Toronto Island Y Day Camp
About Toronto Island Y Day Camp
This outdoor camp is only a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, and one of the Y's longest running Day Camp locations.
Kinder campers will take the Wards Island Ferry and walk a short distance to their home base at the Toronto Island Canoe Club, where they will enjoy outdoor exploration, arts & crafts and active games, the private indoor space provides shelter, washrooms and changing space before water play.
Junior campers will take the Wards Island Ferry and walk to their home base at Snake Island where they will participate in a variety of activities on the large grassy fields, boating on the waterfront and biking on the trails. Private washrooms and changing trailers will be provided for changing before swimming in the YMCA owned on-site above ground pool.
Senior and Leadership campers will take the Centre Island Ferry to the West side of the Island and walk to their home base near St Andrew’s by the Lake Church where they will participate in a variety of activities on the large grassy fields, boating on the waterfront and biking on the trails. Private washrooms and changing trailers will be provided for changing before swimming at the Centre Island Beach.
Please ensure you come dressed for the weather as our programs operate rain or shine! Campers meet their counselors at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the bottom of Bay Street before taking the ferry to the Island. Camp operates Monday - Friday from 9am - 4pm. Bussing is available from bus stops throughout the city for $60 round trip per week.
Where are we located?
Located in the heart of Toronto Island at Wards Island with pick and drop off at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.Camp Address
9 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON
M4Y 1T4
Staff at Toronto Island Y Day Camp
Camp Directors
Caroline Bilon (Kinder Programs)
Sheilagh Newland (Junior Programs)
Tess Harris (Senior & Leadership Programs)
Regional Director
Jamie Pecile
Camp Email
IslandKinder.Daycamp@ymcagta.org (Kinder Programs)
IslandSnake.daycamp@ymcagta.org (Junior Programs)
torontoislanddaycamp@ymcagta.org (Senior & Leadership Programs)
Phone Number
Kinder Programs - 416-371-4841
Junior Programs - 416-388-2954
Senior Programs - 416-371-3847
What's Camp like at Toronto Island Y Day Camp?
Whether it's your child is an experienced camper or it's their first experience, it's always helpful to know what they could expect this summer!
8:50 - 9:00am: Sign In
9:30am: Ferry to Wards Island
9:30/45 - 9:45/10am: Walk to camp
10:00am - 10:15am Opening Circle
Campers and staff participate in fun songs, games and camp traditions.
*Program Blocks may differ depending on Program & Schedules*
10:15 - 11:00am: Program Block One
Campers participate in their first program. For example; Outdoor Adventure would participate in one of the outdoor skill activities such as archery or boating. Please note that some groups may combine two program times depending on the activity. Camps who have access to an operating pool may utilize a program block for swimming.
10:45 - 11:00am: Transition One
11:00 -11:45am: Program Block Two
11:45 - 12:30pm: Lunch
12:30 - 12:45pm: Transition Two
12:45 - 1:30pm: Program Block Three
1:30 - 1:45pm: Transition Three
1:45 - 2:30pm: Program Block Three
2:45 - 3:00pm: Closing Circle and Daily Debrief
The camp day ends with a closing circle and values bead ceremony. Counselors recognize campers who have demonstrated positive values throughout the day. At the end of the week, campers who have earned all 6 values beads are awarded their gold bead of excellence. On Fridays, the coveted camp spirit trophy is awarded to the camper group that earned the most spirit points.
3:00 - 3:30pm: Walk to ferry
3:45pm: Ferry back to Jack Layton Terminal
4:00pm: Bus loading and sign out
Extended Hours is not available at this location.
Kinder Outdoor Explorers, Outdoor Adventure, Outdoor Discovery, Outdoor Living Skills, Paddle & Pedal, Leadership 1, Leader in Training, Counsellor in Training
.
Getting Ready for Camp
Here is everything you need to know in order to get your camper ready for a summer with the Y!
Drop-off: Drive Direct families will sign in their camper for 9:00am at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Pick-up: Drive Direct campers will be picked up on the Grassy Knowles at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Bussing is available for $60/week round trip.
For a detailed schedule, please visit the link here.
The Right to Disconnect - Following the new Ontario Bill 27 and in keeping with our values, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of employees. A Right to Disconnect policy has been initiated effective of June 2, 2022. The policy is intended to support work/life balance and staff wellbeing by ensuring that employees have the right to disconnect from their work outside of their scheduled hours regardless of whether they are in a centre/office or working remotely. Therefore, it is important to note that families will be contacted during Day Camp business hours which are 8:00am – 6:00pm.
How to register
Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to use our online registration portal.
Need help? Call 1- 877-303-CAMP (2267) to register by phone or email register@ymcagta.org.
Help send a child to camp
As a parent, you know how camp can make a difference in kids’ lives. But did you know that one in five YMCA day camp families struggles to send their kids to camp? You can help by making a donation to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, you can share the camp experience and help transform a kid’s life this summer.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR CHILD'S SAFETY:
Please ensure the person picking up your child brings Government Issued ID and is an authorized pick up! Unsure? Please email the Camp Director.
YMCA Camp Registration Office
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm
register@ymcagta.org
Follow us on twitter @ymcagtacamps
theystepsup.ymcagta.org/camps
Our Mission: The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity offering opportunities for personal growth, community
involvement and leadership.
Our Vision: Our communities will be home to the healthiest children, teens and young adults.
Our Values: The YMCA of Greater Toronto is guided by values that influence our actions and the decisions we make: Caring,
Health, Honesty, Inclusiveness, Respect and Responsibility.
