Top Pickering camps for 2025/2026

Types of camps in Pickering

Pickering kids' camps include many traditional, multi-activity camps. There are also many other camps that focus on one or a few activities. Below, find your child's favourite activity and follow the link to find Pickering camps focused on it at the top of the list, while below those, there are camps offering it as an activity.

The Benefits of Camp At A Glance

Camp inspires children to reach their potential, unlocking new talents and skills. Here are some other benefits of sending your child to camp:

Connect with the outdoors. At camp, your child helps reap the benefits of the outdoors. Many Pickering camps focus on outdoor activities, allowing campers to connect deeper with the natural world in the city. Kids learn to put away their phones and social media. Time outdoors also has many mental health benefits, increasing serotonin, clearing the mind, and releasing tension and stress. Fresh air also improves kids’ respiratory health and immunity.

Build active habits. Camp activities keep kids and teens moving! There are sport drills, exercise games, and more. Kids increase strength, endurance, and coordination. In summer camp’s fun setting, they grow in confidence and enthusiasm. This helps them integrate physical activity into their everyday routines. An active lifestyle has many long-term benefits, including improvements in mental health and the prevention of some medical issues.

Grow in leadership. At camp, kids and teens inevitably develop leadership qualities, each to their own degree. They learn problem solving skills, critical thinking, and communication skills. They also learn lessons in empathy, patience, responsibility, and adaptability. Camp encourages them to participate in collaborative activities led by exemplary leaders, becoming more aware of responsibility. Leadership qualities are important in high school, college, university, and the workplace, of course. Camp demonstrably helps kids develop many leadership qualities.

Choosing the Right Camp For Your Child

In your research, you will find yourself weighing many different factors as you choose a camp. Day camps have much to offer young kids, and it’s the ideal place to start. They introduce traditional camp activities without being overwhelming. Activities range from sports to arts to technology. 

Pickering is also home to overnight camps, giving kids and teens the essential summer camp experience. With activities like ropes courses, ziplining, or hiking, overnight camps challenge campers’ physicality in a fun setting.. Kids and teens also assume leadership roles, as they are called on to lead activities and participation in events. 

Other elements of consideration include: the camp’s age range, price, location, special needs treatment, and accommodations. Make a wish list. Include your child in the decision making process. 

You’ll benefit a lot from Our Kids’ Toronto Summer Camp Expo in February. This annual expo features top camps from Pickering and area, as well as throughout Ontario and Quebec. Camp directors and leaders happily meet with prospective families and answer any questions. Make your decision early in the year to have plenty of time to weigh your options and select the best camp for your child.

Even if you’re conducting your search from home (following the links above to contact camps), asking questions is vital to selecting the best camps for your child. Contact camp leaders from the OurKids.net profile (or at the Expo) and get the straight goods. Some possible questions include:

1. What activities are featured at this camp? How are schedules prepared and divided between activities? Can my child opt out of activities they don’t want to do?
2. When does enrollment begin and end? Do you favour early enrollees to late ones?
3. Does this camp offer any further financial support, such as discounts or scholarships?
4. Does this camp offer before and after care? At what times do these run? Are there any other before and after camp services families should be aware of?
5. What is the camper to leader ratio? 
6. Are camp leaders trained in First Aid, CPR, or lifeguard training? Do camp leaders have training in all camp activities? Are police checks conducted prior to camp?
7. Can you provide testimonials from previous families?
8. Does this camp accommodate special needs? Which ones? Are camp leaders trained to support these children?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Pickering camps are there?
There are 7 Pickering camps that are Our Kids trusted members. Use the filters to narrow options by age or type, then click on each organization to read reviews, browse program schedules, and access registration details.

What are the fees to attend Pickering camps?
Fees for Pickering camps range from $30 to $575 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Pickering camps start at?
There are programs available for children aged 2 through 18.