Confirmed dates for the 2026-2027 school year:
- October 26, 2026
- January 15, 2027
- April 16, 2027
- June 30, 2027
Day Camps
The City of St. Thomas offers day camps for children ages 4 to 13, including PA Day Camps, Winter Break Camps, March Break Camps and Summer Day Camps. In addition, we offer a summer leader in training program for ages 13-17.
All camp staff are certified in the Principles of Healthy Child Development from High Five and first aid and CPR-C . In addition, the City of St. Thomas is a High Five registered organization. This gives our staff the tools to provide your child with the best possible experience.
Day camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can add early drop-off (7:30 a.m.) or late pickup (5 p.m.) for an extra cost per child.
Registration portal
Login or create an account to sign up for City of St. Thomas recreation programs
Types of Camps
Winter Break Camp will be offered the week of December 28 to 31, 2026.
We offer a series of weeklong camps in July and August for children ages 4 to 13, including sports (field sports and ice sports-specific camps), arts and science, theatre and dance, fishing, and nature camps.
Check back in spring 2027 for registration dates.
Camp participation guidelines
To help us create a safe and successful experience for all campers:
- campers must be able to use the washroom independently, including toileting and changing where needed
- campers must be able to participate safely alongside other campers and staff, and follow basic staff direction
- camp staff cannot administer medication, except emergency medication with proper documentation
- camp staff cannot provide personal care or one-to-one supervision
We do not provide one-to-one support staff for camp participants. We do have additional staff without assigned groups who help with behaviour support and inclusion. Families can arrange for an external support worker to attend camp with their child at no extra cost. Support workers must meet our approval requirements and be at least 16 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the hours for Day Camps?
A regular camp day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can purchase before care (7:30 to 8:30 a.m.) or after care (4 to 5 p.m.) for an additional cost. We do not provide care past 5 p.m. Please pick up your camper by 5 p.m. at the latest.
Please complete payment before your child’s first day of camp.
Partial payments are available, giving you the option to pay one week at a time. To arrange partial payments, please register by phone at 519-633-7112, as the online registration system requires full payment at the time of registration.
How do I update my family's information?
Call 519-633-7112 or email campsupervisor@stthomas.ca if your guardian, phone number, email, custody details, name, gender or medical information changes.
Please also add an emergency contact name and number to your account, so we can reach you quickly if your child is hurt or feels ill.
Does my child have to go skating or swimming?
No, skating and swimming are optional. Staff lead alternative activities, like crafts, colouring and games, for campers who prefer not to participate.
Who do I notify if my child will be absent, late or leaving early?
Tell our sign-in staff before drop-off, or email campsupervisor@stthomas.ca with your child's full name and the date they will be away in the subject line.
Can I enroll in partial weeks or specific days?
No. For weeklong camps, such as Winter Break, March Break or Summer Camps, you must enroll for the full week.
What rules do campers follow, and what happens if they don't?
We are an inclusive camp and do not tolerate hands-on behaviour, inequality, discrimination, vandalism or disrespect. If a camper does not follow our rules, we may ask a parent or guardian to sign a behaviour agreement, meet with the Camp Supervisor, or remove the child from camp.
Will I get to speak with a staff member before camp starts?
You will receive an email one week before your program starts, with drop-off and pickup procedures, program details, and other information you and your child need to know.
Contact the program coordinator if you have further questions.
Staff ratios for day camps:
- Ages 4-5 1 Staff: 5 Campers
- Ages 6-8 1 Staff: 8 Campers
- Ages 9-13 1 Staff: 12 Campers
In addition, we have staff without assigned groups for planning, oversight, coordination, inclusion, and cleaning.
Are there subsidies for camps?
Subsidies may be available through St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services to help cover some or all of the cost of day camps.
If you are applying for a subsidy, first confirm that a space is available in your preferred camp. Contact 519-633-7112 or email the Camp Supervisor at campsupervisor@stthomas.ca
Once you have confirmed a camp space, contact St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services at 519-631-9350 to learn more about childcare subsidies and find out if you qualify.
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