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Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are requiredYMCA of the National Capital Region
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Focus
Traditional (multi activity) -
Cost
$320 to $895/week -
Main language
English, French -
Ages (Gender)
4 to 16 (Coed, All Girls, All Boys) -
Capacity
Varies -
e-Brochure
View e-brochure
Y Camps help children learn new skills, explore hidden talents, develop friendships and create lasting memories. Neighbourhood Day Camps offer themed weeks, field trips, and fun activities in 10 locations across the Ottawa region. At Camp Otonabee, campers can choose day or overnight options while engaging in canoeing, high ropes, archery, nature programs, swimming and more!
- Special needs: Yes, mild support. A few of our campers have special needs.
- LGBTQ+ friendly community
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Focus
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Programs, Rates & Dates
Programs and Sessions Calendar
YMCA Camp Otonabee and Y Neighbourhood Day Camps are well-established and highly regarded camps that offer campers a safe place to belong, grow, thrive and lead at camp and in their lives beyond the summer. Our camp staff are committed to creating a supportive environment filled with fun, teamwork, and community connections. All camp programs are based in our five core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Caring, and Inclusiveness.
YMCA of the National Capital Region currently has 29 programs available; 3 TBD.
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Registration Details
We begin registration for YMCA Camp Otonabee on February 6 at 10AM. Y Neighbourhood Day Camps registration will open on February 27, 2025 at 10AM. Camper families can exclusively register online through our online portal called CampBrain. Y Financial Assistance and Payment Plans are available through the CampBrain portal (note: a deposit of $65-75 is required at the time of registration). Transfers and refunds can be processed at a 100% refund up until 16 business days before the start of the camp booking.
Financial Aid & Payment Details
Payment Options:
Credit card payment Yes Discounts
Discount if paid in full 75% -
Reviews & Insider Perspectives
The Our Kids review of YMCA of the National Capital Region
There’s more than a few reasons why the Y programs, particularly around camping, are so highly regarded, and the camps offered by YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region are exemplary of all of them. They are age appropriate, providing opportunities to grow up within them, from day camps through to long-duration tripping and leadership training. All the camps are fun, to be sure, but they are also about growing into roles of responsibility. The values of the Y programs, too, are a draw, based in the tripartite focus on mind-body-spirit. Expert leadership, inclusive programming, a wealth of programming, and a nice constellation of facilities. There’s simply a lot to love.
Verified Reviews of YMCA of the National Capital Region
(5)
Lindsey Williams, Parent
I was nervous about sending my son to camp however, everything went well. At first, he was nervous however, found friends easily and made relationships with the camp counsellors. As a Y kid myself, I ...
Read full review(5)
Dominique Pilon, Parent
I can't express enough how exceptional the YMCA camp in the National Capital Region of Ottawa truly is. From the moment we arrived, it was evident that this was a well-organized, top-quality program. ...
Read full review
More reviews of YMCA of the National Capital Region
More reviews of YMCA of the National Capital Region
Chelsea Burwash, Alum
I was a camper, and now my kids will be campers!
I went to this camp every year, all different programs.... It was the best experience in any camp I ever been too! I am so excited to be able to send my kids to this camp to experience and learn all the same cool and fun s... Show More
Cain Canning , Alum
From camper to vendor and alumni!
Seriously beautiful camp. I've attended for 3 years when I was younger and now I'm lucky to be able to work alongside the camp by setting up inflatable rides and games. Every single day was something unique and fun. As ... Show More
Corey Kirkland, Parent
Great Counsellors!
My 10 year old daughter went there for a week and had am amazing time. The counsellors were great.
Dani Elle, Parent
First Summer, but not the last!
My son had the best summer. It was his first year here at Camp Otonabee, but it will definitely wont be his last!
JH, Parent
Happy and Tired Kids!
This is the second year my kids have attended Camp Otonabee. Everyday they get off the bus tired but happy. They get lots of fresh air and exercise, learn new skills, and challenge themselves. They are so proud of how m... Show More
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Gallery
Photo Gallery
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Meet the Staff
Director's Message
Camp is a place for everyone, where belonging, connection and fun are at the forefront. Having been a camper myself and working in camps for over a decade in my adult life, I know firsthand how these experiences can inspire growth, build confidence, and create friendships that last a lifetime. As the YMCA Camp Otonabee Director, I’m so grateful to get to see the magic of camp unfold every day. Whether it’s happening on the forest floor, at the waterfront, or on a high rope up in the trees, watching campers take on new challenges, cheer each other on, and grow into leaders in the great outdoors is what makes this place so special. I hope you’ll join us in making memories and shining on at Camp Otonabee this summer!
Staff and Counsellors
Y Camp Staff are engaged, caring, and camper-focused. Y Camp Staff are trained in soft-skills such as group management, the art of facilitation, and how to maximize fun and safety while at camp. Our experienced staff provide campers with the support, attention, and care they need while away from home. All staff are trained in first aid and CPR and lifeguards are nationally certified. All staff must complete a background check and participate in an extensive training program.
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Location & Operations
Busing
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Bus 1 - Orleans, St Laurent, Kanata North (Bus fee: 65)
Location Address Pick up Drop off Stop 1 - Joe and Lily's No Frills 1226 Place d'Orléans Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada 7:45 am 5:20 pm Stop 2 - Canadian Tire 330 Coventry Rd, Ottawa, ON, Canada 8:10 am 4:55 pm Stop 3 - Klondike Crossing Plaza 1102 Klondike Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada 8:40 am 4:15 pm -
Bus 2 - Walmart Baseline & Woodroffe Ave School (Bus fee: 65)
Location Address Pick up Drop off Stop 1 - Walmart Baseline 1375 Baseline Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada 8:00 am 4:55 pm Stop 2 - Woodroffe Ave School 235 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON, Canada 8:20 am 2:30 pm -
Bus 3 - Taggart YMCA & Stats Canada (Bus fee: 65)
Location Address Pick up Drop off Stop 1 - Taggart Family YMCA 180 Argyle Avenue, Ottawa, ON, Canada 7:55 am 5:10 pm Stop 2 - Statistics Canada 150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway, Ottawa, ON, Canada 8:15 am 4:35 pm -
Bus 6 - Brown's YIG & Walmart: Centrum (Bus fee: 65)
Location Address Pick up Drop off Stop 1 - Brown's YIG 1252 Stittsville Main Street, Stittsville, ON, Canada 8:00 am 4:55 pm Stop 2 - Walmart Centrum 500 Earl Grey Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada 8:25 am 4:25 pm -
Bus 4 - Billing Bridge & Our Lady of Victory School (Bus fee: 65)
Location Address Pick up Drop off Stop 1 - Billings Bridge Plaza – Main Entrance 2277 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada 7:50 am 5:00 pm Stop 2 - Our Lady of Victory Public School 1175 Soderlind Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada 8:20 am 4:25 pm
Show all routesAccommodations
Sleeping Accommodations
- Cabins
- Tents
Amenities
- Electricity in Sleeping Area
Washrooms Facilities
- Flush Toilets
- Showers (indoor)
More details about accommodations: The YMCA Outdoor Centre is the perfect location for your conference, staff retreat, group event or meeting.
We offer a variety of meeting venues and programs ideal for corporate groups, church groups, community organizations, school groups, and more! Located on 30 acres of field, forest, trails and rugged shoreline on the Ottawa River, the YMCA Outdoor Centre is only a 30 minute drive from downtown Ottawa and 10 minutes from Kanata.
The YMCA Outdoor Centre has free parking for over 150 vehicles.Are meals provided? Yes.
Rentals & Services
Offers children's birthday party packages: Yes
The YMCA Outdoor Centre is located ten minutes north of Kanata on 30 acres of field, forest and rugged Ottawa River shoreline. Open year-round, the YMCA Outdoor Centre specializes in education and leadership programs for school groups, community organizations and professionals, and offers a variety of experiential, curriculum-driven outdoor education programs that can be tailored to the individual needs of any group.Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
Whether you're searching for the perfect place to develop future leaders of your organization, or looking for a casual, natural environment away from work for team building exercises, the YMCA Outdoor Centre can accommodate you.
The corporate team development experience provides an opportunity for employees to gather outside of an office setting to work together in groups to complete and solve various physical and intellectual challenges presented by the Outdoor Centre Facilitator. Employees work together solving problems cooperatively with the team to reach the group's ultimate goal. It is during these interactions that the key elements of communication, trust, adaptation to change, individual value and team value are addressed.Available for private rentals: Yes
There's nothing quite like the great outdoors. The YMCA Outdoor Centre offers a wide variety of overnight or day programs for students of all ages.
This includes high school classes and groups, university groups, sport teams, and community organizations. You may choose a pre-packaged program or you can design a program from the many options available to suit your group’s needs. Whether it's nature exploration, leadership education, or outdoor adventure programming, the YMCA Outdoor Centre will bring out the best in your students.Associations
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Bus 1 - Orleans, St Laurent, Kanata North (Bus fee: 65)
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What's New
Stories
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Kelly & Wilder
Every time Kelly drove by Camp Otonabee on her way to work, it stood out to her as a classic summer camp. She always wanted to be able to give her 6-year-old son, Wilder, the experience of going to a camp like that, but as a single mom supporting two children with disabilities, it seemed out of the question.
In 2023, her hopes were made possible when she was offered financial support through the Evelyne E. Laishley Campership Fund. Receiving this annual sponsorship fund meant that Wilder had the opportunity to attend a day program at Camp Otonabee. “To let him have that typical summer experience, that he can go back to school with and relate to others … I just think it’s so important,” Kelly shared.
Wilder is an active kid. He loves building with LEGO and being outside. He also has a limb difference and wears a prosthetic. For Kelly, having a son with a disability means that acceptance and accommodation are necessary in new environments. “It is a large requirement when Wilder will be attending somewhere that I’m not going to be present.” Camp Director, Marisa, alongside Assistant Director, Hannah, met with Kelly and Wilder in advance to discuss how to best support him at camp. They talked about when he should be wearing his prosthetic, appropriate language to use, and how potential comments from other children would be handled.
Kelly believed that Camp Otonabee would bea great fit for Wilder, and she was proven right. Wilder made friends and participated in activities like canoeing, swimming and nature walks. He was particularly proud of facing his fears on the high
rope course. “The first time I did it, I was scared,” said Wilder. “The second time, I wanted to go to
the top … It was fun!”Kelly saw that Wilder was excited to wake up every morning and return to camp for more adventures. “I could see his confidence was growing in himself and in his social relationships.”
Wilder will have the opportunity to come back to Camp Otonabee for a second year. He and Kelly are both looking forward to it. “We’re so grateful for the support for Wilder. It doesn’t just make a difference in his life, it also makes a difference in mine.”
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Kelly & Wilder
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YMCA of the National Capital Region will be in touch with you shortly about
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