We provide a healthy and safe way for children to have fun on their days off. Children will thrive in our two school settings and in an environment where they gain a sense of well-being and explore how to belong, engage and express themselves. Days off will be fun and full of adventure! We look forward to having your children with us in our Camp Programs!
PA Day Camps
PA Day Camps are offered at designated sites to children who are currently enrolled in a School Age Program. Acceptance to the Camp is based on ability to provide appropriate support and on a first come, first served basis. Children will experience a variety of activities that may include off site excursions, special guest presentations, indoor and outdoor play, fun and adventure, and two healthy snacks.
Holiday, Spring Break and Summer Camps
Holiday, Spring Break and Summer Camps are offered at designated sites to children who are currently enrolled in a School Age Program with our YWCA. Acceptance to the camp is based on ability to provide appropriate support and on a first come, first served basis.
If space allows, the camp will be opened to general public. Details to follow. Children will experience a variety of activities that may include off site excursions, special guest presentations, indoor and outdoor play, fun and adventure and two healthy snacks.
Hours of Operation
7:30am to 5:30pm
Two Locations to Serve You
Mitchell Hepburn P.S.
95 Raven Ave, St.Thomas
McGregor P.S.
Want to start the Registration Process?
Follow these steps:
- Create an account and apply for your program(s) within the City’s One HSN Childcare Waitlist system.
- We are notified and will contact you via email with requests for additional information.
- Once all information is collected, we will notify you of acceptance into the program of choice OR if you are placed on our waitlist.
Questions? Please complete form below.
NEW - GirlSPACE
July 14-18 from 9am – 3:30pm
53 Hiawatha St
Camp for girls & gender-diverse youth ages 7-10 years old where they will focus on well-being, confidence, self-esteem, creativity, friendship, body image, self care and more.
Cost: $275/week – no subsidy available
Register via Digibot. When selecting location, please select ‘Hiawatha Girls Camp’ with a start date of July 14 2025.
Summer Adventure Camps
8 Different Weeks To Select From (July & August)
Join us for fun in the sun this summer in our licensed childcare programs! Our camps feature caring adults, a safe environment, outdoor play, special guests, creative experiences, water activities, and SO MUCH MORE! Our Camps are hosted at Mitchell Hepburn Public School in St.Thomas and McGregor Public School in Aylmer. Click here for more details.
You will need to either create a new account, or log into your existing OneHSN account at https://onehsn.com/stthomas and ensure that you have added your children to your profile. You will select Summer Programs as the type of care wanted, and then select either YWCA Summer Camp – McGregor, or YWCA Summer Camp – Mitchell Hepburn.
Once you have applied, your confirmation email will contain VERY IMPORTANT instructions for how to finalize your application and notify us which specific weeks you are interested in.
Please note that spaces may be limited at our Mitchell Hepburn location for Kinder ages, and our McGregor location for grades one and older. Sharing your interest in specified weeks helps us organize our waitlist and prioritize care.
For questions about registration please email childcare@ywcaste.ca for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child attend camp?
Our registration is currently open! Our camps are for children in JK to 12 years of age.
What will my child be doing all day?
In a warm, safe and nurturing environment, your child can expect to have tonnes of fun!!! Our camps are flexible and cater to the growth and development of each child. The curiosities of children direct the planning and approaches and to add to the fun we plan for theme days and events. Children will have access to play, creative arts, drama, music and language arts. Children will play and learn in groups as well as individually. Each camp has ample outdoor play, lots of fun water play, two healthy snacks, as well as planned special guests.
Are you a licensed camp?
Our camps are all licensed with the Ministry of Education. We adhere to the rules and regulations as outlined in the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA). We practice Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years – How Does Learning Happen?
Who will care for my child?
Your child will be cared for and nurtured by our team of Educators, Coordinators and Summer Students. Our Educators and staff all have a strong desire to assist in the growth and development of children. Each staff member has a valid First Aid and CPR, and Safe Food Handlers Certificate.
Prior to employment, each staff member must have a Vulnerable Sector Police Check and complete a thorough orientation and training process. Staff members are required to complete three Professional Development trainings throughout the school year as well as any other trainings identified by the YWCA. Our staff are highly competent and capable of providing quality care which is testament to our Before and After School program that has been operating for many years.
What are some examples of special guests?
At past Camps our campers have enjoyed special guests such as Crock a Doodle, Princess Parties, Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo and Drumfit.
I no longer require my child to attend camp. How do I withdraw my child and is there a penalty?
We know that care situations change for families. We do require 2 weeks written notice prior to the day your child was to attend camp, as well we do charge a small administrative fee of $20.00 for the cancellation of this service. Failure to provide the written notice in the required time frame, will result in the full camp fee being billed to you. Please email dmontgomery@ywcaste.ca for assistance.
How do I apply for Childcare Subsidy?
You can inquire about subsidy on your OneHSN account. A representative from the City’s Children Services Department will then contact you about your eligibility. See your email for current instructions.
How do I access my tax receipts?
Your annual childcare tax receipt is accessible via your Digibot Parent Portal under the finance tab.