Child 1 Age 6 - 8 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
Child 2 Age 5 - 6 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
(4) Overall experience
This will be our third year sending our kids to summer camp at Columbus Centre, and we couldn’t be happier! There are so many program options to choose from so it’s easy to find something each of our kids enjoys. The counsellors are always warm, enthusiastic, and great with the kids — they really help make the camp experience fun and memorable.
One of my favourite features is that food is included — not only do they get a full lunch, but also two snacks a day, which takes a huge load off of busy parents. No more scrambling to pack meals every morning!
We also love the flexibility of scheduling. You can choose from half-day mornings, half-day afternoons, or full-day programs, which is super helpful depending on your needs.
Joshua, the camp coordinator, is fantastic — friendly, organized, and always willing to accommodate special requests to make things easier for families.
Highly recommend Columbus Centre’s summer camps to anyone looking for a fun, flexible, and well-run place for their kids!
(4) Reason for choosing the camp
We were originally attracted to this camp because of two things one it’s proximity to my husband‘s work. And to the fact that food was included. I did also like the variety of options for types of camps at the same location and the flexibility of mornings-only or afternoons-only or full-day camp.
(3) Program quality and activities
My son loves to cook and I was hoping to get him in the cooking class. The first year they made an exception for him to participate which was nice. But they have changed the age for it now to be for the older kids so he wasn’t able to attend the following year. I would have also loved to see more swimming options for all ages even the younger ones, since there is a pool onsite.
(4) Social dynamics and experience
My children made friends while they were there for the week(s), but I shouldn’t say that any of those friendships lasted outside the camp. However, I don’t think that that’s a bad thing. The camp provided us with what we needed when we needed it. We had no issues related to bullying or inclusion (that I’m aware of)
(4) Skills and growth
My kids are not super into sports yet and are often shy, especially when they have to do something they are not yet good at. Each day they did a mix of sports/games and then indoor stuff like crafts. So the sports part was definitely a challenge for my kids. But they got through it. The councilors would let them sit out if they didn’t want to participate which was for them to not be pushed.
(4) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
I don’t have a super in-depth comment to give here. Except to say that the staff I interacted with were great. Throughout the past years, I have not heard any complaints from my kids about the staff. So I think that it’s safe to say that part of it was good.
(3) Advice and tips
The only somewhat negative I would share with parents is if your kids shy and get scared in large groups, you will want to prep them for what to experience at the drop off/pick up. In the morning kids wait in one big gym with all ages so it can be a bit loud and or overwhelming for the younger ones.
My child was very apprehensive before starting camp. They did a whole introduction with them and met with them beforehand. They were very eager to incorporate any accommodations he needed. After at...
