REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMPS IS NOW OPEN!
Early Bird Pricing is in effect until January 31, 2025!Early Bird pricing only in effect until Jan 31!
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Celebrate our 11th Summer Camp Season with us in 2025!
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: In addition to the engaging and busy camp activities, we plan in times where campers can take time to reflect and relax. Mindfulness activities include yoga, meditation, specific self-awareness activities and time to stop and think.
STEAM: Through Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math activities, campers will have the opportunity to develop their social skills, confidence and cognitive flexibility.Â
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.
2025 Arts & Adventures Camp Weekly Themes
Week 1: June 30-July 4 - Summer in the City
This week, campers will celebrate the vibrant city of Toronto while discovering ways to make it even better. They’ll get outside to explore the natural wonders right in our own backyard, learning about local parks, wildlife, and more. Through hands-on activities, campers will dive into sustainability, creativity, and innovation, brainstorming ideas and inventions to improve the community. It’s a week of exploration, inspiration, and making a positive impact on the city we love!
Typical Activities Include:
* Daily walking excursions to local hidden gems of parks and creeks (ie. Jeff Healey Park and exploring the banks of Mimico Creek or learning about the unique birds that call Colonel Sam Smith Park wetland their home.)
* Learn about maps and geographic landmarks in our city and local communities (ie. navigating through the Humber Bay Shores naturalized paths to the Butterfly Habitat, or scavenger hunts through the grounds of Humber College Lakeshore Campus.
* Investigate what makes South Etobicoke a special and unique part of our city
Week 2: July 7-11 - Blast Off Into Summer
Blast off into an exciting week of space exploration! Campers will journey through the solar system, discovering the wonders of space science and stargazing. They’ll learn about the stars that light up the summer night sky and dive into hands-on activities like rocket launching and building their own model of the Solar System. It’s a week filled with fun, learning, and endless curiosity about the universe—get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure!
Typical Activities Include:
*Outdoor Exploration and Sun Tracking: Students spend extended time outdoors, engaging in activities like making sundials and tracking the sun’s patterns over time.
*Creative Constellations and Natural Crafts: At Prince of Wales Park, students may gather rocks and twigs to create constellation art, combining outdoor exploration with artistic expression.
*Rocket Design and Launch: Throughout the week, students design, build, and launch rockets, with launches held at spots like Colonel Sam Smith Park, utilizing its expansive fields for safe and exciting flights.
*This immersive camp combines science, creativity, and outdoor fun for a stellar adventure!
Week 3: July 14-18 - Food & Gardening
This week, campers will roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in our garden, where they’ll learn all about planting, growing, and preparing their own food! They’ll explore the science behind gardening—discovering how seeds, soil, and water work together to nourish plants. Campers will also experience the joy of harvesting fresh produce and using it to create healthy, delicious snacks to share with friends. It’s a week of hands-on learning, creativity, and tasty treats from garden to table!
Typical Activities Include:
* Â Investigate sustainable gardening and how so many foods we love can be grown in our own backyard
* Explore the plant life cycle, including the bioloigy of seeds and the chemistry of soils
* Harvest and prepare foods grown locally and learn new ways to enjoy classic favourites
Week 4: July 21-25 - Exploring Art in Nature
Get ready to explore the beauty of the world through art! This week is perfect for campers who love to draw, paint, and create. Each day, they’ll experiment with various artistic techniques and mediums, both in the studio and out in nature. Campers will learn how the natural world inspires art and how to find creativity in the world around them. By the end of the week, they’ll have a personalized art portfolio and will proudly display their masterpieces in a special gallery for family and friends to admire!
Typical Activities Include:
* Explore different artistic mediums, including drawing, sketching, watercolours, acrylic paint technique, and more.
* Investigate ways that nature inspires Art & Design
* Work towards building a portfolio of art and prepare a ‘Gallery Exhibit’ for families on the last day of camp
Week 5: July 28 - Aug 1 - Musical Theatre
Lights, camera, action! In this specialty camp, campers will team up with a guest instructor to dive into the world of performing arts, exploring singing, dancing, and acting. Throughout the week, they’ll work together to rehearse and perfect a special performance, which will be unveiled on the final day of camp. Get ready for a fun-filled week of creativity, teamwork, and the thrill of the stage!
Typical Activities Include:
*Â Explore classic and modern musical theatre numbers through song and dance
* Investigate how music and performance help tell a story
* Rehearse and perform a special song to share with the rest of the camp on the last day of the week.
Week 6: Aug 5-8 - Structures & Design
This week, campers will explore the secrets behind some of the world’s most famous and awe-inspiring structures. From ancient landmarks to modern marvels, they’ll learn what makes these buildings timeless. Then, campers will put their knowledge to the test by designing and creating their very own unique structures. It’s a week of creativity, engineering, and architectural adventure!
Typical Activities Include:
*Exploring and Designing Natural Structures: Students explore ecosystems and natural structures during outdoor activities, then use inspiration to design and build their own, such as shelters, bridges, and animal houses.
*LEGO Engineering Challenges: Campers use LEGO to prototype their structures, practicing problem-solving and creativity before applying their designs to real-world materials.
*STEM and Egg Drop Adventures: Students tackle STEM activities like creating protective structures for the Egg Drop Challenge. They’ll decide on the best outdoor locations—high cliffs are key—to test their innovative designs.
*This week combines hands-on exploration, LEGO engineering, and outdoor fun for a creative and structural adventure!
Week 7: Aug 11-15 - Bugs & Butterflies
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of insects and creepy-crawlies! This week, campers will explore the tiny creatures that inhabit the parks around us, learning about their life cycles, habitats, and where to find them. A special highlight will be the return of the Monarch butterflies and caterpillars, as they feast on milkweed and undergo their amazing transformation right before our eyes. It’s a week filled with discovery, adventure, and plenty of bug-tastic fun!
Typical Activities Include:
* Explore hidden nature hideouts of bugs and butterflies in our local parks and gardens
* Investigate the amazing life cycles of bugs and butterflies through hands-on observation and activities
* Investigate the importance of polinators in our environment and how humans can both harm and help these insects
Week 8: Aug 18-22 - Oak's Got Talent!
Get ready to shine in Oak’s Got Talent! This exciting week gives campers the chance to showcase their unique skills and creativity in music, dance, acting, and more. Whether you’re a singer, dancer, comedian, or performer of any kind, this is your moment to shine. Campers will work together to perfect their acts and build confidence, culminating in a spectacular talent show for friends and family to enjoy. Let’s see what you’ve got!
Typical Activities Include:
*Creative Inspiration and Performance Prep: Campers choose an inspirational figure, design costumes, and craft a unique performance, guided by talented counselors experienced in piano, guitar, vocals, and theatre.
*Mastering the Art of Performance: From comedy to singing or showcasing unique talents, campers learn the essentials of captivating an audience, refining their skills and confidence along the way.
*Rehearsals in the Spotlight: Campers practice on the outdoor stage at Amos Waites Park, experiencing the thrill of performing in the limelight, all leading up to a grand talent show at the end of the week.
*This week sparks creativity, builds confidence, and celebrates every camper’s star potential!
Your Summer Camp Adventures begin here!Â
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 – 9:15Â – Drop-off, welcome and arrival activities
9:15 – 10:00Â – 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!Â
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.
Prior to the start of camp, our counsellors undergo an intensive two weeks of training where they complete or renew their Red Cross First Aid & CPR Certification as well as participate in training workshops on programming, leadership and child development. Safety is our top priority at Oak Learners and ALL staff members must also have undergone (and passed!) a recent Vulnerable Sector Check and partake in Safety & Wellness training during their onboarding process.
Learn more about Our Team or apply to join us HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
Timings
Please note the following to ensure a smooth running of each day.
- Day camps run from 9am-4pm
- Drop-off from 8:45-9:00
- Pick-up from 3:45-4:00
Extended hours available if needed for an additional fee.
Our extended day options are: 8:00am-9:00am ($50 per week) and/or 4:00pm-6:00pm ($50 per week). Registration for the extended day is per-week to allow us to plan for regular staffing and supervision.
Fees & Registration
Full payment of fees must be received at the time of registration to reserve a spot for Summer Camps.
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.
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.Â
Groups have an average of 8 campers and 1 counselor. Some groups will also have a volunteer or Learn and Lead camper.Â
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 or our Lake Shore location at 3003B Lake Shore Blvd. W. 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.
Your Summer Camp Adventures begin here!Â
Register by Location
TWO convenient locations in South Etobicoke!Royal York Campus
| 394 Royal York Road Etobicoke, Ontario M8Y 3R2 | 416-820-5233 info@oaklearners.ca |
Lake Shore Campus
| 3003B Lake Shore Blvd W Etobicoke, Ontario M8V 1K2 | 416-820-5233 info@oaklearners.ca |
What are others saying about Oak Learners?
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!
Your Summer Camp Adventures begin here!Â
