Summer Camp 2026 Frequently Asked Questions  

REGISTRATION 

When does registration open? 

Registration opens on Monday March 2rd, 2026. Online registration opens 9:00 am. Registration in person and by phone will open on March 9th at our John W Lindsay YMCA. 
 

How do I register for camp?  

• Online: Via your YMCA Account (ymcahfx.ca – click on account on top right)  

After March 9th: 

• In person: YMCA John W. Lindsay Membership Desk during Operational Hours  

• By phone: YMCA John W. Lindsay Membership Desk: 902-423-9622 ext 0  

Do I have to register for the whole summer?  

We offer weekly registration for flexibility! Feel free to register your child(ren) for a week at a time, or for the full summer!  

How do I register for Early Drop-Off? 

While camp starts at 8:30, Early Drop-Off is available from 7:30 at reduced capacity for an additional fee of $25/week.  

In order to reserve their spot, families are required to register for early drop off in addition to their camp registration. This can be done online Via your YMCA account: please search for Early Drop-Off and select the correct week. 

What do I need for registration? 

The following documents are required for your child’s enrollment in the YMCA Summer Day Camps: 

• MSI number 

• Allergies and/or sensitivities 

• Medical Conditions 

• Medication taken by your child on a regular schedule 

• Emergency Contact Information of someone outside your household 

• Authorized pick-up Personnel  

How do I know which payment plan to select online? 

• Monthly payment installments are available. When registering online, select the payment for the month in which you are registering. You will need to pay the first installment upon registration, and following payments will be charged to your credit card on file on the first of each subsequent month until August 1st. 

• If you cannot find a payment plan that works for you, please contact us at [email protected]. 

I want to register online, but I would also like to apply for financial assistance. 

• If you will be applying for financial assistance, please select the “Deferred payment” option, which will schedule your payment in full for May 1st. This will give the day camps team time to process your application, then submit a financial assistance application to [email protected]. 

I am having trouble registering my child online. What should I do? 

• For help with registration, please email [email protected]. 

Fees, Discounts and Financial Assistance 

How much is a week of camp?  

• For YMCA members, $240 per week. For non-members, $265 per week.  

• For the week of June 29th, camps will be open from Thursday, July 2nd – Friday July 3rd. This week will be $100 for non members, and $90 for members. 

What discounts are available for camp fees? 

• We offer a discount for YMCA Members. In order to be eligible for this discount, you must be a member at the time of registration and maintain your membership throughout your child’s camp sessions. If you cancel your membership before the end of your camp sessions, you may be asked to pay the difference in camp fees. 

• If you register multiple children, we offer a 10% sibling discount for each child after the first one. 

I would like to pay for camp on a payment plan. 

• We have a monthly payment plan available in our online registration. You will make the first installment upon registration, then installments will be charged to the credit card on file on the first of each month until August 1st. There is no surcharge for selecting a payment plan. 

• If you would like to discuss alternative payment plans, please contact [email protected]. 

I no longer wish to have my child attend camp. How can I receive a refund? 

• To be considered for a refund, please provide 30 days’ written or emailed notice to camp management before your child’s desired withdrawal date at [email protected] 

• If your child is dismissed from camp by the YMCA due to challenging behaviours that go against our YMCA Core Values, refunds will not be provided. 

I would like to apply for Financial Assistance.  

Our goal at the YMCA is to serve as many children as possible, ensuring every child has the opportunity to attend camp regardless of their financial situation.  

• To apply for financial assistance, please send an email to [email protected] 

• You can expect YMCA staff to contact you shortly thereafter to begin the financial assistance process 

Camp Life 

We are excited to offer camps at multiple locations through Halifax Regional Municipality this year. The YMCA is committed to providing high quality camp experiences where children will build new relationships and discover and grow in new developmental experiences while creating long lasting memories. 
 

2025 Camp Locations: 

• John W. Lindsay YMCA (5640 Sackville St, Halifax) 

• Community YMCA (2269 Gottingen St, Halifax) 

• Cole Harbour Woodside United Church (15 Bissett Rd, Cole Harbour) 

• Emmanuel Anglican Church  (322 Herring Cove Rd, Halifax NS B3R1V4) 

• Fort Massey United Church (5303 Tobin St, Halifax NS B3H 1S3) 

With additional locations to be announced.  

What is the age range for YMCA Summer Day Camp? 

• Campers must be between the ages of 5-12 years old. 

What are the hours? 

• Camp drop off starts at 8:30 am every day.  

• Scheduled daily adventures are from 9:00 am – 4:30pm 

• The YMCA has a firm pick up time of 5:30pm. Late pickups will be subject to a $50 fee to compensate staff.  
  *The YMCA understands unforeseen circumstances may arise and we will provide a one-time exception. 

Can I drop my camper off earlier than 8:30? 

• While camp starts at 8:30, Early Drop-Off is available from 7:30 at reduced capacity for an additional fee of $25/week.  

• In order to reserve their spot, families are required to register for early drop off in addition to their camp registration. This can be done online Via your YMCA account: please search for Early Drop-Off and select the correct week. 

What should my child bring to camp?  

Campers must bring the following items: 
 

• Lunch and snacks (food and beverage are not provided by the YMCA; please ensure your child has enough food to fuel them for the entire day) 

• Water Bottle 

• Hat 

• Sunscreen 

• One set of additional clothing  

• Swimsuit and towel (dependant on location enrolled)  

*See the parent handbook for a more detailed packing list.  

What if I want to pick up my child early, drop them off late, or have them miss a day of camp? 

• No problem! We just ask that you communicate changes like this to your child’s camp counsellor. We will also provide weekly schedules for each camp, so that you will know where to meet us if camp is not on site for late drop off, and early pick up. 

What does a typical day at camp look like?  

• Our camps aim to provide a space for children to play, grow, and be a part of a community. A typical day strikes a balance between self guided play and staff led programs, and features lots of high energy play.  

• Common activities include: group games, visits to local parks and playgrounds, sports, and swimming (location dependant). 

For additional inquiries, please email:  

The Day Camps Administrative Team: [email protected]