Summer Youth Programs and Day Camps

Enjoy a fun and safe learning experience at one of the City of Owen Sound's summer programs.

REGISTRATIONS OPENING SOON!

New PD Camp Days – June 2026

Get a taste of the creativity and hands-on exploration that awaits in Weekly Camp TOM with these full-day PD adventures:

Dates: Friday June 5 & June 26, 2026
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: $60/day (HST exempt) including Camp TOM t-shirt!
Age: 8-12 Location: Tom Thomson Art Gallery

Friday June 5 –Growing Ideas – Nature, Art & Inspiration
Morning: Explore gardens and seasonal plants, sketching native species and pollinators.
Afternoon: Create mixed media and painting projects inspired by peers and contemporary artists.
Inspired by Emergence: New Visions and artists like Liz Zetlin from TOM’s contemporary exhibitions, kids aged 8–12 will explore connections between art, community, and the natural world, creating work that celebrates growth, creativity, and interconnectedness.

Friday June 26 - Paint Like TOM & Play with Clay

Morning: Paint outdoors like Tom Thomson, capturing landscapes and natural scenes.
Afternoon: Transform sketches into 3D creations using clay and sculpture techniques.
Inspired by Tom Thomson and the creativity of peers, kids aged 8–12 will experiment, take artistic risks, and create works that reflect their own perspectives and imagination.

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable clothing for making art
  • Running shoes
  • Sunscreen, hat, and water bottle
  • Snacks and lunch (nut-free please)
  • A creative spirit!
  • All art materials will be provided

If you would like to register for Camp TOM: PD Day Adventures online, please click below:

REGISTRATIONS OPENING FEBRUARY 17, 2026 9am!

Email hmcleese@tomthomson.org or call the Gallery 519.376.1932 to reserve your child's spot today!

Join us for an inspiring summer of creativity at Camp TOM: Summer Art Adventures at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery! Designed for young artists ages 8-12, this camp offers the perfect blend of outdoor art exploration and hands-on art making in the studio. Led by the TOM’s Education and Engagement team, each of the 7 weeks (5-day camp) features a new theme, inspired by nature, contemporary artists, and the iconic works of Tom Thomson. Campers will explore the Gallery, bring their ideas to life in the TOM studio, and enjoy the great outdoors, all while being inspired and making new friends. It’s a summer of imagination, self-expression, and artistic discovery—whether you’re sketching, painting, or playing outside, there’s something for every young artist to enjoy!

Week 1: Into the Wild – Paint like TOM
Art Focus: Watercolour & Acrylic Painting, Colour Theory, Outdoor Sketching
Dates: July 6–10, 2026
Ages: 8–12 years old
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $295.00 (HST exempt) including Camp TOM T-shirt!
Locations: Tom Thomson Art Gallery (804 1st Avenue West) & Harrison Park (75 2nd Avenue East) Bandshell

Week 2: Cut, Glue, Snap – Mixed Media Creations
Art Focus: Mixed Media, Collage, Papercutting
Dates: July 13–17, 2026
Ages: 8–12 years old
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $295.00 (HST exempt) including Camp TOM T-shirt!
Locations: Tom Thomson Art Gallery (804 1st Avenue West) & Harrison Park (75 2nd Avenue East) Bandshell

Week 3: Shape It, Build It – Sculpture & 3D Art
Art Focus: Sculpture, Clay, 3D Explorations
Dates: July 20–24, 2026
Ages: 8–12 years old
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $295.00 (HST exempt) including Camp TOM T-shirt!
Locations: Tom Thomson Art Gallery (804 1st Avenue West) & Harrison Park (75 2nd Avenue East) Bandshell

Week 4: Re-Worlding Rhythms – Art, Identity & Nature
Art Focus: Art Inspired by Personal Stories, Identity, and Nature; Collaboration Opportunities
Dates: July 27–31, 2026
Ages: 8–12 years old
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $295.00 (HST exempt) including Camp TOM T-shirt!
Locations: Tom Thomson Art Gallery (804 1st Avenue West) & Harrison Park (75 2nd Avenue East) Bandshell

Week 5: Design It Your Way – Painting & Printmaking
Art Focus: Acrylic Painting, Printmaking, Graphic Design, Personal Projects
Dates: August 10–14, 2026
Ages: 8–12 years old
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $295.00 (HST exempt) including Camp TOM T-shirt!
Locations: Tom Thomson Art Gallery (804 1st Avenue West) & Harrison Park (75 2nd Avenue East) Bandshell

Week 6: Play with Clay – Sculpture & 3D Creations
Art Focus: Clay, Sculpture, Collaborative and Individual 3D Art
Dates: August 17–21, 2026
Ages: 8–12 years old
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $295.00 (HST exempt) including Camp TOM T-shirt!
Locations: Tom Thomson Art Gallery (804 1st Avenue West) & Harrison Park (75 2nd Avenue East) Bandshell

Week 7: Paint Like TOM – Nature-Inspired Outdoor Painting
Art Focus: Watercolour & Acrylic Painting, Outdoor Sketching, Plein Air Techniques
Dates: August 24–28, 2026
Ages: 8–12 years old
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $295.00 (HST exempt) including Camp TOM T-shirt!
Locations: Tom Thomson Art Gallery (804 1st Avenue West) & Harrison Park (75 2nd Avenue East) Bandshell

Weekly Themes, Activities & Highlights:

  • Outdoor Art Adventures: Sketch and paint in Harrison Park, inspired by Tom Thomson’s early paintings.
  • Studio Projects: Collaborate on a mural in the TOM studio and explore various art techniques.
  • Gallery Inspiration: Tour the TOM’s contemporary and collection exhibitions for sources of inspiration.
  • Hands-On Artmaking: Try new skills like painting, printmaking, sculpture and more.
  • Final Art Show: Showcase your artwork in a special exhibition at the TOM atrium!

Why It’s Fun

  • Create in Nature: Paint and draw outdoors, just like Tom Thomson did in his iconic works.
  • Hands-On Discovery: Explore new art techniques, mediums, and 3D creations.
  • Make Friends: Connect with other young artists who love to create.
  • Inspiration Everywhere: Hikes, trails, and gallery visits spark curiosity and imagination.
  • Art to Take Home: Each week, campers make projects to proudly share—including designing and tie-dyeing their own Camp TOM T-shirt.

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable clothing for making art
  • Running shoes
  • Sunscreen, hat, and water bottle
  • Snacks and lunch (nut-free please)
  • A creative spirit!
  • All art materials will be provided

Registration Information:

Camp TOM is packed with artmaking adventures that inspire creativity, build new skills, and celebrate the joy of making art. From painting ‘en plein air’ to printing on t-shirts, every week is a chance to create, explore, and discover your artistic voice!

If you would like to register for Camp TOM online, please click below:

REGISTRATIONS OPENING FEBRUARY 17, 2026 9am!

 

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity for your young artist to explore, create, and grow! Secure your child’s spot in Camp TOM. Whether they’re a budding painter, sculptor, or designer, there’s a week tailored for every young artist. Let them discover the world of art and expression in a fun, supportive, and creative environment.

Camp TOM – Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • All cancellations must be submitted by email to hmcleese@tomthomson.org.
  • Cancellations received by Friday, May 30, 2026 are eligible for a 75% refund. After this date, no refunds will be issued, except for medical or emergency reasons with a doctor’s note. A $50 administrative fee applies to all approved refunds.
  • The Tom Thomson Art Gallery may cancel or combine camp sessions if minimum enrollment is not met at least 14 days before the start date. A full refund will be provided if a session is cancelled by the Gallery.

Need more information?

Call Tom Thomson Art Gallery at 519-376-1932 ext. 5006 or email hmcleese@tomthomson.org for more information on Camp TOM.

This camp offers an opportunity to improve hockey skills in a fun, challenging, and encouraging environment. Inclusions are a minimum of ten hours per week of on-ice activities such as power skating and hockey skills development. Dryland training, swimming and outdoor activities will also be included. The expectation is that the camper will be aware of how to skate, balance, and stop prior to joining the camp. Your child will also learn skills including sportsmanship, competition, sports skills, communication, and team playing.

Dates: August 10th to 14th, 2026 (Full Day)

Times & Ages: TBA (9 AM to 4 PM, ages 6 to 12) ** Campers must be within the minimum or maximum age at the start of the program. No exceptions. **

**Early Drop off 8:30 am**

Location: Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre (700 10th Street East)

Swim Days: TBA 

Cost: $345.00 (HST Exempt) 

Instructor: Mitch Wright's hockey career began with the Arran Elderslie Ice Dogs and Grey-Bruce Highlanders minor hockey association. Mitch then played 4 years of Jr. B. hockey with the Owen Sound Greys and the Elmira Sugar Kings. Graduating from Jr. B, Mitch went on to play 4 years of Canadian University hockey for the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. Mitch is the head coach for the U18 Grey-Bruce Highlanders as well as one of the organization's skills instructors. Mitch is also co-owner of a hockey skills company that has been operating for over 5 years in Owen Sound.

What to bring: CSA approved helmet and full hockey or ringette equipment, including a hockey stick. 
Running shoes, gym attire, hat, sunscreen, lunch, and beverage/water.

A non-resident membership card is not required to register.  

If your child has an allergy, please refer to our Anaphylaxis Policy and be sure to complete an Individualized Plan.

If you would like to register for the Hockey Camp online, please click below:

REGISTRATIONS OPENING SOON!

For more information on these programs and other recreation opportunities email.

Two fun- filled weeks (5-day camp) of summer sports camp offering the opportunity for your child to enjoy the outdoors, the company of other children, and an introduction to a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball and swimming to name a few! The goal of the camp is for each camper to gain a fundamental understanding of a wide variety of sports and activities. While learning the skills of sportsmanship, competition, sports skills, communication, and team playing. Participants in this camp will also enjoy, some active playtime, catching crayfish and other fun activities

Dates for Week 1: July 20th to 24th, 2026

Ages: 6-12 years old ** Campers must be within the minimum or maximum age at the start of the program. No exceptions. **

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: Harrison Park Basketball Courts, 

Swim Days: TBA 

Cost: $245.00 (HST Exempt)

 

Dates for Week 2: Aug. 17th to 21st, 2026

Ages: 6-12 years old  ** Campers must be within the minimum or maximum age at the start of the program. No exceptions. **

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: Harrison Park (75 2nd Avenue East) - Basketball Courts

Swim Days: TBA 

Cost: $245.00 (HST Exempt)

Instructor: Oliver Clark is a local teacher and lifelong athlete. He has been committed to growing athletics programs and sportsmanship within the community for the last decade. He hopes to continue passing on his love of sports to youth in their critical developmental period through summer camps. Oliver always strives to foster a positive learning environment for every level of athlete. He looks forward to meeting the athletes at camp this year! 

What to bring: Running shoes, shorts, hat, sunscreen, lunch, and beverage/water, swimming suit and towel on swim days.

A non-resident membership card is not required to register.  

If your child has an allergy, please refer to our Anaphylaxis Policy and be sure to complete an Individualized Plan.

If you would like to register for the Harrison Park Sports Camp online, please click below:

REGISTER OPENING SOON!

For more information on these programs and other recreation opportunities email.

Focusing on developing a player's shooting, passing, puck control, and puck protection, our Hockey Skills Development Program will ensure you are ready for the upcoming season.

Dates: Wednesdays starting June 10th, 2026 for 8 weeks

Times: 4-5 pm (U10-U12), 5-6 pm (U12-U13), 6-7 pm (U14-U16) ** Participants must be within the minimum or maximum age at the start of the program. No exceptions. **

Cost: $195.00 

Location: Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre (700 10th Street East)

Levels: U10 to U11 (ages 9-10), U12-U13 (ages 11-12), U14 to U16 (ages 13-15)

Goalies: If your child is a goalie and would like to participate in their age level as the goalie, please contact Nicole Olmsted at nolmsted@owensound.ca or 519-376-4440 ext. 1256 to register.

Instructor: Brad Tiley played for the Owen Sound Greys and won an OHL Championship with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds during a three year Major Junior career. Brad's 18 year career in pro-hockey led him to stops in the NHL (Phoenix Coyotes and Philadelphia Flyers), AHL, IHL, Europe, and Asia. In 2000, Brad won the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL's Top Defenseman. Brad has also served as an Assistant Coach of the Owen Sound Attack.

What to bring: CSA approved helmet and full hockey or ringette equipment, including a hockey stick

A non-resident membership card is not required to register.  

If your child has an allergy, please refer to our Anaphylaxis Policy and be sure to complete an Individualized Plan.

If you would like to register for the Hockey Skills Development Program online, please click below:

REGISTRATIONS OPENING SOON!

For more information on these programs and other recreation opportunities email.

 

This camp offers an opportunity to improve lacrosse skills in a fun, challenging and encouraging environment. Off-field drills, swimming and outdoor activities will also be included. The expectation is that the camper will have basic knowledge or a keen interest in learning lacrosse. Your child will learn skills such as sportsmanship, and team-playing while improving hand-eye coordination.

Dates: July 13th to 17th, 2026

Times & Ages: Full Day (9 AM-4 PM, ages 6-9) and (9 AM-4 PM, ages 10-12) ** Campers must be within the minimum or maximum age at the start of the program. No exceptions. **

Location: Victoria Park (700 10th Street East)

Swim Days: TBA 

Cost: $325.00 (HST Exempt) 

** Campers must be within the minimum or maximum age at the start of the program. No exceptions. **

Instructor: Adam Jones is a retired professional Canadian lacrosse player who played for the Toronto Rock in the National Lacrosse League. Jones was also a member of Owen Sound Northstars in the Ontario Senior B lacrosse league and the Langley Thunder in the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA). In 2013 he was named the sixteenth best indoor lacrosse player in the world by Ilindoor magazine.

What to bring: Running shoes (including indoor shoes), shorts, hat, sunscreen, lunch, and beverage/water

In the case of inclement weather (including extreme heat), participants will be moved into the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre to continue the camp. The Coach will notify participants of this change through email no later than 4:30pm the day before.

If your child has an allergy, please refer to our Anaphylaxis Policy and be sure to complete an Individualized Plan.

A non-resident membership card is not required to register.

If you would like to register for the Lacrosse Camp online, please click below:

REGISTRATIONS OPENING SOON!

For more information on these programs and other recreation opportunities email.

Our Power Skating program focuses on control, balance, speed, and endurance.

Dates: Tuesdays starting June 9, 2026 for 8 weeks

Levels: U8 to U9 (ages 7-8), U10 to U12 (ages 9-11), U13 to U14 (ages 12-13), U15 to U17 (ages 14-16) ** Participants must be within the minimum or maximum age at the start of the program. No exceptions. **

Times: 4-5 pm (U15-U17), 5-6 pm (U8-U9), 6-7 pm (U10-U12), 7-8 pm (U13-U14)

Cost: $195.00 (HST Exempt), $210.00 (HST Exempt)(U16-U18) 

Location: Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre (700 10th Street East)

Instructor: Mitch Wright's hockey career began with the Arran Elderslie Ice Dogs and Grey-Bruce Highlanders minor hockey association. Mitch then played 4 years of Jr. B. hockey with the Owen Sound Greys and the Elmira Sugar Kings. Graduating from Jr. B, Mitch went on to play 4 years of Canadian University hockey for the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. Mitch is the head coach for the U18 Grey-Bruce Highlanders as well as one of the organization's skills instructors. Mitch is also co-owner of a hockey skills company that has been operating for over 5 years in Owen Sound.

What to bring: CSA approved helmet and full hockey or ringette equipment, including a hockey stick

A non-resident membership card is not required to register.

If your child has an allergy, please refer to our Anaphylaxis Policy and be sure to complete an Individualized Plan.

If you would like to register for the Power Skating Program online, please click below:

REGISTRATIONS OPENING SOON!

For more information on these programs and other recreation opportunities email.

The soccer player in your family will be excited for this fun-filled and challenging soccer camp which is held on two different weeks, this summer!

Dates for Week 1:  July 6th to 10th, 2026 (5 day camp)

Times: Full-day camp will run daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Half-day camp runs daily from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Ages: Athletes will be split into 4 age groups and an Advanced Group (Ages 4-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-13) ** Campers must be within the minimum or maximum age at the start of the program. No exceptions. **

Location: Victoria Park

Swim Days: TBA 

Cost: $170.00 (HST Exempt) Half Day, $220.00 (HST Exempt) Full Day, $280.00 (HST Exempt) Advanced 

 

Dates for Week 2: August 4-7, 2026 (4 day camp)

Times: Full-day camp will run daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Half-day camp runs daily from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Ages: Athletes will be split into 4 age groups and an Advanced Group (Ages 4-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-13) ** Campers must be within the minimum or maximum age at the start of the program. No exceptions. **

Location: Victoria Park

Swim Days: TBA 

Cost: $140.00 (HST Exempt) Half Day, $185.00 (HST Exempt) Full Day, $235.00 (HST Exempt) Advanced 

Advanced Camp: This camp is for competitive players. During this camp, the instructors will work with participants on advanced drills such as: possession based soccer, advanced shooting techniques, crossing and finishing, and advanced individual drills.

Instructors: Oliver Clark is a local soccer leader and has captained the Owen Sound Men's United in recent years in the Ontario Soccer League and Kitchener District Soccer League. He has coached and facilitated local soccer programs since 2014. Nicole Evans is a local soccer leader and has spent multiple seasons with the Niagara College Knights as a midfielder. She has also captained the Owen Sound Women's United and has coached locally in recent years.

What to bring: Please ensure that your child(ren) comes to camp with lunch, two water bottles, sunscreen, running shoes (cleats if available), a bathing suit, and a hat.

In the case of inclement weather (including extreme heat), participants will be moved into the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre to continue the camp. The Coach will notify participants of this change through email no later than 4:30pm the day before.

If your child has an allergy, please refer to our Anaphylaxis Policy and be sure to complete an Individualized Plan.

A non-resident membership card is not required to register.  

If you would like to register for the Soccer Camp online, please click below: 

REGISTRATIONS OPENING SOON!

For more information on these programs and other recreation opportunities email.

Program Cancellations

Occasionally a program will be forced to cancel. If this occurs, there might be refunds available depending on certain conditions.

Full Refunds:

You will receive a full refund or credit on your account if:

  • The City cancels the program prior to the start date; or
  • You withdraw from a program seven (7) or more days prior to the start date; or
  • You have a medical reason supported with a doctor's note.

A $25.00 + HST administration fee will apply. The City will waive the administration fees if the eligible refund amount is left as a credit on the account.

Partial Refunds:

You will receive a partial refund or credit on your account if you withdraw from a program less than seven (7) days prior to the start date (and before the second session of a program) and the City receives a request for refund.

The City will prorate partial refunds based on the percent of the program remaining at the time the refund request is received - a $15.00 + HST administration fee will apply. The City will waive the administration fees if the eligible refund amount is left as a credit on the account.

The City will not issue refunds after the second class of a program, unless for medical reasons verified by a doctor's note.

 

Need more information?

For more information on these programs and other recreation opportunities email Community Services Admin.

Contact Us

808 2nd Avenue East,
Owen Sound, ON
N4K 2H4
Phone: 519-376-1440
Email us

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