SUMMER SUMMER 2025
Welcome Message
Pickering College has a rich history of providing exceptional experiential education to its students, and for five years, we’ve brought this same offering to our summer camp programs. Our traditional Discovery Camps, designed for students entering Kindergarten through Grade 5 , offers a dynamic blend of outdoor nature-based activities, sports, games, arts, and STEM challenges. Each week features a unique theme, ensuring that no two weeks are ever the same Campers entering Grades 3-5 choose a specialty each week Additionally, we offer specialized camps for students in Grades 6 through 10 which focus on STEM and leadership training.
Operating from both our main campus and the picturesque Blue & Silver Farm, our outdoor education site, we are excited to welcome your child to the Hilltop Summer Discovery Programs this summer.
Whether it is your first time joining us or you are a returning camper, we are thrilled to have you join our camp community, where fun, friendships, and adventure are always waiting
This year, we have planned an incredible lineup of activities, challenges, and experiences that we know you are going to love. From exciting new programs to the classic camp traditions that make our summers so special, we are dedicated to delivering the high-quality programming you’ve come to expect.
Camp is about more than just activities it’s about connection. We cannot wait to see you build new friendships and reconnect with old ones. Together, we will make memories that will last a lifetime.
Get ready for a summer filled with laughter, learning, and lots of fun Let the adventures begin!
See you at camp!
Discover the Difference
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE?
Two Great Locations: Our camps operate across both our main campus and the nearby Blue & Silver Farm, giving campers the best of both worlds indoor comfort and expansive outdoor fun.
Weather-Proof Fun: With air-conditioned indoor spaces and beautiful outdoor recreation areas, our campers enjoy non-stop activities, no matter what the weather brings
Caring, Experienced Staff Who Put Your Child’s Wellbeing First: Your camper(s) will be in great hands with our team of seasoned, returning counsellors, dedicated full-time staff, and a fully-equipped health center staffed by a registered nurse. Additionally, our aftercare team ensures that every aspect of your camper’s care is thoughtfully attended to. We promise that your camper(s) will receive the highest level of care and attention every single day.
Meals Included: Forget packing lunch! We provide a delicious meal as part of the camp experience, so your child is fuelled and energized the whole day
Ever-Changing Adventures & Extra Fun Each Week: Every week features a unique theme with exciting activities, projects, and challenges, plus special experiences
experiences that enhance the theme and add even more excitement to the camp adventure.
Flexible After-Care: Need extra time? No worries! We offer after-care until 5:00 p.m. to accommodate busy schedules.
LUNCH & SNACKS
At Pickering College, we take pride in our food, ensuring that every camper enjoys fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals each day. Our campers are served lunch daily in our beautiful dining hall, featuring a diverse buffet with a salad and sandwich bar, hot table options, and dessert The menu changes weekly to keep things exciting and fresh
In addition to lunch, campers are treated to a special end-of-day snack, included as part of the camp fee. To help keep your child energized throughout the day, please pack a healthy, nut-free snack for both the midmorning and mid-afternoon breaks. A weekly menu will be provided so you can plan ahead.
If your child has any special dietary needs, our kitchen team is happy to accommodate with advance notice.
We’re committed to making sure every camper has a fulfilling and enjoyable dining experience!
CAMPUS & FACILITIES
Pickering College is nestled on a stunning 35-acre campus in the heart of Newmarket, blending rich history and tradition with modern, state-of-the-art facilities. Our striking buildings reflect the school’s legacy, while ongoing investments ensure that our students and campers enjoy cutting-edge learning spaces designed for innovation and growth.
Our main campus offers expansive outdoor recreation areas, including multiple playing fields, a baseball diamond, a rubberized track, two playgrounds, and more providing plenty of space for active fun.
In addition to our main campus, campers will have the opportunity to explore our nearby Blue & Silver Farm. This unique nature-based environment offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking along 5 km of forest trails, exploring a pond with an observation deck, and engaging with hands-on learning in our gardens and outdoor kitchen equipped with wood burning pizza ovens Campers will also experience camping platforms, a chicken coop, bee hives, and a completed greenhouse With its newly-renovated farmhouse and fire pits for cozy gatherings, Blue & Silver Farm offers a oneof-a-kind adventure that no other local camp can match.
From sports fields to forest trails, our campus and farm provide endless opportunities for campers to learn, grow, and explore!
What We Offer
Discovery Camp (For Students Entering Kindergarten through Grade 2)
In Discovery Camp, campers are placed in small “cabin groups”, ensuring personalized attention and a close-knit environment. Each group engages in a variety of age-appropriate activities led by expert specialty instructors in areas like Sports, STEM, and the Arts. Campers can look forward to exciting daily activities, such as our morning pump-up, scavenger hunts, water play and full camp activities.
Every week, campers will enjoy an adventure at Pickering College’s outdoor education campus, Blue & Silver Farm, where they’ll participate in fun, nature-based programming designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Discovery Camp runs for 8 weeks, beginning June 16, 2025 through August 8, 2025.
Discovery Camp Plus (For Students Entering Grades 3 through 5)
Similar to our younger Discovery Camp, in addition to the core activities, campers will choose a specialty elective each week to immerse themselves in for half the day. Electives include options like Design & Create, Sports, Culinary Arts, Outdoor Education, Drama & Dance and Robotics & Coding, ensuring that there’s something both active and creative for every child. Each week, campers will build new skills, enhance existing ones, and explore a variety of exciting programs with a curriculum tailored to their age and developmental needs.
Every week, campers will also visit Blue & Silver Farm for enriching outdoor experiences.
Discovery Camp Plus runs for 8 weeks, beginning June 16, 2025 though August 8, 2025.
Personal Performance Sp
Discovery Camp Plus
Campers entering Grades 3-5
Unleash your potential in this dynamic camp focused on individual sports and personal growth. From yoga and rock climbing to triathlon and martial arts, participants develop skills, strength, and confidence, culminating in a celebratory medal ceremony.
Create and Make | Weeks 1 & 5
Dive into a hands-on maker experience where imagination meets innovation! Explore cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, Cricut machines, T-shirt printers and CNC technology to design and craft unique creations, from embroidered art to custom T-shirts and buttons.
Sport Sampler | Weeks 2 & 6
Experience the excitement of team sports in this action-packed camp, where teamwork and strategy shine! Try basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more, building skills and camaraderie through fun and competitive play culminating in a World Cup final event.
Culinary Creations | Weeks 2 & 6
Young chefs in Grades 3-5 will explore the joys of cooking as they whip up delicious recipes, learn kitchen skills, and experiment with flavours From baking treats to crafting savoury dishes, each day inspires creativity and confidence in the kitchen!
Strategy Games | Weeks 3 & 7
Challenge your mind and test your teamwork with thrilling games like Amazing Race, survival scenarios, treasure hunts, escape rooms and Settlers of Catan – outdoor edition. This camp combines strategy, adventure, and fun in actionpacked outdoor scenarios!
Dance and Drama Studio | Weeks 3 & 7
Step into the spotlight with this energetic camp blending dance, improv, and speaking games! Build confidence, express creativity, and hone performance skills in a fun and collaborative environment.
Outdoor Education & Leadership | Weeks 4 & 8
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with activities like rock climbing, hiking, and dynamic field games. Build leadership skills and teamwork while exploring nature, taking on exciting challenges, and embracing adventure
Robotics and Coding | Weeks 4 & 8
Unlock the world of technology through hands-on coding and robotics challenges designed for Grades 3-5. Campers will build, program, and explore innovative projects, developing problem-solving skills and creativity in a fun, collaborative environment.
What We Offer
Middle School STEM & Leadership Camps (For Students Entering Grades 6 through 8)
STEM
Our hands-on STEM camp offers middle schoolers the chance to explore exciting fields like robotics, coding, engineering, and environmental science. Through fun, interactive projects and teamwork, campers will develop problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation.
STEM Camp will be offered during the weeks of July 14, 2025, and July 28, 2025.
LEADERSHIP
In Leadership camp, campers will engage in hands-on leadership development through activities like designing leadership games, creating personal fitness plans, and participating in outdoor adventures such as mini golf and rock climbing. They’ll refine their skills by leading younger campers and reflecting on their growth as leaders throughout the camp experience. This camp focuses on building essential leadership skills through team-building exercises, problemsolving tasks, and confidence-boosting activities designed to inspire future leaders
Leadership Camp will be offered during the weeks of June 16, 2025, and July 21, 2025
Both camps offer immersive learning experiences designed to spark passion and growth in young minds.
Leaders-in-Training (LIT) (For Students Entering Grades 9 and 10)
Our LIT program is designed to prepare youth to volunteer in a camp setting. LITs will develop core leadership skills such as communication, conflict resolution, teamwork and responsibility Through hands-on experiences and leadership training, they’ll gain valuable insight into what it takes to lead effectively
The program is comprised of a 1-hour training session in the morning with volunteer hours following for the remainder of the day during which they will work alongside counsellors and instructors to deliver a highly engaging camp program.
Leaders-in-Training will run during the weeks of June 16, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
Discovery Camps K-5
$495 Middle School Programs
$525
Leader-in-Training
$99
Week 1 | June 16-20, 2025
Week 2 | June 23-27, 2025
Week 3 | July 1-4, 2025*
Week 4 | July 7-11, 2025
Week 5 | July 14-18, 2025
Week 6 | July 21-25, 2025
Week 7 | July 28 - August 1, 2025 Week 8 | August 5-8, 2025*
