When camps are in session, the Camps Office hours are 8am–5pm (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays).

Once registration opens the Camps Office hours are 9am–4pm (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays).

Phone: 416-973-4093

Email: camps@harbourfrontcentre.com

Harbourfront Centre Camps
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
Canada

The Camps Office is located on the third floor of Harbourfront Centre’s Main Building at 235 Queens Quay West.

To visit the Camps Office, please check in with the security desk in the north lobby; they will give you access to the north elevator.

Harbourfront Centre office staff use a hybrid work model during the off season, and hours are subject to change. Please contact the office directly to schedule an appointment.

For more information on how to get to Harbourfront Centre, learn more on our Explore page.

All camp registrations are processed through the Harbourfront Centre Camps CampBrain registration portal. To sign up for camp, go to our CampBrain registration portal or on the “Register Now” button on any camp webpage.

Once you have chosen the camp and dates you wish to register in, you can proceed to fill in all the forms and complete the payment. If you need any assistance with this process, please contact the Camps Office.

If you do not have an existing account with us, you can create a new one through our registration portal. Please do not create multiple profiles for the same household, as this can cause registration problems later.

Please note: All payments are completed in the registration portal through credit cards or e-cheques only. All camp waivers and forms, including camper medical information, must be completed in CampBrain before you can complete registration.

Registration for Harbourfront Centre Camps will remain open as long as spots are available. Registrations for a camp session close the Wednesday prior to the first day of the session at 5:00pm

Harbourfront Centre Camps are for children aged 4 to 15. Participant ages are determined based on the start date of the individual camp. Exceptions may be made for certain camp programs if a camper is turning that age in the calendar year. Requests for accommodation can be made via email to the Camps Office. Proof of age may be asked at any point, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all.

No camper under the age of 4 can participate in any program in accordance with the Ontario Early Years Act, Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, S.O. 2014.

Due to the nature of programming, the following types of camps are unable to accommodate campers younger than specified in the program description:

• Sailing Camps
• Canoe and Kayak Camps
• Leadership

If a camp is full, you may join the waitlist online. If a spot becomes available, you will be contacted by email and must confirm within 24 hours. Once confirmed, registration, forms, and payment will be completed through the Registration Portal.

Transfer fees are waived for waitlisted campers; however, any fee difference for a higher-cost camp will apply. Families may join multiple waitlists, but accepting a spot in one camp will release all other waitlist spots.

Please note that you will only be contacted if a spot becomes available.

Special Requests and Grouping 

Any special accommodations or support must be communicated to the Camps Office at the time of registration to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made. 

Grouping requests can be submitted at the time of registration, however we do not guarantee requests will be accepted. 

• Cancellations free of charge can be processed upon request until March 31, 2025.
• From April 1, 2025, onwards, all cancellations will be subject to a $100 administrative fee (per camp per camper).
• Requests for cancellations must be made in writing via email 14 days or more before the start date of the program.
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations requested. less than 14 days before the program begins.
• All refund requests are subject to a $100.00 administrative fee.
• Once your campers’ camp session has begun, no refunds will be issued.

Harbourfront Centre Camps reserves the right to cancel or combine classes if a minimum enrollment number is not met. If Harbourfront Centre Camps cancels the program, registrants will be notified up to a week before the start of the program, and registrants will be offered an alternative camp or a full refund.

For more information on camper Absence and Missed Days please see more information below.

• Transfers between camps or sessions will not be charged prior to March 31, 2025, if it is the first transfer/change.
• Multiple changes and transfers to a household’s registration after March 31, 2025 will be subject to a $30 administrative fee.
• Transfers between camps, or sessions will be subject to a $30 administrative fee from April 1, 2025 (per camp, per camper).

All transfer and change request are subject to our Registration and Cancellations policy.

If a participant is unable to attend their camp for a day or for the entire session, make-up dates, refunds, or credits will not be offered.

• Weather-related cancellations are not considered a valid reason for refund requests.
• If a cancellation request is due to significant medical reasons, a doctor’s note must be provided within 24 hours. Such cancellations may be subject to a $100.00 administrative fee.

Harbourfront Centre camps are for children aged 4 to 15. Participant ages are determined based on the start date of the individual camp. Exceptions may be made for certain camp programs if a camper is turning that age in the calendar year. Requests for accommodation can be made via email to the Camps Office. Proof of age may be asked at any point, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all.

No camper under the age of 4 can participate in any program in accordance with the Ontario Early Years Act.

Due to the nature of programming, the following types of camps are unable to accommodate campers younger than specified in the program description:

• Sailing Camps
• Canoe and Kayak Camps
• Leadership

Please note that the age clause is applicable irrespective of skill level.

Details of the cost of each camp can be found on our Explore Camps Page.

Camp registration is completed online through the Harbourfront Centre Registration Portal. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs often fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged.

Full payment is required at the time of registration. Registrations are not confirmed until payment has been received.

Full refunds will be issued for cancellations for 2026 Camp programs received up to and including March 31, 2026. Cancellations received after March 31, 2026, are subject to a refund minus a $100.00 administration fee. Cancellations received less than 30 days before the start of camp will not be eligible for a refund.

Exceptions to this policy are only given in the event of a medical emergency supported by certification from a legally qualified medical practitioner not related to the camper. Refunds will not be provided for inclement weather or for days of camp not attended.

Harbourfront Centre Camps will do everything possible to avoid program cancellations, however we reserve the right to cancel and/or combine sessions of camp due to unforeseen circumstances or if the minimum enrolment is not met. In either of these instances, we will notify camp families one week before the session start date or provide families with a full refund.

All transfer or change requests must be submitted in writing by email to the Camps Office and are subject to the Registration and Cancellation Policy. Transfer requests made less than 30 days before the start of camp will not be eligible for a refund when moving from a higher-fee camp to a lower-fee camp.

Parents must send transfer requests via email and should include the camper’s name, the camp and session they are currently registered in, and the camp and session they wish to transfer into. There is a $30 transfer fee per camper, per camp session.

Before March 31st, the $30 transfer fee is waived for single camp transfers. If a household makes multiple changes to their registration, they will be charged the $30 fee. From April 1st onwards, any registration changes will result in a $30 transfer fee. If a transfer is made after the 30-day cancelation cut-off, refunds will not be given if transferring from a more expensive camp into a less expensive camp.

Harbourfront Centre Camps are for children aged 4 to 15. Participant ages are determined based on the start date of the individual camp. Exceptions may be made for certain camp programs if a camper is turning that age in the calendar year. Requests for accommodation can be made via email to the Camps Office. Proof of age may be asked at any point, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all.

No camper under the age of 4 can participate in any program in accordance with the Ontario Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, S.O. 2014.

Due to the nature of programming, the following types of camps are unable to accommodate campers younger than specified in the program description:

• Sailing Camps
• Canoe and Kayak Camps
• Leadership

If a camp is full, you may join the waitlist online. If a spot becomes available, you will be contacted by email and must confirm within 24 hours. Once confirmed, registration, forms, and payment will be completed through the Registration Portal.

Transfer fees are waived for waitlisted campers; however, any fee difference for a higher-cost camp will apply. Families may join multiple waitlists, but accepting a spot in one camp will release all other waitlist spots.

Please note that you will only be contacted if a spot becomes available.

Any special accommodations or support must be communicated to the Camps Office at the time of registration to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

Grouping requests can be submitted at the time of registration, however we do not guarantee requests will be accepted.

Harbourfront Centre, a registered charitable organization, offers financial assistance through our Subsidy Program to assist families facing financial challenges by providing their children and youth with the opportunity to attend summer camp. Financial assistance is available for up to two weeks per camper during the summer. With limited funding and spaces available, we encourage you to apply early through our Subsidy Application Form. Please ensure your application is completed, as incomplete forms will not be considered.

Important Information:

• Eligibility: All subsidy applicants, including returning families, must submit a complete application along with valid documentation to be considered.
• Application Period: Applications are accepted starting January 15, 2026, and will continue throughout the program until April 1st, 2026, or all available funding has been used.
• Processing: Applications are processed as they are received. Please note that spaces are limited and subject to the availability of subsidy funds.

Due to limited funding and space available, we encourage families to apply early to ensure your child(ren) can benefit from this valuable opportunity.

Getting your camper(s) to Harbourfront Centre is easier than you think! Travel methods for your camper are selected at the time of Registration through the registration portal.

For information on how to get here, please visit our Explore page.

Camp families may park their vehicles on-site in the parking garage at 235 Queens Quay West, at the bottom of Lower Simcoe Street. Please proceed directly into the underground parking facility (vehicle height restriction 78”) and do not stop in the laneway. Please note: Vehicles travelling east along Queen’s Quay cannot turn right onto our campus.

Camp families driving to Harbourfront Centre can take advantage of 20-minute parking with no charge during the camp session. Any additional time after 20 minutes is subject to charge. Any charges incurred for parking outside of 20 minutes are the responsibility of the visiting driver. Parking revenues help to support public programming and activities at Harbourfront Centre. Each time you park at Harbourfront Centre you are helping to contribute to the success of the many year-round events that you enjoy.

All of our parking lots have designated accessible parking with availability on a first-arrival basis. Additional paid parking is available at our Rees Street lot located on the northwest corner of Rees Street and Queens Quay West (318 Queens Quay West).

For information on how to get here, please visit our Explore page.

Location

All campers will be dropped-off and picked-up at Harbourfront Centre’s main building at 235 Queens Quay West. Camper Drop-off and Pick-Up are included in your registration fees at no additional cost.

Times

Morning camper drop-off opens 8:30am and will remain open until 9:15am.

Afternoon camper pick-up opens at 4:00pm and will remain open until 4:30pm.

If you wish to pick up your camper earlier than the designated pick-up time, please see the early pick-up procedure in the Early Pick-up section.

Late Pick-Ups
When campers are not picked up by 4:30pm, they are moved to Extended Program. All late pick-ups are subject to a one-day Extended Program fee of $20.00.

At 5:30pm, campers will be moved to the Camps Office and guardians will be contacted to pick up as soon as possible. Campers must be picked up prior to 6:00pm and failure to do so on more than one occasion may result in the camper’s removal from camp.

Location

Campers will independently sign-in and sign-out daily at Harbourfront Centre’s main building at 235 Queens Quay West. The Independent Travel option is included in your registration fees at no additional cost for campers who meet the age requirements.

This option is available for the following campers:

• Campers aged 10 and older
• Campers under 10, only if they are accompanied by a sibling 12 or older
• Morning independent travel opens at 8:30am and will remain open until 9:15am.

Afternoon independent travel releases campers at 4:00pm, times may vary by 5 or 10 minutes based on other campers’ arrival. Please note: Independent Travel campers cannot leave their camp travel location until the Independent Travel Supervisor dismisses them.

Harbourfront Centre Staff are not responsible for the whereabouts of your camper(s) after 4:00pm. If you wish to pick up your camper earlier than the designated self-sign out time, please contact the camps office.

Times

Morning sign-in opens 8:30am and will remain open until 9:15am.

Afternoon sign-out opens at 3:45pm, times may vary by 5 or 10 minutes based on other campers’ arrivals. Please note: Independent Travel campers cannot leave their camp travel location until the Independent Travel Supervisor dismisses them.

Harbourfront Centre Staff are not responsible for the whereabouts of your camper(s) after 3:45pm. If you wish to pick up your camper earlier than the designated self-sign out time, please refer to the Early Pick-Up section.

Campers in Busing, Extended Care, or Camper Drop-Off and Pick-up will only be released to a designated parent/guardian, or other authorized adult. Please note, parents and guardians’ names do not get added to the list by default. You can update the authorized list through the Registration Portal with your CampBrain account. All authorized pick-up persons must show a valid, government-issued photo ID (i.e., driver’s license, health card, passport, etc.) every day, without exception. This is for the safety of all our campers.

Please note: For campers who have opted to walk home from the bus and meet the age requirements for this travel option, parents and guardians, will not be asked to present identification if they are at the bus stop during afternoon drop-offs.

For camper absences, please contact the office by call or email to notify us. We will follow up with families as part of our attendance check process. If a camper is unable to attend a scheduled camp, make-up dates, refunds or credits will not be provided.

Harbourfront Centre Camps provides bus service throughout the City of Toronto. Busing is a supervised round-trip transportation and is available for an additional fee per week. Registration for this service is on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required for this add-on-service.

Please note: For two-week sessions, Busing must be registered separately for each week in the Registration Portal. 

For a full list of bus stop locations and times, learn more here.

Morning Drop-off at Bus Stops

A Harbourfront Centre Bus Marshall will meet you and your campers at the bus. They are responsible for bus attendance and checking in each camper entering the bus. Buses will begin receiving campers as early as 8:00am, with an estimated arrival time at Harbourfront Centre between 9:00am and 9:20am. Please refer to your route schedule for specific timing. Buses will wait 5 minutes after their scheduled pick-up time before they continue with the route.

If your camper misses the bus in the morning, please make arrangements to get to the Harbourfront Centre by other means. If you miss this bus, you are welcome to attempt to meet the bus at the next stop along its route. Please note: the bus can pick up campers only at scheduled stops.

Afternoon Pick-up at Bus Stops

A Harbourfront Centre Bus Marshall is responsible for bus attendance and signing out each camper at each stop. They will follow the authorized pick-up procedure:

• Campers will only be released to a designated Parent/Guardian or other authorized adult, as specified at registration.
• For campers who have opted to walk home from the bus and meet the age requirements for this travel option, parents and guardians will not be asked to present identification if they are at the bus stop during afternoon drop-offs.
• Campers will not be allowed to leave the bus stop unattended unless otherwise marked on the bus form during registration. Please be sure this information is indicated correctly on the bus forms.

If you miss your afternoon pick-up time, your camper will remain on the bus and be taken to the other stops. We will make every effort to contact you to advise you of this.

Cancellation and Refund Requests

Requests for cancellation eligible for a full refund must be made in writing via email 30 days or more before the start date of the program.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations requested less than 30 days before the program begins.

Cancellation requests must be received in writing via email.

No refunds will be processed once the camp session has started.

Harbourfront Centre Camps reserves the right to cancel a bus if a minimum enrolment number is not met. If Harbourfront Centre Camps cancels your bus, registrants will be notified up to a week before the start of the program, and registrants will be offered an alternative bus or a full refund for the bus service only.

A well-supervised Extended Care Program is available for your camper for an additional weekly fee. Campers can participate in various arts and crafts activities and quiet and active games during this time. Pre-registration is required for this add-on-service.

Please note: For two-week sessions, Extended Care must be registered separately for each week in the Registration Portal. 

Location

All extended day campers will be dropped-off and picked-up at Harbourfront Centre’s Main Building at 235 Queens Quay West.

Times

Morning camper drop-off opens at 8am and will remain open until 9:15am.

At 5:30pm, campers will be moved to the Camps Office and guardians will be contacted to pick up as soon as possible. Campers must be picked up prior to 6:00pm and failure to do so on more than one occasion may result in the camper’s removal from camp.

Cancellation and Refund Requests

Cancellation requests must be made in writing via email at least 30 days before the start date of your child’s camp session. There are no refunds for cancellations requested once camp has started. We do not pro-rate if the Extended Care Program service is added after the start of the camp session.

Campers arriving after the designated drop-off time must sign in at the Late Sign-In desk located at the Information desk at the north end of Harbourfront Centre’s main building. This desk will be open to receive campers between 9:15am and 9:45am. If your camper is arriving after 9:45am, please sign your camper in at the Camps Office.

Please note: if a camper’s arrival is significantly late, they may not be able to effectively rejoin their camp. Instead, your camper can spend the day at a different camp and still have access to our quality programming.

If you need to pick-up your camper earlier than the scheduled dismissal time at 4:00PM, please follow these steps to submit your request:

1. Contact the Camps Office: Email the office 24 hours in advance to request an early pick-up. If it is less than 24 hours, please call the Office directly to speak with someone.
2. Receive Confirmation: Ensure you receive a confirmation email of the request from the Camps Office before coming to get your camper.
3. Pick-Up Arrangements: The Office Staff will ensure campers are ready for their pick-up time in the Camps Office.
4. Late Arrivals: If you are running late, please call the office directly so your camper can remain in programming as long as possible to enjoy their camp experience.
5. Pick-up Location: Campers will be available for pick-up in the Camps Office, located on the third floor of Harbourfront Centre’s main building.

Please note: Independent Travelers still need to follow the steps listed above.

The following are forms of Early Pick-up requests are not accepted:

• Day-of or last minute requests for early pick-up between 3:15pm and 3:30pm cannot be accommodated and families will need to wait until 3:45pm, or until all campers are at their end of day locations.
• Requests shared with non-office staff may not be communicated so be sure to contact the Camps Office directly.
• Verbal notice from your camper or another camper’s guardian will not be accepted.

Due to the nature of our 10-acre campus and camp activities, the coordination of last-minute pick-up requests will be subject to delays of 20 minutes or more. We ask for your patience during this process.

Due to the nature of programming in our marine camps (Canoe, Kayak and Sailing), the coordination of early pick-ups may impact the experience of your camper.  Early pick-up times requested during the afternoon programming block (1pm-3pm) may result in your camper being unable to participate in on-the-water programming during this time.  Please consider this when arranging for early pick-ups.

At the time of registration, you will select the method of travel for your camps: Camper Pick-up and Drop-Off, Busing, Independent Travel or Extended Care. If your plans have changed, you can make a change to your camper’s travel option by completing the following steps:

1. Contact the Camps Office: Email the office 24 hours in advance to request a Travel Change for your camper. If it is less than 24 hours, please call the Office directly to speak with someone.
2. Receive Confirmation: Ensure you receive confirmation of the request from the Camps Office to confirm that the change has been made successfully.

The following are forms of Travel Change Requests are not accepted:

• Day-of or last minute requests cannot be accommodated.
• Requests shared with non-office staff may not be communicated so be sure to contact the Camps Office directly. 
• Verbal notice from your camper or another camper’s guardian will not be accepted.

Please note: Travel Changes are not eligible for refunds.

Unless pre-registered in our Meal Plan program, all campers need to bring a litter-less lunch, including two snacks and a refillable water bottle.

• All food items must be peanut-, tree nut-, and nut-free. Please do not send your camper with any products that contain or may contain nuts, including Nutella, nut-based or substitute nut spreads, or pesto. Prohibited nuts include: Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts (pinon, pignolias), pistachios, and walnuts.
• We do not supply food to campers.
• Campers do not share food.

There are no refrigerators or microwaves available for campers. Campers are not allowed to go off-site to purchase lunch. If you wish to drop off lunch, special arrangements must be made 24 hours in advance by contacting the Camp Office.

Your camper’s lunch will be checked daily by the camp counsellors or senior camp staff. Campers with lunches containing nut products will have that meal/food item held back by camp staff and returned at the end of the day. Camp staff will contact you in the event your camper’s food is held back to arrange replacement food.

While we cannot guarantee a nut-free camp as we share public spaces, we make every effort to provide the safest possible environment for all our campers. Some of our campers and staff have life-threatening food allergies. Please aid us by ensuring your camper’s lunch is entirely peanut/tree nut/nut free and that campers do not bring food to share with others.

Several of our camps offer Open House performances, exhibitions or a show-and-tell during the final days of their sessions. Guardians will be notified about Open House schedules in their parent newsletter one week ahead of their registered camp session, and a reminder will be sent home the Monday before the Open House.

If you choose to pick-up your camper after their scheduled Open House, a sign-out desk will be set up at each designated Open House location and staff will assist you. Standard sign-out procedures are in effect: campers will only be released to designated individuals with a valid photo ID.

If your camper chooses to stay after their Open House, programming and end-of-day procedures will continue for the afternoon.

A selection of our camps will travel to the Toronto Islands. Trips to the islands are indicated in the parent newsletter, so you can plan. We adhere to a staff ratio of minimum 1:8 when off site.

A selection of our camps will participate in water-based activities on-site at Harbourfront Centre (weather permitting). Guardians will be notified about Water Days in your parent newsletter ahead of your time at camp, and a reminder will be sent home 1 day prior. If your camper does not wish to participate, alternative activities are always provided. The following items should be packed on water days:

• Campers should come to camp with a bathing suit on and water shoes (or shoes your camper can get wet).
• Pack an extra set of clothes if campers choose to wear their clothes during the activities
• Pack a towel
• Extra pair of dry shoes
• Many campers also bring an extra T-shirt to wear during the activities for added sun protection.

At Harbourfront Centre Camps we offer a wide array of activities, so what to bring and wear varies based on your registered camp. We encourage our camp families to pack for the week so they can keep track of their belongings. The following is a list to ensure you and your camper are prepared for the week of fun:

1. A litter-less lunch, including 2 snacks
2. A refillable water bottle (twist top or collapsible straw are recommended)
3. Clothing that is appropriate for your camp. All campers should be dressed for the weather. Every camp will spend a minimum of 1 hour a day outdoors.
   • Campers registered in visual arts camp should wear clothing they don’t mind getting paint or other art supplies on.
   • Campers registered in performing arts camp should wear clothing they can move around comfortably in.
   • Campers registered in marine camps should come prepared to get in the water, in waterproof clothing and not heavy fabrics.
   • Closed toe shoes are required (campers will not be permitted to attend camp in slides, crocs or flip flop sandals).
4. Sun protection – hats and sunscreen
5. Change of clothes (for our young camper and Marine programs)
6. No electronics or items of high value. Harbourfront Centre does not take responsibility for loss of stolen items while at Harbourfront Centre Camps.

It is recommended that all items brought to camp are labelled with your camper’s name for easy identification.

Campers who are registered for our Marine programs should follow the essential guidelines about what to bring and wear. Below is a list of additional items that should be packed for our Marine Camps:

1. Additional Sun Protection: UVA & UVB Clothing and Sunglasses with floating eye strap.
2. Clothing: Spare set of dry clothes, a waterproof rain jacket (even on sunny days), a bathing suit and towel and an extra bag for wet clothes
3. Dry Bag or waterproof case, Campers take all their belongings onto the water with them in their boats, canoes or kayaks.

Life jackets/PFDs will be provided; if your camper has a Transport Canada-approved life jacket, they are welcome to bring it to camp. Campers who use their own equipment will have it checked by instructors before use.

It is recommended that all items brought to camp are labelled with your camper’s name for easy identification.

Harbourfront Centre Camps is not responsible for any lost, stolen or missing items, on-site, off-site or on the bus. The team will make every effort to locate your missing item and return it to your campers during their time at camp.

Lost and Found bins will be located at Camper Pick-Up and Drop-Off and Extended Care Program locations. At the end of each camp session, they will be moved to the Camps Office on the third floor.

Any items found at camp that are in good clean condition will be stored until the end of the season, at which point, if unclaimed, they will be given to charity.

Harbourfront Centre Camps is committed to acting in the best interest of all campers, staff, and visitors in matters of health and safety. Therefore, Harbourfront Centre Camps have specific set policies to deal with relevant health issues, concerns, and conditions. Our policies and practices are in line with Ontario Camps Association (OCA) standards and are similar to various school board policies and standards as well.

Please note: All campers attending Harbourfront Centre Camps must possess either a valid OHIP card or subscribe to private health insurance.

All medical forms are required to complete your camper’s registration online. Medical and camper information are treated with strict confidentiality in accordance with Federal and Provincial legislation. This includes the Ontario Health Care Consent Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act 2004 (PHIPA), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the Canadian Human Rights Code, the Child and Family Services Act, and the respective Colleges’ regulations, code of ethics and standards of practice.

Parents/caregivers may be contacted by camp staff if clarification is required; the more information we have, the better we are able to meet a camper’s needs.

Failure to properly disclose all relevant camper information may result in the removal of a camper from the camp program.

All medication taken while at camp must be indicated on medical forms, stored in the Camps Office (except for EpiPens and inhalers) and self-administered by campers under Harbourfront Centre Camps staff supervision. Camp staff DO NOT administer any medication to campers. If campers cannot self-administer you must make arrangements to drop by at lunch or an appropriate time to administer medication. Please give all medication directly to the Camps Office, Bus Marshall, Extended Program Day Supervisor or Camper Drop-Off Supervisor. Please leave any non-essential medication at home.

Children attending Harbourfront Centre Camps must have immunization against communicable diseases in line with Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). Campers must be appropriately immunized against designated diseases, unless they have a valid exemption, with proper documentation. All immunization requirements for camp attendance align with Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule. If you have a valid exception, please contact the Camps Office.

If your child requires an EpiPen and/or an inhaler while at camp, you must indicate this in the Medical Information form completed during registration. We require that all EpiPens and/or Inhalers be carried on the camper’s body at all times, in either a fanny-pack or other small bag. Please remind the Harbourfront Centre staff on the first day check-in where your camper’s EpiPen and/or Inhaler is. In the event of an allergic reaction or asthma attack, standard emergency procedures will apply and 911 will be contacted. Campers who arrive without their EpiPen and/or Inhaler will be unable to participate in camp activities and Parents/caregivers will be asked to immediately pick-up their child or drop-off their EpiPen and/or Inhaler.

Each camp is supported by a trained and certified First Aider. Additionally all campers, staff and visitors receive guidance from a Camps Healthcare staff member with advanced certifications and experience in both physical and emotional health and well-being.

Ensuring a safe and fun experience for your camper(s) is our top priority. To achieve this, all camp staff complete a week of training before camp begins. We require that camp staff complete the following courses:

• First Aid and CPR
• Harbourfront Centre Emergency Procedures
• Harbourfront Centre Child Protection Training
• Harbourfront Centre Camp policies and Procedures
• Bronze Cross or Life Saving Courses (Marine Camps)
• Sail Canada Certification (Sailing Camps)

All Harbourfront Centre Education staff are also required to have current First aid and CPR, and clear criminal record checks with vulnerable sector screening.

Campers exhibiting signs of illness will be removed from their camp and cared for. We will contact you and ask that you (or someone on the authorized pick-up list) pick up your camper as soon as possible. To better protect the health and safety of Harbourfront Centre Camps participants, please do not send your child to camp if they have or exhibit any symptoms of the following:

• Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
• Strep Throat
• Chicken Pox (Varicella)
• COVID-19
• Fifth Disease
• Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) or any other communicable disease.

If your child is suspected to have any of the above, or has vomited, has a rash or diarrhea you will be asked to pick up your child immediately. Children may not attend camp if they have:

• A temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.4 degrees Celsius).
• Not been fever free for 24 hours.
• Vomited while at camp or within the last 24 hours.
• Diarrhea (abnormally loose, watery bowel movements that are much more frequent then usual)
• Been on prescribed medication for less than 24 hours for a condition requiring exclusion from the program according to the Communicable Disease Program.
• A rash that has not been identified by a physician to be determined as not contagious or that is worsening.
• Have a severe cold with fever, sneezing and heavy nasal drainage that affects their mood and ability to participate in the program.

If you have any questions, please consult your healthcare provider or call Telehealth Ontario TTY: 1-866-797-0007.

Campers attending Harbourfront Centre Camps must be free from head lice. If Camps staff have reason to suspect that a camper may have head lice, the Camps Healthcare staff will conduct a discrete check. If a camper is found to have lice they will be asked to be picked up and will not be permitted to attend camp until 24 hours after the start of treatment, with a signed note. The Camps Healthcare staff will also check the progress of the treatment prior to the camper rejoining their camp.

If you have any questions, please consult your healthcare provider or call Telehealth Ontario TTY: 1-866-797-0007.

The Concussion Code of Conduct provides information to help protect campers from concussions and other serious brain injuries, ensuring the safest possible experience for all participants and staff.

It is important to recognize that head injuries can occur in any situation—not just during sports or physical activities—and that taking precautions to prevent head trauma is essential in all aspects of camp.

All registrants must read and agree to the Concussion Code of Conduct through the registration portal before completing registration for Harbourfront Centre Camps. For more information, please visit Rowan’s Law: Concussion Safety.

All children attending Harbourfront Centre Camps must be toilet trained. We are not equipped to facilitate the toilet training of campers and at no time are Harbourfront Centre Camp Staff permitted to change camper(s). For our youngest Campers, aged 4–6 years old, we ask parents and guardians to pack a change of clothing.

In the event of a recurring of accidents, the Camps Staff will follow-up with the Parent/Guardians about next steps. This may also result in removal from Harbourfront Centre Camps without refund.

We want all campers to enjoy their time outdoors at Harbourfront Centre Camps safely. To help protect your camper from the sun, please follow these guidelines:

• Apply sunscreen before arriving at camp and send a labelled bottle for reapplication during the day.
• Provide a hat and lightweight, protective clothing.
• We will encourage your camper to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Staff will schedule outdoor shade breaks and schedule activities with sun safety in mind.

Marine Camps: Families should also send campers with additional sun-protection items specific to water activities, such as rash guards and sunglasses.

By following these steps, we can help ensure a fun and safe summer for all campers.

All camps have an indoor space available in the event of rain or abnormal climatic conditions (high winds, lightning, air quality advisories, extreme hot temperatures, etc). The following criteria will call for alternative programming for your campers:

• Severe thunderstorm watch: When issued by Environment Canada, or if lightning is detected within 24KM, or high winds (60 km/h) are observed.
• Hot weather warnings (35C+): Programming will change to involve additional time in the water for marine camps, suspension of offsite programming, additional breaks, and reminders for additional water consumption for campers and staff.
• Air Quality: When the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaches 7 or higher (high risk), programming will be adjusted to include more indoor time, scheduled rest breaks, and low-exertion activities.
• Wind Knots: Our Sailing Camps will be impacted in the event of high winds. Our Partner THNC will monitor this and send daily emails with weather and program updates.
• Camps may also be modified if the weather presents a negative experience for our campers. This modification will be made at the discretion of the Camp Manager.

Please dress your child appropriately and make sure they are carrying enough water to stay hydrated. There will be opportunities to refill their water bottles throughout the day. They are also encouraged to wear adequate sunscreen and carry some to re-apply as needed.

Refunds or transfers will not be issued based on weather-related cancellations or changes in programming.

Harbourfront Centre Camps is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible destination for all visitors. We embrace the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity to serve our visitors with disabilities and our community at large.

For more information on our organizational Accessibility Standards and Access Guide, learn more on our Accessibility page.

Harbourfront Centre Camps holds the values of accessibility, inclusion and respect at the core of our daily operations. Services will be provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of all participants. Additional support at camp is sometimes necessary for a positive camp experience. Below are the most used support systems for our campers:

• One-to-one support provided by the family
• One-to-one or additional support provided by a community partner
• One-to-one or additional support provided by Harbourfront Centre Camps
  • Pre-registration is mandatory, and space is limited

Our staff is dedicated to working with you to explore all available options for your child to attend our camps. To provide the best support to a camper with exceptionalities or special needs, we require all needs or challenges to be included in the Medical Information form in full. If your camper requires one-to-one support, you must contact the Camps Office to discuss options prior to registering.

Contact the Camps Office directly at 416-973-4093 to discuss the options for your camper.

Harbourfront Centre Camps aims to provide and maintain an inclusive, supportive, and emotionally and physically secure learning environment for its participants. Harassment and bullying of program participants and staff are against federal, provincial and local policy, and are not tolerated by Harbourfront Centre programs. Harbourfront Centre is committed to providing a supportive and safe environment that adjusts to meet the needs of its participants, and respects differences while providing opportunities for all participants to succeed. 

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct and Participant Behaviour Policy may result in removal from Harbourfront Centre Programs. Should an incident arise, Harbourfront Centre Management and Senior staff reserve the right to take appropriate corrective action. 

Code of Conduct 

The following Code of Conduct is expected of all Harbourfront Centre community members (program participants, staff, volunteers, guardians, visitors, community partners, etc.) always. All members of the Harbourfront Centre Camps community shall:  

• Respect yourself. Members are expected, in accordance with their age, to take appropriate care of themselves (follow Health and Safety policies and procedures, practice self-care and self-advocacy, and participate to the fullness of their capabilities and comfort levels).
• Respect the community. All community members shall treat Harbourfront Centre property, Lake Ontario and the property of others with care. All members will work together and contribute to the well-being (physical, emotional, mental, environmental, social, etc.) of others to create a positive camp community.
• Respect others. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are promoted through a positive display of respect of all persons in speech, action and behaviour, absent of violence, harassment, racism, intimidation, and discrimination of any kind (follow Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Violence Prevention Policy where applicable).

All members of Harbourfront Centre Camps are expected to treat other members with respect. Guardians, visitors, family members, and individuals dropping off/picking up campers who do not follow this Code of Conduct will be asked to leave campus and will not be allowed to return for the remainder of the camps season. 

Participant Behaviour 

Harbourfront Centre Camps takes all inappropriate or unsafe behaviour seriously. Please see the full Behaviour Expectations and Consequences for details on how we support positive participation and respond to incidents. 

We want every camper to be safe, supported, and respected. If a camper’s behaviour disrupts this environment, we follow a progressive response system to guide and support positive change. Consequences depend on the type and frequency of the behaviour.

Please note: Staff will consider the age, developmental needs, and circumstances of the participants. Whenever possible, restorative and educational approaches will be prioritized over punitive measures. 

We encourage you and your campers to think of camp as time to unplug from electronic devices. We are not responsible for loss or damage to any phones, electronic devices or any other valuables brought to camp. If we see these devices at camp, we will ask campers to put them away.

Campers carrying cell phones or smart watches to connect with parents after camp will be expected. Campers will be instructed to keep the phone or smart watch off and, in their bag, or backpack during the camp day. Campers will not be allowed to use these items during camp, unless with staff permission.

If you need to get a message to your child while they are at camp, please call the Camps Office directly and we will be happy to relay the message.

The stamp of a great camp!

The Ontario Camps Association (OCA) continues to be recognized as a world leader in organized camping for children and youth. As an Accredited Member of the Ontario Camps Association, we are proud to display its logo, an icon that stands for a quality camping experience. We adhere to the highest standards of safety, supervision and quality programming to ensure the camp experience is a positive one for all involved.

For more information on the OCA and to see the standards of accreditation, learn more on the Ontario Camps Association website.

Kathrynn is an experienced arts manager with over fifteen years of experience at various arts and culture institutions including Station Gallery, Markham Museum and The Living Arts Centre. Kathrynn started her career as an arts educator; she then moved into art administration and management. Supporting arts education is a passion of hers. In addition to her primary career, she is a skilled visual artist with training in many artistic mediums which inspire her programming. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University as well as a Graduate Certificate in Arts Management from Centennial College.

Zach is a dedicated educator and camp professional with over sixteen years of experience in education. He has worked in camps for a decade, including eight years at Harbourfront Centre, where he has held leadership roles supporting youth development. Zach is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) and spent six years teaching in classrooms before transitioning fully into camp and program management. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Teaching from the University of Toronto. Zach is passionate about the power of play, creativity, and connection to inspire growth.

Avalon is a qualified and enthusiastic camps professional with over 10 years of experience in the worlds of education and recreation. She is entering her seventh year at Harbourfront Centre Camps, and is a passionate driver for operational excellence, youth leadership development, and intentional and meaningful programming. She is dedicated to providing a safe and engaging environment for all campers, staff, and families. Her work encompasses mentoring staff, overseeing day-to-day operations, and overseeing and creating intentional programming that fosters growth and community. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University and is currently pursuing a Master of Teaching at the University of Toronto, furthering her expertise in education and youth development.