“Can I just finish this one level?”
Famous last words before your child disappears into an iPad for the rest of the afternoon. If your summer plans involve wrestling a device out of your child’s hands, here’s your secret weapon: TRCA’s Outdoor Summer Camps.
Outdoor camps are screen detox, cleverly disguised as fun. TRCA camps aren’t just about getting kids outside. They’re about curiosity, discovery, and yes, mud.
Here are 5 solid reasons to pick one this summer:
1. There Are Birds. Real Ones.
Forget Angry Birds. At Tommy Thompson Park’s Birds in the City Camp, your child uses real binoculars to spot actual wildlife. They even visit a bird banding station and talk to experts. It’s not a nature documentary, it’s the real thing.
2. Animals > Apps
Kids at The Village at Black Creek meet farm animals up close, while campers at Claireville catch frogs, track rabbits, deer and more. No pet hair on your furniture, just real animals and wide-eyed wonder.
3. They Get Dirty (And That’s a Good Thing)
Digging in the soil, biking at the lakefront, or making potions in the woods. TRCA camps encourage kids to get messy, move their bodies, and connect with the world. Attending them builds independence, confidence, and even stronger immune systems.
4. They Learn Without Even Noticing
Your child might be building a water filter at Girl STEAM Camp (Kortright), baking cookies from historical recipes at The Village, or exploring ecosystems on a nature hike. They’re learning, but to them, it just feels like a great day.
5. Amazing Camp Staff
Ask any returning family – what keeps them coming back? The staff. TRCA’s team of outdoor educators are passionate, fun, and truly care about creating a safe, memorable experience for every camper. Whether it’s guiding a hike, leading a science experiment, or just listening to a silly story, they’re what set these camps apart.
6. It Gives You a Break
Sure, it’s great for the kids. But it’s also a bit quiet for you. While they’re learning and playing, you’re enjoying a coffee that hasn’t gone cold. It’s a win-win.
So, where does the magic happen?
- Claireville (Brampton): Urban wildlife, amazing animals, majestic meadows, and forest trails.
- The Village at Black Creek (Toronto): History, heritage cooking, friendly farm animals.
- Tommy Thompson Park (Toronto): Bird banding, biking, and waterfront views.
- Kortright Centre (Woodbridge): Wild wetlands, eco-adventures and enchanted forests
- Albion Hills (Caledon): Forest hikes, trail biking, disc golf and wild discoveries.
- Claremont (Pickering): Spy missions, nature art, forest adventures and hot lunch.
- Bruce’s Mill (Stouffville): Treetop Trekking, wild creatures, and superhero adventures in the forest.
- Lake St. George (Richmond Hill): Canoeing, forest freedom and hot lunch.
Ready to Power Down the Screens and Power Up the Fun?
TRCA Outdoor Summer Camps are open for registration, and spots are filling fast. Give your child a summer of mud-splattered memories, real friendships, and curiosity that doesn’t need Wi-Fi.
Visit https://trca.ca/summer-camps/ to register.
Questions? Reach out to us at vservices@trca.ca