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Camps & School Break
The calendar calls them “days off.” We call them opportunities. Vaughan camps flip school breaks into adventures packed with games, skill building and new friends. Summer break? Covered. December break? Covered. March Break? Covered. P.A. Days and Passover break? Yep, you guessed it — covered! Vaughan camps fill all those gaps in the calendar year with skating, swimming, cooking, coding, sports, art and so much more. Find a camp and secure your spot!
Summer Camps
Long days, high energy and kids ready for something bigger than the backyard. Vaughan’s Summer Camps turn the summer break into a full-on season of adventure, with weeks packed full of swimming, sports, creative arts, cooking, outdoor play and so much more. Perhaps they’ll discover a new or unique fascination or skill, or maybe they’ll dive deeper into something they already love — it really doesn’t matter because the season is theirs for the taking and Vaughan summer camps is where memories are made. Summer camp offerings come online in early February. View the 2026 Summer Camps eBrochure now!
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What you need to know
This guide will help you and your child prepare for camp. When registering in PerfectMind, ensure all personal information is up to date, including emergency contacts, adult(s) who are permitted to pick up your child(ren) from the camp site, medical history, and dietary restrictions. For children with disabilities, please ensure that the required documentation is uploaded to the client profile.
Pre-camp communication
Camp staff will contact parents or guardians if the personal information contained in your client profile is not up to date. This information will be verified at least once during the camp calendar year.
Inclusion support request deadlines
Weeks 1–4: April 26
Weeks 5–9: May 10
Recreation Services attempts to accommodate requests for additional support for children with a disability. However, due to the number of requests, support cannot be guaranteed or may not be available during the session(s) of your choice. Cancellation and withdrawal information for 1:1 Inclusion Assistant support can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions.
Age requirements
Camps for Ages 4–6:
Children are required to be 4 years old by the start of camp. No age overrides are allowed.Camps for Ages 7+:
Children are required to be of age by the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2026). No age override is needed.Age considerations and exemptions
Although age is not always indicative of a child’s ability level, our camps are designed to be age appropriate. This includes consideration of cognitive, social, and physical developmental milestones. While some camps may have broad age ranges, we recognize that inherent age differences exist. Therefore, in most cases and where appropriate, participants will be grouped by age and/or skill level.
Age overrides are considered on a case-by-case basis. If your child does not meet the minimum age and you would like them to be considered for an age exemption, email rec@vaughan.ca or contact your local community centre and ask to speak with a Recreation Lead. Guarantees for age exemptions cannot be made.
Aquatic camps
All campers must be of age at the start of any aquatic camp. Due to health and safety guidelines, the City of Vaughan swim admission policy, and requirements set by the Lifesaving Society, there are no age overrides for aquatic camps. Refer to Swimming Lessons: Frequently Asked Questions or email swim@vaughan.ca
for further inquiries.Recreational swimming
Children in full-day camps located at a facility with a pool (refer to the list of recreation facilities) will participate in recreational swimming throughout the week. Parent or guardian permission is required for campers to participate and can be indicated when completing the questionnaire during registration.
Recreational swim times, supervised by qualified City of Vaughan lifeguards and camp staff, are scheduled as part of camp programming. Campers under 7 years of age will not participate in recreational swimming, and alternate programming will be provided. For campers aged 7–9 years who do not pass the admission standard, we will attempt to place them with a camp counsellor where resources allow. If this is not possible, alternate programming will be provided. Please review the Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards to clarify admission and supervision requirements for your child.
Illness
If your child is sick, they must stay home, and parents or guardians must inform the Camp Director.
Code of Conduct
The City of Vaughan is committed to ensuring a respectful environment, free from harassment and discrimination, throughout all recreation facilities and programs. The City will not tolerate or condone discrimination, harassment, violence, verbal abuse, or vandalism. All patrons, visitors, participants, contractors, volunteers, and employees using City-operated recreation facilities are expected to act in a manner that supports a safe, healthy, and respectful environment. This includes respecting staff and other patrons, following facility rules, and refraining from actions contrary to the Safe Recreation Policy.
In support of a safe community
The City of Vaughan promotes safety, respect, and civility for all users of City-operated recreation facilities and will take appropriate steps to address inappropriate behaviour as outlined in the Safe Recreation Policy (PDF).Inappropriate behaviour
Conduct that is unwarranted and reasonably interpreted as demeaning or offensive. Persistent or repeated inappropriate behaviour may constitute harassment and become disruptive.Offence levels
- Level 1 Offence: Minor offences, including inappropriate behaviour, harassment, smoking or vaping in facilities, foul language, rough or boisterous play, minor scuffles, misuse of emergency exits, non-threatening obscene gestures, and failure to follow facility rules.
- Level 2 Offence: Escalated or repeated Level 1 incidents, including verbal assault, discrimination, sexual harassment, threatening behaviour, deliberate damage to facilities, and trespassing.
- Level 3 Offence: Serious violations such as criminal activity, including hate crimes, physical or sexual violence, robbery, drug- and alcohol-related infractions, and possession of weapons.
Camper group requests
Unless otherwise stated, campers are grouped according to chronological age and/or skill level. In some circumstances, parents may request that a child be grouped with a friend or family member of a similar age in the same program. Requests must be indicated at the time of registration and can apply to no more than two campers of the same age. All parties involved must request grouping at registration. Requests cannot be guaranteed.
Campers with disabilities
If your child has a disability or requires 1-on-1 support, please email inclusion@vaughan.ca.
Camp hours
The camp day runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm at most locations, with programming scheduled from 9am to 4pm. Drop-off is available between 8:30am and 9am, and pick-up is available between 4pm and 4:30pm. Before & After Care is available from 7:30–8:30am and 4:30–6pm. Separate registration is required.
Before & After Care
Need early drop-off or late pick-up? Supervised Before & After Care is available for campers who require care outside regular camp hours. Children enjoy fun camp activities and games. Before & After Care must be registered at the same location as your child’s camp. This service is not available for camps at heritage homes, parks, the City Playhouse Theatre, Vaughan Studios & Event Space, The Sports Village, or for half-day camps. Registration for single days is not permitted, and fees are not adjusted for partial use.
Camper lateness, absenteeism, and pick-up/drop-off changes
Please leave a message for the Camp Supervisor immediately if your child will be late, absent, or if there are changes to your pick-up or drop-off routine. Staff will follow up if a camper has not arrived by the start of the camp day. Repeated late pick-ups may result in late fees and possible removal from the program for the remainder of the session, without refund.
Late fees:
0–10 minutes: $15
11–20 minutes: $30
21–30 minutes: $45
31–60 minutes: $60Pick-up procedures
Photo ID is required at each pick-up. Self sign-out is permitted for campers aged 10 and older with signed permission. Campers will only be released to individuals listed on the PerfectMind client profile.
In case of emergencies
Call Service Vaughan at 905.832.2281 and ask for the customer service desk at your child’s community centre to contact the Camp Director during camp hours.What to bring
To minimize personal items, campers should bring only recommended items in a clearly labelled backpack.
Everyday requirements:
- Peanut- and nut-free, individually packaged lunch and snacks (am/pm); no sharing
- Refillable water bottle and extra drinks
- Sun hat, sunscreen, and bug spray (campers must be able to self-apply)
- Closed-toe shoes worn daily
- Hand sanitizer (provided; campers may bring their own)
Outdoor Adventures Camps
These camps operate fully outdoors, and campers should be dressed appropriately to enjoy the entire day outside. If inclement weather impacts safety or programming quality, camps may temporarily relocate indoors to a nearby City facility. Parents will be advised as soon as possible of alternate drop-off locations.
For significant weather events, parents may be contacted to pick up their child in a timely manner. Updates are also available via the Weather Hotline at 905.832.8500 ext. 7610.
Lost & found
Please inquire about lost items at drop-off or pick-up. Items will be kept for one week following the end of camp. The City of Vaughan is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Campers are encouraged to leave valuables and money at home.
Camper safety & security
Recreation staff will make every effort to integrate participants into programming and accommodate individual needs. Positive behaviour management strategies are used to address challenging behaviour. Parents will be notified immediately if a child is involved in an incident.
Guidelines on food allergies
Campers must not share food. The City of Vaughan is nut aware, and families are asked to carefully review ingredient labels and avoid known allergens. Staff will monitor food where allergies are identified. In cases of life-threatening allergies confirmed by physician documentation, families will receive written notice, special screening will occur, and campers may be required to eat in a designated area. Staff will reinforce proper handwashing before and after meals.
Medical information & medication
Ensure all medical information is current in your PerfectMind client profile. Campers requiring medication must submit a signed Medication Dispensing Form with a recent photo. Medication must be stored in original containers and will be kept securely. Staff can assist with dispensing medication but cannot administer it.
Life-threatening allergies
Campers with life-threatening allergies must complete an Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan early to ensure the camp site is prepared. Once completed, upload the document to the PerfectMind client profile under the documents section.
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March Break Camps
Just when the school routine starts to feel suspiciously smooth, March Break appears! Luckily, Vaughan’s March Break camps are here to turn that sudden free time into a week full of moving, creating and connecting. With skating, swimming, cooking, creative arts, sports and so much more — just drop them off, already! — breathe deeply and we’ll call it a win for everyone. March Break camp offerings come online in November.
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Safety is our top priority. If your child is sick, they must stay home and parents/guardians must inform the Camp Director.
Pre-Camp Communication: Camp staff will contact parents/guardians if the personal information in your client profile is not up to date. This information will be verified at least once during the camp calendar year.
Age Requirements
- Camps for Ages 4–6: Required to be 4 years old by start of camp – no age override allowed.
- Camps for Ages 7+: Required to be 7 years old by December 31.
Our programs are carefully designed to be age-appropriate, with your child’s development, safety, and maturity in mind. Children must meet the minimum age required by the start of a program except for school break and summer camps, where children must be within the age range of the camp by December 31 of the year the camp is taken. For preschool camps with a minimum age of 4, children must be of age at the start of camp.
Age Exemptions
Age exemptions will only be considered in extenuating circumstances, and we are unable to consider requests that pose a risk to children’s safety (e.g., aquatic programming). To be considered for an age exemption or to discuss alternate programming options, speak to the Recreation Lead at your local community centre or email rec@vaughan.ca.
Aquatic Camps
All campers must be of age at the start of any aquatic camp. Due to health and safety guidelines, the City of Vaughan swim admission policy, and the requirements set by the Lifesaving Society, there will be no age overrides for aquatic camps. Refer to our Swimming Lessons: Frequently Asked Questions or email swim@vaughan.ca for further inquiries.
Recreational Swimming
Children in full-day camps located at a facility with a pool (refer to the list of recreation facilities) will participate in recreational swimming throughout the week. Parent/guardian permission is required for campers to participate in camp recreational swimming. This can be indicated when completing the questionnaire upon registering. Recreational swim times, supervised by qualified City of Vaughan lifeguards and camp staff, have been scheduled into camp programs.
- Campers aged under 7 years will not participate in recreational swimming. Alternate programming will be provided.
- For campers aged 7–9 years who do not pass the admission standard, we will attempt to place the camper with a counsellor where resources allow. Should this not be possible, alternate programming will be provided.
Please review our Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards to clarify admission and supervision requirements for your camper.
Camper Group Requests
Unless otherwise stated, campers are grouped according to chronological age and/or skill level. Occasionally, circumstances arise where it may be desired to group a child together with friends or family of a similar age in the same program. Indicate your request when registering. We will attempt to accommodate to the best of our ability for no more than two campers of the same age. All parties involved must be aware and make the request when registering. These requests cannot be guaranteed.
Campers with Disabilities
If your child has a disability or requires 1-on-1 support, please email inclusion@vaughan.ca.
Camp Hours
Programming will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with flexible drop-off from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and pickup available between 4 and 4:30 p.m.
Flex drop-off and pick-up is also available at the Vaughan Studios & Event Space.
Camper Lateness, Absenteeism or Changes to Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Leave a message for the Camp Director if your child is going to be late, absent, or if there are any changes in your pick-up/drop-off routine.
We will follow up with a phone call if a camper has not arrived by start time.
What to Bring
We ask that your child brings only the recommended items to camp in an effort to keep personal items to a minimum.
Lost & Found
Please inquire at drop-off/pick-up regarding any lost items. Lost items will be kept for one week following the end of camp. Note: The City of Vaughan does not accept responsibility for items brought to camp that are lost, stolen, or damaged. To avoid disappointment, campers are encouraged to leave personal items and money at home.
Camper Safety & Security
The City of Vaughan is committed to ensuring a respectful environment, free from harassment and discrimination. Our camps aim to create an atmosphere where each camper feels safe and respects the rights of others. Recreation staff will make every effort to integrate participants and accommodate their individual needs. If a child demonstrates challenging or difficult behaviour, staff will provide the necessary assistance using positive behaviour management strategies. If your child is involved in any incidents, parents will be notified immediately. The City will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, violence, verbal abuse or vandalism. Through the Corporate Health and Safety Policy and Recreation Services’ Safe Community Centres Policy, we reserve the right to remove a participant from the program.
Guidelines on Food Allergies
- All camps are an allergy-aware environment. Due to the public space of our buildings, we cannot guarantee the environment to be allergen-free.
- Parents are responsible for reading food labels and not sending products that contain or may contain traces of peanuts/nuts, or that do not carry a complete list of ingredients (e.g., bulk food, bakery items).
- Where there is a life-threatening allergy (confirmed by a physician), parents will be notified by letter and asked to avoid sending the identified food.
- Campers with items known to cause life-threatening reactions will eat in a private area. Staff will instruct campers on proper handwashing before and after meals.
Medical Information & Medication
Ensure all medical information is up to date on your PerfectMind client profile. Learn more about viewing and uploading documents on our Registration FAQs webpage. Campers requiring medication must affix a recent photo to a signed Medication Dispensing Form. Medication must be stored in original containers only and will be kept in the camp office. Camp staff can assist campers with dispensing medication but cannot administer it. Note: Recreation staff are not responsible for lost or damaged medications left in campers’ care.
Life-Threatening Allergies
Campers with a life-threatening allergy are required to complete the Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan early to ensure the camp site is prepared for their needs. When complete, upload it to your PerfectMind client profile under the documents section.
Late Pick-Up
Remember to pick up your child(ren) on time after their long (but fun!) day at camp. Repeated lateness will be subject to a late fee charge and may result in removal from the program for the session, with no refund.
Minutes Late Fee 0–10 minutes $15 11–20 minutes $30 21–30 minutes $45 31–60 minutes $60 Pick-Up Procedures
- Photo ID will be required at each pick-up.
- Self sign-out is allowed for campers aged 10+ with signed permission.
- Campers will only be released to individuals listed on the PerfectMind client profile.
Emergencies
Call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 and ask for the customer service desk at the community centre of your child’s camp to contact the Camp Director during camp hours.
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P.A. Day Camps
When school takes the day off but you can’t, Vaughan P.A. Day camps step in. Think of them as one-day adventures designed to keep kids busy, active and having fun while you take care of business. These single-day programs turn a random Friday off into a chance for kids to try new things, burn off energy and hang out with friends. Every P.A. Day with us feels less like a day off and more like a day well spent.
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P.A. Days take place on Friday, Jan. 16, Friday and Jan. 30. Programming runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with the exception of the Paint Your Own Pottery, which is a two-hour workshop). P.A. Day camp programming is geared to kids aged to three to 14 years.
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Jan. 30 P.A. Day Recreational Swim
Location
Time
REGISTRATION LINK
Chancellor Community Centre
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Garnet A. Williams Community Centre
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Maple Community Centre 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. -
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Jan. 30 P.A. Day Recreational Skate
Location
Time
REGISTRATION LINK
Al Palladini Community Centre 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register Now! Garnet A. Williams Community Centre
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Register Now! Maple Community Centre 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Register Now! Woodbridge Pool and Memorial Arena 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Register Now!
December Break Camps
Snow on the ground, lights in the windows and kids with more energy than a holiday playlist on repeat. Instead of long days stuck inside, Vaughan’s December Break camps turn those wide-open days into full-day adventures filled with skating, swimming, cooking, sports, art and so much more. Now, holiday break feels every bit as exciting as the season itself! December Break camp offerings come online in August.
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General
December Break camps run Dec. 22, 2025 to Jan. 2, 2026. Camps are not offered on the following statutory holidays: Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1. Programming runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) and Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) where camp ends at noon. Flexible drop-off and pickup are available from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Keep information up to date
When registering, ensure all personal information is up to date, including emergency contacts, adult(s) who are permitted to pick-up your child(ren) from camp site, medical history and dietary restrictions. Camp staff will contact parents/guardians if the personal information contained in your client profile is not up to date. This information will be verified at least once during the camp calendar year.
Safety is our top priority
If your child is sick, they must stay home and parents/guardians must inform the Camp Director.
Age requirements
- Camps for ages 4–6: Required to be 4 years old by start of camp – no age override allowed.
- Camps for ages 7+: Required to be 7 years old by end of year (December 31, 2025) – no age override needed.
Our programs are carefully designed to be age-appropriate, with your child’s development, safety, and maturity in mind. Children must meet the minimum age required by the start of a program except for school break and summer camps, where children must be within the age range of the camp by December 31 of the year the camp is taken. For preschool camps with a minimum age of 4, children must be of age at the start of camp.
Age exemptions will only be considered in extenuating circumstances, and we are unable to consider requests that pose a risk to children’s safety (e.g., aquatic programming). To be considered for an age exemption or to discuss alternate programming options, speak to the Community Centre Lead at your local community centre or email rec@vaughan.ca.
Aquatic Camps
All campers must be of age at the start of any aquatic camp. Due to health and safety guidelines, the City of Vaughan swim admission policy, and the requirements set by the Lifesaving Society, there will be no age overrides for aquatic camps. Refer to our Swimming Lessons: Frequently Asked Questions or email swim@vaughan.ca.
for further inquiries.Recreational swimming
Children in full-day camps located at a facility with a pool (refer to the list of recreation facilities) will participate in recreational swimming throughout the week. Parent/guardian permission is required for campers to participate in camp recreational swimming. This can be indicated when completing the questionnaire upon registering. Recreational swim times, supervised by qualified City of Vaughan lifeguards and camp staff, have been scheduled into camp programs. Campers aged under 7 years will not participate in recreational swimming. Alternate programming will be provided. For campers aged 7–9 years who do not pass the admission standard, we will attempt to place the camper with a camp counsellor where resources allow. Should this not be possible, alternate programming will be provided. Please review our Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards to clarify admission and supervision requirements for your camper.
Camper group requests
Unless otherwise stated, campers are grouped according to chronological age and/or skill level. Occasionally, circumstances arise whereby it may be desired to group a child together with their friends or family of a similar age in the same program. Indicate your request when registering and we will attempt to accommodate to the best of our ability for no more than two campers of the same age. All parties involved must be aware and request this when registering. These requests cannot be guaranteed.Campers with disabilities
If your child has a disability or requires 1-on-1 support, please email inclusion@vaughan.ca.Camper lateness, absenteeism or changes to pick-up/drop-off
Leave a message for the Camp Director if your child is going to be late, absent, or if there are any changes in your pick-up/drop-off routine. We will follow up with a phone call if a camper has not arrived by start time. Remember to pick up your child(ren) on time after their long (but fun!) day at camp. Repeated lateness will be subject to a late fee and may result in removal from the program for the duration of the session with no refund.- 0–10 minutes: $15
- 11–20 minutes: $30
- 21–30 minutes: $45
- 31–60 minutes: $60
Pick-up procedures
- Photo ID will be required at each pick-up.
- Self sign-out is allowed for campers 10 years of age or older with signed permission.
- Campers will be released only to those people listed on the PerfectMind client profile.
In case of emergencies
Call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 and ask for the customer service desk at the community centre of your child’s camp to contact the Camp Director during camp hours.Lost & found
Please inquire at drop-off/pick-up regarding any lost items. Lost items will be kept for one week following the end of camp. Note: The City of Vaughan does not accept responsibility for items brought to camp, which are lost, stolen, or damaged. To avoid disappointment, campers are encouraged to leave personal items or money at home.Camper safety & security
Our camps aim to create an atmosphere where each camper feels safe and respects the rights of others. Recreation staff will make every effort to integrate a participant into programming and accommodate their individual needs. If a child demonstrates challenging or difficult behaviour, we will endeavor to provide the necessary assistance using positive behaviour management strategies. If your child is involved in any incidents, parents will be notified immediately. Through the City of Vaughan’s Corporate Health and Safety Policy and under Recreation Services’ Safe Community Centres Policy, we reserve the right to remove and withdraw a participant from the program should their behaviour pose a potential risk of self-harm, or harm to other participants, staff, patrons, or property.Guidelines on food allergies
- Campers must not share food.
- Due to the number of life-threatening allergies to peanuts or nuts, all camps are an “allergy aware” environment. Due to the public space of our buildings, we cannot guarantee the environment to be allergen-free.
- All parents share responsibility to read food labels and not send products that contain or may contain traces of peanuts/nuts, or that do not carry a complete list of ingredients (e.g., bulk food, on-site bakeries).
- Where there is a life-threatening allergy to nuts or other allergens (confirmed by a family physician), parents will be notified by letter and requested to avoid sending the identified food.
- Campers with items known to cause life-threatening reactions will be moved to a private area to eat their food. Staff will instruct campers on proper handwashing techniques before and after meals.
Medical information & medication
Ensure all medical information is up to date on your PerfectMind client profile. Learn more about viewing and uploading documents to your customer profile on our Registration FAQs webpage. Campers requiring medication at camp must affix a recent photo to a signed Medication Dispensing Form. Medication must be stored in original containers only and will be kept in the camp office. Camp staff can assist campers with dispensing medication; however, staff cannot administer medication. Note: Recreation Services staff are not responsible for lost or damaged medications left in the campers’ care.Life-threatening allergies
Campers with a life-threatening allergy are required to complete the Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan early to ensure the camp site is well prepared for the camper’s needs. When complete, upload the plan to your PerfectMind client profile under the documents section. -
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2025 December Break Camps -
2024 December Break Camps -
2023 December Break Camps
Passover Break
School schedules shift during Passover, and some weekdays suddenly need a plan. Vaughan’s Passover Break camps offer a fun, active option to keep kids engaged on school break days. With games, creative activities, sports and more, kids stay busy while parents keep their workdays moving. Passover Break camp offerings come online in November.
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