Summer day camps

Let the Adapted and Inclusive Program Supervisor know before the first day of camp if you'll be providing your own support worker. You may need to provide additional documentation.

A Leisure Buddy provides one-to-one support to help children with physical, cognitive, behavioural or developmental needs engage and feel included. After a brief intake, your child will be matched with a Leisure Buddy based on their needs and interests.

If your child has a support referral through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), contact the Adapted and Inclusive Program supervisor to get started.

If your child has a severe allergy, you must complete an Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan form [PDF/172KB] before camp begins. Campers must carry a non-expired EpiPen at all times. Please don't send food to share with others.

Camps typically run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted on your receipt.

Weekly schedules are posted online one week before camp begins. Some camps include field trips throughout the Comox Valley, which will be listed on the schedule. Schedules are subject to change.

Drop-off and pick-up locations are on your receipt. All campers must be signed in and out each day. Anyone picking up a child must be authorized and may need to show ID. Late pick-up fees apply.

Campers aged 10 and older may sign themselves out if an Independent Arrival and Departure form [PDF/289KB] has been completed and submitted.

Before and after care is available through the KidsPlay program. Pre-registration and additional fees apply.

Many camps include swimming at the Outdoor Pool. Children aged 7 and under must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and swim in smaller groups. Children aged 8 and older will do a swim test when they arrive. All swimming is supervised by qualified lifeguards.

Some camps run outdoors, rain or shine, so make sure your child is dressed for the weather. If conditions are extreme, such as high heat or poor air quality, staff will follow advisories and adjust activities to keep campers safe.

All campers are expected to be kind, safe and respectful. If a camper's behaviour puts themselves or others at risk, they may need to leave the program.

Our camp leaders complete two weeks of pre-summer training and are certified in First Aid and HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Childhood Development. They also receive training on the City of Courtenay's Child Protection Policy and Procedures. Many leaders were once campers or volunteers themselves.

Send your child with these daily essentials:

• lunch and snacks
• reusable water bottle
• weather-appropriate clothing
• closed-toe shoes
• swimsuit and towel
• sunscreen and a hat

Label all belongings clearly. Leave electronics and valuables at home. Specific camps such as beach days may require other items. Check the weekly schedule for details.

Staff will remind and support campers to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Sunglasses and UV-protective clothing are also recommended. 

• Keep your child home if anyone in your household is unwell.
• Make sure your child is well rested and has eaten before drop-off.
• Apply sunscreen before camp and help your child learn to apply it themselves.
• Teach your child to wash their hands often and to cough or sneeze into their elbow.
• If your child is going through a hard time outside of camp, let their Camp Leader know. It helps staff provide the best support.