Camp Chippewa (Christie Conservation Area) 

Ages 6-13* 

Located in the majestic surroundings of Christie Lake Conservation Area, Camp Chippewa includes spacious playing fields, a beautiful, wooded area for supervised explorations, and a safe waterfront setting. Campers will spend their days outdoors and experience a combination of traditional day camp activities such as arts and crafts, waterfront swimming, archery, canoeing, and wilderness and environmental science pursuits.

Staff to camper ratio is 1:10.
*Campers will be grouped according to age.

Camp Chippewa Activities 

Throughout the week, campers will have the opportunity to challenge themselves and develop skills in these camp activities. 

Swimming: Safe and fun water games will be provided for all who attend camp. All campers six years of age must wear a life jacket. Everyone will be tested to determine swimming capabilities before doing any water-based activities. Campers must pass a swim test to enter the deeper area.

Field Games/Initiatives: These activities blend traditional and wacky games using a team approach.

Hiking: Throughout the week, children will have opportunities as a group to explore hiking trails, and boardwalks through the southern Ontario Wetlands which are some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world.

Arts and Crafts: Campers will have the opportunity to work individually and in groups, using many different mediums to explore their creative and artistic side. Take home crafts include; friendship bracelets, working with natural and foraged materials.

Archery and Sports: Campers will learn the proper use of a bow and arrow. Each participant will be assisted by staff and taught the parts, proper use of the equipment, and the safety procedures. Campers must adhere to all safety regulations in order to participate in this program.

Canoeing: During the week, campers will have the opportunity to go canoeing (weather permitting) and learn the basics of paddling and canoe safety. While canoeing, all participants must wear a life jacket and adhere to all safety regulations.

What does a typical day at Camp Chippewa look like?

Camp Chippewa
1000 ON-5 Highway West 
Hamilton, ON L9H 5E2 
P: 905-317-4929  
E: HamBurl.Daycamps@ymcahbb.ca 

Canoe Skills

Ages 8-13* 

For new and experienced paddlers! Instructors have developed fun activities that emphasize safety and the fundamentals of canoeing. Backpaddling, draw stroke, J stroke - your camper will learn it all! Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activities, like swimming, arts and crafts and archery. Children must wear a life jacket while in the canoe. Campers will receive a skill assessment at the end of the week. 

Staff to camper ratio is 1:10.
* Campers will be grouped according to age. 

Eco-Explorers Camp

Ages 8 - 13* 

Located at Camp Chippewa, campers will learn about the environment and the world around them through fun activities and wilderness games. Activities focus on nature education, science, leave-no-trace principles, and a variety of different wilderness survival techniques. Themed activities will include: air, water, animal tracks, eco-systems and more. Campers will also enjoy a full camp program, including swimming, archery, arts & crafts and canoeing. 

Staff to camper ratio is 1:10.
* Campers will be grouped according to age. 

Kayak Skills

Ages 10-13 

For new and experienced paddlers! Campers will learn how to grip their paddle and more. No prior kayaking experience is necessary. Campers will also participate in traditional camp activities like swimming, arts and crafts and archery. Campers must wear a life jacket while in the kayak. Campers will receive a skill assessment at the end of the week. 

Staff to camper ratio is 1:10. 

KidVenture Camp 

Ages 6 - 13* 

YMCA KidVenture Camp provides your camper the opportunity to explore their creativity in a fun and safe environment. Activities include: arts and crafts, drama and dance, swimming, co-operative games, outdoor play and theme days. Each week, campers have a special activity, such as a guest speaker.  

Staff to camper ratio is 1:10
* Campers are grouped according to age.
 
Laurier Brantford YMCA  
 
Queen Victoria School (7 weeks only)
 
Tansley Woods Community Centre 

Sports Camp  

Ages 6 - 13* 

YMCA Sports Camp keeps kids focused on sportsmanship, participation, fair play, fitness and team spirit. Your camper will learn basic fundamental movement skills through fun and interactive activities including swimming, soccer, basketball, volleyball, football, team games and arts and crafts.  
 
Staff to camper ratio is 1:10
* Campers are grouped according to age.
 
Laurier Brantford YMCA
 
Tansley Woods Community Centre
 
Queen Victoria School (7 weeks only)

Helping Hands 

Ages 6-14 

Helping Hands offers 1:1 support for children with physical and/or developmental disabilities so they can enjoy a summer camp experience alongside their peers. 

All children deserve the opportunity to make new friends, try new things and enjoy the exciting opportunities that are part of a summer experience. As a camper attending one of our Day Camp programs, your child can receive 1:1 support from trained YMCA Helping Hands staff. This support enables your child to be included in all aspects of regular camp programming. The YMCA Helping Hands staff are trained to attend to the unique needs of children with physical or developmental disabilities including personal care and safety -- while facilitating friendships, skill development, independence and fun! 

• Cost is $413 per week (pro-rated $330 for Weeks 1 and 6). This fee covers the camp program and the 1:1 Helping Hands staff support. 

• You can register your child for a maximum of two consecutive weeks. (Registration is limited to give summer Day Camp opportunities to more children. Additional weeks may become available throughout the summer.) 

As regulations and protocols continue to evolve during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will adhere to our local Public Health guidelines and this may impact registration.

If you have any questions about Helping Hands, please contact:
 
Christina Wood
General Manager of Inclusion Services for Children 
79 James Street South, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 2Z1 
P. 905-317-4907 
E: christina.wood@ymcahbb.ca

Leader in Training Level 1 

Age 14 (in calendar year) 

The Leader In Training program (Level 1) is an engaging program designed for participants to acquire camp-related skills (canoeing, archery and large group leadership) while learning to work as part of a team. Participants will learn about the YMCA and its core values. Participants will participate in group management, activity planning and team-building activities. Participants will complete volunteer hours supporting a camper group during the second week of the program.

Leaders in Training Level 1 includes: 

• planning and delivering a new group game

• observing campers in various age groups 

• debriefing about observation experiences through journaling and reflection

• goal setting

• discovering personality styles

• communication styles

• diversity and inclusion

• program planning and facilitation

• youth gambling prevention 

Prerequisite: Turning age 14 in the program year. 

Staff to camper ratio is 1:15.

Leader in Training Level 2 

Age 14 (in calendar year) 

The Leader In Training program (Level 2) enhances the learnings of Level 1. While canoeing, swimming and playing games, participants will also learn the following skills through fun, creative sessions and hands-on experience. Participants will build on their skills and complete a placement within a specialized camper group in the second week of the program to develop their group management and leadership skills.

• team building communication, trust and support 

• conflict resolution 

• behaviour management techniques and inclusive practices

• placement within specialized camper groups and program areas 

• journaling and reflection

• facilitation of skill-building activities 

LIT Campers will be guided through these sessions by our trained staff. A certificate outlining the LIT campers' achievements will be awarded to each participant. 

Prerequisite: Leader in Training Level 1 and campers must (at minimum) turn age 14 in the program year. 

Staff to camper ratio is 1:15.
 

Leader in Training Level 3

Age 14 or 15 (in calendar year)  

The Leader in Training (Level 3) (LIT) will have the opportunity to improve their skills by volunteering at a community camp and preparing themselves to be a Junior Counsellor in the following year. During this program, the LIT will have an opportunity to complete a 4-week placement at one of the day camp’s community camp locations. The LITs will be responsible for observing and shadowing a camp counsellor at an urban camp program and during the last week, they will be responsible for delivering a large group game, a low organized game (LOG) and an arts and crafts activity.

Leader in Training Level 3 is free. Participants are required to register. Participation can be documented and verified for school or extra-curricular requirements. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. 

Prerequisites: Level 1 and 2.  

If interested in having a LIT 3 placement with children who have special needs please call 905-317-4907.