Summer Camp 2026 - VWAT Family Services

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A Summer of Firsts, Friendship, and Exploration

This summer, VWAT Family Services welcomed campers for four exciting weeks of activities, excursions, learning, and friendship.

Many of the children attending our camp are newcomers to Canada or come from immigrant and first-generation families. For several campers, this was their first opportunity to explore many of Toronto’s best-known sites and landmarks. Seeing the excitement on their faces as they discovered new places was one of the most meaningful parts of this year’s program.

From the beginning, our goal was to create a camp where every child felt welcomed, included, and excited to return each morning. Throughout the summer, campers built new friendships, developed confidence, stayed active, and created memories together.

Exploring Toronto Together

Our campers travelled across the city and experienced a wide variety of attractions, parks, cultural sites, and recreational activities.

Some of this year’s highlights included visits to Centre Island, Harbourfront Centre, Little Canada, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Toronto Zoo, Sky Zone, High Park, Sunnyside Beach, and several local parks and community spaces.

Campers also participated in activities such as swimming, rugby, rock climbing, bowling, laser tag, martial arts, ceramics, arts and crafts, sports, games, and outdoor play. Each week was carefully planned to provide a balance of physical activity, creativity, exploration, and time for campers to relax and connect with one another.

For some children, these excursions were their first time riding a ferry, visiting an aquarium or museum, seeing animals at the Toronto Zoo, or exploring different parts of their new city. These experiences gave campers an opportunity to feel more connected to Toronto and to discover places they can continue enjoying with their families.

The Importance of Our Youth Volunteers

The VWAT Summer Camp would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our youth volunteers. Our volunteers took on two important roles: office volunteers and camp counsellors.

Office volunteers worked behind the scenes to prepare for each camp day. They helped organize supplies, prepare snacks, arrange attendance materials, assist with setup, and clean and reset the office at the end of the day.

Camp counsellors worked directly with the children. They supervised campers during excursions and transportation, led games and activities, supported younger children, and helped make sure everyone felt safe and included.

Our youth volunteers brought energy, patience, and responsibility to the program. They were not only an important part of the camp’s daily operations, but also served as positive role models for the younger campers. Some volunteers first became involved with VWAT as summer campers themselves. As they grew older, they returned as camp counsellors and began helping create the same positive experiences they once enjoyed.

“This is one of the best places and community to volunteer and participate. I really enjoyed my time here and loved every second of volunteering.”

Khang Nguyen

“Showed so much patience and support to all members and visible kindness from all of the staff to all people. The VWAT Summer Camp was truly an enjoyable experience because of the staff and work environment.”

Conor Nelson

We are grateful to every volunteer who contributed their time and helped make the camp a positive experience for the children and families we serve.

What Families Are Saying

The positive experiences of our campers, families, and volunteers are at the heart of the VWAT Summer Camp. Many participants return year after year, building lasting friendships and becoming more involved in the VWAT community.

"My children have volunteered with VWAT for a few years, and it is the only place they have stayed truly committed to. They started as summer camp participants and have grown into camp counselors. They love the community VWAT serves, and the staff is wonderfully kind and supportive. Through this experience, my children have built friendships and gained valuable life skills."

Sarah Sang Tran

This journey from camper to counsellor shows the lasting impact that community programs can have on young people. Campers are given a place to belong, and as they grow older, they have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and give back to the next group of children.

One of the most rewarding parts of the summer has been seeing how excited the children are to attend camp each day. Campers arrive ready to see their friends, participate in activities, and find out where the group will be going next.

Many of the children return to VWAT year after year, showing how meaningful the camp has become to families in the community.

“My brother really loves their summer day camp! He’s always looking forward to coming back every year.”

Eva Nguyen

This feedback reflects what we have seen throughout the summer. The children are eager to return, and their excitement makes all the planning and preparation worthwhile.

Meet the Camp Team

Alan Khuu

This year’s camp was coordinated by Alan, VWAT’s Camp Coordinator. Alan was responsible for organizing the weekly schedules, booking excursions and transportation, communicating with families, coordinating volunteers, preparing supplies, and helping manage the day-to-day operation of the camp. He also accompanied campers on outings and worked closely with Linh and the volunteer team throughout the summer.

“Working as the Camp Coordinator has been a really fun and rewarding experience. It completely exceeded what I expected when I started at VWAT. It has been a blast going out with the kids, seeing how happy they are, and watching them enjoy a camp that our team worked hard to put together. Seeing campers excited to return each day made all of the planning worth it.” — Alan, Camp Coordinator

Linh Nguyen

As Camp Leader, Linh played a central role in guiding campers and counsellors throughout each day. Linh helped lead activities, supervise excursions, support volunteers, manage transitions between locations, and make sure campers remained engaged and included. Together, Alan and Linh worked with the youth volunteers and VWAT staff to provide campers with a safe, organized, and enjoyable summer experience.

"I started out volunteering at VWAT Summer Camp since I was 16, now, I'm the camp lead. Working as a camp leader is truly fulfilling. I am grateful to be able to have this role. It gives me a chance to connect to the kids, making meaningful impact on them. VWAT summer camp had given me as much memorable memories as I hope it does for our campers. I was nervous at first, now, seeing how happy the kids are at the end of every day it really warms my heart."
— Linh, Camp Leader

Supporting Newcomer, Immigrant, and First-Generation Families

The VWAT Summer Camp is about more than keeping children active during the summer. It gives newcomer, immigrant, and first-generation families access to affordable activities and opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to experience.

For children who are new to Canada, the camp can be one of their first introductions to Toronto outside of their home and school. Through the program, they discover public spaces, meet children from similar backgrounds, learn how to travel around the city, and build a stronger sense of belonging in their new community.

The camp also provides parents and guardians with the reassurance that their children are spending the summer in a safe, supervised, and supportive environment.

Week 1: New Friends, New Experiences, and a Strong Start

VWAT Summer Camp 2026 began with an exciting first week filled with outdoor activities, creative experiences, and opportunities for campers to explore Toronto together. We started the week with introductions, icebreakers, and group games to help everyone become comfortable and get to know one another. Many of our campers were attending VWAT Summer Camp for the first time, so these activities helped create a welcoming environment and gave children the chance to begin forming new friendships. Our first outing took campers to Banting Park, followed by an afternoon Nerf battle. The children worked in teams, stayed active, and quickly became more comfortable with their fellow campers and counsellors.

On Tuesday, campers travelled by ferry to Centre Island. They explored Far Enough Farm, visited the playground and splash pad, and enjoyed a tram tour around the island. For some newcomer campers, this was their first ferry ride and their first opportunity to see Toronto from the water. The rest of the week included sports at Earlscourt Park, swimming at the Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre, martial arts at Wadsworth Park, and a ceramics workshop at Black Rock Studio. Campers had the opportunity to stay active while also developing their creativity and learning new skills.

The week ended with a trip to Sky Zone, where campers spent the day jumping, playing, and enjoying time with their friends. Our youth volunteers and camp counsellors played an important part in making the first week run smoothly. They helped prepare snacks and supplies, supervised campers during transportation and activities, and made sure each child felt safe and included. Week 1 was a strong beginning to the summer. By the end of the week, campers who had arrived as strangers were already laughing, playing, and looking forward to returning.

Week 2: Adventure, Teamwork, and Creativity

During Week 2 of VWAT Summer Camp 2026, campers continued exploring Toronto while participating in activities that encouraged teamwork, confidence, creativity, and physical activity. The week began at Christie Pits Park, where campers enjoyed outdoor games and time together before heading to an indoor rock-climbing activity. Rock climbing gave the children an opportunity to challenge themselves, try something unfamiliar, and encourage their friends as they worked toward reaching the top.

On Tuesday, campers visited Harbourfront Centre and spent time at the Jumpstart Community Rink and Pitch. Later that afternoon, they took part in the Pirate Life experience, where they boarded a pirate ship and participated in an interactive adventure on the Toronto waterfront. This was a particularly memorable experience for many campers. It allowed them to use their imaginations while seeing the city and waterfront from a different perspective. The middle of the week included rugby at Earlscourt Park and swimming at the Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre. Campers learned basic skills, practised teamwork, and stayed active with the support of their counsellors.

Thursday included another martial arts session at Wadsworth Park, followed by the second ceramics workshop at Black Rock Studio. The ceramics program gave campers the chance to continue developing projects from the previous week while learning how patience and creativity are important parts of the artistic process. The week concluded with a visit to The Bubble, followed by a movie at Yorkdale. After several busy days of sports and excursions, the movie gave campers time to relax and enjoy an afternoon together. Throughout the week, our youth volunteers helped manage attendance, organize supplies, prepare snacks, supervise transportation, and support campers during each activity. Their patience and enthusiasm helped create a positive experience for the entire group. Week 2 gave campers the opportunity to take on new challenges, work as a team, and continue building friendships that became stronger each day.

Week 3: Discovering Toronto and Building Confidence

The week began with a visit to Toronto Metropolitan University’s Kerr Hall, followed by an afternoon at Little Canada. At Little Canada, campers explored detailed miniature versions of Canadian cities, landmarks, and landscapes. For newcomer campers and children from immigrant and first-generation families, the visit offered a fun and interactive way to learn more about Canada. Campers enjoyed recognizing familiar Toronto locations while also discovering places from other parts of the country.

Week 3 of VWAT Summer Camp 2026 introduced campers to more of Toronto’s cultural attractions, green spaces, and recreational activities. The week began with a visit to Toronto Metropolitan University’s Kerr Hall, followed by an afternoon at Little Canada. At Little Canada, campers explored detailed miniature versions of Canadian cities, landmarks, and landscapes. For newcomer campers and children from immigrant and first-generation families, the visit offered a fun and interactive way to learn more about Canada. Campers enjoyed recognizing familiar Toronto locations while also discovering places from other parts of the country. On Tuesday, campers spent the day at High Park. They visited the playground and splash pad before exploring Colborne Lodge. The day combined outdoor recreation with an opportunity to learn about Toronto’s history. Campers returned to Earlscourt Park for rugby on Wednesday and later went swimming at the Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre. These familiar weekly activities helped the children improve their skills, become more confident, and strengthen their teamwork. Thursday included martial arts at Wadsworth Park and another ceramics workshop at Black Rock Studio. By the third week, campers were becoming more comfortable with the techniques they had learned and could see their ceramic projects developing over time.

The week ended with one of the summer’s most anticipated excursions: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Campers explored the aquarium’s exhibits and saw sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea turtles, and many other forms of marine life. For some children, this was their first visit to an aquarium. Their excitement and curiosity made the trip one of the most memorable moments of the summer. By Week 3, the campers had become a close group. Children were more confident speaking with one another, participating in activities, and supporting their friends. Our counsellors and office volunteers continued to play an essential role by preparing each day, assisting campers, and helping the program remain organized and welcoming. Week 3 showed how much the campers had grown since the beginning of the summer. They had explored new places, taken part in unfamiliar activities, built friendships, and become more connected to their city and community.

Week 4: A Memorable End to an Amazing Summer

VWAT Summer Camp 2026 ended with an exciting final week filled with new adventures, creativity, and time spent with friends. After four weeks together, the campers had become a close group and were more confident participating in activities, exploring Toronto, and supporting one another. The week began with a visit to the Danforth, followed by an afternoon of bowling and laser tag. Campers enjoyed friendly competition, worked together, and cheered on their friends.

Wednesday was spent at the Royal Ontario Museum, where campers explored exhibits related to history, culture, science, and the natural world. For many of our newcomer campers, this was their first visit to one of Toronto’s most recognized landmarks. Thursday included martial arts at Wadsworth Park, followed by the final ceramics workshop at Black Rock Studio. Campers were able to practise the skills they had developed throughout the summer and complete their creative projects.

The final day of camp was celebrated with a trip to the Toronto Zoo. Campers explored the different animal exhibits, learned about wildlife from around the world, and cooled off in the splash area. Our youth volunteers and camp counsellors helped supervise the children, organize supplies, and make sure everyone remained safe and included throughout the trip. Week 4 was a memorable end to the summer. The campers left with new friendships, greater confidence, and many happy memories from the places they explored and the experiences they shared together.

A Summer to Remember

The greatest measure of the camp’s success has been seeing the children arrive with smiles, build friendships, support one another, and return home excited to talk about their day.

We hope every camper leaves the program with greater confidence, stronger friendships, new skills, and a deeper connection to their community and city.

VWAT Family Services would like to thank our campers, parents and guardians, youth volunteers, staff, community partners, and funders for helping make the VWAT Summer Camp 2026 possible.

We look forward to continuing to provide children and youth with opportunities to learn, explore, connect, and grow.

Thank You to the Fresh Air Fund

VWAT Family Services gratefully acknowledges the Fresh Air Fund, whose partial funding helped make the 2026 Summer Camp possible.

This support helped provide campers with access to excursions, activities, transportation, supplies, and other memorable experiences throughout Toronto.

Funding support is especially important in helping VWAT continue to offer accessible programming for newcomer, immigrant, and first-generation families.