Hey 905 fam,
Summer is 12 weeks away. If you don't have a camp plan yet, you're behind.
Here's the thing about municipal day camps in Durham — they're shockingly affordable compared to private options. We're talking $150-200/week vs. $350-500/week at private camps. Same kids, same fun, fraction of the price.
But the good spots? They fill up FAST. Registration is open right now in most of Durham, and some non-resident dates open this week.
We did the homework so you don't have to. Here's every municipality, every deadline, and every trick to save even more.
🗓️ THE DEADLINE CHEAT SHEET
PICKERING
✅ Residents: OPEN NOW (opened March 26)
⏰ Non-residents: Opens April 2
Ages 3-12 | 9am-4pm | Before/after care available
Register: pickering.ca/active
AJAX
✅ Residents: OPEN NOW (opened March 24)
⏰ Non-residents: Opens March 31 at 7:00am ← TOMORROW
Ages 4-17 | June 29 – Sept 4 | 9am-4pm
Register: ajax.ca/camps
WHITBY
✅ Residents: OPEN NOW (opened March 25)
⏰ Non-residents: Opens April 1 at 9:00am
Ages 4-16 | Extended care available (7:30am-6pm, $44.85/week extra)
⚠️ You MUST create your account IN PERSON at a Recreation desk with photo ID before you can register online
Register: whitby.ca/register
OSHAWA
📋 March 31: Preview programs online
⏰ April 7 at 9:00am: Registration opens
Register: register.oshawa.ca
Note: South Oshawa Community Centre pool is closed for construction — camps there will adapt programming
CLARINGTON
Check clarington.net/camps for dates
Camp Hotline: 905-623-3379 ext. 2565
Email: [email protected]
Download the 2026 Summer Camp Booklet (PDF) on their site for the full lineup
💰 THE MONEY-SAVING PLAYS
1. YMCA Early Bird — Expires TOMORROW (March 31)
The YMCA GTA runs day camp in Clarington (at Clarington Central Secondary School). Arts, science, sports, swimming, outdoor adventures — the works.
Register before March 31 and get 10% off your camp fee.
That deadline is literally tomorrow. If you're in Clarington and considering YMCA camp, register tonight.
→ ymcagta.org — search "Clarington Central Y Day Camp"
2. Municipal Fee Assistance (Don't Skip This)
Every single municipality in Durham offers financial assistance for camp fees. If your household income qualifies, you could pay reduced rates or nothing at all. These programs exist because your taxes fund them. Use them.
3. Before & After Care Math
Most camps run 9am-4pm. If you work 9-5, that doesn't quite work. Before/after care extends the day to ~7:30am-6pm for about $45/week extra.
That's still WAY cheaper than arranging separate care. Add it at registration — spots fill up.
4. Tax Time: Claim It Back
Summer camp fees are eligible for the Canada Child Care Expense Deduction on your taxes. Keep your receipts. For two kids at camp for 8 weeks, you could be looking at $2,400-3,200 in deductible expenses.
5. Employer Benefits Check
Some employers offer childcare subsidies, flexible spending accounts, or summer care top-ups. Ask your HR department — you'd be surprised what's buried in your benefits package.
⚡ PRO TIPS FROM DURHAM PARENTS
Register at exactly the opening time. Set an alarm. Have your account ready. Popular specialty camps (science, performing arts, out-trips) fill within hours.
Whitby parents: create your account NOW. You have to do it in person at a Recreation desk with photo ID. Don't wait until registration day and discover you can't log in.
Oshawa parents: preview opens March 31. Browse the programs this week so you know exactly what to register for when it opens April 7.
Need inclusion support? Whitby: email [email protected] (requests open since March 11). Oshawa: submit the Inclusion Services form by April 1. Don't wait — support spots are limited.
Pack lunch. Some camps offer lunch programs for extra, but a packed lunch saves $25-40/week per kid. That adds up over 8 weeks.
📊 THE MATH THAT MATTERS
Let's say you have one kid, 8 weeks of camp:
Option | Weekly Cost | 8-Week Total |
|---|---|---|
Private camp | $350-500 | $2,800-4,000 |
Municipal camp | $150-200 | $1,200-1,600 |
Municipal + fee assistance | $0-100 | $0-800 |
Savings: $1,200 to $4,000 per kid per summer.
For a family with two kids, that's potentially $8,000 back in your pocket.
THIS WEEK'S ACTION ITEMS
[ ] Monday (today): Check if you're registered for your municipality's online system
[ ] Monday: YMCA early bird expires tomorrow — register tonight if you're going that route
[ ] Tuesday March 31: Ajax non-resident registration opens at 7am. Set your alarm.
[ ] Tuesday March 31: Oshawa camp preview goes live — browse programs
[ ] Wednesday April 1: Whitby non-resident registration opens at 9am
[ ] Monday April 7: Oshawa registration opens at 9am
QUICK LINKS
Pickering camps: pickering.ca/active
Ajax camps: ajax.ca/camps
Whitby camps: whitby.ca/register
Oshawa camps: register.oshawa.ca
Clarington camps: clarington.net/camps
YMCA Clarington: ymcagta.org
Know a Durham parent who needs this? Forward this email — they'll thank you in July.
Got a tip we missed? Reply to this email. We read everything.
Until next week,The 905 Saver Saving Durham Region families real money, every week.