - 12 yrs)
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).
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.
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.
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:
What training do your staff have?
All staff are:
What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
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?
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.
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.
What are the drop-off and pick-up procedures?
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.
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