Camps and Youth Programs

Babysitting is a job with significant responsibility!

The St.Johns Ambulance Babysitting Course helps prospective babysitters learn the skills they need including, safety rules, responding to emergencies and developing leadership skills.

This course is for youth aged 11 to 15 years old, and helps to teach new babysitters the necessary skills to provide care to children in a variety of situations including dealing with behaviour, caring for a sick child, and what to ask before caring for a child with disabilities.

Upcoming Dates:

December 7th 2024 

Click here to register!

The cost is $85.00 and includes the Babysitting Manual and an Emergency First Aid Kit

Meridian Community Centre, 100 Meridian Way Fonthill

Participants are required to bring a doll or stuffed animal large enough to be diapered, a lunch and a pencil. 

This program allows families to come to the Meridian Community Centre for family gym time and physical activity! During this time, families are encouraged to get active, shoot hoops and have fun together!  Basketball nets will be accessible for use.

Program fee: Youth- $3.50 | Adults- $6 or Activity Punch Pass $100 for 20 visits

Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00pm 

All children must be supervised during this drop-in program

PD Day Camp runs from 9am-4pm at the Meridian Community Centre and include activities such as games, crafts, gym time and more!

Upcoming Camp Dates: October 11, 2024 | November 29th, 2024
Camp Rate | $65 per child, includes Pizza for lunch
*Extended care is not available for PD Day Camps

Click here to register!

Santa's Workshop

With parents being just as busy as Santa's Elves this time of year, this is the perfect opportunity to get your last minute shopping done as the holidays quickly approach! Bring your children to the Meridian Community Centre for a night of crafts, movies, popcorn and holiday spirit! With Pizza for dinner, your child will have a night of fun while you get your shopping done!

Santa's workshops run from 4:30pm-9:00pm. | $30.00 per child 

Upcoming Dates: December 10th, December 13th, December 18th, December 23rd 

Click here to register!

Tiny Tot Gym Time

Various stations will be set up in the gymnasium to allow for Tots to play and explore at their own pace.  Equipment provided includes Toys, Walker, Tricycle, Play Mats, Parachute, Soccer nets, Balls, Tent and more!

This program is for Parents/Grandparents/Guardians and children aged 5 and under, to take part in physical activity in the Meridian Community Centre Gymnasium.

Thursdays from 10:30 am - 12 pm

Cost: Children $3.50 youth aged 5 and under.  Parent/Guardian - Free. 

All children must be supervised for this drop in program, no instruction is provided.  

Family Music Time

Sing, move and play! Children are introduced to music and movement concepts through songs and games. Together we will explore pitch, tempo, and timbre, learn respect for instruments and each other, and of course, get up and move, move, move. Classes will always have an emphasis on movement and play and have age-appropriate expectations for all children.

This class has a primary focus on ages 3 -6, however younger siblings, from birth, are welcome.

Mondays from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: Children $3.50.  Parent/Guardian - Free.

One parent/guardian required per family. 

Kinder Music Theatre

For the kinder who's always dressing up, dancing around, and singing along with their favourite soundtracks! Come channel that creative energy in this introductory music theatre class. Students will learn healthy singing techniques, drama skills, stage etiquette, and more, all while learning familiar songs and working toward a final performance. No previous experience required.

Ages 4-7

7 weeks | November 4 - December 16 (Mondays) | 4:00pm - 5:00pm

7 weeks | November 7 - December 19 (Thursdays) | 4:15pm - 5:15pm 

Junior Music Theatre 

Working towards a final performance, students will learn performance fundamentals in singing (solo and group), acting, dancing, stage etiquette, and more. No previous experience required. This class will culminate a final performance with a live piano accompaniment.

Ages 10-12

7 weeks | November 7 - December 19 (Thursdays) | 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Click here to register!

Swimming Lessons

The Town of Pelham Pool located at Marlene Stewart Streit Park. Swimming lessons are offered during the summer months.

Learn more and register at www.pelham.ca/pool

Indoor Soccer

The Soccer Stars training program aims to let all participants express their full technical, tactical, and physical potential no matter their skill level or age. Training sessions focus on ball control, dribbling, passing, attacking, shooting, defending, team coordination, and real game-like situations. Soccer specific speed, conditioning, and agility are a core part of how we train our athletes here at Soccer Stars. Each player will develop and build on their soccer skills, athleticism, and personal capability that will help them achieve their goals in Soccer, Sports, and in Life.

Ages 4-7

10 weeks | October 7 - December 16 | 5pm

Cancellation: October 14 

Ages 8-12

10 weeks | October 7 - December 16 | 6pm

Cancellation: October 14 

Click here to register!

Register for the Youth Forum 2024!

Sunday November 17,2024

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Meridian Community Centre, 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill

Save your spot here: https://forms.pelham.ca/MYAC/MYAC-Youth-Forum 

Day Camp Frequently Asked Questions

Is this daily schedule new?

We are excited to be returning to the full camp programming that the Town of Pelham has been running for years, that was unfortunately changed by the COVID-19 restrictions in place over the past 2 years. A disclaimer was located at the top of the camp page since registration opened, making families aware than an update would follow regarding swimming and out trips, pending COVID-19 restrictions. 

Does my child have to attend for the whole week or is daily registration available?

Registration for Town of Pelham Camps is done on a weekly basis, without an option for daily registration. If you register for the week and your child is only able to attend select dates, we are unfortunately unable to alter the fees to accommodate dates missed.

Does Camp provide lunches and snacks?

There is an optional Friday hot lunch available each week for an additional $10.00. Campers are required to bring their own lunches and snacks throughout the week, as well as on Fridays if they choose not to purchase the lunch option. Camp is a nut free zone!

The camp week I am interested in has skating on the schedule. What if my child does not skate?

If your child would like to try skating, they are more than welcome! We do have some skate-aids available for those who are learning and staff will be on ice to assist. If your child would prefer not to skate, or they do not have skates, we always have other supervised games and activities available at that time for those who choose to stay off of the ice.

Are day trips optional?

In Pelham, we pride ourselves on offering fun filled camp programs, and weekly swimming and out trips play an important role in this. These trips and opportunities are part of our programming and routine for the week, and all staff attend these trips to supervise the campers and withhold ratios- not leaving an option for campers to not attend, unless their families prefer to make other care arrangements for that day.

How are campers transported?

Campers and staff will be transported to the pool, Centennial Park and to Thursday trips by School Bus.

What is the camper to staff ratio?

The Town of Pelham uses the low ratio of 1 staff member to 7 campers, to create a safe camp experience. Staff are never left alone with a group of campers, 2 staff members are always placed with a camp group when on trips and away from the Meridian Community Centre.

What procedures are in place while at the pool?

While visiting the Pelham Pool on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons, camp staff are in the water with the campers, engaging in games and activities, while supervising their safety. All pool rules and procedures are in place and lifeguards are also monitoring the pool and instilling safety measures. Depending on the number of campers in the pool, there are between 4-7 lifeguards, as well as a Supervisor, at the pool while camp visits.

All campers under the age of 6 will be given a red wristband and will be required to wear a lifejacket while in the pool, staying in the shallow end. The Pelham Pool has lifejackets available for campers to use. All campers with a red wristband will stay within arms reach of a staff member at all times.

Campers 6 and over will have the opportunity to try the Pelham Pool Swim Test. This test is conducted by the lifeguards to ensure the safety of all campers, based on their swimming abilities. Campers who are do not pass the swim test, or do not want to take the swim test, will be given a yellow wristband and will be required to stay in the shallow end. Campers who pass the swim test will be given a green wristband and will be able to swim in both the shallow to deep end. All areas of the pool are supervised by staff who are hands on in the water, withholding the ratios required. 

Does my child have to swim at the pool?

For campers who don't wish to swim, some staff members will be located out of the pool, supervising the playground and splashpad. These staff members will run games and activities to help keep campers busy and engaged while others are swimming.

Are day trips for campers of all ages?

Yes- campers of all ages attend the camp trips! Each trip location does have age specific activities for campers to participate in (For example: at Wild Water Works, there are water slides for older campers, and a kid zone with splashpad for younger campers). The activities the campers participate in at these different trip locations will take info consideration their age and abilities.

I have one junior camper and one senior camper, can the be put in the same group?

Camp groups are divided by age so that campers can have the best camp experience possible! Similar to at school, the daily routine including camp games, trips and activities are geared by age group. As we strive to keep each camp day fun and exciting for all, camp groups will follow the set age ranges.

What do I need to send to camp with my child?

We suggest sending your camper each day with sunscreen, a water bottle, lunch and snacks. We highly encourage them to wear running shoes, and their identifiable camp shirt on trip days. All parents will receive a parent handbook the week before your child's camp week with more information on what they should bring to camp with them, based on the weekly schedule.

I need to cancel a week of camp. What is your cancellation policy?

2 Weeks' notice from the start of the camp week is required in order for a full refund to be issued. If less than 2 weeks' notice is provided a refund is still able to be processed, however a $10.00 refund fee will be charged. Refunds are unavailable with less than 48 hours notice from the start of the camp week.

My Child may require additional support to attend camp, can they attend?

The Town of Pelham camp experience is inclusive for all campers. Families are encouraged to review the Town of Pelham Youth Program Policies and Code of Conduct for more information on accessing camp programming. This document is located at the bottom of this page. 

The Town of Pelham Bike Camp focuses on safe cycling for fun and health. Campers will learn beginner/intermediate skills focusing on: neutral and ready position, braking, gears, pedaling, straight line riding, slow-speed turns, tilts and dismounts, 1 hand riding, pumping and front wheel lifts. All instruction is done by an Ontario Cycling Instructor, who will teach them bike and road safety, before setting out on rides to the Pelham Community Pool and the Steve Bauer Trail. Throughout the week, campers will build their endurance and confidence, as they bike throughout Pelham, using the trails and road systems. Optional Friday lunch is available. Bike Campers will join the day camp trip on Thursday. 

*Campers must bring their own bike and bike helmet each day*

4 Sessions to choose from:

Session 1 - July 2 - 5 (4 day week)

Session 2 - July 8 - 12

Session 3 - July 22 - 26

Session 4 - July 29 - August 2

Cost - $210 per camper, per week ($168 for 4 day week)

Ages: 8-12 Years Old

Location: Meridian Community Centre, 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill

Do you have an interest in theatre and the arts? This is the camp for you! Camp includes visits from guests who specialize in different mediums of art and theatre, including drawing, pottery and improv! Optional Friday lunch is available. Art & Theatre Campers will join the Senior day camp trip on Thursday.

Dates - August 12 - 16

Cost - $210 per camper

Ages: 7-12 Years Old

Location: Old Pelham Town Hall, 491 Canboro Road, Ridgeville

Sports Camp

Sports camp provides campers with the opportunity to learn new skills while playing soccer, baseball, tennis, pickleball and more! Sports campers will join the day trip on Thursday!

Dates - August 5 - 9

Cost - $210 per camper

Ages: 8 - 12 Years Old

Pick up and Drop off will take place at Fire Station #2, 766 Welland Road, Fenwick

Animal Adventure Camp

Do you have a love of animals? This is the camp for you! This camp includes animal themed games, crafts and more throughout the fun filled week! Express your love of animals and hopefully learn something new! Campers will be visited by some special furry and scaly guests! Animal Adventure Campers will join the day camp trip on Thursday.

Dates - August 26 - 30

Cost - $210 per camper 

Ages: 7-12 Years Old

Location: Old Pelham Town Hall, 491 Canboro Road, Ridgeville

Junior Firefighter Camp

Have you always dreamed of being a Firefighter? This camp provides campers with an up close, interactive and unique opportunity to learn what it takes to be a Firefighter! Campers will learn about fire safety and prevention, hose operation, search and rescue, fire extinguishers, ropes and knots, ground and aerial ladders, first aid, CPR and extrication. Register today to gain insight into the career of a firefighter and their daily routine! Junior Firefighter Campers have a special trip planned during the week to visit the St.Catharines Fire Station.

Dates - July 15 - 19

Cost - $210 per camper 

Ages 9-13

Location: Fire Station #2, 766 Welland Road, Fenwick

The Town of Pelham Music camp provides a fun, creative and supportive environment for children that is focused on introducing musical concepts, instruments and singing.  Optional Friday lunch is available. Music Campers will join the day camp trip on Thursday. 

Dates - August 19 - 23

Cost - $210 per camper 

Ages: 7 - 12

Location: Old Pelham Town Hall, 491 Canboro Rd, Ridgeville, ON

The Leader-in-Training (L.I.T) program is designed to help potential camp leaders strengthen their leadership skills while gaining valuable experience within a camp setting. Over the course of one week, the Leaders-In-Training (L.I.T's) will participate in the camp groups, leading games, assisting with crafts and facilitating activities, all while gaining new skills and building confidence. Two L.I.T spaces are available each camp week to offer youth the opportunity to gain new experiences working with children.

Location: Meridian Community Centre, 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill