SUMMER SUMMER 2026
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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
Pickering College has a rich history of providing exceptional experiential education to its students, and for six 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 you to the Hilltop Summer Discovery Camp this summer.
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!
Discover the Difference 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 experiences
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
Well-being First: Your children 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 children 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 experiences0
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 mid-morning 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 beautiful 35-acre campus in the heart of Newmarket, blending rich history with modern, state-of-the-art facilities Our newest addition, West Lake House, features multiple room spaces and inspiring areas for creativity, collaboration, and innovation including art and music rooms, labs, a theatre, and Makerspace. Campers may enjoy select programming in this dynamic space, adding a fresh layer of excitement to their summer experience.
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 experienceone chicken coop, bee hives, and a greenhouse. With its newly-renovated farmhouse and fire pits for cozy gatherings, Blue & Silver Farm offers a one-of-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 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 challenges.
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 9 weeks, beginning June 15, 2026 through August 14, 2026.
Discovery Camp Plus (For Students Entering Grades 3 through 5)
In addition to the core activities in Discovery Camp, older 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 9 weeks, beginning June 15, 2026 through August 14, 2026.
Action All-Stars | Weeks 1
& 5
Discovery Camp Plus Camp Plus
Campers entering Grades 3-5
A fast-paced, high-energy week designed for campers who love to move Through sports drills, team challenges, obstacle course design, and friendly competitions, campers build confidence, athletic skills, and teamwork Every day brings a new opportunity to shine like the all-star they are
CreateWorks | Weeks 1 & 5
Campers dive into a world of creativity and innovation as they design and build personalized projects using real makerspace tools With access to 3D printers, Cricut machines, t-shirt and embroidery printers, and CNC technology, they’ll explore hands-on fabrication and bring their ideas to life It’s an inspiring week that blends imagination with modern creative technology
Outdoor Education and
Leadership
| Weeks 2, 6 & 9
Adventure and growth take centre stage as campers tackle rock climbing, hiking, team challenges, and hands-on nature activities Time spent exploring Blue & Silver Farm helps them build leadership skills, confidence, and an appreciation for the outdoors Extra farm visits and pizza-making experiences add even more excitement to this action-packed week
Studio Spotlight | Weeks 2, 6 & 9
Campers to step into the world of performance through dance, drama, and vocal expression Throughout the week, they’ll learn choreography, develop characters, practise ensemble scenes, and explore musical theatre in a fun and supportive environment The week culminates in a light, confidence-building showcase that celebrates each camper’s talent and creativity
Speed, Skill, Strength | Weeks 3 & 7
Energy and enthusiasm take over as campers build athletic skills through sports drills, fitness circuits, and team competitions Each day offers a mix of fast-paced challenges designed to improve strength, agility, and coordination Campers finish the week feeling confident, capable, and proud of their progress
Tech Explorers | Weeks 3 & 7
A high-interest STEM week where campers invent, experiment, and explore using 3D printers, introductory robotics, engineering builds, and dynamic science experiments Each project encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving It’s the perfect program for campers eager to discover how things work
Strategy Games | Weeks 4 & 8
Campers are challenged to think critically, collaborate, and problem-solve through a variety of brain-boosting activities. From escape-room style missions to team puzzles and competitive logic games, each day offers new ways to test strategy and creativity. It’s the perfect week for campers who love a good challenge.
Culinary Creations | Weeks 4 & 8
Culinary Creations gives young chefs the chance to explore the world of cooking through hands-on recipes, food safety lessons, and creative kitchen techniques. Campers chop, mix, bake, and taste their way through delicious dishes potentially including experiences in a professional kitchen or special farm-to-table cooking days. It’s a fun blend of culinary learning and tasty adventure.
Middle School STEM & Leadership Camps 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 weeks 2, 6 & 8.
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, problem-solving tasks, and confidence-boosting activities designed to inspire future leaders
Leadership Camp will be offered during weeks 1, 7 & 9
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
Week 1 | June 15 - 19, 2026
Week 2 | June 22 - 26, 2026
Week 3 | June 29 - July 3, 2026*
Week 4 | July 6-10, 2026
Week 5 | July 13-17, 2026
Week 6 | July 20-24, 2026
Week 7 | July 27 - 31, 2026
Week 8 | August 4-7, 2026*
Week 9 | August 10-14, 2026