Day Camp

AGES 6-10

What is Day Camp?

At Canterbury Hills Day Camp, every day offers new opportunities to explore, discover, and form lasting friendships in an expansive, natural setting. Just minutes from Ancaster, Dundas, and Hamilton, our camp feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Day Camp groups are organized by age, with each group of 12 campers led by two enthusiastic unit leaders. Our sessions are 5 days each, running weekly from Monday through Friday (except for short weeks following long weekends). Included in our camp registration fee are hot lunches prepared fresh by our fantastic kitchen staff, and opportunities for 2 snacks daily (morning and afternoon). Our camp program is packed with exciting activities designed to inspire curiosity and fun, where nature, friendship, and adventure come together in the most unforgettable way. Campers leave each day feeling tired—but in the best way—after making memories that will last a lifetime. Please note that registration is required in advance and we do not offer a drop-in program.

Day Camp at a Glance:

Drop-off windows are as follows:

8:30-8:45 am
9:00-9:15 am

Pick-up times are between:

4:50-5:10 pm
5:15-5:30 pm

Campers arrive at staggered times based on their cabin assignment. You will receive your camper’s assigned drop-off/pick-up times ahead of the session start. We offer an optional extended day on Thursday where pick up is at 8:30 pm and campers participate in evening camp programs.

2025 Day Camp Sessions

SESSION

DATES

AGE RANGE

FEE

Day Camp 1*	July 2nd – 4th	6-10	$269
Day Camp 2	July 7th – 11th	6-10	$399
Day Camp 3	July 14th – 18th	6-10	$399
Day Camp 4	July 21st – 25th	6-10	$399
Day Camp 5	July 28th – August 1st	6-10	$399
Day Camp 6**	August 5th – 8th	6-10	$359
Day Camp 7	August 11th – 15th	6-10	$399
Day Camp 8	August 18th – 22nd	6-10	$399

*short week, Wednesday – Friday
** short week, Tuesday – Friday

click here to register

“This camp is amazing, especially how they encourage appreciation for the outdoors. They teach children to be more curious, active, independent, caring for one another, accepting differences, rising to challenges and developing community. My two children love this place.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Day Campers do?

On the first morning of camp, campers learn about typical activities, brainstorm creative themes and activities, express what activities they are most interested in, and craft a unique schedule for their group. Parents receive a copy of their camper’s schedule at pick-up on the first day so that campers can come to camp prepared for their fun day ahead.

We offer a wide variety of camp activities such as:

Swimming
Hiking
Crafts
Baking
Archery
Rock climbing (ages 7+)
Low ropes challenges
Creek walk
Scavenger hunts
Drama games
Sports
Orienteering
Frisbee golf
Gaga ball
Water games / slip n’ slide
Watchtower (thicket)

& much, much more!

Activities are made even more fun with creative themes such as:

Disney
Dinosaurs
Harry Potter
Mario Kart
Master Chef
Ninja Training
Olympics
Outer Space
Pirates
Pokémon
Under The Sea
Medieval Times
Superheroes
Canterbury’s Got Talent
Halloween
Unicorns
… & anything campers can imagine!

What happens during the Thursday extended evening?

Canterbury Hills offers a special opportunity for Day Campers to enjoy an extended day on Thursday, giving them a chance to experience an evening at camp and perhaps sparking excitement for the possibility of trying an overnight camp in the future. Pick-up for Thursday night is at 8:30 pm. However, caregivers may opt to pick up their camper at their regularly scheduled time on Thursday if preferred.

Thursday evening includes:

A delicious pizza dinner with Caesar salad, chocolate milk, and a cold treat for dessert
An exciting camp-wide game with a creative theme
A lively campfire with songs, skits, and storytime

My child is a picky eater, can I send a packed lunch instead of the provided lunch?

Parents/guardians of campers with extreme picky eating may choose to send a home-packed lunch, provided all items comply with our peanut & treenut free policy. Our top priority in these situations is making sure every camper has enough food to keep them energized and ready for a fun-filled day.

That being said, camp meals and snacks are designed with kids in mind—because they’re the ones we’re feeding! While we strive to create kid-friendly meals that are appealing to everyone, we understand that not all dishes will be a hit with every camper. We encourage all campers to try the meal provided, or at least parts of it, even if it’s not their favourite. However, no camper will ever be forced to eat something they don’t want to. Our leaders gently encourage campers to explore new foods, helping them build confidence in trying different flavours and textures during their time at camp. Campers often try new foods and even might discover new favourites- in a setting where their peers are all enjoying the same meal together in community. If a camper is unable to enjoy the meal offered, our kitchen will provide a simple, alternative option such as buttered noodles, a plain sandwich, a bowl of cereal, or a hot dog. These alternatives depend on what’s available, but our dedicated kitchen team works hard to ensure that every camper leaves the table satisfied and ready for more fun.

We understand that some campers may feel more comfortable knowing the lunch menu in advance. If requested, we can provide the menu one week before your camper’s session begins, though please note that changes may occur due to food delivery delays or ingredient shortages. For campers with sensory processing disorders, food aversions, ARFID, or extreme pickiness, we are happy to work with parents/guardians to ensure their child’s food needs are met during camp. Parents/guardians can arrange a phone consultation with our Kitchen Manager by emailing canterburyhillskitchen@gmail.com or calling 905-648-2712 ext. 6. We’ll discuss the menu and any necessary accommodations.

What does a typical day of Day Camp look like?

Here is an example of a possible Day Camp schedule. While the general timing stays the same day to day, activities vary greatly depending on the group and their interests.

8:30 -9:15 – Drop off

Campers play games, draw or hang out with their cabin mates while they wait for everyone to arrive

9:30 – Morning activities:

Gaga ball- A fun ball game similar to dodgeball, but played by hitting a ball across the ground to try to get other players out

10:30 – Morning snack (Granola bars), followed by more activities:

“Thicket” at the Watchtower – campers play a version of camouflage where they attempt to sneak through the forest and tag the Watchtower without being caught

12:00 – Lunch

Macaroni and cheese with hotdogs, veggies, hummus and juice. Pudding for dessert

12:30 – Swimming

Campers cool off in our swimming pool, play pool games with their leaders

1:30 – Chapel

Cabin groups lead spiritual reflection and activities based on a theme such as love, friendship, caring for the environment

2:00 – Afternoon activity:

Creek walk! Campers put on rubber boots and spend time exploring the creek, looking for critters and collecting clay for crafting with

3:00 – Afternoon snack (Popcorn), followed by more afternoon activities:

Slip n slide! A giant slide down one of our biggest slopes.

5:00 -5:30 – Pick up

Can my child be in the same cabin group as their friend/sibling?

These groups are designed to ensure that campers are with others who are at a similar developmental stage. On average, each group consists of 12 campers and 2 leaders. We aim to keep the age gap within 1-2 years, though this may vary slightly from session to session, based on the age distribution of registered campers.

Group requests can usually be accommodated as long as the campers are of similar age. You may indicate group requests during registration.

Why do we organize it this way? Camp activities for 6-7 year-olds differ significantly from those for 9-10 year-olds. To ensure each camper enjoys an exciting and appropriate experience, we group campers with others who share similar developmental stages and maturity levels. Activities tailored to specific age ranges help maintain engagement—activities that are too challenging for younger campers may feel frustrating, while activities for younger campers may seem too basic for older ones. For example, the older group might go on a much longer hike that might be too challenging for a younger group, and a younger group might do simpler crafts that an older group would not be interested in.

How much crossover will my kids have if they are in different groups, or registered in different camp program (Bridge or Overnight)?

While our program is designed for campers to remain with their own groups, siblings will still have moments to smile, wave, and check in with each other throughout the day.

Much like siblings in different classes at the same school, campers usually stay with their own groups for activities, no matter the group or camp program. However, there are opportunities for them to see each other during meals (where all groups gather together—Bridge and Overnight Campers in the dining hall, and Day Campers at picnic tables just outside) and sometimes during transitions between activities. While the surrounding forest is vast, the main camp area is compact, and the key program areas are all within close reach, making it relatively easy to connect with siblings in other groups.