Registration
Registration for BGC Ottawa’s March Break Day Camps opens online on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 12 p.m. and is ongoing. If a session is full, you may place your child on the wait list. You will be contacted if a space becomes available.
Camp Hours
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday to Friday
What to bring to camp
Each day, all Campers must bring the following items in a backpack (please make sure all items are labelled):
- Lunch/snacks (must be nut-free and non-microwaveable)
- Winter coat, snow pants, winter boots, winter hat and mitts/gloves
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Comfortable running shoes
- A change of clothes
- Outdoor clothing to suit the weather
A Typical Camp Week
The first day
The first day of camp is an exciting adventure, filled with anticipation and sometimes nervousness. Our staff will warmly welcome Campers and their families upon arrival. To foster connections, we’ll run icebreakers and introductions, ensuring everyone gets acquainted. We’ll also review camp rules and expectations to set the stage for a fantastic week ahead.
The rest of the week
Schedules detailing camp hours, pick-up/drop-off locations, essential items to bring, and program highlights are shared with parents and available online, serving as a preparatory guide. Please be aware that BGC Ottawa may change activities as necessary, including trip cancellations or changes due to weather. For early pick-ups, we advise parents to contact us in advance to check for any schedule adjustments.
Our Camp Goals
At BGC Ottawa, our camp goals are deeply intertwined with our core values of ensuring that every Camper experiences a transformative March Break filled with growth, learning and fun in an environment that celebrates diversity, nurtures potential, and fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration.
March Break Day Camps strive to create a welcoming environment where all Campers feel valued and included, regardless of their background, abilities or differences. Fostering inclusivity helps Campers appreciate diversity and promotes empathy and understanding among each other.
Our supportive camp environment will allow Campers to try new things, face challenges and celebrate achievements, all of which contribute to increased self-confidence and a positive self-image.
March Break Day Camps will provide numerous opportunities for physical activity, from traditional sports to adventure-based challenges. These experiences promote physical health, teach sportsmanship and encourage a commitment to staying active.
Throughout our day camps, our Campers will explore various art forms, such as music, drama, dance and visual arts, discovering new talents and ways to express themselves.
We recognize the importance of Campers’ mental and emotional well-being. Our camps strive to offer a safe space for Campers to discuss feelings, manage stress and develop coping strategies. Activities may include mindfulness practices, workshops on emotional intelligence and supportive group discussions.
About Our Staff
Naomi Rankine will serve as the Camp Lead. She will be responsible for the overall planning and preparation of day camps. She will be your point of contact for any camp related feedback or concerns.
Our Youth Development and Program Specialists (YDPS) are responsible for most of the activity planning. They also help guide and direct the counsellors each day. If you need information about day-to-day activities during camp or have specific concerns or needs for your child, the YDPS staff will be more than happy to help you.
Our Day Camp Counsellors are the heartbeat of our camp program, serving as mentors and role models for Campers. These dedicated individuals are responsible for creating a safe, supportive and fun environment where children can learn, play and grow.
- A police records check
- Standard First Aid
- CPR Level C and AED certification
- Health and Safety training
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act Training
- Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation Training
- Basic safety techniques for sun, water and out-trips
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Behaviour management techniques
- Activity planning
- What the proper policies and procedures are at BGC Ottawa
Refund Policy
Requests must be sent to daycamp@bgcottawa.org.
All refund requests must be submitted at least one week before the start of the camp. Therefore, you must submit the request by 9 a.m. on Monday the week before the session is scheduled to begin. There is an administrative fee of $25 for all refunds. Requests received after the deadline will automatically be denied.
Full refunds will not be offered for illness experienced during a camp week. Campers who are unable to attend the event/trip due to a medical or family emergency may be eligible for a partial refund with the submission of appropriate documentation. These cases will be considered individually.
Refunds will not be issued for suspended Campers.
Note: If a camp session is cancelled by BGC Ottawa for any reason, including but not limited to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a full refund of all fees paid
Camper Support
BGC Ottawa provides safe, supportive places where all kids and teens, of all backgrounds, can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, and develop confidence and skills for life. From anti-racism to Reconciliation to 2SLGBTQIA+, our Clubs battle systemic issues with systemic solutions – equity, acceptance, support, opportunity.
If your child will require extra assistance from our staff team, please email nrankine@bgcottawa.org.
Reporting Absences
If your child will not be attending Camp on any given day, please email nrankine@bgcottawa.org or call 613-727-5398, ext. 3223. Our answering machines are on 24 hours a day. We check messages each morning at 8:30 a.m., therefore we ask that absences are reported by that time.
Testimonials
"Thank you, BGC Ottawa! My son loved his week with you all. We are so thankful he had such an awesome experience and we’re so excited to be back in the summer!"
“Day camp allowed me to grow in many aspects. I really enjoyed being able to connect with children outside of the communities we serve. I am also very happy that I was able to expand my programming and leadership skills.”
“We love having a safe, fun place to send our son while we work during the day.”
Club Locations
Unlock your child’s March Break day camp experience today!
Katimavik Satellite Location
_Horizontal.png)
