Child 1 Age 5 - 6 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
Child 2 Age 8 - 9 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
Child 3 Age 10 - 11 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
(4.5) Overall experience
2026 will be our third summer sending our kids to Adventure Valley, and our second summer where it’s been almost the only camp they attend. It truly captures the spirit of an overnight camp — the songs, the games, the laughter — yet they come home each day full of stories and excitement. They’ve learned new dances, songs, and games, and the experiences they share together are priceless.
What I love most is knowing that they’re not just being passively entertained, but thoughtfully engaged all day long. It gives me such peace of mind to know their days are filled with meaningful activity, connection, and fun.
Like any parent, I had some trepidation that first summer — especially with my youngest, who was only five at the time. I worried about him riding the bus, but the counsellors were incredible with him (and having his siblings along certainly helped). They kept the kids entertained and at ease from the very start. Now, seeing their smiles and confidence when they hop off the bus each afternoon is truly the best part of my day.
(4.5) Reason for choosing the camp
I discovered Adventure Valley online while doing what most moms do as summer approaches: panic that I haven't gotten my kids signed up for camp yet. And boy, has it been an absolute game-changer for our family.
The first year, I signed them up for only 2 weeks, but they loved it so much, the next year it became the only camp they attended.
The ease of dropping them off at the bus each morning makes the whole experience seamless for parents (we live in Mississauga, the camp is in Oakville), and knowing they’re spending their days in such a positive and engaging environment brings so much peace of mind. It’s taken a huge amount of stress off my shoulders — every summer, I used to scramble to piece together different camps, only for my kids to complain about going.
While it is on the pricier side, I’ve found you really do get what you pay for. Adventure Valley provides a real camp experience — full of fun, friendship, and growth. My daughter has especially loved it; she’s made so many new friends and absolutely adores all of her counsellors. I’m already looking forward to my older son being old enough to take the leadership course in a few years!
(4.5) Program quality and activities
My three kids absolutely love it—from the fun songs they’ve learned, to the amazing experiences they’ve had (recording songs, learning archery, creating comics, walking on moon shoes...) it’s been such a joy to see their confidence and sense of community grow.
Having them with the same counsellors all summer really helps them all get to know each other in a way that a weekly camp just can't do. The group sizes are small and the counsellors are so well-trained that they're looking out for who needs more help, who may be a bit more shy, and grouping kids accordingly.
The camp community is just wonderful, the grounds are beautiful, and honestly — not having to make lunches every morning is a huge bonus.
(4.5) Social dynamics and experience
We’ve never experienced any issues with bullying or exclusion at Adventure Valley. From day one, our kids have felt completely welcomed and encouraged to be themselves. The camp truly fosters a spirit of kindness and inclusion that you can feel in everything they do.
Our kids have made so many wonderful friends through camp, and I love how connected we feel as parents, even from afar. The photo app is such a thoughtful touch — getting to see pictures of them laughing, playing, and having fun with their friends and counsellors throughout the week is incredibly reassuring. Each week also comes with a detailed newsletter from their group, where counsellors share highlights, accomplishments, and sweet stories from the week. It’s such a great way to stay involved and feel a part of their camp experience, even when we’re not there.
(4.5) Skills and growth
The variety of activities offered each week at Adventure Valley is truly remarkable — no two days are ever the same. From archery to recording, Gaga ball to gymnastics, and even drumming, there’s always something new and exciting for the kids to try. I also really appreciate that each group’s schedule is shared in advance, so the campers know what to expect each day. My youngest has benefitted from this immensely; knowing the plan helps him feel prepared and excited for what’s ahead.
Every morning starts with songs and a camp dance that everyone learns together, which adds to the sense of energy and community. Even though my kids are in different groups, it’s so fun to hear them compare stories at the end of the day — who did what, how it went, and all the little details only siblings share.
The bus ride can be a bit long some days, but the counsellors always keep things lively with songs and games. This past summer, my eldest decided to bring his iPod along to listen to music, which turned out to be the perfect way for him to have a bit of quiet time at the start and end of each day. It’s little touches like that — the flexibility and care for each child’s experience — that make this camp so special.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
All of our kids have made such wonderful friends at Adventure Valley, and they still talk about their counsellors long after the summer is over. Each counsellor has a fun “camp name,” so throughout the year we still hear stories about Sizzle or Ballet — names that have clearly made a lasting impression!
The little personal touches are what make this camp so special. Each child receives a birthday card in the mail, and at the end of the summer, they get a handwritten note from their counsellors — something my kids truly cherish. These small gestures show just how deeply the staff care about the campers and the connections they build.
When you register, the camp provides detailed forms to share information about your child — their personality, interests, and temperament — so the team can prepare to welcome them thoughtfully. There’s even an option to speak with staff directly if you’d like to discuss your child’s needs ahead of time, which I really appreciated.
This past summer, my eldest received a “Big Chair” award during the final week of camp — an honour given to campers recognized for being inclusive, helpful, and community-minded. The letter his counsellor wrote to accompany the award was so heartfelt and gave him such a boost of confidence.
Adventure Valley is truly a place where kids build friendships not only with their peers but also with their counsellors. It’s a special kind of community — warm, caring, and inspiring — that stays with them well beyond the summer.
(4.5) Advice and tips
The camp staff at Adventure Valley are incredibly responsive and professional — I’ve always received prompt and helpful replies to any questions I’ve had. It really gives you confidence that your kids are in good hands. Another great feature is their flexible cancellation policy; being able to make changes up until May 31 is such a relief, especially as summer schedules can shift.
I’m so grateful to be able to send my kids to ADVC — it’s been such a positive and enriching experience for our whole family.
Adventure Valley has become a staple in my child's life. I originally chose it because of the location, but once she started, it became clear that this camp is different. Adventure Valley focuses on...
Adventure Valley Day Camp in Oakville, Ontario, has been a great experience for our family. We had placed our oldest son in other day camps and—at no fault of the camps—he did not enjoy the exper...
Adventure Valley has been an amazing and memorable experience over the past two summers. Each year was filled with fun activities, supportive counselors, and opportunities to challenge myself while ha...
