Summer Camp 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION

When does registration open?

Online registration opens on Monday March 2nd, 2026, and registration in
person will open on March 9th, 2026, at 10:00 am at our John W Lindsay YMCA.
We have dedicated extra support to help with the larger number of registrations on opening day.
Please see below registration options for March 2nd:
• By Phone: Brooke Neville, Director Day Camps
902 222 4990
• By Email: [email protected]
• In person: John W. Lindsay YMCA (5640 Sackville St. Halifax)

How do I register for camp?
• Online: Via your ActiveNet portal (ymcahfx.ca – click on account on top
right)
• 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! We do not offer individual day registrations.
What do I need for registration?
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
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 and Authorized pick-up Personnel
(please do not include contacts of individuals in your household)
Upon registration, all guardians must complete the mandatory Camper
Information form which allows our YMCA staff to learn and build relationships with your child.

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.
• No problem! Simply select the payment plan for the month you are registering, pay the first installment to complete registration, 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, call the front desk at the John W. Lindsay YMCA: 902-423-9622 ext 0, or email [email protected]
Fees, Discounts and Financial Assistance

How much is a week of camp?
• For YMCA members, $235 per week. For non-members, $265 per
week.
• For the week of July 2, 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 $30 off 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], or the John W Lindsay YMCA front desk ,
902-423-9622 ext 0.

I no longer wish to have my child attend camp. How can I receive
a refund?
• To be considered for a refund, please provide 14 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.
• Refunds will not be provided if programming is cancelled due to
inclement weather or illnesses.

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.

2026 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)
• Kinsmen Community Center (71 First Lake Dr, Lower Sackville) Weeks
1, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8
• Acadia Hall Weeks 2, 3 & 9 (650 Sackville Dr, Lower Sackville)
• Emmanuel Anglican Church (322 Herring Cove Rd, Halifax)
• Fort Massey United Church (5303 Tobin St, Halifax)

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.
• There is an option for adding early drop off for an additional fee,
starting at 7:00 am.

• 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.

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: whole group games, visits to local parks
and playgrounds, sports, and swimming (location dependant).

For additional inquiries, please email:

Brooke Neville, Director, Day camps: [email protected]
The Day Camps Administrative Team: [email protected]