Day Summer Camps

The following information is provided to assist families with identifying camps that are specialized for children with disabilities, or inclusive camps that are welcoming to all abilities and may provide additional supports to children with special needs. Families are encouraged to contact the camp directly to discuss your child’s unique interests and support needs to determine if the program will be a good fit for your child.


AIM KW School Camp Program (Waterloo)

Who: Campers ages JK- Grade 8, students with special needs who need frequent breaks, have non violent behaviours (ie crying or hiding under desks,) students who need time to adjust to routine, transitions, movement breaks, extra support, individually catered activities, quiet rooms, etc.
Format: Individualized day camp
Description: Learning math and language through interactive games and activities catered to each student's needs. Afternoon engineering and STEM projects - robots, hydraulic claws, pinball machines etc.
Support: Low ratio 10:1 with additional volunteers. Experienced staff who are able to support transitions and facilitate breaks, help manage emotional regulation for non-violent outbursts.
Contact: 519-208-7300 or email
Registration: Contact the school at 519-208-7300


Arts Abound (St. Jacobs)

Who: Ages 4-teen
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: Arts Abound programs help children discover and develop their creative side, whatever their ability! Day camp programs integrate music, dance, drama and visual arts.
Support: Arts Abound is founded on principles of inclusion. Contact us to discus your child’s support needs.
Contact: 519-206-2787 or email
Registration: Registration opens February 15, 2022


Arts Express (Waterloo) - Program on hold for 2022

Who: Ages 6-14 with special needs
Format: Day camp for children with special needs and their siblings/friends
Description: Arts Express provides an inclusive arts experience for children with special needs, their siblings, and friends. This camp is run by Wilfrid Laurier University’s Music Therapy program in partnership with KidsAbility, Conestoga College's ECE program, University of Waterloo, and Carousel Dance Centre. This camp is hosted at KidsAbility’s Waterloo site with a final performance taking place at WLU on Friday afternoon for friends and family. This program runs for one week each summer.
Support: Camp volunteers available to provide 1:1 support. Support workers welcome.
Contact: Emily at WLU at 519-884-0710 ext. 2658 or email
Registration: Program on hold for 2022

Beechwood Brainery (Waterloo and Cambridge)


Who: Ages 4-14
Format: Inclusive day camp, specialized day camp
Description: Beechwood Brainery offers an exciting theme-based summer camp filled with games, crafts, and art activities for children at both our Cambridge & Waterloo locations. Campers will have the opportunity to learn new skills, try new activities, and build lasting friendships in an inclusive and welcoming environment. We take pride in knowing that our activities and experiences are challenging, inspiring, and, most importantly, fun!
Support: Low ratio, family-provided workers are welcome.
Contact: 519-624-8728 or email info@bbrainery.ca

Website: www.bbrainery.ca
Registration: Opens April 1, 2023


Bulldog Interactive Fitness (Guelph)

Who: Ages 3 ½ - 13
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: All weeks include sports, games, music/drama, arts and crafts, cooking and science. Each weeks activities will be geared towards a camp theme. Kids pick their favourite activities throughout the day. We always offer options so no child is doing an activity they don’t like.
Support: Contact Bulldog Interactive Fitness to discuss your child’s support needs. Staff are ‘Camps on Tracks’ trained.
Contact: 519-836-3838 or email
Registration: Summer 2022 registration is open


Camp Brebeuf (Rockwood)

Who: Ages 5 - 12 (day camp)
Format: Inclusive day camp (overnight camp options available)
Description: Adventure. Faith. Unplugged. C. Y. O. Camp Brebeuf is operated by the Catholic Youth Organization of Hamilton, and offers both day camp and overnight camp options for children ages 4-12, plus leadership training opportunities for teens. Programming includes arts and crafts, drama and music, high ropes, pool, canoeing, faith, adventure skills, sports, and nature/camping.
Support: Inclusion program available to provide 1:1 or 2:1 support for both day campers and overnight campers. Option to bring your own 1:1 support.
Contact: 519-856-4671 or email
Registration: Summer 2022 registration will open January 15, 2022


Camp K (Waterloo)

Who: Ages 5-15
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: Camp K welcomes, with open arms, all children to flourish as individuals and as a team, regardless of ability, to a fun outdoor experience in God’s natural environment, providing a deep love and respect of the earth.  We do this by showing respect for each other, providing opportunities for friendship, fellowship, and belonging, leading to a sense of community and fostering a shared experience. Accredited by OCA.  
Support:  Inclusion program provides 1:1 support to campers with special needs.  Five Inclusion spots available each week.
Contact:  519-578-4430 or Email
Registration:  Summer 2023 registration will open February 1st


Camp Pride (Kitchener)

Who: Ages 6-12 with and without special needs, ages 13+ with special needs
Format: Inclusive day camp ages 4-12, specialized day camp ages 13+
Description: Camp Pride is a fully integrated day camp open to children ages 6-12 with or without special needs. The program is designed to ensure that each camper has an active, challenging, and fun summer camp experience. The camp day includes a morning riding lesson with the horses, and during the afternoons campers will participate in exciting and stimulating camp activities including arts, crafts, sports, games, and horsemanship activities.
Support: Staff and horses are experienced with children with special needs, contact Pride Stables to discus your child’s support needs. Personal Support Workers welcome.
Contact: 519-653-46686 or email
Registration: Summer 2022 registration is open


Camp Sunrise (Puslinch)

Who: Ages 5-13+ with and without special needs
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: Sunrise is proud to offer inclusive day camps for children and youth aged 5 – 13+. We provide structured programming and theme days throughout the summer. Our welcoming family atmosphere places an emphasis on teamwork and respect for others.
Sunrise provides a safe and friendly atmosphere along with:

  • Ontario Camp Association accreditation
  • Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association certified instructors
  • Certified lifeguards
  • Low ratio of counsellors to children (1:6 ratio plus each group will have a Leader-in-Training)
  • Mature, experienced staff with First aid and CPR training
Support: Low ratio (6:1) with experienced staff (and horses!)
Contact: 519-837-0558 or email
Registration: Check the website for updates


Carousel Dance Centre

Who: Ages 4-10, Ages 10-25 with special needs
Format: Inclusive day camp, specialized day camp for ages 10+ with special needs
Description: We believe that all individuals should have the opportunity to experience dance and we have developed a unique program which builds a repertoire of movement technique adapted to meet the needs of children and adults with both physical and developmental disabilities. Our co-ed program fosters creative and artistic expression within a socially interactive environment and encourages enjoyment of dancing through participation. In addition to our specialized programming for children with disabilities, we also encourage integration within both our full year programs and our summer dance camps.
Support: Carousel has a long history of running inclusive and specialized programs. Contact the centre to discus your child’s support needs.
Contact: 519-746-8877 or email
Registration: Summer 2022 registration now open. Dance for EveryBODY Camp will run August 2-5 (Ages 10+)


City of Cambridge (includes Sunblast Camp)

Who: Ages 4-12
Format: Inclusive day camp, specialized day camp
Description: A traditional style inclusive day camp that offers outdoor recreation activities, active and quiet games, and arts and crafts for those aged 4-12. Sunblast/Imagination Station Camps are designed specifically for children with exceptionalities. Programming is delivered by specially trained inclusion facilitators to best support the needs of each participant.
Support: Inclusion Facilitators are available to provide support and accommodation to campers including 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, ratios of support
Contact: 519-623-1340 ext. 4554 for Camp Information or email for Inclusion Support information
Registration: Summer 2023 registration opens February 1, 2023


City of Guelph
Who:  Children with special needs ages 6-12
Format: Specialized Day Camp
Description: Come join the fun! Kids on the Move is a camp for children with disabilities. Participate in daily outdoor activities, sports, arts and crafts, trips to Lyons pool, and special guests. Campers will meet new friends, enjoy physical activity, and develop skills in a safe and secure environment. No limit to weeks registered.
Support:  One2One support available if necessary, program is set with smaller ratios to accommodate various needs of the participants.
Registration: Opens March 8, 2023


City of Kitchener 

Who: Ages 4-12, Ages 11-17 with special needs
Format: Inclusive day camp, Specialized day camps for ages 11-17 with special needs
Description: A fun, inclusive and safe experience your camper is sure to enjoy! Camp programs will maximize outdoor spaces and include active and quiet games, activities that encourage social connections with new friends, and opportunities to be creative.
Support: Inclusion facilitators available to provide 1:1 or 1:2 support for inclusive day camps. Campers may register for two weeks of camp with Inclusion Support. To access the Inclusion Support program, campers must have an inclusion membership, which can be completed here: City of Kitchener Inclusion in Sport Website.  Campers with an Inclusion membership will then be able to register for the Inclusion Support program for the week(s) that corresponds to their camp. Specialized camps for youth with special needs including YOUth Sense (Ages 11-14) and All About YOUth (Ages 13-17) offer low ratio programming (1:3 staff to camper).
Contact: 519-741-2200 ext. 7229 or email
Registration: Summer 2023 registration will open March 21, 2023.


City of Waterloo

Who: Ages 4-14
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: The City of Waterloo’s number one priority is the safety of our campers and staff, while creating an enjoyable experience for our campers.
Support: Inclusion facilitators available to provide 1:1 or 1:2 support for inclusive day camps. Campers may register for two weeks of camp with Inclusion Support. To access the Inclusion Support program, campers must have an inclusion membership, which can be completed here: City of Kitchener Inclusion in Sport Website.  Campers with an Inclusion membership will then be able to register for the Inclusion Support program for the week(s) that corresponds to their camp.

Contact for inclusion support: Olivia Curtis 519-741-2200 x7229 or olivia.curtis@kitchener.ca

Contact for camp information: 519-886-1177 ext. 27280, Camp information 

Website: Visit website for updates
Registration: Summer 2023 registration will open March 8, 2023


Engineering Science Quest (Waterloo)

Who: Children entering grades 2-9  
Format: Inclusive STEM-focused day camps, in-person on the University of Waterloo campus, will be available for Summer 2023 
Description: Our camp participants explore the world of science, engineering and technology through participation in hands-on activities and projects. ESQ is thrilled to offer STEM programming and integrate classic summer camp fun, such as water games during Friday Fun, physical activity games, outdoor/nature exploration, and more!  Each year, our staff from diverse post-secondary programs such as engineering, science, and education develop exciting new activities for their camp that explore: 

  • Physics, chemistry, biology, and health science 
  • Math and arts 
  • Various disciplines in engineering, such as civil, mechanical, electrical and computer  
  • Robotics and coding
Inclusion Support Offers: Engineering Science Quest strives to ensure that all campers have the support they need to
be successful in camp. Our Program Support helps children with special needs and exceptionalities attend our program.
Examples of areas of support we can help with:
  • Motor Skills (fine or gross motor skills) 
  • Physical support (accessibility around campus and in programming, gender-inclusive washrooms, etc.) 
  • Behavioural support 
  • Emotional support 
  • Social support
With our Program Support, we are able to offer two levels of support: (1) "Low Ratio Program Support” (LRPS) and (2) "as-needed" support. Our Program Assistants provide LRPS by facilitating personalized accommodations for children with exceptionalities in the ESQ Summer Camp program with a ratio of 1:3-4 campers. Examples of this level of support might include:
  • Consistent time reminders 
  • Help staying on task, redirection of focus 
  • Frequent breaks/walks away from the camp room and/or time in a quiet space 
  • A modification to the schedule or activities  
The Program Assistants receive in-depth training in preparation for this position. Our camp leaders (University Leaders) will also be
trained in program support and facilitating inclusive and equitable programming, who will provide the “as needed” support. Examples of this level of support might include:
  • Assistance with transitions 
  • Reminders regarding social interactions 
  • Identified UL to go to when the identified camper is overwhelmed
Please note that a limited number of Program Assistants are available each week. However, every effort will be made to ensure that every child will receive the support they need. Program Assistants are assigned based on the degree of the need and on a first-serve basis.
Contact: 519-888-4856 or email
Registration: Visit the ESQ Website for updates! Summer Camp Registration date coming soon! Sign up for our Mailing List to receive our newsletters.


Greenway Chaplin (Cambridge)

Who: Ages 4-12
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: Inclusive neighbourhood camp
Support: Family provided workers are welcome
Contact: 519-623-4220 or email
Registration: Summer 2022 registration will open April 15th

The Guelph Outdoor School - Summer Sessions (Guelph)

Who:  Children aged 4-14. We aim to be inclusive as possible. Our staff are not specialists, but they have significant experience with neurodiverse children and working with 1on1 support workers.
Format:  Integrated. Our programs operate in small groups of up to 15 participants with excellent ratios of approx. 5:1, not including support workers.
Description:  GOS Summer Sessions are full-nature immersion programs which make use of a day structure that promotes inclusion and positive interpersonal relationships, as well as sensory awareness games and nature-based challenges which promote connection with self, others, and the natural world.
Support: Our Eramosa Eden site is relatively supportive of accessibility challenges; the outdoor space features ramps and a manageable trail for all-terrain wheelchairs. We welcome 1on1 workers.
Registration:  Registration for summer 2023 opens February 5th

 

Contact: info@theguelphoutdoorschool.com or 519-400-9507
Website: www.theguelphoutdoorschool.com

Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp (New Hamburg)

Who: Ages 6-15 (Overnight camp), ages 16 - 35 (Supported Young Adults Overnight camp)
Format: Inclusive overnight camp, specialized overnight camp, day camp options available
Description: Hidden Acres is a summer camp and retreat centre located in the rolling hills of Perth Country between Stratford and Kitchener-Waterloo. Hidden Acres focuses on the development of the whole person – physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. To ensure that as many campers as possible can have a fantastic experience at camp, an Inclusion Program has been providing extra staff support to campers with special needs since 1974.
Support: 1:1 & shared support available
Contact: 519-625-8602 or email
Website: Visit website above for updates
Registration: Summer 2023 registration will open February 1st, 2023


Kerry’s Place Autism Services – Camp (Guelph)

Who: Children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Format: Specialized day camp
Description: We are pleased to offer a summer day camp experience for children with autism. Children will participate in an exciting and educational program facilitated by trained counselors to encourage and support your child while at camp. This camp is designed for individuals who are able to participate with minimal support. The individual may need some prompts to stay on task, and is able to communicate wants and needs effectively. The individual does not require a lot of behavioral redirection. Should you require extra support to participate in the activities you are welcome to join with the support of your own 1:1 worker.
Support: Low ratio programming by professional staff, families welcome to provide worker
Contact: 1-833-775-3779 or email

Registration: Registration for Summer 2023 will open the first week of March

 

Kickstarting Kindergarten

Who: Children beginning Kindergarten
Format: Half days on August 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 9 am -12 pm.
Description: Kick Starting Kindergarten is a camp offered to children to help prepare them for the transition to kindergarten. This transition is an important time in a child’s life. Camp will prepare children to identify letters of the alphabet, gain an introduction to pre-printing skills, build supportive routines and independence, kick start self-regulation strategies, problem solve and collaborate with other children,
and more. It is an opportunity for your child to gain a sense of self confidence and social experiences to help them thrive in a new environment! This camp will be hosted at Creative Therapy’s Waterloo location.
Support: Low ratio, individualized programming and support available.
Contact: 519-954-5026 or email at info@creativeot.com.
Registration: Open 2023. Visit https://www.creativeot.com for more information 


KidsAbility Camps (Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge) - Program on hold for 2023

Who: Ages 4-12 with special needs, high school aged with special needs, siblings often welcome
Format: Specialized day camps, therapy camps
Description: Recreation Camps will not run in 2023. A variety of day camps designed to meet the needs of KidsAbility families. All camps begin with a focus on fun, and then build learning and practice opportunities into the camp programming for campers to achieve their therapy goals – social skills, communication skills, physical skills, independent living skills, and recreational skills.
Support: Low ratio programming, families are welcome to provide a support worker
Contact: 519-886-8886
Website: Visit website for more details
Registration: Program on hold for 2023


KW Gymnastics Club (Kitchener)

Who: Ages 6+
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: Crafts, Outdoor Play, and Gymnastics.
Support: Contact the club to discus your child’s support needs
Contact: 519-743-4970 or email
Registration: Registration for summer 2022 will open February 22nd. Campers with special needs are asked to register to the waitlist for the Adaptive Camp. KW Gymnastics will then reach out to arrange a registration meeting to determine eligibility and placement.


Playsense Activity Centre (Guelph)

Who: Ages 6 and up with special needs
Format: Specialized day camp
Description: Playsense is a fully accessible play center for individuals of any age with developmental disabilities. Diverse play activities & specialized adapted equipment promote fun, creativity & movement exploration, maximizing the physical, cognitive, and social development of individuals with special needs. Fun outings into the community complement the fun and festivities found within the walls of PLAYSENSE. Separate summer camps are offered to youths, teens and adults. We believe everyone deserves the right to play. PlaySense is a fully-accessible recreation center that addresses the physical and educational needs of disabled people of all ages and ability levels. The PlaySense program includes camps, PD day recreation, evening programs, and more
Support: Low ratio, family provided workers welcome
Contact: 519-780-5052 or 226-820-6933 or email
Registration: Visit website for updates

Rainbow Day Camp (Guelph)

Who: Children’s camp 4-12, LIT program 10-14, Teen Camp 12- 18
Format: Inclusive day camp, Leader in Training program and specialized Teen Camp for youth with special needs
Description: Rainbow Programs for Children offers Guelph and the surrounding area a summer recreational day camp experience for children and youth, providing quality programs in a caring and open environment which embraces diversity and encourages personal growth, according to each individual’s uniqueness, strengths, needs, and abilities.
Support: Inclusion Counsellors available to provide 1:1 support or occasional extra support for camper. Low ratio and 1:1 programming available for specialized Teen camps.
Contact: 519-837-0387 or email
Website: rainbowdaycamp.com
Registration: Summer 2023: Early registration (for campers requiring support at camp) March 6th, 2023 (12:00 noon)and General registration March 20th, 2023. Registration can be completed on our website.


Sliding Into September (Waterloo)
Who: Ages 5 to 12 with special needs
Format: Therapy Day camp; Half days and partial weeks can be negotiated. August 28 – September 1, 2023
Description: September can be a difficult transition where children have to stop their summer routine and direct their attention, emotions, and tasks to the school transition. Sliding into September offers an exciting opportunity designed for children returning to school in September through promoting physical activity, motor learning, and skill development through a safe and interactive environment. We provide a space where children can engage in play to promote the development of executive functioning and self-regulation to ensure children are excited, happy, and ready for school! We offer a high ratio of counsellors/occupational therapists to children allowing for unique programming, designed for children of all skills and abilities including those with ASD or ABIs. Leadership opportunities for older campers up to age 18 with special needs are available. This camp will be hosted at Creative Therapy’s Waterloo location.
Support: Low ratio, individualized programming and support available.
Contact: 519-954-5026 or email info@creativeot.com
Registration: Open January 1, 2023. Visit website for updates www.creativeot.com


Steckle Heritage Farm (Kitchener)

Who: Ages 5-12
Format: Inclusive Day Camp
Description: Steckle Heritage Farm is dedicated to educating children and youth about the importance of agriculture, caring for plants and animals, and respecting the natural environment. From preschool to teens, we have programs that help children and youth learn essential agriculture-based skills such as planting, harvesting as well as cooking food from the farm, feeding and caring for farm animals, and developing leadership skills in a hands-on heritage farm environment.
Support: Contact us to discus your child’s support needs. Families are welcome to provide a worker.
Contact: farmedmanager@stecklehomestead.ca
Registration: Summer 2022 registration opens early February


Sunbeam Community and Developmental Services (Kitchener)

Who: Ages 4-18 who are medically fragile or technologically dependant (MFTD), Ages 18+ with developmental disabilities
Format: Specialized day camp
Description: Come join in the fun at the Summer Day Camp for Children and Teens at Sunbeam Community and Developmental Services (Kingsway Dr. location). This camp specializes in assisting children and teens who are medically fragile and technologically dependent. We are a diverse organization that provides services to people with different abilities. We offer an exciting theme-based program for children and teens aged 4-18 years old that includes crafts, swimming, Snoezelen room, community outings, physical fitness and games in the gym. All activities are geared towards having fun and making new friends.
Support: Low ratio programming provided by experienced staff including an RPN
Contact: 519-893-6200 ext. 239 or email
Registration: Summer 2023 Registration will open March 1st, 2023 at www.mycommunityhub.ca

Township of Centre Wellington

Who: Ages 5-12
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: This series of one-week camps are designed around various themes each week. Activities include outdoor fun, trips to the splash pad, arts & crafts, active games, swimming, sports such as tennis, basketball, and soccer. The staff ratio is 1:8. You must register in person at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex for the day camps.
Support: Contact to discuss your child’s support needs
Contact: 519.846.9691 ext 903 or email
Registration: Check website for updates


Woolwich Township Camps

Who: Ages 5-12
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: Make it an unforgettable summer! Camp leaders are bringing their creative ideas and amazing energy to plan a fun summer for all campers. A typical day runs from 9am-4pm and includes games, crafts, indoor and outdoor play. Our weekly themes help guide planning of our activities, games, crafts, outings and special guests. The camp day also include non-themed portions.
Support: We strive to integrate all campers into our summer camp programs. The Inclusion Facilitator is available to respond when campers or staff require additional support for inclusion. At this time one to one support is not available, however volunteers or support workers provided by the family are welcome.
Contact: 519-669-1647 ext.7005 or email
Registration: Visit website for updates. Registration for 2023 will open on March 7, 2023.


YMCA Three Rivers (Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo)

Who: Ages 4-12 with and without special needs
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: The YMCA of Three Rivers (YTR) offers a safe and inclusive summer day camp experience for campers 4-12 at 8 locations across Stratford-Perth, Waterloo Region, and Wellington County. Campers will have the opportunity to be outdoors, learn new skills, try new activities, and build lasting friendships in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Support: Please call the camp office if your camper requires additional support or accommodations and could benefit from additional supervision and care through our Camper Access (CAP) Program. YMCA Day Camps have a limited number of supportive, low ratio camp spaces available. CAP Counselors are trained to provide the following supports:

  • Work in partnership with camper families throughout the summer to develop strategies and individualized program accommodations.
  • Facilitate camper to camper connections to ensure successful integration into the camp community.
  • Adapted communication methods i.e. visual and non-verbal communication.
  • Additional coaching building routines, learning activities, and during transitions.
  • Quiet time for sensory breaks and emotional regulation when escalated or overstimulated.
  • Adapted activities that are developmentally appropriate for campers with special physical and learning needs.
  • Additional safety and supervision measures for campers who may flee or wander.
  • Enhanced care for campers with health needs such diabetes, or seizures.
Supports that are not provided by the CAP Program: Personal services such as toileting, diapering, feeding, or dressing. CAP counsellors are not trained to manage repeated or ongoing aggressive behaviours towards campers and/or staff. Campers who require this level of support are welcome to attend camp with a pre-approved external support worker set up by the family.
Contact: 519-699-5100 or email
Registration: Summer 2022 registrations open January 24, 2022. Visit website for updates. 

YWCA Cambridge

Who: Ages 4-12
Format: Inclusive day camp
Description: YWCA Cambridge Summer Day Camps have been an essential summer destination for girls and boys in Cambridge and the surrounding area for over 52 years. Taking place at Shade’s Mills Conservation Area, our camps focus on a diverse array of outdoor activities designed to help campers explore our environment and foster a connection to our natural world. YWCA Cambridge Summer Camp at Shade’s Mill will take your camper on an adventure that will teach new skills, build confidence and create lasting memories.
Support: An Inclusion Facilitator is available to ensure that children who need a little extra support can enjoy camp. Please note, we are unable to provide 1:1 support
Contact: 226-220-6285 or email
Website: Visit website above for updates
Registration: Summer 2023 registration will open February 1, 2023