Outdoor summer camp for kids: Camp Oradaca at Boyd Conservation Area
Unplug, explore and grow: A classic outdoor camp experience in the heart of Vaughan since 1991
Think pine‑scented trails, sun‑dappled clearings and a campfire glow that lingers long after bedtime stories. At Camp Oradaca, Vaughan’s signature outdoor summer camp, kids trade screens for streams, meet new friends and discover what they can do – with nature as the teacher.
Set in the beautiful Boyd Conservation Area, this beloved City of Vaughan tradition has helped campers build confidence, independence and a lifelong love of the outdoors for more than three decades.
Why nature time is powerful for kids
Time in green spaces supports attention, mood and stress reduction, and can boost self‑regulation and social connection.
Living and learning with nearby nature is linked with stronger early childhood development across language, social and emotional domains.
Daily outdoor play builds resilience, friendships and a sense of belonging that kids carry forward long after summer.
Why families are choosing outdoor camps
Parents are increasingly searching for:
- outdoor summer camps near Vaughan
- nature-based camps for kids
- overnight camp experiences
- screen-free summer activities
Camp Oradaca brings all of this together in one experience, right here in the city.
Choose your Oradaca adventure
Hummingbirds (ages 4-6): Guided by a nature specialist, campers discover the outdoors through bug hunts, mini hikes, stories under the branches, mud painting and sunny waterplay — a gentle, confidence‑building start to the nature camp life.
Orioles (ages 7-9): Outdoor adventure and imagination blend with trail exploration, animal tracking, simple shelter building and map‑reading treasure hunts. The highlight is an overnight camp experience with a night hike, tents, campfire stories and breakfast cooked outdoors.
Hawks (ages 10-12): Challenge‑based experiences that grow problem‑solving and teamwork, with hands‑on outdoor skills like knot‑tying, fire building and outdoor cooking – plus an unforgettable overnight camp experience to put new skills into practice.
Note: Oradaca camps ‘weather the elements’ outdoors; in rare cases of severe weather, camp may be temporarily relocated indoors to Al Palladini Community Centre for the day.
Secure your child’s spot and start planning a summer of outdoor adventure. Explore outdoor summer camp sessions at Camp Oradaca or explore all City of Vaughan camps at vaughan.ca/camps.
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