Celebrate our 12th Summer Camp Season with us in 2026!
We offer a unique summer camp experience designed to engage children and make them want to return year after year.
Creativity: We encourage campers to be creative and explore various means of expression. We plan out a variety of activities, including music and art, to allow campers to ‘give it a go’.
Mindfulness: Alongside the busy camp schedule, we include time for reflection and relaxation. Mindfulness activities may involve yoga, meditation, self-awareness exercises, and quiet moments to pause and think.
STEAM: Through Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math activities, campers will have the opportunity to develop their social skills, confidence, and cognitive flexibility.ity.
Community: Campers will spend as much time outdoors as possible. They will enjoy field trips that give them the opportunity to experience situations that they might not usually have the chance to. Campers can explore natural surroundings and understand their part in nature and the local community.
What to expect at Oak Learners Arts & Adventures Camps:
At our Classic Arts & Adventures Camps, campers will spend the day doing a variety of planned activities indoors and outdoors. Activities are designed to fit within the weekly themes, which have been carefully planned by our camp leadership team. Campers will have the opportunity to spend at least 50% of their days outside in the local community and try new activities. If you want your child to have a structured and enjoyable week in a small group, our Arts & Adventures Camp is the place to go.
Activities may include:
- Arts and crafts
- Enjoying, playing, and even composing music
- Mindfulness, yoga, and movement
- Sports and physical challenges
- Trips to local parks and hikes on local nature trails
- Team games and team-building activities
- Science investigations and innovations
A Typical Day at Arts & Adventures Camp:
7:30-9:00 – Early Drop-Off Programming (add-on)
9:00 – 9:15 – Drop-off, welcome and arrival activities
9:15 – 10:00 – First activity (e.g. Arts & Crafts chosen from the weekly theme)
10:00 – 11:00 – Second activity (e.g. Music & Movement Activity)
11:00 – 11:15 – AM Snack
11:15 – 12:15 – Third activity (e.g. STEAM activity chosen in line with the weekly theme)
12:15 – 1:15 – LUNCH
1:15 – 1:45 – Transition to afternoon Outdoor Adventures
1:45 – 3:00 – Outdoor Activity (e.g. Nature trail hike and hands-on activities on location)
3:00 – 3:30 – Reflections & celebrations back at camp
3:30 – 4:00 – Closing Activities & Dismissal
4:00-6:00 pm – Extended Day Programming (add-on)
A Staff Team that can’t be beat!
Each summer, our Camp Director and School Director spend a LOT of time recruiting and hiring staff to help run our camps! Returning staff are invited back, and new team members are carefully interviewed and selected. Pre-requisites to join the Summer Camp team require that applicants have completed at least 1 year of post-secondary education and be pursuing a field of study related to education or child care. Priority selection is given to applicants with experience in both camp and leadership roles.
Before camp begins, all counselors complete two weeks of intensive training. This includes earning or renewing Red Cross First Aid & CPR certification and participating in workshops on programming, leadership, and child development. Safety is a top priority at Oak Learners: every staff member must pass a recent Vulnerable Sector Check and complete Safety & Wellness training during onboarding.
Learn more about Our Team or apply to join us HERE.
2026 Arts & Adventures Camp Weekly Themes
Week 1: July 6-10, Nature's Canvas
🎨 This wild studio turns the great outdoors into your personal art gallery! This week, campers trade traditional brushes for leaves, sticks, and mud to create wild, nature-inspired masterpieces. From mixing natural pigments to crafting botanical soaps, it’s a messy, creative adventure where every explorer builds a unique Eco-Portfolio to showcase their journey through the wild.
Typical Activities Include:
- Foraging Expeditions: Daily treks to local trails to gather “art treasures” like stones, petals, and branches while learning about local ecosystems.
- The Pigment Lab: Learn ancient techniques by mixing custom paints made from berries, soil, and plant life.
- Wild Sculpting: Create temporary “Earth Art” like nature mandalas, mud structures, and stick sculptures in the forest.
- Eco-Artisan Crafts: Design leaf-print impressions and create custom Melt & Pour Soap Art using natural scents and textures.
Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists
🧪Calling all curious minds! This week, the great outdoors becomes a giant laboratory as our Junior Scientists track down “sneaky science” in mud, puddles, bubbles, and the sky above. From daily messy experiments to exploring the hidden physics of earth, water, and light, it’s a week of big questions, hands-on discoveries, and seeing the world through a scientist’s eyes!
Typical Activities Include:
- Daily Experiments: Get hands-on with the physics and chemistry of everyday things—from giant bubbles to light refraction.
- Creek & Park Expeditions: Head to nearby waterways for soil and water collection, insect observation, and “field research.”
- Sneaky Science Hunts: Learn to spot the science happening all around us—in the mud, the rocks, and even the clouds.
- The Science Studio: Create daily art projects that bring scientific concepts like gravity, absorption, and color-mixing to life.
Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest
🌱 Grab your sun hats and aprons, little explorers! Root to Table invites campers to discover the magic of where our food comes from. This week, we aren’t just making snacks; we’re becoming garden-to-kitchen experts. From the soil to the sprout to the final bite, campers will learn how sunshine and water turn into delicious treats. Through hands-on “food play,” kids will build independence and confidence as they mix, blend, and assemble simple, seasonal recipes. We prioritize curiosity over complexity, encouraging every camper to try new flavors and celebrate the colors of the earth.
Session 1: The Early Harvest (July)
Focus: Berries, Bright Greens, and Garden Herbs In July, we celebrate the arrival of summer! Our “mini-makers” will work with the refreshing flavors of the early season.
Menu Highlights: “Purple Power” berry smoothies, garden-herb dip with crunchy snap peas, and “Sun-Kissed” fruit salads.
Typical Activities Include:
- Garden Art Exploration: Creating stamps and masterpieces using the textures of real fruits and vegetables.
- Seed-to-Snack Sessions: Learning the step-by-step journey of a recipe, from identifying the raw plant to the finished dish.
- Nature Trail Scavenger Hunt: Head outdoors to explore leaf shapes and learn to distinguish between helpful garden plants and those we leave alone in the wild.
- The Senses Station: A fun, low-pressure way for kids to touch, smell, and see new ingredients before they ever take a bite.
Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer
3…2…1… Blast Off! T🚀 Mission to Space: This week, young astronauts-in-training head to the stars to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos. From designing and launching rockets to turning the pavement into a giant chalk solar system, it’s a mission filled with cosmic discovery. Campers will hunt for “space rocks,” map out constellations, and record every discovery in their very own Space Log!
Typical Activities Include:
- Rocket Lab: Design, build, and launch simple rockets to see how high they can fly.
- Sidewalk Solar System: Head outdoors for “space races” and giant pavement drawings that bring the galaxy to scale.
- Space Rock Hunt: Scour the area (and the beach!) for unique rocks that look like they fell from another planet.
- The Space Log: A week-long creative project where campers document their flight path with art, moon phases, and alien landscape designs..
Week 5: Aug 4 - 7, Wildlife Explorers
🐾 Wildlife Explorers: Nature Detectives Put on your hiking boots and grab your binoculars! This week, campers become nature detectives as they track local wildlife and uncover the secrets of our backyard neighbors. From identifying animal tracks and building natural nests to designing their own imaginary species, it’s a week of “field research,” muddy shoes, and “Did you see that?!” moments for every animal lover.
Typical Activities Include:
- Track & Trace: Learn to read “animal clues” like footprints and nests to see who has been visiting our parks.
- The Nest Challenge: Use twigs, mud, and grass to build sturdy bird nests—just like the pros!
- Evolution Lab: Design a brand-new animal species, complete with unique survival features and a custom habitat.
- Nature Studio: Create beautiful wildlife art using nature prints and leaf collages.
Week 6: Aug 10-14, Junior Engineers
🛠️ Junior Engineers: The Big Build & Design Lab
Get ready to build, test, and create! This week, campers become junior engineers as they dream up and design their own structures, gadgets, and inventions. It’s the perfect week for curious minds who love to tinker, build, and say, “Let’s try it and see what happens!”
Typical Activities Include:
- Engineering & Physics challenges using simple, everyday materials, campers take on fun building challenges and try out cool experiments to see what happens when they tweak, test, and improve their ideas.
- Creative Projects that are both collaborative and individual, using recycled or sustainable materials.
- Outdoor Adventures take our tools and curiosity outside to see how engineering works in the natural world.
Week 7: Aug 17-21, Bugs & Butterflies
🐞 Bug Hunters: The Great Insect Adventure
Dive into the tiny, fascinating world of creepy-crawlies! This week, campers become junior entomologists as they explore hidden habitats and witness the incredible metamorphosis of Monarch butterflies. From building bug hotels to visiting the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat, it’s a week of outdoor discovery, nature walks, and bug-tastic fun for every curious explorer.
Typical Activities Include:
- Learning the difference between “bugs” and true insects by exploring body parts, behaviours, and habitats.
- Investigating life cycles and butterfly metamorphosis, with a special focus on Monarch migration and their incredible journeys.
- Building cozy “bug hotels” and going on guided bug-exploration walks to observe insects safely and respectfully.
- Visiting the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat to spot pollinators in action and connect learning to a real outdoor ecosystem.
Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty
🌱 Grab your sun hats and aprons, little explorers! Root to Table invites campers to discover the magic of where our food comes from. This week, we aren’t just making snacks; we’re becoming garden-to-kitchen experts. From the soil to the sprout to the final bite, campers will learn how sunshine and water turn into delicious treats. Through hands-on “food play,” kids will build independence and confidence as they mix, blend, and assemble simple, seasonal recipes. We prioritize curiosity over complexity, encouraging every camper to try new flavors and celebrate the colors of the earth.
Session 2: The Late Summer Bounty (August)
Focus: Sun-Ripened Veggies, Stone Fruits, and Seeds As the garden reaches its peak, we explore the bold, hearty flavors of August.
Menu Highlights: “Garden Patch” salsa with sun-ripened tomatoes, sweet corn snack plates, and juicy peach “no-bake” crumbles.
Typical Activities Include:
- Garden Art Exploration: Creating stamps and masterpieces using the textures of real fruits and vegetables.
- Seed-to-Snack Sessions: Learning the step-by-step journey of a recipe, from identifying the raw plant to the finished dish.
- Nature Trail Scavenger Hunt: Head outdoors to explore leaf shapes and learn to distinguish between helpful garden plants and those we leave alone in the wild.
- The Senses Station: A fun, low-pressure way for kids to touch, smell, and see new ingredients before they ever take a bite.
Summer Camps 2026 at Oak Learners
Celebrate 12 years with us at Oak Learners! Our 2026 summer camp offers a unique experience that keeps children coming back. With weekly themes, outdoor learning, and hands-on activities, campers build creativity, confidence, and community in a supportive setting.
2026 Arts & Adventures Camp Weekly Themes
Week 1: July 6-10, Nature’s Canvas
Week 2: July 13-17, Junior Scientists
Week 3: July 20-24, Root to Table: The Mid-Summer Harvest
Week 4: July 27-31, Blast Off Into Summer
Week 5: Aug 4-7, Wildlife Explorers
Week 6: Aug 10-14, Junior Engineers
Week 7: Aug 17-21, Bugs & Butterflies
Week 8: Aug 24-28, Root to Table: The Late Summer Bounty
Summer Camps Extended Hours
Summer camps extended hours at Oak Learners are designed to support families who need additional flexibility throughout the summer. Our extended hours program helps make mornings and evenings easier for busy parents by offering reliable care before and after the regular camp day. Campers enjoy a safe, welcoming, and supervised environment where they can ease into the day or unwind with calm activities at the end of the afternoon. These options give parents peace of mind while ensuring children remain engaged and cared for.
Regular Camp Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Drop-off permitted from 9:00am – 9:15am
Pick-up is from 3:45pm – 4:00pm
Pick‑ups after 4:00 pm may incur additional charges for extra care time.
Extended Hours (Weekly Only)
Extended hours must be purchased by the week so that we can plan consistent staffing and supervision. Families may choose morning care, afternoon care, or full-day coverage depending on their needs.
Morning Early Drop-Off: 7:30 to 9:00am, $50 per week
Afternoon Late Pickup: 4:00 to 6:00pm, $50 per week
Full Coverage: 7:30am to 6:00pm, $90 per week
Preschool Enrichment Mini-Camp
Give your child a head start for Kindergarten in September 2026! With our Preschool Enrichment Mini- Camp. Designed for 3-4-year-olds and focusing on setting them up for success in their educational journey.
What to Expect:
Positive Learning Environment: Our experienced educators create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere where children can explore and discover.
Essential Skills Development: Through play-based activities, we foster crucial classroom skills like following directions, sharing, and problem-solving, as well as promoting independence.
Curriculum Highlights: We introduce key concepts in literacy, numeracy, science, and French language skills through a natural, inquiry-based approach.
Program Details:
- Monday-Friday – 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- $195
- Weekly attendance during the summer, aligned with our Summer Camp weekly themes
- Location: Oak Learners Royal York Campus, 394 Royal York Rd.
Help your child transition smoothly into Kindergarten and build a strong foundation for future learning!
Junior Learn & Lead: Counselor in Training Ages 11-13
Kickstart your leadership journey! Our Junior Learn and Lead program provides a fantastic opportunity for Tweens and Teens to explore the world of camp leadership. Develop confidence, build teamwork skills, and learn the basics of working with children. This program offers a structured learning experience with daily mentorship from our Camp Director, helping you set goals and reflect on your progress. All participants will receive a certificate of completion. Fees are $175 per participant, per week.
Program Highlights:
- Daily mentorship and goal setting with the Camp Director.
- Hands-on experience working with campers and counselors.
- Skill development in communication, teamwork, and leadership.
- A fun and engaging camp environment.
Ready to lead? Join today and discover your leadership potential this summer at Oak Learners!
*Not eligible for volunteer hours. Certificate of completion.
Senior Learn & Lead: Counselor in Training Ages 14-17
Gain valuable experience and make a difference! Our Senior Learn & Lead program offers teens the chance to contribute to the camp community while developing crucial leadership skills. Work alongside experienced counselors, mentor younger campers, and build your resume with documented volunteer hours. Daily meetings with the Camp Director provide guidance and support, helping you maximize your learning and impact. All Learn & Lead participants receive a certificate of completion and are eligible for High School Volunteer Hours.
Program Highlights:
- Daily mentorship and goal setting with the Camp Director.
- Hands-on experience working with campers and counselors.
- Skill development in communication, teamwork, and leadership.
- A fun and engaging camp environment.
Ready to lead? Join today and discover your leadership potential this summer at Oak Learners!
*Eligible for High School volunteer hours
Certificate of completion.
Lunch & Snacks:
Campers should attend camp with enough food and water for a busy day!. Please note that their lunch should be:
- Nutritious and filling
- Garbage-free (wrappers will be sent home)
- Enough to last the whole day
- Nut-free
- In a labelled lunch bag
Other items to pack:
Campers will also need:
- A lightweight backpack that can easily fit supplies and be carried by the child
- A reusable water bottle (labelled if possible)
- Appropriate footwear for outdoor exploration
- Clothing and layers appropriate for daily activities
- Sunscreen and Hats!
Logistics
Please ensure the following for a smooth day.
- Camp Program: 9:00am–4:00pm
- Drop-Off Window: 9:00am–9:15am
- Pick-Up Window: 3:45–4:00pm
Pick‑ups after 4:00 pm may incur additional charges for extra care time.
Extended Hours (Weekly Only)
Extended hours must be purchased by the week so that we can plan consistent staffing and supervision. Families may choose morning care, afternoon care, or full-day coverage depending on their needs.
Morning Early Drop-Off: 7:30 to 9:00am, $50 per week
Afternoon Late Pickup: 4:00 to 6:00pm, $50 per week
Full Coverage: 7:30am to 6:00pm, $90 per week
Fees & Registration
- Full payment is required at the time of registration to reserve a spot in Summer Camps.
- One change to a registration may be made free of charge.
- Additional change requests will incur a $15 administration fee per request.
For details or to request a change, please contact: camps@oaklearners.ca
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations of summer camp programs made before June 1 of the same program year are subject to a 10% administration fee. All cancellations of summer camp programs made on or after June 1 of the same program year are subject to a 50% administration fee. No cancellations will be processed within 7 days of the start of the session to be cancelled.
How Do I Register For Camp?
How old do children need to be to attend camps?
Camps at Oak Learners are open to children 4 through 11 years.
Campers 11 through 17 may apply for our “Learn & Lead” Volunteer Program.
Young campers must have reached their 4th birthday before their first day of camp. Children who are less than 4 years old may NOT attend camp, as per the Ministry of Education regulations.
Can I Switch Weeks After I Register For Camp?
Switching weeks of camp or camp choice is subject to availability.
We allow one change free of charge. Any change request thereafter will have an administration fee of $15 per each change request. Please inquire at: camps@oaklearners.ca for details.
Who Are The Camp Counselors?
Our Camp Counselors are post-secondary students who may be training to be teachers or other professions that work with youth. They all have experience of working in schools or camps.
All counselors go through a training process to prepare them for the summer. They all have Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training and undergo a Vulnerable Sector Check.
What Is My Child Going To Do At Camp?
Our camp team spends a great deal of time and effort planning and preparing activities and excursions for campers of all ages and interests. Activities are loosely based on the weekly themes and camp counsellors tailor the specific daily activities to the groups of campers each week. You can find an outline of a typical day, along with other information for both camps can be found, HERE.
Is There A Sibling Discount?
No. Camp fees are per camper, as stated on the website.
How Are The Groups Created?
Groups are usually based on a variety of criteria including age and specific requests.
Groups have an average of 8 campers and 1 counselor. Some groups will also have a volunteer or Learn and Lead camper.
Siblings and/or friends may or may not be paired together, as per a parent’s request. Groups CANNOT be changed once campers arrive at camp. If you have special requests for groupings, please included these in your registration or via email to camps@oaklearners.ca Please note that not all grouping requests can be guaranteed.
Does Oak Learners Provide Lunch Or Snacks Each Day?
What Do I Send My Child/ren To Camp With?
What Are The Cancellation Policies?
All cancellations of summer camp programs made before June 1 of the same program year are subject to a 10% administration fee. All cancellations of summer camp programs made on or after June 1 of the same program year are subject to a 50% administration fee. No cancellations will be processed within 7 days of the start of the session to be cancelled.
The above cancellation policy is not applicable during a time of Force Majeure; an Act of God or circumstances beyond our control (i.e. pandemic, quarantine, natural disaster, etc.). In the case that Oak Learners is unable to provide comparable instructional programming through online learning methods, a credit towards tuition fees will be applied. All withdrawal requests made during the Force Majeure period will be provided with a credit, calculated as per the withdrawal policy towards a future program registration. The lifetime credit can be used towards any future Oak Learners program registration and is transferable to any immediate family member.
Where is the camp?
Arts & Adventure camps are based at Oak Learners, 394 Royal York Road . but will spend much of their day outside.
My child needs to take medication. Will there be provisions for this?
Yes. If your child needs to take medication during the day our counselors will ensure this is done safely with minimal disruption to their day. Counselors will be trained for these situations.
Can my child bring their cell phone?
No. At our camps we encourage time away from screens.
Can I drop my child off later or pick them up early?
If you need to do pick-up early or drop-off later this can be arranged. However, please note that the campers may not be on site. Also, there is no discounted rate for late arrival or an early leave.
What happens if there is an emergency? How will you contact us?
We will ALWAYS contact you in case of an emergency. Please ensure you have supplied us with the correct contact information on your application form.
It was my son’s first time at camp (he’s 4.5 years old). He absolutely loved it and was a little sad it was over. I loved that they challenged him. Every day was an activity that incorporated art, music, movement, and fun. The teachers were AWESOME and the location is so welcoming. We can’t wait to return next summer. Highly recommended!
Oak Learners is a wonderful place for kids. My son attended their camp for three weeks this summer and he was so happy there. He would rush to join his counselors and friends in the morning forgetting to say goodbye to his parents, and that says a lot. And in the evening he wouldn’t stop talking about all the fun they were having.
My son attended his first day camp last week at Oak Learners. To say he loved it would be an understatement. They built a fun soap volcano, saw caterpillars and watched them eat and grow, and even managed a visit to a splash pad. They did many arts and crafts projects which are now displayed at home. Thank you to Oak Learners for a great week!
