Crescent Camps offers the best of Crescent School, through our variety of one-week summer programs. Our camps for boys and girls ages 4-13 encourage creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Exceptional staff, including Crescent faculty and alumni, deliver Arts, Robotics & Technology, Sports, Nature, and Business programs with enthusiasm and expertise.
Special needs:
Yes, mild support. A few of our campers have special needs.
We emphasize a "challenge by choice" mindset to our programming, encouraging campers to take small steps outside their comfort zone in a safe environment. With each camp lasting one week, campers set goals for the week through project-based learning. From designing a dream home in Budding Architects, to building a robot in our Robotics camps, children learn how to work collaboratively with others, regardless of their experience level. Being situated in Toronto, we are lucky to have an expansive green space and trail system. By utilizing this space for our low ropes course, nature hikes, and shelter building, campers can enjoy traditional camp experiences in the comfort of a Toronto day camp.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Crescent Camps currently has 28 programs available; 1 TBD.
Crescent Camps are open to all children ages 4-13. Registration begins on November 29th, 2024 through our website and closes at noon on the Thursday before each camp program begins, subject to availability. Cancellations made before May 30, 2025, will be refunded minus a $100 administrative fee. There are no refunds after May 30, 2025. If you would like to switch your child's camps or weeks, this can be done free of charge, provided that there is space available in the camp program. If you have any questions about Crescent Camps and whether our programs are suitable for your child, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
Many independent schools are fortunate to have beautiful grounds, modern and professionally equipped facilities and highly experienced faculty, and that’s particularly true at Crescent. Where many day camps offer robotics, they can’t, for example, also offer theatre arts out of a fully equipped theatre facility, or printmaking out of a fully equipped studio. Crescent can—and does—do all of that and more. There’s also an ease that comes with having it all in one place; while campers have the option of doing ultimate frisbee one week and arts the next, the location allows them and their parents to fall in to some longer-term routines in terms of daily transportation and schedules. (And the fact that lunch is included is, from the parental perspective at least, kind of thrilling.) The camp is close to public transportation as well as a wealth of multi-use green space, including play fields and the ravine that abuts the property. Home to a low-ropes course, the ravine also offers abundant opportunity for exploration and nature study. There are programs here that you won’t find anywhere else, such as Architectural Concepts and Design and Money Matters, a session presenting financial literacy concepts. The Discovery Camp allows fun opportunities for younger campers to explore athletics, arts, makerspace and nature, combining these themes with different activities each week. Most of the programs are led by Crescent faculty who have expertise in their area of athletics, arts, robotics and business. Instructors who are not Crescent faculty have extensive expertise in the program areas, previous camp leadership experience, and are often alumni of the school. Ultimately, there’s a lot to love, particularly for campers who are looking for programming that falls outside the typical day-camp fare.
What's unique about the program at Crescent Camps that made you want to enroll your children there?
I did a little bit of research, and I liked what I read in the description of the programs. I like the grounds, and I like the people that we dealt with. They were very responsive and it's close by.
The number of kids that they have in each program seemed very reasonable, especially given that [COVID] restrictions had just been lifted. We were eager to try it because we had registered in 2020 before the world shut down and everything was canceled. So then we tried again this past summer, and it was great.
How was your children's experience with this camp?
They loved it! They're not overly generous with their compliments of camps generally, but even from the first week, they loved it! And they said, “We're coming back next year!” So, that's how I gauge whether I go back or not, because it's their vacation, too, right? So I need to make sure that camp is something they’re looking forward to and really enjoy. And both of the kids each did three weeks, and both of them said, “Love it, love it! We're going back.”
Were there any changes or noticeable personal growth you saw in your children after their time at the camp?
The kids have pretty good confidence and are fairly independent for their age. But they were very engaged. They were happy to go to camp in the morning, which is wonderful for a parent to see. You drop them off and you know they're happy to be there.
They really liked the counselors. That's one thing they're going to complain about [if it’s a problem], but they really, really like the counselors this year.
How can a parent support their child to get the most out of this camp?
First of all, before I choose the activity every week—if there's a different theme or whatever—make sure that the kids are happy with it or it's something they're interested in. If they don't want to do robotics, I'm not going to put them in that, for example.
Try to pick a week that will be of interest to your child is the first thing. To the extent that you can, describe what they're going to do. And if the kids feel nervous, I just always say, “Give it a chance. If you don't like it, we'll figure out why. We'll speak with the counselors and try to fix it.”
Just draw out from them what they like, if they had a good day, why they want to go back.
If they're feeling nervous, I'd say, “Call me if you need to.” Then they know that they have that recourse. They don't feel like they're stuck.
They never felt stuck at Crescent. But if they're spending the day somewhere, nervous they might not like it, I’ll say to them,”Well, tell them that you would like to speak with me,” and we'll go from there. Kind of leave it open ended. You don't want to coddle them too much, but you don't want them to feel like you don't care about their concerns.
What would you tell any prospective parents?
The counselors seem to me to be really hands on. With drop off, you drive right up, and they're there to greet your kids. They introduce themselves if it's the beginning of the week. And the grounds are fantastic. The hours are reasonable. I think it was from nine to three or 3:30. Very, very easy to get to, lots of parking.
The camp is responsive. When I had questions about registration or other questions via email, they're very responsive, and friendly. I'm so excited that my kids loved it enough to say, we're going back, we're going back.
Typically at [age] 12, maybe some kids start to feel like they don't need camp, but my 12 year old was all over it. So I really would highly recommend it to anyone who's considering it.
Final thoughts?
I didn't ask my kids this question directly, but I would say if I asked them to rate Crescent from one to ten, they would give it a 10. Again, I was really happy with it.
For me, my only interaction was with the counselors. And my two ways to gauge the camp were my own interaction with counselors and then my kids' experience. Based on those two things, I would definitely go back this coming summer, and I would definitely recommend it. And I love, too, that it was coed as well, even though Crescent is a boys’ school.
I would like to give a huge shoutout to Catherine for her patience and warmth. She always welcomed every camper with a smile and always went the extra mile to make each camper feel happy with a sense of belonging. The activities that she planned were age-appropriate, engaging, and fun. Thank you for an amazing week ...Show More
Rene, Parent
Very friendly staff and a great atmosphere
The camp is really well done and very well organized. Very friendly staff and a great atmosphere. We really appreciate the fact that a hot lunch is part of the program. Well done!
Carmen, Parent
Super supportive
Matt and the team and the nurse (Andrea) are super supportive. They always respond to my inquiries with a quick turnaround with solutions, you guys really have an amazing team and we are really happy, you guys run GREAT CAMPs!!!! ...Show More
Mira, Parent
One-of-A-Kind Camps
Crescent Camps offer different, unique, interesting and in most cases "one-of-a-kind" camps. This is our 3rd year we've signed up for the camps and each time the kids leave with more confidence, new skills and wonderful memories to last a lifetime. Thanks Crescent Camps ...Show More
Carolyn, Parent
Truly Excellent learning
Truly excellent learning! A great campus with fantastic counsellors.
Mahnaz, Parent
Excellent Camp!
This camp is a very educational and active camp. My children love the camp so much that they asked me to register them for an additional week. Excellent camp.
Margot, Parent
Great camp with awesome staff
Great camp with awesome staff, great location offering a unique and wonderful learning and fun week.
Anonymous, Parent
Amazing staff
The camp is very well organized and the staff are amazing!
A Parent, Parent
Making campers feel valued
It is worth it! It is the only camp, facility, coaches and staff that my son has ever enjoyed. They make you feel welcomed and valued.
Jodi, Parent
Inspiring staff offer fun Drama camp
Caring, committed, enthusiastic, creative, talented and inspiring staff members. If your kids want to have fun and improve their drama skills, this is the camp for them.
A Parent, Parent
Wonderful experience by caring camp experts!
A wonderful experience filled with learning, laughter and caring adults who are camp-experts!
Jodi, Parent
Crescent Camp was Excellent!
"The entire staff at the crescent camp was excellent! The drama team was exceptionally enthusiastic, professional, committed, supportive, kind, creative and fun group! He loved the menu, the food and came home every day with stories and a huge smile! The final performance was "epic" for him and the whole experience was extremely positive. ...Show More
Jennifer, Parent
Excellent communication
Your team did an excellent job communicating quickly to answer my questions. Thanks!
Pamela, Parent
Great variety of activities
They liked the fun crafts, including making the planetarium and the phases of the Moon using Oreo cookies. The variety of activities in Space camp, such as being able to play soccer, was appreciated. They also enjoyed the dessert (i.e. popsicles, ice cream) after lunch, and found the instructors were nice. Overall Crescent Camp has been a great experience for our sons. ...Show More
Jim, Parent
Polite, patient, and friendly
The security staff directing traffic were excellent: polite, patient and friendly.
Ryan, Parent
Making new friends!
My son loved Low Ropes, Painting, and making new friends!
Gillian, Parent
Crescent connection
We appreciated the school hiring Crescent Students, knowing what a great Robotics program the school has. This fostered a sense of community and connection to the school.
Golara, Parent
Exceptional camp experience!
Sincere thank you for an exceptional camp experience!
Sang, Parent
A wonderful camp!
Thank you for hosting such a wonderful camp!
Jasmin, Parent
Mixture of indoor and outdoor activities
My child liked lunch, counsellors, the mix of both indoor and outdoor activities, ropes course, and a cool group of campers!
Grace, Parent
Bakers' Academy exceeded my expectations!
My child enjoyed making around 15 recipes throughout the week in Bakers’ Academy, which exceeded my expectations! Nice touch for the camp to provide takeaway boxes to bring baked goods home.
Grace, Parent
Instruction by a professional
Learning different drawing techniques in Manga camp, and the fact there was real instruction by a professional was very nice.
Katayoon, Parent
Great nurse
I would like to thank the nurse. She was great.
Julian, Camper
Best summer camp experience ever!
Thank you for providing my best summer camp experience I ever had. I loved all the instructors at robotics and the games I played at camp. I also loved the food there, especially the pizza. I also felt the instructors were very professional and friendly. ...Show More
Transcript of our interview with Matthew, Director
What is unique about your camp?
What makes our camp programs unique is that we take the best of what Crescent School has to offer, and we place it into a camp setting. We do this by utilizing our incredible facilities from our state-of-the-art Robotics Lab, our FIFA-grade field, and even our incredible nature trail and ravine system.
What type of child is sucessful at your camp?
All types of children can be successful at Crescent Camps, but some of the traits that really stand out to our most successful campers are ones who have a natural sense of curiosity, a desire to learn, and a willingness to step outside of their comfort zone.
Is the schedule structured or is it more open?
At Crescent Camps, we follow a structured daily schedule that runs from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM. Campers spend the majority of their day with a dedicated group focused on the specific program they've chosen for the week be it business, business, robotics, nature or art.
We also have three separate breaks where campers head outdoors to enjoy more traditional camp-style activities. Each group also has the opportunity to experience our low ropes course during the week.
How do your staff deal with behavioural issues?
We’re fortunate that behavioral issues are rare at Crescent Camps, but when they do arise, we view them as valuable opportunities for growth, for both campers and staff.
All of our staff are highly trained professionals, including Crescent faculty, TDSB teachers, and Crescent alumni. We all follow the Crescent School Code of Conduct and uphold our four core values: respect, responsibility, honesty, and compassion. These principles guide how we address behavioral challenges.
What do campers value most about their experience at the camp?
Through our end-of-week surveys, we’ve learned that campers value three things most: our exceptional staff, our specialized programs that they say they can’t find anywhere else, and our traditional camp activities like low ropes and big group games, which give them a complete camp experience.
What message do you have for new campers?
My advice to a new camper at Crescent Camps is to be open and willing to try something new. While the programs are specialized, most campers are trying things for the first time, just like you. It’s a great opportunity to learn and make new friends.
At Crescent Camps, we are pleased to be able to offer the best of Crescent School in a number of exciting and innovative day camp programs. Bringing our expertise in the arts, business and robotics, as well as utilizing our expansive green space for nature activities and sports, our incredible instructors and staff are ready to offer a fun and enriching experience for campers. We look forward to having your camper join us and experience everything we have to offer. If you can’t find what you're looking for on our website, please feel free to contact us directly.
Staff and Counsellors
Our programs are led by Head Instructors, who are teachers, subject matter experts, and leaders in their field. Camps are supported by Counsellors and Volunteers who are either university or high school students. All staff are trained in health and safety practices, and Head Instructors are certified in Standard First Aid and CPR-C to complement our camp nurse. With a high rate of returning staff each summer, Crescent Camps have fostered an inclusive camp staff culture consisting of Crescent School Faculty, Alumni, and Students, as well as several TDSB teachers and students.
More details about property: Crescent School is located on a 30-acre campus in mid-town Toronto, with air-conditioned facilities, parking and TTC access.
Is your property accessible for persons with disabilities?
Yes.
Accommodations
More details about accommodations: In support of health and safety at Crescent Camps, we have an on-site Registered Nurse, and Head Instructors are First Aid and CPR certified.
Are meals provided?
Yes. Hot and cold lunch options are included in the camp.
