Summer camps offer adventure, creativity and learning across Leeds and Grenville

Families across the region can look forward to a vibrant lineup of summer camps this year, with programs designed to spark creativity, build confidence and encourage kids to explore the outdoors. From hands-on art workshops to nature adventures and on-the-water experiences, local organizations are preparing to welcome campers for a season full of learning and fun.

The Westport Arts Council is once again offering its popular Summer Kids Camp, featuring a series of single-day and week-long workshops for a wide range of ages. Camps take place at various locations throughout the summer, each led by skilled instructors who guide kids through unique artistic experiences.

The 2026 themes and dates include Weaving (Ages 6 to 12) on July 7, Shimmering Watercolour (Ages 7 to 11) on July 8, Stained Glass (Ages 10 to 14), Flower Pounding on T-Shirts (Ages 8+), Musical Theatre (Ages 9 to 13) and Puff Pastry & Apple Tarte Tatin (Ages 8+) at The Pie Bar Bakery. Full details and registration are available at westportartscouncil.com/camp2026.

The FAB Summer Nature Camp, hosted by The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network, a community-led not-for-profit, invites young explorers to discover the natural world through hands-on outdoor learning. With a mission to build independence and a deeper connection to nature, the camp, conveniently held at four area locations including Kendrick’s Park in Lyndhurst, Sand Lake in Elgin, Landons Bay in Lansdowne and Mac Johnson Wildlife Area in Brockville, offers weekly themes, special guest educators and plenty of time outside.

Campers will meet guests from Parks Canada, Ontario Parks, Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, Leeds-Grenville Turtles, Kingston Field Naturalists, Blue Marble Learning Scene, local libraries and more. Running from June 29 to August 21, programs include Nature Explorers for Ages 5 to 11 and Leaders in Training for Ages 12 and 13. The cost is $250 per full week and $200 for four-day weeks, with drop-off times from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and pickup from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Organizers note that aftercare is also available at all four locations and say spaces are limited and filling quickly. Learn more or register your child at https://frontenacarchbiosphere.ca/summer-camps. Opportunities for teens to volunteer are also available by applying through the online form at https://form.jotform.com/260214038004239.

For kids who seek an on-farm experience and love the outdoors, Mustang Ridge Summer Camp in the Athens area offers a blend of nature exploration, agricultural skills, arts, recreation and classic camp fun. Designed for Ages 4 to 13, the camp runs weekly for $325 a week per child.

The weekly themes include Wilderness Survival (June 29–July 3), Amazing Animals (July 13–17), Nature Survival (July 20–24) and Art in Nature (July 27–31). Kids will enjoy learning bushcraft and wilderness skills, farm life, arts and crafts, hiking, outdoor cooking, pond and creek adventures and swimming. For details, contact mustangridge.on.ca@outlook.com or call 613-802-3296.

The Thousand Islands Boat Museum in Gananoque is once again hosting its popular Boat Camp, offering kids Ages 8 to 13 the chance to learn boating basics in a fun and safe environment. Weekly sessions are planned for the entire summer, from July 13 to August 15. Participants will learn on-water safety, ride in an antique boat, build floating creations and explore the river’s wildlife and history. “For centuries, boating has been part of river life,” as noted by museum staff who are committed to getting kids onto the river.

For more information, check out the website www.tiboatmuseum.org and note that “those whose principal residence address is in Gananoque or the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands are offered a lower sponsored rate,” and that Pay What You Can Scholarships are also available for residents.

The Cow Island Day Camp, in Big Rideau Lakes, continues its mission to “create community and build strong friendships across our big lake, rooted in our shared love of nature.” Operating from June 29 to August 7, Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cow Island Day Camp is “renowned for helping children foster self-confidence and build resilience. The curriculum has been carefully crafted to encourage learning and curiosity and includes topics related to the lake environment and lake safety.

Families can learn more about Cow Island Day Camp at https://www.bigrideaulakeassociation.com/day-camp-1. Leadership Training Camp and Counsellors in Training are components that may also be of interest to those aged 12 to 14 and 14 & 15.

With so many options, from art studios to forests, farms and waterways, this summer promises unforgettable experiences for kids across the region. Families are encouraged to register early, as many camps are already seeing high demand.