Registration
Registration for BGC Ottawa’s Sun & Fun Summer 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
(excluding statutory holidays)
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)
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable running shoes
- Bathing suit and towel
- 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 summer filled with growth, learning and fun in an environment that celebrates diversity, nurtures potential, and fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration.
Sun & Fun Summer 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.
Sun & Fun Summer 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 is responsible for the overall planning and preparation of summer 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.
Ismahan Djama
Katimavik Satellite Location
Name: Ismahan Djama
Position: Youth Development & Program Specialist, Katimavik / Day Camp Lead
Qualifications: Principles of Healthy Childhood Development, Quest 2 certified, Standard First Aid, CPR and AED certified.
Years of experience: 12 years, including 10 years with BGCO.
Area(s) of expertise: Youth programming and development, leadership and mentorship, creating engaging and inclusive activities, conflict resolution and behavior management.
What I love most about working with kids: I love how every day is different and there’s always something new to learn.
Favourite…
- Camp memory: Sharing scary stories around a campfire.
- BGCO program/activity: Homework Club
- Saying: Teamwork makes the dream work.
- Colour: Pink and yellow
- Food: Tacos
- Sports team: I don't have one 🙂
- Puzzle, word game or board game: 25 words or less
- Music genre: R&B
- Song/artist: The Weeknd
- TV show: Modern Family
- Movie: Lion King 2: Simba's Pride
- Season: Fall
Do you have hidden talents most people don’t know about? No hidden talents...
What is one accomplishment are you most proud of? I am proud of being part of BGC Ottawa for 10 years, and the positive impact I’ve had on countless children and youth.
Tammy Larocque
Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse
Name: Tammy Larocque
Position: Clubhouse Manager, Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse / Day Camp Lead
Qualifications: Child and Youth Worker
Years of experience: 25+ years, including 23 years with BGCO.
What I love most about working with kids: Seeing and being a part of their journey.
It’s their smiles and laugher are truly infectious and always brighten my day. Knowing I’ve made a positive impact on their lives by providing care and guidance is fulfilling. Seeing them grow over time, long after our initial connection, is very rewarding for me.
Favourite…
- Camp memory: Bringing HEA kids from our old location to Camp Smitty – our Members loved every minute! Seeing them free and in an environment that was totally new to them made me smile and appreciate the little things. Without this opportunity for HEA Members, they would not have had the chance to experience camping and learn new things about themselves.
- BGCO program/activity: Drop-ins – you can learn so much by just having conversations during drop-in programs. I enjoy the physical activity programs as well; I usually like to join in the sports/activities and play around with the Members.
- Color: Blue
- Food: Steak and baked potato
- Sports team:
- Football – Dallas Cowboys
- Hockey – Ottawa Senators/Toronto Maple Leafs
- Basketball – Toronto Raptors
- Puzzle, word game or board game: Clue, Monopoly, card games
- Music genre: R&B, country, hip hop
- Song/artist: Music is therapy for me – I don’t have a favourite song/artist
- TV show: Documentaries
- Movie: I enjoy a good comedy movie
- Season: Summer
Do you have hidden talents most people don’t know about? No
What is one accomplishment you are most proud of? Being the Clubhouse Manager at the Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse. I have always hoped and wished for a Club in Heatherington. The community, families and Members deserve this space, and now they have a place to call their own.
Kassandra Marshall
Don McGahan Clubhouse
Name: Kassandra Marshall
Position: Senior Youth Worker / Day Camp Lead
Qualifications: Community and Justice Services Diploma, completing Graduate Certificate in Victimology.
Years of experience: 5 years, including 2 years with BGCO.
Area(s) of expertise: Soccer, basketball and most sports, as well as leadership programs.
What I love most about working with kids: Learning new things and watching kids achieve their goals.
Favourite…
- Camp memory: Making new friends and a lifetime of memories.
- BGCO program/activity: Girls only soccer.
- Saying: “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
- Colour: Blue
- Food: Italian food
- Sports team: Toronto Raptors
- Puzzle, word game or board game: Yahtzee
- Music genre: Country
- Song/artist: Kelsea Ballerini
- TV show: Reality TV in general
- Movie: Mamma Mia!
- Season: Summer, because I like to be outside.
Do you have hidden talents most people don’t know about? Writing. I have always wanted to write a book.
What is one accomplishment are you most proud of? Graduating on the Dean’s List at Algonquin College.
Naomi Rankine
Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse
Name: Naomi Rankine
Position: Youth Development and Program Specialist / Day Camp Lead
Qualifications: BA in Psychology, High Five Certification, Safe Talk Training, CPR/First Aid
Years of experience: 10 years, including 2 years with BGCO.
Area(s) of expertise: Health and Fitness
What I love most about working with kids: Each day is a new adventure. It’s rewarding to see them grow, build self-confidence, and explore the world around them.
Favourite…
- Camp memory: End of BGCO Day Camp BBQ Summer 2024
- BGCO program/activity: Gal Pals Program!
- Saying: Everything happens for a reason
- Colour: Blue
- Food: Pizza or Sushi
- Sports team: Toronto Maple Leafs
- Puzzle, word game or board game: Uno
- Music genre: Folk-pop
- Song/artist: Taylor Swift
- TV show: Gilmore Girls
- Movie: Mama Mia
- Season: Fall
Do you have hidden talents most people don’t know about? Baking!
What is one accomplishment are you most proud of? Getting my Grade 8 Piano.
Testimonials
“BGC Ottawa Summer Day Camps gave me the opportunity to serve new families in our community in a more intimate setting. This allowed me to build better connections with our Campers and their families each week. A highlight of 2024 was our outdoor water day! The Campers had a blast on the slip n’ slide and playing water games. Some of the counsellors joined in, too. It was such an awesome afternoon; the Campers couldn’t stop laughing and we all had so much fun.”
“We were new to Ottawa and my husband worked in a different province. So, summer was challenging as I had to balance kids and work. BGC Ottawa’s summer day camps helped my son make new friends, stay active and engaged. He loved it!”
“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.”
“Day camp was a blast at the Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse last summer! It was wonderful to have the kids at the clubhouse for more than a few hours each day; it really opens a world of opportunities to explore many different activities, so that all kids feel like there is something for them each day. Day camp also gives our front-line staff more time to build strong connections with our Members. It was a joy to hear laughter in the clubhouse throughout the day.”
“My son has his best summer memories from BGC Ottawa summer day camps. Thank you!”
“We love having a safe, fun place to send our son while we work during the day.”
Club Locations
Unlock your child’s summer day camp experience today!
Katimavik Satellite Location
Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse
Don McGahan Clubhouse
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