“After camp I noticed a real boost in [my daughters’] independence and sense of responsibility“
WAYS TO GIVE
There are many meaningful ways to give to the mission of Canterbury Hills.
Sponsor a Camper
Through our Bursary Fund
Because of the generosity of our community, Canterbury Hills continues to be a place where children and youth grow, connect, and thrive. Every contribution plays an important role in sustaining our mission and shaping lives for years to come.
Your support helps us:
- Maintain and/or upgrade our program materials and equipment, allowing us to continue to offer high-quality and engaging programming
- Care for our property and facilities, so that Canterbury Hills can continue to exist for generations to come
- Reduce our operating costs so that we can continue to compensate our dedicated staff fairly
- Keep camp experiences affordable for the families we serve
- Make it possible for us to offer financial assistance to families experiencing hardship, ensuring that every child who wants to experience Canterbury Hills has the opportunity to do so.
Sponsor A Camper through a Give to our Bursary Fund
Our Bursary Fund exists so that financial need does not prevent any child from having an opportunity to create lasting memories & friendships, build confidence & resilience, and deepen their appreciation for the outdoors. In 2025, no child was turned away from Canterbury Hills due to financial need. Many families in Hamilton struggle to justify the expense of summer camp, and the number of bursary requests increase each year. We rely on community support to ensure that financial need is not a barrier for families who wish to send their child(ren) to Canterbury Hills.
- Sponsor a Day Camper – $399
- Sponsor an Overnight Camper – $665
- Sponsor an Adventure Camper – $932
- Sponsor an LIT – $1130
To give online through the link below, please select “Ignite: Canterbury Hills Camp” as your Area of Ministry, and enter “Bursary Fund” in the designation. We can also accept Bursary Fund donations by e-transfer, cash, or cheque. Please contact us to make arrangements.
Milestone, Legacy Gifts & Planned Giving
A milestone gift is a significant contribution—often made in honour of a loved one or to commemorate a big moment—that celebrates a meaningful moment or memory. These generous gifts make a tangible and lasting difference by supporting program developments and essential capital projects that help camp thrive.
Planned Giving: Leave a legacy that reflects your values and continues your support long into the future. Planned gifts offer meaningful, often tax-advantaged ways to make a lasting impact.
- Bequests in Your Will
- Gifts of Life Insurance
- RRSPs/RRIFs or Securities
Connect with us to learn about current initiatives and direct your support to the project that resonates most with you. When you advise us about your legacy or planned gift, we welcome you to join Canterbury Hill’s Legacy Circle.
Monthly Giving
Make an ongoing impact with manageable monthly contributions. Consider it a monthly subscription of joy! You choose the amount that works for you, and your contribution is conveniently processed through a secure pre-authorized monthly payment.
To give online through the link below, please select “Ignite: Canterbury Hills Camp” as your Area of Ministry.
Camp Wishlist
A fun way to know EXACTLY where your gift is being used at camp! Our Camp Wishlist is filled with items that will directly support campers in the summer and help us reduce our operating costs. There’s a wide range of price points – even some items as low as $10 – which all make a huge difference at camp. We update our Camp Wishlist regularly – take a look!
Did you know that we also happily accept pre-loved items? If you have gently used sports equipment, craft supplies, costumes, board games, or camping gear lying around collecting dust, we’d love to put them to good use. Send us an email at camp@canterburyhills.ca and we can arrange a good time for you to drop off at camp.
Gift a Security
When you donate securities directly to a registered charity, you eliminate capital gains tax on any appreciated value. This often results in greater tax savings compared to selling the securities and donating the cash.
You’ll receive a charitable tax receipt for the full market value of the securities on the day the gift is completed, allowing you to maximize your federal and provincial charitable tax credits. You can donate securities to us easily through Canada Helps which manages the entire process and issues your tax receipt immediately.
Volunteer Your Time
Join us at our Work Day! Our Work Day takes place annually on a Saturday in May or June- helping to prepare Canterbury Hills for the summer ahead. Projects typically include painting cabins, maintaining trails and campsites, gardening, and general clean-up around camp. All are welcome!
Join our Camp Board, or one of its Committees! Serving on our Board of Directors means helping guide the long-term vision, mission, and sustainability of our camp. Our board committees focus on specific areas and projects: strengthening camp programs, maintaining and improving our property, supporting fundraising initiatives, and shaping HR policies. While board membership is open to anyone, alumni with relevant skills or backgrounds are particularly appreciated.
To learn more about other current volunteering opportunities, contact camp@canterburyhills.ca and we can discuss the best use of your unique gifts!
Recognition for Gifts Made in Celebration of a Special Moment, or in Honour of a Loved One
We are honoured to help you celebrate a meaningful milestone or commemorate a cherished loved one in a way that feels personal and lasting. Together, we will explore thoughtful options to recognize your gift — whether by supporting a project connected to their passions, dedicating a memorial plaque in a special place at camp, or planting a tree in their honour as a living symbol of growth and remembrance.
Recognition at camp is typically reserved for gifts of $1,000 or more; however, we are always happy to discuss meaningful recognition opportunities for gifts of other amounts on an individual basis.
65 years… and counting!
Canterbury Hills Camp has been providing summer camp experiences to youth in the Greater Hamilton area since 1960.
With your support, we can continue to provide meaningful opportunities for personal growth, community and connection for generations to come.
“Canterbury Hills helps shape a happy, capable, and caring generation of young people.“
Join Our Alumni Mailing List to Keep Up To Date With All Things Canterbury!
Emails will include monthly camp newsletters, merchandise announcements, opportunities to stay involved as an alumni, volunteer, or supporter & invitations to special events and fundraising initiatives. We promise to keep our emails meaningful and infrequent—only the important stuff! You can unsubscribe at any time!