Summer Camp
Welcome to Wellchild Niagara’s Summer Camp — a nature-rich, play-based program for children in St. Catharines and across the Niagara Region. Rooted in mindfulness, creativity, and outdoor exploration, our summer camp invites kids to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy a season filled with curiosity, friendship, and joy.
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At Wellchild Niagara, we believe children thrive when they feel safe, connected, and free to explore who they are. Our Summer Camp blends forest play, kids yoga, art expression, and social-emotional learning (SEL) into days that are both grounding and adventurous. Each week is intentionally designed to support the whole child — body, heart, and mind — while celebrating imagination and child-led discovery.
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Campers can expect a balanced rhythm of active outdoor play and quieter mindful moments, with educators guiding the group while making space for children’s natural interests, summer energy, and creative ideas.
What We Do
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Nature walks, forest play, and guided outdoor exploration
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Mindful movement, kids yoga, and playful breathwork
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Creative arts & hands-on projects inspired by summer landscapes
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Social connection games that build teamwork and belonging
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Confidence-building challenges and child-led adventures
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Calm, supportive routines that help kids feel grounded and capable
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Who This Camp Is For
Our Summer Camp is designed for primary-aged children (ages 4-12) who enjoy nature, movement, creativity, and making new friends.
We welcome children of all abilities and backgrounds, and we work closely with families to create a supportive experience where every camper feels they belong.
If your child benefits from extra support, we’re happy to explore accommodations together.
Why Mindful Camps Matter
Summer offers children a much-needed pause from the busy structure of the school year. It’s a time for play, rest, exploration, and opportunities to build confidence in a relaxed, supportive environment. Our camp gives children the chance to strengthen emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness through meaningful connection with nature, peers, and themselves. These skills stay with them long after summer ends — supporting smoother transitions, healthier coping strategies, and a deeper sense of wellbeing.
Summer 2026- Weeks available in July and August
Camp Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
Drop off Between: 8:30am-9:00am, Pick Up Between 4:00pm-4:30pm
Location: North End St. Catharines, Malcolmson EcoPark
Camp Cost: $200 per week, 10% sibling discount
FAQS
What ages can attend Summer Camp?
Summer Camp is for children ages 4–12.
Due to insurance and Ministry of Education requirements, we cannot accept children younger than 4. If you’re unsure whether your child is ready for camp, we’re happy to discuss this with you.
Where does Summer Camp take place?
Camp takes place in St. Catharines at two locations:
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Malcolmson Eco Park for nature play and outdoor exploration
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An indoor space for weather-related programming
Families will receive full details before camp begins.
What does a typical day look like?
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Children enjoy a gentle blend of nature exploration, creative art projects, kids yoga, mindfulness practices, SEL activities, and child-led play.
We follow a predictable rhythm while leaving space for children’s interests, pacing, and summer energy.
Do children need experience with yoga or mindfulness?
Not at all!
Our practices are simple, playful, and accessible for all comfort levels and abilities.
What should my child bring?
Please send:
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Nut-free lunch and snacks
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Refillable water bottle
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Hat and sunscreen
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Comfortable outdoor clothing + closed-toe shoes
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A change of clothes
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Weather-appropriate layers
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Towel (for water/sensory play)
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Small backpack
We spend most of the day outside, so weather-ready clothing is important.
Do you go outside in all weather?
Yes — when it is safe to do so.
In cases of thunderstorms, extreme heat, poor air quality, or unsafe weather, we transition to our indoor space for alternative programming.
How do you keep children safe outdoors?
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We use a risk–benefit assessment model, recognizing that supported, age-appropriate risk-taking helps children build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Camp Counsellors thoughtfully assess all activities to ensure they are:
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Developmentally appropriate
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Safely supervised
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Purposeful and meaningful
We balance physical and emotional safety with opportunities for independence, exploration, and growth.
Is the program inclusive and accessible?
Yes. Wellchild Niagara is grounded in DEI principles, offering a camp environment that is inclusive, accessible, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and welcoming to all identities, abilities, neurotypes, and family structures.
We collaborate with families to ensure meaningful participation for every child.
What if my child needs extra support?
We offer a 1:8 ratio as our standard and can provide 1:3 or 1:1 support for children who require additional assistance.
Additional staffing fees may apply; however, we work closely with families to explore options and keep support accessible.
How is staff screened and trained?
Our team is carefully vetted with child safety and protection at the forefront.
All staff:
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Complete criminal record and vulnerable sector checks
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Hold First Aid & CPR certification
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Receive training in child protection and safeguarding
We are committed to creating a safe, responsive environment for every child.
How do you support anxious, shy, or sensitive children?
We use relationship-based, trauma-informed approaches including co-regulation, quiet spaces, gentle transitions, sensory supports, and choices that honour a child's pace. We work closely with families to understand what helps their child feel grounded and comfortable.
What is your policy for late pick-up?
Our camp day runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a built-in drop-off and pick-up window from 8:30–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–4:30 p.m. to support family schedules.
We do not charge late fees, as we trust families to respect our time and understand the importance of timely pick-ups. We also recognize that unexpected situations happen — if you are running late, please let us know as soon as possible.
If late pick-up becomes a recurring concern, we will connect with caregivers to discuss solutions together in a supportive way.
What is your refund policy?
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Cancelled by Wellchild Niagara: full refund
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More than 30 days before camp: refund minus deposit
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10–29 days before: 50% refund minus deposit
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Less than 10 days: no refund
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Medical circumstances: refunds considered with a doctor’s note
If fees are a barrier for your family, please reach out — support may be available.
Is camp technology-free?
Yes. Our Summer Camp is a device-free experience, encouraging presence, creativity, and deeper connection with peers and the natural world.