Get Ready for Camp
Let your potential shine on.
Welcome. This page gives you everything you need to get ready for registration so you feel confident and prepared.
YMCA camps help young people grow, connect, and build their potential in a safe, inclusive community. Whether your child is joining us for the first time or returning for another great summer, we are here to make the process simple.
Let’s get you ready.
Key Registration Dates
March Break and P.D. Day Camps: Registration opens January 2, 2026 here.
2026 Day Camps: Registration opens January 13, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.
2026 Overnight Camps: Registration opens January 20, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.
Before You Register
We want your YMCA camp experience to be a great fit for your family. Every camper is different and each of our camps offers something unique. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose.
Camp Belwood A smaller, cozy overnight camp geared toward younger campers and shorter stays. Belwood has a pool for kids who prefer not to swim in a lake. It’s the gentlest entry point to overnight camp life.
Camp Ki-Wa-Y Close to home and rooted in classic overnight-camp traditions. Lots of nature, lots of action, and a pace that works well for both first-time and returning campers.
Camp Waabanaki
A great option for adventurous campers. Located three hours from Kitchener-Waterloo (or an easy bus ride), Waabanaki features backcountry canoe trips from one to four nights. Campers tent, filter water, and carry everything in and out. Perfect for kids who love challenges and the feeling of earning every view.
Outdoor Day Camp
Close to home but still immersed in nature. Campers spend their days exploring forests, fields, and waterfront spaces before heading home each evening. Ideal for kids who thrive outside but aren’t ready for an overnight stay.
At the Y Camp (YMCAs in the City)
Mostly indoor programs with regular outdoor activities, offered in Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, and Stratford-Perth. Familiar, accessible, and ideal for families who need simple daily drop-off and access via public transit.
All our Overnight Camps and Outdoor Day Camps involve spending at least 70 percent of the day outdoors. Campers take part in healthy, well-supervised activities including swimming, climbing, hiking, and boating.
To help your camper succeed, consider the questions below. Can your camper:
Take directions and safety instructions from staff.
Participate in camp life and interact with peers.
Make safe choices for themselves and others.
Attend school successfully.
Dress and change independently.
Use the toilet on their own during the day
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, or if your camper needs extra support or accommodations, please contact us before you register. If your child has an assigned EA or dedicated support person at school, they will need the same level of support at camp. This ensures your camper has what they need to be safe, confident, and successful.
Day Camp, families who require additional support can also apply to our Day Camp Inclusion Program.
Note: For eligible campers who attend camp at YMCA Camp Conestogo, Heidelberg, Shade’s Mills, and Wildwood and any At the Y Camp locations.
For any questions, call 519-699-5100 or email daycamp@ytr.ymca.ca
Deposits A non-refundable deposit is required at registration:
Day Camp: $50 per child per session
Overnight Camp: $200 per child per session
Camp Belwood Overnight: $100 per child per session
The deposit is part of your total camp fee. Example: If a session is $325, your $50 deposit leaves a $275 balance.
Flexible Payment Options Choose the option that works best for your family:
Pay in full at registration.
Monthly installments (minus the deposit) completed by May 15, 2026.
One scheduled payment for the remaining balance on May 15, 2026.
We work closely with third-party subsidy providers to support families receiving financial assistance.
Key Payment Deadlines May 15: All standard payment plans must be completed by this date. Two weeks before the session: All camp fees must be paid in full.
Late Registrations If you register within two weeks of a session start date, the full camp fee (including the deposit) is due at the time of registration.
If you receive subsidy approval afterward, we will adjust your account and issue a refund if applicable.
Payment Issues
If a payment is declined:
We will contact you via the email associated with your Camper’s registration.
You’ll have 7 days to update your payment information.
Spots may be released if payments remain incomplete.
We know plans can change. This policy keeps things fair and supports the staffing, supplies, and preparation needed for a great camp season.
Refunds Before May 15
If you cancel on or before May 15, 2026, you’ll receive a refund minus the non-refundable deposit.
Refunds After May 15
Cancellations after May 15 are not refundable for any reason, even if the spot is filled.
For families receiving fee assistance
Cancellation requests must be submitted at least 14 days before the session to be considered for a refund minus the deposit.
Cancellation requests fewer than 14 days before the session, or no-shows, are not refundable.
Late cancellations may affect eligibility for future programs.
Extenuating Circumstances If your child cannot attend camp due to serious illness, injury, or a family emergency, you may request special consideration. Email camp@ytr.ymca.ca within 7 days of the missed session and include:
A brief explanation
Relevant documentation (such as a doctor’s note)
Requests are reviewed by the Camp Administration Team. Refunds are not guaranteed.
Not Considered Extenuating Circumstances Refunds will not be issued for:
Vacations or travel conflicts
Overlapping programs or camps
Sports or extracurricular commitments
Transportation issues
Changing their mind, refusing to attend, or homesickness
Early departure from camp
Removal from program due to behaviour
Refund Processing Approved refunds may take up to 3 weeks to process. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.
Program Changes and Activity Modifications Camp staff regularly assess risk and may adjust activities due to:
Staffing limitations or required certifications
Weather (lightning, high winds)
Environmental or water quality advisories
We will communicate changes when possible and offer a comparable experience. Refunds are not issued for activity or schedule modifications.
Program Cancellations by the YMCA
The YMCA may cancel programs due to:
Low registration
Safety concerns
Health advisories
Site inoperability or unexpected circumstances
Families will be offered a refund or the option to transfer to another session.
Every child deserves the chance to experience camp. If your family needs support, you may be eligible for fee assistance through the YMCA of Three Rivers or one of our community partners. Fee assistance varies by region. Choose your camp based on the region where you are applying. Important Notes Most programs require Proof of Income or a Notice of Assessment each year
You can register while waiting for approval
Eligibility and funding vary by provider
Credit card required for incidental fees
For questions, call 519-699-5100.
How to Register if You Are Applying for Financial Assistance
Start your registration in CampBrain and pause at the PAYMENT step.
Call us at 519-699-5100 so we can secure your camper’s registration while we await confirmation of subsidy.
A credit card is required on file for any incidental charges.
Available Fee Assistance Programs
YMCA Fee Assist Eligibility: For qualifying day and overnight campers who live in the County of Wellington, Region of Waterloo, or Huron County attending any of our camp locations.
Sign in and upload your income documents.
In 2–3 days, you’ll receive your Colour Code and PIN.
Once you receive them, send your Colour Code, PIN and Camper(s) name(s) to camp@ytr.ymca.ca.
or call 519-699-5100 and we’ll apply it and set up your payment plan.
Municipal Child Care Subsidy You will complete a Fee Subsidy application. Once approved, you’ll receive a letter confirming your
subsidy amount.
County of Wellington Child Care Subsidy Eligibility: For qualifying day campers who live in the County of Wellington attending YMCA Camp Conestogo, and the Guelph Y.
Call: 519-837-3620 ext. 3090 Toll Free: 1-800-265-7294 ext. 3090
City of Stratford Child Care Fee Subsidy Eligibility: For qualifying day campers who live in Perth County attending camp at the Stratford Y and Wildwood.
Email: childrensservices@stratford.ca Call: 519-271-3773 ext. 6271 Toll-Free: 1-800-669-2948 ext. 6271
Region of Waterloo Child Care Subsidy Eligibility: Day campers up to age 12 who live in Waterloo Region attending camp at:
Camp Heidelberg
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (Kitchener)
Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
Shade’s Mills
Jumpstart Eligibility: For qualifying day and overnight campers.
Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington Free to Grow Program Eligibility: Qualifying day and overnight campers who live in Guelph-Wellington County. Email: freetogrow@childrensfoundation.org Phone: 519-826-9551 ext. 123
House of Friendship Family Outreach Program
Eligibility: Qualifying day and overnight campers who live in Waterloo Region
Call: 519-742-8327 ext. 240
Email: info@familyoutreach.ca
Log in or create your CampBrain account.
Start a new registration.
Select your camper(s).
Choose session(s) and add-ons such as Bussing and Towel Service.
Complete forms when they open in March.
Pay your deposit and set your payment plan.
Review and submit.
Your confirmation email will arrive once registration is complete.
If a week is full, you’ll see an orange “Waitlist Available” label.
Click "Show Details"
Select “Add to Waitlist”
Complete checkout to secure your place on the list
How the Waitlist Works
Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a spot.
Offers are emailed in order of date and time joined.
You’ll have a short window to accept.
If we don’t hear back, the offer moves to the next family.
Check your inbox and junk folder regularly. Waitlist offers expire if we can’t reach you.
Your quick guide to smooth arrivals and departures.
Bussing is available as a Session Option in CampBrain at the following camps:
YMCA Camp Waabanaki Available for an additional fee: $75 + HST per camper per direction Pick Up Waterloo: 7:45am Moses Springer Park (150 Lincoln Road) Guelph: 8:20 a.m. Canadian Tire (10 Woodlawn Rd E) Newmarket: 9:40 a.m. MTO Carpool Lot 3479 (Hwy 9 & 400) Drop Off Newmarket: 11:45 a.m. MTO Carpool Lot 3479 (Hwy 9 & 400) Guelph: 1:10 p.m. Canadian Tire Parking Lot (10 Woodlawn Rd E) Waterloo: 1:45 p.m. Moses Springer (150 Lincoln Road)
YMCA Camp Belwood (Day, Overnight & LIT) Thanks to a generous grant, bussing is free in 2026. RIM Park 2001 University Ave E Waterloo, ON Morning Pick Up: 8:00 a.m. Afternoon Drop Off: 4:30 – 5:00 p.m To add bussing later, call 519-699-5100 or email camp@ytr.ymca.ca
Arrival by Car
Day Camps
Morning Drop Off: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Afternoon Pick Up: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
For Rates, Dates, and Locations, click here.
Overnight at Camp Belwood
Monday Drop Off 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Thursday Pick Up 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
For Rates, Dates, and Location, click here.
Overnight at Camp Ki-Wa-Y
Monday Drop-Off: Monday 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday Pick-Up: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
For Rates, Dates, and Location, click here.
Overnight at Camp Waabanaki
Monday Drop-Off: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Saturday Pick-Up: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
For Rates, Dates, and Location, click here.