Summer camps for physical fun

Editor’s note: This post was last updated on July 24, 2017.

No more pencils, no more books, and yikes, no more activities! Whether you’re looking for long or short camping options, we’ve rounded up some great ways to give your kids summertime fun that will keep them moving in the sun, and tired enough to finally (we hope) go to sleep at night.

British Columbia

Camp: Xplore Sportz
Info:  No matter what B.C. city you live in, keep your kids active and entertained through Xplore Sportz, run by B.C. Pacific Sports Centres. Rugby, dragonboat, kayaking, lacrosse; certified coaches will introduce your kids to these and a host of other sports, all while teaching them about Olympic values, sport and physical activity. See your individual centre for more information on dates and cost.

• Pacific Sport Fraser Valley
• Pacific Sport Interior B.C.
• Pacific Sport Okanagan
• Pacific Sport Vancouver Island

Calgary

Camp: AIM HIGH Youth Football Camps
Info: Offering 30 hours of comprehensive football training, your kids age 10-16 will learn it all, in a camp that prides itself on competitive fun. All equipment will be provided, and kids will receive progress reports and be encouraged through positive reinforcement, and a focus on good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Dates: July 15-19
Cost: $475

Camp: Sport Calgary
Info: We’ve chosen to highlight just a few Calgary programs, but if you have questions about any others, Sport Calgary has the answers. This organization’s website is the ultimate resource for parents and children, sports experts and beginners, and those just wanting to know more about living an active, healthy life. Be sure to check out one of their most exciting events: the June 15th All Sport One Day discovery session. It gives kids aged 6-12 a chance to try, for free, almost any sport you can think of, from basketball to soccer and beyond. Registration for All Sport One Day opens on May 22.

Camp: Stryker Sports
Info: Stryker Sports volleyball camps emphasize the FUN in fundamentals, encouraging girls and boys to be the best they can be, on and off the court. Grades 1-10. Half-day mornings or afternoon. Also check out their Basketball camps.
Dates: July 29-August 29 (Check dates for individual programs by age)
Cost: $149

Camp: University of Calgary – Dinos Soccer Development Camps
Info: Kids 5 and up will be able to better their soccer skills, through coaching by current and former Dinos soccer players, on offensive and defensive technique, ball mastery and game strategy. 9:00am-4:00pm. Also look into University of Calgary’s basketball and football camps.
Dates: July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26 / July 29-August 2
Cost: $245/week session

Camp: Trojans Summer Sport Camps
Info: Trojan summer sports camps offer your girls and boys the chance to improve their volleyball and basketball skills, as well as training and conditioning, using first-class facilities, and emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship, fun, and team play. Score!
Dates: August 6-9, 12-16 for basketball camp / August 19-23 for Volleyball camp
Cost: $180-$220, depending on age

Camp: Winsport Canada
Info:  Zipline, bobsleds, roller luge, ski jumping-these are just some of the features offered if you sign your kids up for Winsports summer camps, which offer kids aged 4-14 the opportunity to learn their physical fitness basics, develop their love for the outdoors, socialize and do a variety of sports.
Dates: July 2-August 2
Cost: varies by program and depending on whether camp is 4 or 5 days

Charlottetown

Camp: Performing Arts Summer Camps
Info: Kids 9 and older will practice ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dancing, as well as develop their confidence and technique in all forms of dance.
Dates: July 16-20
Cost: $140

Camp: University of Prince Edward Island – Panther Camps
Info: Be sure to keep checking UPEI’s website for all the amazing sports options run at Panther Camps.
Dates: Not available at press time.
Cost: TBA

Edmonton

Camp: City of Edmonton day camps
Info:  The City of Edmonton is proud to offer pre-schoolers and older youth camps that have been modelled through the Long Term Athlete Development plan, which engages kids while teaching them physical fitness fundamentals and helps them improve their sports acumen. One such camp is Ready4Sport, offering mini-games, drills and co-operative activities designed to keep your kids moving and smiling. Also available is Cheerleading Camp, Amazing Race camp – all the fun of the tv show and no cheesy host – Extreme Fun and Action, Back to School Sport, Bike and Splash, Flag Football, and more!
Dates: See registration for info
Cost: Varies by program

Camp: The Kings University College – Volleyball Camp
Info: Kings University College doesn’t just want your kids to be better volleyball players; they want them to emerge from camp better people, too. With that in mind, not only do they study technique to improve skills, they focus equally on confidence under pressure, goal setting, mental toughness, leadership, and self-discipline.
Dates: July 28-August 8
Cost: $520, overnight / $470, extended day

Camp: Junior Griffins basketball summer camps
Info:  Score your children the opportunity to develop their basketball skills at Junior Griffins summer camps. Available for kids aged 11-17 and run by McEwan University coaches and athletes, they’ll learn about sport psychology, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and of course all fundamental basketball skills.
Dates: August 12-August 16, August 19-August 23
Cost: $250 per session

Camp: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology – Recreation and Sport Camps
Info: Basketball, volleyball, badminton, football and soccer are just some of the camps offered in the multi-sport camp. Look into their specialized camps (badminton, volleyball, fun fitness for boys), too.
Dates: July 2-August 23
Cost: $140-175, varies according to 4 or 5 day week

Camp: Ortona Summer Gymnastic Camps
Info:  Whether you have active tots, busy kids or energized teens, Ortona Gymnastics has a program for your children. Kindergym (3-5) gets your little ones jumping, rolling, running, and having all kinds of gym fun; Summer Gymnastics camps for kids 6 and up engage through artistic ,rhythmic and trampoline activities; lucky children 9-14 can check out Team/Extreme sports camps which combine high-octane sports like dodgeball with Circus and Trampoline’s daring challenges.
Dates:  Kindergym: July 2-Aug.23; Team/Extreme: July 15-19, July 29-Aug.2, August 12-August 16; Gymnastics Camps: July 15-August 30
Cost: varies by program

Camp: River Valley Camps
Info: River Valley Camps offer many opportunities for curious kids to explore and get fit, such as Challenger’s camp for 9-15 year olds who like to bike, paddle tandem canoes, swim, play games, and have fun! Also great is Duskbusters, teaching kids camping techniques, and love for the great outdoors; River Explorers which lets kids 8 and up learn all about scuba diving; Ramblers climbing camp, and Scramblers, a more advanced version. Additional camps not featured all offering outdoor fun and games.
Dates: July  and August, check registration for specific dates
Cost: varies by program

Camp: University of Alberta – Summer Sport and Activity Camps
Info: University of Alberta has so many amazing selections for your kids it would be hard to choose just one, and you don’t have to. Courses are offered at different times so if you have a swimmer who is also part monkey, consider the Aqua Rocks combo. A kid who loves all sports, try the Build your own Sport Camp. There’s also basketball/volleyball Fun and Fitness combo, and Camp 4 Fun, which offers almost every sport, including swimming. Don’t miss their gymnastics and climbing class, and even an Olympics camp!
Dates: Offered through beginning of July to August 30 – check dates for individual courses
Cost: $150-$255, depending on length and course

Fredericton

Camp: YMCA of Fredericton – Youth/Teen Camps
Info: So many different sports to choose from, like basketball, soccer, gymnastics, dodgeball, and even skateboarding, amongst others.
Dates: Running through early July and August
Cost: Varies by program

Halifax

Camp: Atlantic Cirque School of Circus Arts – Summer Camps
Info: Kids going stir crazy? Send in the clowns. Kids can register for one week or do multiple sessions at this circus camp where they’ll learn trampoline, juggling, stilts, human pyramids, aerial apparatus, and more.
Dates: July 2-July 26, August 5-23 (ages 7-12) / July 29-August 2 (ages 7-13)
Cost: $275 plus tax per week

Camp: St. Mary’s University – Jr. Huskies Girl’s Summer Volleyball Camps
Info: There are three types of camps offered. The first offered for one week in July is for kids age 6-11 and gets them learning and excited about the fundamental skills of volleyball. The second is positional, offered in August, evenings only to kids 13-18. The third is an extension of the first camp, additionally offering lessons in strength training, sports taping, and nutrition, with performance evaluations given so campers will be able to see their skill progression. Also be sure to check out Huskies Basketball, Football, Soccer camps.
Dates: July 2-5, August 5-8; August 19-30
Cost: Camp 1 is $125 for 4 days; Camp 2, $30/day or $100 for all sessions; Camp 3 is $200/week or $350/both weeks

Camp: Ross Creek Centre for the Arts – Dance Summer Dance
Info: If your child loves to dance, consider enrolling her in this highly-challenging overnight dance academy. Small class sizes and attentive, supportive teachers combine education in modern and ballet. Other dance and arts camps are available for less experienced dancers.
Dates: Aug 18-30
Cost: $1,000 includes accommodation

Camp: Dalhousie University – Superskills Varsity Sport Camps
Info: Dalhousie’s sports camps promote skill development and feature low instructor-to-student ratios. Half- and full-day programs are offered in basketball, hockey, soccer, swimming, track and field, and volleyball.
Dates: July 2 – August 30
Cost: varies by program

Kingston

Camp: 1000 Islands Kayaking – Discovery Program
Info: Not far from Kingston, with two locations in either Gananoque or Brockville. Children age 8-11 play in kayaks and learn about boat control, how to rescue themselves and others, and proper use of safety equipment. They also have the opportunity to view some amazing wildlife and learn a little about the local ecology. Plus plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming, group games and actively exploring National Park Islands and Historic Sites of the Rideau Canal!
Dates: August 6-10, August 20-24, August 27-31
Cost: $265 plus tax

Camp: Queen’s University – Summer Camps
Info: There’s a reason Queens is considered one of the top schools, and their approach to summer is similarly smart, offering a range of options for kids of all ages. Sports camp, Active Fundamental Camp, Volleyball and Basketball, Just for Fish swimming camp, Field sports camp. So many options, so much fun!
Dates: July 2-August 30
Cost: Varies by program

Camp: Trillium Gymnastics – Summer Day Camp
Info: Gymnastics, trips to the pool, trampoline, games, and lots of outdoor fun make this camp a must for your aspiring athlete.
Dates: July 2-August 30
Cost: $255/week, $55 a day for full-day; $160/week, 35 a day for half-day camp

Camp: Kingston Impact – Summer Camps/Programs
Info: Shooting competitions, hustle challenges, daily 5 on 5 scrimmages, as well as learning the basics, such as dribbling, footwork, ball handling, shooting, passing, rebounding, defense and more.
Dates: July 9 through July 20 / August 13-17
Cost: $175

London

Camp: London Junior Golf Camps
Info: Junior golf camp gives kids the tools they need to play happily for years to come, teaching them proper grip, stance, basic swing mechanics, rules and etiquette. Morning camp. If you’re a golfer, too, why not take them up on their free offer to Take a Kid to the Course Week, July 8-14. See above for more info.
Dates: Available in 4-day sessions July 2-25
Cost: $90, residents; $95 for non-residents

Camp: North London Dance Centre – Non-Competitive Dance Classes
Info: Develop a dancer’s confidence, musicality and co-ordination while practicing ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern and more. Experienced and beginning dancers will love it. North London Dance also offers mini-sessions (45 minutes-1 hour) in July and August. See website for more information.
Dates: July 8-12 / August 12-16
Cost: Junior half-day is $140, full day is $220; $260 for Senior Intensive

Camp: Western Mustangs Summer Camp
Info: Western University has it all. Programs range from multi-sport and racquet sports to fencing, softball, track and field, aquatics, dance, basketball, rowing…and more!
Dates: Dates vary according to courses. See registration for full info.
Cost: Varies, with most camps around $109 and the highest being around $218/session

Montreal

Camp: Dirt Camp Mountain Bike Camps – Day Camps
Info: An overnight camp offering dirt bike instruction, swim time, and even an English immersion benefit, too. Train your sons and daughters to be easy riders. Register now!
Dates: July 1-August 9
Cost: $745/week plus some equipment rentals

Camp: Dorval Day Camp and Athletic Community Centres
Info:  Dorval Day Camp is thrilled to have partnered up with Athletic Community Centres so they can offer their campers (ages 5-12)more than just the usual camp options; now kids can learn how to develop their physical literacy, improve sports skills, and start nurturing an appreciation for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
Dates: June 25-August 23
Cost: Varies by program and age, from $170-$195

Camp: Laurus Summer Camp
Info: Laurus camp prides themselves on counselors who are mentors, and champions a healthy lifestyle that encompasses everything from sports, to fitness, to nutrition, leadership skills, and independence. Soccer, dodgeball, volleyball, weight training, basketball and many more options offered to your child age 5-15.
Dates: June 24 to August 16
Cost: $1200/8 weeks; $200/week, with early bird rates available for extra sibling if register by April 1

Camp: Club de Gymnastique Artistique Gadbois
Info: This fabulous gymnastics camp has it all. Hours of jumping, twirling, leaping, swimming, outings and out-door co-operative games make this an ideal choice for your children age 5-13.
Dates: June 25 to August 16
Cost: $175/week, plus $5 for non-residents

Camp: Club de judo Shidokan
Info: Let your child learn Judo, or improve it, in this camp that also offers lots of outdoor recreation and sports. Kids age 6-12.
Dates: July 8 to August 16
Cost: $160/week with daycare available at an additional $25

Camp: Dynamix Camp
Info: Offered at numerous locations around Quebec, Dynamix camp teaches your kids about healthy competition, self-sufficiency, sportsmanship, and how to lead an energized life through a unique program of co-operative games, challenges, and sports activities. Kids age 5-12.
Dates: July 2 to August 16, with some camps offering earlier sessions according to location
Cost: $170-199/week, varies by location

Ottawa

Camp: Ottawa Athletic Club – Junior Camps
Info: Whether you’re looking for multi-sport (age 4-12), tennis (age 6-13), golf (age 5-13) or their brand new Karate camp (age 5-13), Ottawa Athletic club has what your kids need to keep them having a blast, while getting active with new friends.
Dates: June 24-August 30
Cost: $275 for members; $299 for non-members/week with some slight variance depending on which camp is chosen

Camp: 5 Star Camps – Sports Adventure Camp
Info: Ages 5 through 12. Combines popular outdoor and indoor sports with cooperative and initiative games, team challenges, a low ropes course, and other adventure-based endeavors. Also offering a shorter dance camp. See registration page for more info.
Dates: July 2-August 9
Cost: $300, plus tax/5 day week; $240, plus tax/4 day week

Camp: Carleton Athletics – Summer Sports Camps
Info: Carleton University isn’t just known for their journalism program. Their popular summer camps offer everything from multi-sports to specific tennis, ringette, basketball, hockey, soccer, and even lifesaving camps.
Dates: June 24–August 30
Cost: Varies by program

Camp: Above the Rim Basketball School – Basketball Day Camps
Info: Kids age 7-15 learn fundamental basketball skills like shooting, ball handling, defense, and team play, all enhanced by drills and games, with swimming also offered at no extra cost.
Dates: July 15-Aug 2; dates vary by location
Cost: $109-$202/week, depending on location

Regina

Camp: Girls in the Game – Sport & Self-Esteem Camps
Info: It’s great to see an organization that champions female athleticism. Girls in the game offers a structured golf camp for girls age 7-12 taught by Canadian PGA instructors. Golfing fundamentals like swing, grip, short game, driving range instruction, as well as rules and etiquette, are covered. Their multi-sport sport and self-esteem camp allows girls age 5-12 to be active and engaged in sports and skill development, as well as educated about nutrition and body image, media awareness, healthy friendships, and self-confidence.
Dates: July 2-26, check dates for each location/camp
Cost: $200-250/week

Camp: University of Regina – Summer Sports School
Info: Kids age 4 and 5 will enjoy the Summer Sports School morning program, where they will have a chance to try balloon badminton, beach volleyball, scavenger hunts and wonder walks, as well as other sports using junior equipment. Older kids (6-12) can discover archery, field hockey, lacrosse and kin ball activities. Morning or afternoon options (afternoon offers swim) available. Be sure to check out their Active Arts camps, too.
Dates: July 2-August 30
Cost: $160-$176, depending on week

Camp: Wascana Racing Canoe Club – Youth Programs
Info: Is there anything better than being out in the water on a sunny day? Kids develop overall fitness and outdoor appreciation while learning how to canoe and kayak. Age 9-14.
Dates: July 2-August 2
Cost: $125 per session

Camp: Ginga Futebol Academy
Info: Kids totally booked up during the day but wired at night? Why not sign them up for soccer camp at night? Courses focus on fundamental skill building in a non-competitive environment. Beginners and experienced players benefit from low player to coach ratios, and one-on-one coaching targeted to strengths and goals. At Ginga its all about the love of the game!
Dates: July through August
Cost: TBA

Toronto (GTA)

Be sure to check out some of our previously highlighted programs, like those offered by Harbourfront, Evergreen Brickworks and the amazing Fitfix Jr, which this summer is offering a Triathlon camp!

Camp: Olympia Sports Camp
Info: Offering everything from dodgeball to water polo, rugby to wrestling, circus to windsurfing, and even a separate leadership camp, this overnight Muskoka camp makes sure kids from 6-19 are going to develop teamwork, build self-confidence, and have the time of their lives from expert coaches who care.
Dates: June 30-August 31
Cost: Before March 31, $750/1 week; 2,035 for 3 weeks. After March 31, $780/1 week

Camp: True North Climbing – Day Camp
Info: Is your child climbing the walls? Why not channel that energy with a camp that will teach your kids age 7-12 how to challenge themselves and improve their climbing technique, stretch properly, work on boulder and slack line efficiency, and when they’re not climbing, a host of other sports to keep them active and happy.
Dates: July 2 to August 30
Cost: $300 plus HST for full week, if booked a week in advance, $350 if booked later. Prices adjusted if booking only 4-day week, or half-day option (9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm)

Camp: Ryerson Recreation – Sports, Fitness and Fun Day Camps
Info: Ryerson’s Sports, Fitness and Fun Camp camp doesn’t just teach your child athletics, but offers lessons on nutrition and how to live a healthy life. Their motto: everyone has fun; everyone learns. Age 9-14
Dates: July 29-August 1, August 6-9
Cost: Book before April 15, $175 / From April 15-June 15, $185 / After June 15, $195.

Camp: Just Bounce Trampoline Club – Summer Day Camps
Info: Who doesn’t love a trampoline? Your kids age 5-14 will be bouncing with glee as they learn from certified instructors, participate in circus activities and sports at Downsview Park, and even get to do some arts and crafts and enjoy excursions to the bowling alley. 9:00am-4:00pm, with extended care options.
Dates: July 2-August 30
Cost: 5-Day Week: $296.63 (Weeks 2-5, 7-9) / 4-Day Week: $249.17 (Weeks 1, 6)

Camp: Mayfair Clubs
Info: With over 4 locations in Toronto, Mayfair Tennis club is a great option for all; do a little tennis and working out yourself when you drop off your kids to this great camp that offers tennis, swimming, and even a little fitness bootcamp. 9:00am-4:00pm, with half-day options, and before and after care available.
Dates: July 8-August 30
Cost: 1 full day: $85; Half Day: $55. $375 for Member who register before June 15; $400 for members who register after June 15 and non-members.

Vancouver

Be sure to check out Pedalheads, an exceptional bike camp for kids, running all summer, also available in Alberta, other areas of B.C., and Ontario.

Camp: Dynamic Dan Camps
Info: Dynamic Dan camps give kids the chance to improve their co-ordination, have fun and do sports like basketball, soccer, badminton, volleyball, along with minor games and relays. Older kids camp (Grades 5-8) will also focus on nutrition and overall fitness. All camps believe in the importance of team spirit! Dynamic Dan camps also offer specialty basketball or volleyball. See above link to find out more.
Dates: July 15-19, 22-26 / August 19-23
Cost: $175/5 sessions

Camp: Jump Gymnastics Summer Camps
Info:  Specifically designed to help children develop individual physical potential, Jump summer camps will focus on teaching children 3-8 how to explore movement, enhance balance, agility, and coordination, and have a great time learning! Activities include gym time, outings to parks, visits with Paralympic athletes and other motivational speakers, dance parties, arts and crafts, healthy cooking, scavenger hunts, gardening and more. Half-day, full-day, and free extended drop-off and pick-up times offered.
Dates: June 24-August 30
Cost: half-day: $42/morning or $175/5 mornings; full-Day:$62/day or $275/week

Camp: Vancouver All Stars Summer Baseball Camp
Info: Get ready for a summer camp that hits it out of the park, with Vancouver all-stars Baseball camps for age 6-12. Leadership, goal setting, co-operation, and teamwork are part of their fundamental approach to teaching everything from field hitting to base running to throwing and pitching.
Dates: July 1-August 30
Cost: $280 plus HST for non-returning members; returning players and additional weeks $252 plus HST

Victoria

Camp: Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence
Info:  Offering over 17 challenging, fun and physically oriented camps, the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence has you covered. Golf, tennis, soccer, volleyball, rugby, basketball, sport and science – you name it, PISE has it. Particularly noteworthy are Sporty Girls Move, tailor made for indoor and outdoor sports enthusiasts, and Healthy Girls Move, which combine traditional sports with pilates, spin, and yoga, and teaches nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Also great is the younger-focussed All Sorts of Sports, which will truly help kids ( ages 3-5)develop their physical literacy fundamentals, such as balance, co-ordination, throwing, kicking, speed, and more.  Finally, there’s even a Cricket Camp, and High Performance 101 for older teens looking to challenge themselves.  Register now before these amazing camps get filled up!
Dates: See registration for specific camp details
Cost: Varies by program

Camp: The Westin Bear Mountain – Bear Cub Summer Sports Camps
Info: Kids will hike, play tennis, swim, play volleyball and golf, while making great new friends. Age 7-12. Hurry – some dates already sold out at press time!
Dates: July 23-August 24
Cost: $165

Camp: Victoria City Rowing Club – Youth Summer Rowing Camp
Info: A great way to get your kids outside and using their upper body, Victoria City Rowing Club offers youth age 12-15 a chance to develop their rowing skills. Sculling boats, basic movement and flexibility are also taught.
Dates: July 1-August 30
Cost: $230/5 sessions

Camp: Vikes Athletics and Recreation
Info: University of Victoria is making your life and your child’s better, with camps offering basketball, raquet games, run, jump, throw, elite and junior soccer, as well as multi-sport offerings. Register today, space is limited for some camps.
Dates: Through July and August
Cost: Varies by program

Winnipeg

Camp: Rising Star Academy of Arts – Summer Camps
Info: Shall we dance? Indeed, the options for kids age 3-11 are endless, with opportunities to stay active and happy while discovering creative movement.
Dates: August 6-9, 19-23 for Angelina Ballerina / August 12-16 for Junior Dance Intensive / August 6-9, 19-23, 26-30 for World Music and Dance
Cost: From $72-200/week, depending on which class chosen

Camp: 17 Wing Winnipeg Community Gateway – Summer Sports Camps
Info: Rookies age 5-8 and Varsity campers, age 9-12 have amazing sporty options available. Dodgeball and disc games, soccer and softball, track and field, eco adventures, climbing, and the awesome Amazing Race camp full of exciting challenges. Can adults go, too?
Dates: July 2-August 30; check site for specific camp dates
Cost: $110/week, members; $125, non-members, less for 4-day week.

Camp: Canadian Mennonite University, Blazer Athletics – Sports Camps
Info: Dig-it Volleyball, Golden Boot Soccer Camp, and Ballin’ Basketball half-day camps are offered for kids in grades 5-10 who want to learn how to play the games, make friends, and benefit from experienced and enthusiastic coaches.
Dates: August 12-23, dates vary per sports camp
Cost: $109/week