Camps

Parents/guardians can request their camper be placed in the same camp group as a friend or sibling. Please note that while we do our best to accommodate these requests, camp assignments are primarily based on age.

To submit your request, contact the camp location your camper will be attending.

Requests are processed in the order they are received and based on the availability of inclusion staff. Participants may provide their own external support workers to assist if desired. 

Visit Inclusion Services for more information.

Each camp program has specific age requirements. Campers must be the required minimum age before the start of camp.

Camps that offer swimming have rules in place to keep your campers safe.

• Campers seven to nine years of age who are non-swimmers must wear a lifejacket and be accompanied by a camp counsellor who is responsible for their direct supervision. Maximum four children per counsellor.
• Campers seven to nine years of age who are able to pass a swim test may be admitted to the pool unaccompanied without direct supervision of a camp counsellor.
• Children 10 years and older may be admitted to the pool without direct supervision by a camp counsellor. To enter the deep end of a pool campers must pass the swim test.

If your camper has passed the swim test and has a swim test card, please bring it on the first day of camp.

Campers can get a free swim test at a City pool before camp begins. Swim tests are available at:

• Camp Samac Outdoor Pool (seasonal), Centennial Pool and Donevan Recreation Complex Pool during fun swims and public swims
• Delpark Homes Centre Pool and South Oshawa Community Centre Pool during fun swims only

The City of Oshawa follows a Safe Drop off and Pick up Procedure to ensure the safety of all campers.

• Attendance takes place each day as campers arrive and leave.
• Parents/guardians must sign in their camper at the designated camp drop-off location at 9 a.m.
• Campers must be picked up at the designated pick-up location between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Government-issued photo ID is required each time you pick up your camper. Staff will not release campers to anyone other than the authorized guardian without prior written permission. 
• Notify camp staff if a camper needs to be picked up earlier.

If your camper will not be attending the program, please notify camp staff . If a camper is absent or late and staff have not been notified, attempts will be made to contact the parent/guardian. Please email the Camp Director to report a late drop off, early pick up or absent camper.

Assistance programs are available to Oshawa residents wishing to access camps. These include the Durham Region Social Services, Canadian Tire Jumpstart and the Recreation Fee Assistance Program. Visit Assistance and Support for more information.

Camps will continue during inclement weather and heat alerts; however activities may be modified to low-energy and additional water breaks added when necessary. Please dress your camper appropriately for the weather.

Campers must be fully toilet-trained to attend all programs.

Each day, pack a nut-free lunch, snacks, drinks, reusable water bottle, indoor shoes, sunscreen, a change of clothes and appropriate outdoor weather clothing. 

All items should be clearly labelled with the camper’s name. Leave toys, electronic devices and valuables at home. The City of Oshawa is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

The Camp Lunch Program is available for an additional fee at most camps. To place your order, complete the Camp Lunch Order Form.

For camps that offer swimming and/or water play:

• Campers must bring a towel and bathing suit
• Campers must bring appropriate shoes for the pool deck and/or outdoor water play
• All items must be kept in a labelled reusable bag

• Campers must bring their own skates
• Campers must wear warm clothes, mittens or gloves
• Campers are required to wear CSA approved hockey helmets
  • CSA approved hockey helmets with a full face mask are strongly encouraged
  • Bicycle and skateboarding helmets are not allowed

• Campers are required to bring their own scooter
• Campers must wear a bicycle or skateboarding helmet
• Campers must wear elbow pads, knee pads and close-toed shoes
• Open-toed shoes like flip-flops and sandals are not permitted
• Crocs are not permitted

For Hockey camps:

• Campers are required to bring the following equipment in a hockey bag
  • CSA approved hockey helmet with a full face mask
  • Hockey skates (figure skates are not permitted)
  • Shin pads
  • Hockey socks
  • Jock/jill
  • Hockey pants
  • Shoulder pads
  • Elbow pads
  • Neck guard
  • Hockey gloves
  • Jersey
  • Hockey stick

Camp staff will hold prescription medication only as directed on the label. Complete the Medication Administration Request Form and submit it the week before camp with the other required camp forms.

Campers will be required to administer the medication themselves.

If a camper requires an EpiPen, please indicate this on the Emergency Contact and Consent Form. Complete and submit the form the week before camp starts, with the other required camp forms.

Campers who may require EpiPens are responsible for bringing two EpiPens to camp each day. The camper must carry one EpiPen in an easily identifiable waist pack. Staff will store the second EpiPen in a secured location in case of an emergency. Campers must take their EpiPens home each day.

• The course is cancelled by Recreation Services before the start date.
• The participant withdraws at least 7 days before the course starts.

General Courses:

• If Recreation Services cancels the course or removes a participant after the course starts, a pro-rated refund will be given based on the number of cancelled/removed classes.
• Withdrawals made less than 7 days before the course starts will be charged 20% of the course fee.
• Withdrawals before the second class will receive a prorated refund and be charged 20% of the course fee for the remaining classes.
• Withdrawals for medical reasons, supported by a doctor's note, will receive a full or pro-rated refund based on the number of classes attended.

Camps and Leadership Courses:

• If Recreation Services cancels the course or removes a participant after the course starts, a pro-rated refund will be issued based on the number of cancelled/removed classes.
• Withdrawals made 4 to 6 days before the course starts will be charged 20% of the course fee.
• Withdrawals for medical reasons, supported by a doctor's note, will receive a full or pro-rated refund based on the number of classes attended.

General Courses:

• Withdrawals made after the second class.

Camps and Leadership Courses:

• Withdrawals made less than 4 days before the course starts.