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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Jun 29- Sept 4, 2026

Summer Camps

Registration is open all summer long, there’s still time to join the fun!

Spaces are currently available, so don’t miss out.

This fun-filled camp offers a wide variety of activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Campers will enjoy arts and crafts, dancing, outdoor adventures, and plenty of games. Participants will have a great time socializing with their peers, developing new skills, and staying active in a safe and nurturing environment. From creative play to outdoor exploration, each day is filled with laughter, learning, and fun.
Disclaimer: Participants will either attend a field trip to the Amberlea Splash Pad (transportation provided by school bus) or enjoy a visit from a special guest, such as Hands On Exotics, Scientists in the School, or the local library. These experiences are designed to bring unique and engaging opportunities directly to the camp. Please note that field trips and guest visits are subject to change.

Location

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Creative Centre

Click Here to Register

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.
Disclaimer: Participants will have the exciting opportunity to embark on off-site trips by school bus, exploring destinations like Whitevale Park, Pickering Beach, and Pickering Museum Village. In addition, they'll enjoy special guest visits from Hands on Exotic and Scientists in the School, bringing unique and engaging experiences right to them. Please note that trips and guest appearances are subject to change.
Location: 
Highbush Public School - Gymnasium 

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.
Disclaimer: Participants will have the exciting opportunity to embark on off-site trips by school bus, exploring destinations like Whitevale Park, Pickering Beach, and Pickering Museum Village. In addition, they'll enjoy special guest visits from Hands on Exotic and Scientists in the School, bringing unique and engaging experiences right to them. Please note that trips and guest appearances are subject to change.
Location: 
Pine Ridge Secondary School - Gymnasium (Weeks 1 - 7)
West Shore Community Center - Banquet Hall (Weeks 8 & 9)

Get ready to explore the great outdoors! Campers will discover nature, wildlife, and the environment through hands-on activities, games, and creative projects. Once per week, we’ll take a fun field trip to the Pickering Museum Village to learn more about local history and the natural world. This camp is perfect for curious kids who love to explore, learn, and play outside!
Bussing will be available for this location, with transportation provided to and from our main hub at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. Campers using this service will also have the option to participate in our Extend-A-Camp program at the hub, offering convenient extended care for families who need it.
Location: 
Dorsay Heritage and Community Center - Banquet Halls

Click Here to Register

Discovery Camp is a hands-on, curiosity-driven program where children dive into the exciting world of STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Through fun experiments, creative building challenges, and interactive activities, campers will discover how things work while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills. This camp is perfect for kids who love asking questions, building, and trying new ideas, all while making friends and having fun.
In addition to STEM activities, campers will enjoy sports, group games, outdoor play at a nearby playground, and refreshing water play.
Bussing will be available for this location, with transportation provided to and from our main hub at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. Campers using this service will also have the option to participate in our Extend-A-Camp program at the hub, offering convenient extended care for families who need it.
Location: 
Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson Community Center 

 

Campers will explore a variety of hands-on activities, including crafts, drawing, painting, dancing, and music. They’ll have the chance to express themselves through art while staying active with fun games and challenges. Whether they’re creating their own artwork, dancing to music, or playing games, each day offers a new way to discover and let their imaginations flow. With a mix of creative activities and fun, this camp is all about self-expression, creativity, and making new friends.

This camp also includes daily swims in the CHDRC pool.
Disclaimer: Participants will have the chance to embark on exciting offsite field trips via school bus, exploring destinations like Pickering Beach and Pickering Museum Village! Alternatively, they'll enjoy special guest visits. Please note that trips and guest appearances may be subject to change.

Location:

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - O'Brien Rooms A/B

Click Here to Register

Campers will explore a variety of hands-on activities, including crafts, drawing, painting, dancing, and music. They’ll have the chance to express themselves through art while staying active with fun games and challenges. Whether they’re creating their own artwork, dancing to music, or playing games, each day offers a new way to discover and let their imaginations flow. With a mix of creative activities and fun, this camp is all about self-expression, creativity, and making new friends.

Disclaimer: Participants will have the chance to embark on exciting offsite field trips via school bus, exploring destinations like Pickering Beach and Pickering Museum Village! Alternatively, they'll enjoy special guest visits. Please note that trips and guest appearances may be subject to change.

Location:

George Ashe Library and Community Center - Helen Paris Rooms

Click Here to Register

Get ready for the spotlight! Campers will dive into a world of dance, 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!

Disclaimer: Each week, campers may take part in a special guest workshop or travel by school bus to a local destination such as Pickering Beach, Amberlea Splash Pad, or Pickering Museum. Details about trips and guest visits will be posted on our website www.pickering.ca/camps closer to the start of camp. Please note that all guest appearances and trips are subject to change.

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:

Pine Ridge Secondary School (Weeks 2-7)

Don Beer Arena (Week 9)

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Get ready for the spotlight! Campers will dive into a world of 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!

Disclaimer: Each week, campers may take part in a special guest workshop or travel by school bus to a local destination such as Pickering Beach, Amberlea Splash Pad, or Pickering Museum. Details about trips and guest visits will be posted on our website www.pickering.ca/camps closer to the start of camp. Please note that all guest appearances and trips are subject to change.

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:

Pine Ridge Secondary School (Weeks 2-7)

Don Beer Arena (Week 8)

Click Here to Register

Participants will have the exciting opportunity to explore the world of clay, crafting and designing their own unique, personalized projects. They'll also master the art of painting, learning professional techniques to create stunning masterpieces that they can proudly display at home. In addition to the creative arts, the program incorporates daily physical activity and a range of fun, engaging games to keep everyone active and energized.

Participants will also enjoy a refreshing swim once per week in the CHDRC pool.

Location:

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Pottery Studio

Click Here to Register

Get ready for an action-packed week at our Sports Camp, where campers will stay active and have a blast! Perfect for kids who love sports and fun, this camp offers a variety of exciting activities, including basketball, floor hockey, soccer, swimming, and group games. Whether shooting hoops, scoring goals, splashing in the pool, or playing team games, campers will improve their skills, make new friends, and stay active in a fun, supportive environment.
Disclaimer: Participants will either go on an offsite field trip by school bus to destinations like Kinsmen Park, Pickering Beach, or East Shore Lawn Bowling, or enjoy special guest visits from experienced Pickleball instructors. Please note that trips and guest appearances are subject to change.
Your children will get to participate in our Swim To Survive program which includes swimming 50 metres, treading water for one minute, and rolling into deep water, with or without lifejackets depending on age and ability. These activities are designed to build confidence and awareness, helping campers prepare for unexpected situations in the water. Camper will also learn essential water safety topics such as ice safety, sun safety and boat safety. These activities are designed to build confidence and awareness, helping campers prepare for unexpected situations in the water.

Location:

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Arena

Click Here to Register

Get ready for an action-packed week at Sports Camp! Campers will stay active, build skills, and have a blast in a fun and supportive environment. This camp is perfect for kids who love to move, play, and be part of a team.

Throughout the week, participants will enjoy a variety of exciting activities such as basketball, floor hockey, soccer, outdoor water play, and high-energy group games. Whether they’re shooting hoops, scoring goals, making a splash, or working together in team challenges, campers will grow their confidence, develop their abilities, and make new friends along the way.

Disclaimer: During the week, participants may travel by school bus for an offsite field trip to locations such as Kinsmen Park, Pickering Beach, or East Shore Lawn Bowling. Alternatively, campers may take part in special on-site sessions led by experienced pickleball instructors. Destinations and guest activities are subject to change.

Location:

East Shore Community Center - Gymnasium 

Click Here to Register

Join our Skateboard Camp for a fun - filled adventure where you'll learn awesome new tricks in a safe and supportive environment! Along with perfecting your skateboarding skills, you'll also enjoy a variety of other exciting activities like team sports, arts and crafts, and even swimming!
It's the perfect blend of action and creativity!
Participants are required to bring their own helmet and skateboard.
Location: 
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Delaney Floor Pad 

Click Here to Register

Join us for a fun filled week of recreational, social, and physical activity! This camp is designed for youth with disabilities, looking for an active, engaging, fun, and social summer experience. Please note: Campers must be able to manage changing and toileting independently, unless attending camp with a personal support staff.

Disclaimer: Participants will have the exciting opportunity to embark on off-site trips by school bus, visiting the Amberlea Splash Pad. In Addition, they'll enjoy special guest visits from Hands on Exotic and the Library, bringing unique and engaging experiences right to them. Please note that trips and guest appearances are subject to change

Location:

Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex - Meeting Room 4

Click Here to Register

Extend-A-Camp (Before & After Care) is available for camps at the following locations:

  • Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (CHDRC): Arts, Mini Pidaca, Specialty Arts, Skateboarding, Sports
  • Pine Ridge Secondary School: Adventure, Dance, Drama
  • Dorsay Heritage and Community Centre: Eco Adventure (campers are bused to and from CHDRC)
  • Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson Community Centre: Discovery (STEM) (campers are bused to and from CHDRC)

Our extended care program includes a variety of fun and engaging activities before and after regular camp hours:

  • Morning Care: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
  • Afternoon Care: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Additional fees apply and can be selected during the registration checkout process.

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.
  • Deadline to apply for Inclusion Support:  May 30th, 2026

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

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 

Summer Camp Bussing Service

This summer, we’re offering free bus transportation to our northern camp locations:

  • Eco-Adventure Camp at Dorsay Heritage and Community Centre
  • Discovery (STEM) Camp at Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson Community Centre

Buses will run to and from our main hub at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.

Campers who use the bus can also join our Extend-A-Camp program at the main hub for before- and after-care, making it easier for families who need longer hours.

View | Search | Register Northern Camp Locations

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:

June 5 - Paint & Play (5 - 12 yrs)

View | Register for PA Day Camps

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.

Regular camp hours for all camps are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day.

Extended camp hours are available for Summer Camps at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex and Pine Ridge Secondary School.  Hours are from 7:00-9:00 am before, and 4:00-6:00 pm after regular camp hours.

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 May 30th, 2026. Limited spots are available. 

We try our best to accommodate friend requests. Your Camp Director will reach out one week prior to the start of camp with their contact information. Please email the Camp Director directly and they will do their best to accommodate. 

Campers must arrive on time for off-site trips. Buses depart promptly 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 will be shared by the Camp Director. 

Note: Off-site trips are not available during March Break or PA Day camps.

  • 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 the age of 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 of the camp space 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

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