Day camps and childcare at community centres

Activities may include sports, arts and crafts, outdoor play, special events, nature exploration, and community outings. They may experience:

• Multiple transitions throughout the day
• Significant walking
• Travel by public transit or charter bus for outings
• Sensory environments that may include large groups, loud spaces, bright fluorescent lighting, and other varying indoor and outdoor stimuli

Note Participants must be group ready, meaning they can participate safely and successfully in a group setting with the level of support available in the program.

Group-based programs

Our camps are group-based programs where children participate together in games, activities, outings, and shared experiences. Campers are encouraged to build:

• Friendships
• Develop independence
• Follow group routines
• Try new activities in a supportive environment

Inclusion

Community centre day camps aim to create welcoming and inclusive experiences for all children. Activities may be adapted to support different abilities, interests, and ways of participating.

Community Centre Associations work with Park Board staff, including the Adapted Recreation team, to identify participation supports when appropriate.

Children must have completed kindergarten and be eligible to enter grade 1 in September to attend camp. Check individual program descriptions for age requirements.

Before camp begins, we'll email you the parent communication and policy manual and any required forms. These materials explain camp procedures, expectations, and other important information.

Camp staff will contact you about significant incidents, injuries, participation concerns, or support needs that arise during camp.

Camps take place in community centres, schools, and park field houses. They may use gyms, multipurpose rooms, parks, and other outdoor spaces.

Sensory environment

Camps are active group environments that may include:

• Large groups
• Loud noises
• Bright lighting
• Crowded spaces
• Frequent transitions

Sensory supports may be available at some camp locations, including:

• Visual schedules
• Fidget tools
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Access to quiet spaces

If your child has specific sensory needs, refer to sharing support information.

Recreation day camps are group-based programs where children participate in activities together. Children should be group-ready, meaning they can participate with the group most of the time.

A group-ready child can:

• Be in busy, active group environments
• Follow staff directions
• Participate safely with others
• Move between activities with support
• Manage typical camp sounds, lights, and crowds with available supports

If your child spends more than 30% of the day away from group activities, staff may meet with you to discuss whether the program is a good fit and what supports may help.

Our goal is to help every child be safe, included, and engaged.

Sharing support information

When you register, tell us about your child's:

• Support needs
• Communication preferences
• Medical needs, including medication
• Strategies that help them participate successfully

Sharing this information early helps staff determine what accommodations and supports we can reasonably provide in a group-based recreation program.

Ask us about the recreation support plan or administration of prescribed and non-prescribed medication form, if needed.

Recreation day camps support children who participate in a group setting. Some children may need support beyond the training, supervision capacity, or responsibilities of camp staff.

Camp staff can't provide:

• Personal care, including toileting, dressing, feeding, and hygiene support
• Physical lifts and transfers
• Support for physical aggression, self-harm, or repeated verbal aggression
• Support for repeated bolting or running away
• Support for significant property destruction
• Medical procedures, unless arranged through an approved accommodation plan

Your child may need additional support if distraction makes it difficult for them to follow directions, stay on task, or understand safety information.

Community centre staff may ask you to arrange 1:1 support if your child needs additional assistance to participate safely and successfully. Staff will discuss any request for 1:1 support with you as part of the planning process.

When we may review program participation

Community centres may review your child's registration if:

• Their needs can't be safely supported
• They pose a danger to themselves or others
• Staff can't provide the level of support they need to participate safely
• Significant medical, physical, or behavioural information wasn't shared during registration

If we review your child's registration, we'll work with you to support a safe and successful program experience.

Community Centre Associations operate recreation day camps in partnership with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.

Community Centre Associations deliver programs based on local community needs. Park Board staff support operations, inclusion, and accommodation planning.

Individual Community Centre Associations manage:

• Registration
• Waitlists
• Withdrawals
• Refunds
• Financial assistance programs

Refund policies and procedures vary by location. Contact your community centre directly with questions about registration or refunds.

The Leisure Access Program (LAP) helps low-income Vancouver residents access Park Board programs and services at a reduced cost.

LAP includes a 50% discount on 1 week of day camp. Check your eligibility and apply for the Leisure Access Program.

Some community centres may offer additional financial assistance.