We operate a variety of day and special event programming for children 4 to 13 years of age. This includes summer day camps, holiday break camps, and PA Day camps.
Our staff plan a variety of activities based on a theme. Activities may include, games, crafts, outdoor activities, sports, guest speakers and trips. For weekly camps, activity plans will be made available on the first day of camp and will include a detailed calendar of events. For more information, please review our frequently asked questions.
Current News
| June 22, 2020 - Cancellation of City Summer Day Camps |
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At the Regular Council meeting, Stratford City Council directed staff to cancel city-run day camps this summer. It is with very mixed emotions that we won’t see your children this summer but we are confident in being able to suggest the YMCA an alternative for families who wish to still secure a day camp experience for their child this summer.
For more information on the YMCA Day Camps, please visit https://www.ymcastratfordperth.ca/Camps/. They are standing by to take registrations.
Should you have a pre-existing city-run day camp registration with us, we will withdrawal your child from our system and offer a full-refund. Your day camp registration with us will not transfer to the YMCA, should you wish to register your child in their program.
Details of the refund process will be sent directly to registrants.
For more information, contact 519-271-0250 extension 249. |
| April 1, 2020 - Closure of City Facilities |
| Due to COVID-19 and the closure of city facilities until further notice, all spring recreation programs are cancelled. City staff will reach out directly to program participants to offer an account credit and/or refund. Subscribe to page updates to receive any new information related to the operational status of summer day camp, aquatic and active adult programming. |
Browse our list of Activities online
Sign in or Create a New Account to Register for Programs online
How can we direct you?
Become a Day Camp Leader
Calendar of Day Camp Programs
Financial Assistance
Fees
How we honour Dignity, Independence and Support for Persons with Disabilities
Operating Hours
Recreation Activity Guide
Register for Programs
FAQ - what to bring to camp, concession, swimming, camp contacts
Calendar of Programs
We offer summer, winter and school PA day camp programs.
- Fall/Winter Day Camps run over December holiday break and March break.
- PA Day Camps run on school board PA days from September through June.
- Summer Day Camps run July through August.
Upcoming Programs
| Camp | Date | Theme | |
| PA Day | September 13, 2019 | Leadership | Buy Now |
| PA Day | November 8, 2019 | Carnival | Buy Now |
| PA Day | December 6, 2019 | Artful Antics | Buy Now |
| Winter Break Camps | December 23, 27, 30 January 2,3 | Winter Break | Buy Now |
| PA Day | January 31, 2020 | Superheroes | Buy Now |
| March Break Camps | March 16 - 20, 2020 | Cancelled | |
| PA Day | May 1, 2020 | Cancelled | |
| PA Day | June 8, 2020 | Cancelled |
2020 Summer Day Camps
Over 600 children attended our day camps last summer. Starting June 29, 2020, we will offer 10 weeks of camps in three locations by age; 4-6, 4-9, 7-13.
Our sites have fun weekly themes; "Welcome to the Outback", and "Mad Science" to name just two.
2020 Camp Fees
| Item | Fee |
| PA Day | $32 per participant |
| 4 day week |
$112 per participant |
| 5 day week |
$140 per participant |
| Adventure Travel |
Some camps will involve an excursion to another facility with an additional admission cost. Alternative activities and/or camps for those not wishing to attend will be offered. In this case, a refund of the extra trip costs will not be issued. |
| Financial Assistance | You may be eligible for a child care subsidy through the City of Stratford Social Services Department. Please inquire at 519-271-3773 extension 254 or 1-800-669-2948. |
| Free Extended Hours | 7:30 - 8:30am and 4:30 - 5:30pm of unstructured play. |
Operating Hours
Day camps operate between the hours of 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. We offer free extended hours from 7:30 - 8:30 am and 4:30 - 5:30 pm. This added service allows parents and guardians to drop a child off before the program begins, or to have them stay after the program is over. Extended hours are supervised at a ratio of 1 leader to 10 children, and it is considered unstructured free time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I send with my child?
Each day, participants should plan to bring the following items:
- Lunch and 2 snacks
- Bathing suit and towel (Monday, Wednesday, Friday in the summer unless indicated otherwise)
- Sunscreen (seasonal)
- Water bottle and drinks for the day
- Comfortable walking/running shoes (we do a lot of walking)
- Sun hat (seasonal)
- Younger children may need to bring a change of clothes
- Please note that our camps are nut free
Do you offer a concession booth?
Yes, but in the summer only. Each site offers freezies for purchase. Also, we host a special event lunch every Friday. Campers can purchase this meal in advance for an additional fee. The lunch selection will be indicated on your parent calendar.
How many leaders per child are in each camp (i.e.: ratio)?
- 4-6 years old; 1 leader : 7 children
- 4-9 years old; 1 leader : 10 children
- 7-13 years old; 1 leader : 10 children
The city's program and services are provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. Should a participant require unique staff support, an integration space can be provided. Please contact Jeff Otten, Child & Youth Services Coordinator, at 519-271-0250 ext. 287 for more information.
Sign In/Sign Out Procedures
It is mandatory for anyone picking up a child to use our sign in/out process. This process is to ensure each child leaves camp with the authorized adult. Please plan to notify staff daily as to who will be picking up your child.
Do your camps having leisure swimming in the program?
Yes! In the summer camp program only, we swim Monday, Wednesday & Friday at the Stratford Lions Pool Splash Park from 1:00 - 1:50 pm. Please note, it is our policy that every child 6 years of age and younger wear a life jacket, and that they remain in the splash side of the pool. We will supply a life jacket for each child in this category.
Am I able to reach the staff at the camp location?
Yes! Each location has an onsite cell phone. The number will be provided on the first day of camp.
What will my child be doing at camp?
Our staff plan a variety of activities based on a theme. Activities may include, games, crafts, outdoor activities, sports, guest speakers and trips. For weekly camps, activity plans will be made available on the first day of camp, and will include a detailed calendar of events. A letter to parents and guardians will also be sent home on the Monday of each week, highlighting some of the special activities planned, and a notice of special items that your child should bring to camp.
How can I register?
You can register through our Online Registration Services or in person at the Stratford Rotary Complex, between the hours of 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday.
How we honour Dignity, Independence and Support for Persons with Disabilities
The city's program and services are provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. Within summer day camps, should a participant require unique staff support, an integration space can be provided (resource dependent).
Thoughout all other programs other than summer camps, participants requiring additional supports are welcome to attend our camps with their support.
To inquire about summer camp integration support and/or to coordinate participants bringing their own additional supports while in program, please contact Jeff Otten, Child and Youth Services Coordinator at 519-271-0250 extension 287.