Parent Resources
Everyone should have the opportunity to make
endless summer camp memories.
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Swimming Lessons:
Check out the various swim programs we offer for children of all ages.
Y Kids programs:
Find out more about programs designed just for your children at the Y!
Day Camp Registration
Registration takes place entirely online through the YMCA Online Portal! Click here to sign in or create a new account.
Want more information about how to register? Click here for detailed instructions!
Day Camp Family Handbook
The Day Camp Family Handbook contains all of the information that you need to ensure your camper is ready for their first day of camp. Contact numbers, bus stop locations, packing lists, and the camper code of conduct are just a few of the many topics covered.
Please click here to view the 2024 Day Camp Family Handbook.
Family Communication
Communication before, during and after your camper’s experience is incredibly important to us. We have a number of different tools and strategies that we use in order to ensure optimum communication between our camp staff, campers, and parents/guardians. These tools include:
Pre-Camp Emails: Prior to your camper’s week of camp you will receive an email with information about the upcoming week. These emails are typically sent out on the Thursday prior to the week commencing.
Phone, Email, and In-Person Updates: Throughout your camper’s week you will receive updates on any need to know information. While most communication takes place in person at sign out, you may also receive a phone call or email if the matter is pressing (e.g. the bus is running far behind schedule). Please ensure we have your correct contact information on file so that you do not miss any updates.
End of Week Surveys: At the end of your camper’s week of camp you will receive an email with a link to our online survey. We use the feedback received through our survey to ensure we are providing the best possible experience for all of our campers.
Camper Code of Conduct
As a camper, I pledge that:
- I will care for myself, those around me and our environment
- I will make honesty the basis of all relationships and interactions
- I will accept all campers and allow everyone equal opportunity to participate
- I will respect myself, others and the camp environment
- I will be responsible for my own actions, attitudes and behaviours
If a camper does not follow the code of conduct, we will take the following steps:
Step 1: Staff will redirect the camper to more appropriate behaviour. The camper will be reminded of the code of conduct and camp rules.
Step 2: If the inappropriate behaviour continues, staff will document the situation using a ‘problem solving plan’. This document will include an overview of the inappropriate behaviour, what provoked the situation, and the corrective action taken. Staff will notify the On Site Coordinator of the situation. The On Site Coordinator or their designate will discuss the situation with parents/guardians and provide a copy of the problem solving plan.
Step 3: If the inappropriate behaviour continues, the On Site Coordinator will contact parents/guardians to discuss the situation. Depending on the behaviour, the On Site Coordinator may request that the camper take a short break from camp (e.g. be picked up early, take one day off). If the behaviour continues to interrupt the camp program, the camper may be required to take a longer break or may be removed from camp for the remainder of the summer.
Camper Subsidy
The Children’s Services Division of the County of Simcoe, the District of Muskoka and the District of Parry Sound provides child care subsidies to eligible families. The YMCA has secured purchase of service agreements allowing children to attend YMCA Child Care and Day Camp programs with the aid of subsidies. In order to apply for the subsidies, parents/guardians must be working, attending school or fulfilling a participation agreement with Ontario Works.
To Apply for Child Care Fee Assistance, Please Contact:
County of Simcoe: 705-722-3132
District of Parry Sound: 705-746-7777
District of Muskoka: 705-645-2412
Have you been approved for County of Simcoe, District of Muskoka, or District of Parry Sound subsidy? Click here to register. For more information about how to register using your subsidy code, click here.
At the YMCA, no one gets turned away for their inability to pay. Through charitable donations, fundraising and other sources, we are able to offer financial assistance so that anyone in our communities can participate in YMCA programs. Families who are unable to pay the full camp fee can contact our Community Care Team at hello@sm.ymca.ca or 705-792-7822 to request the financial assistance application form.
YMCA Day Camp Inclusion Services
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is committed to working with families to support campers with special needs, whether developmental, physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioural. When submitting your camp registration, please indicate if your camper will require additional support to participate in the camp day and a member of the YMCA staff team will connect with you to discuss inclusion supports.
If you have any further questions, please contact the YMCA Day Camp Office at 705-792-7822 or hello@sm.ymca.ca.