Five Days of Learning Through Play

Each day offered new opportunities for children to explore, experiment, stay active, and work together.

Participants enjoyed team-building challenges, tower-building activities, drawing and guessing games, soccer, volleyball, Spikeball, Frisbee, relay races, and other recreational activities.

Creative sessions gave children opportunities to design keychains, paint canvases, work with play dough, and express their ideas through art.

STEM activities added another dimension to the program. Through Robotix, egg-drop challenges, paper-airplane experiments, water rockets, and other hands-on projects, participants were encouraged to think critically, test ideas, solve problems, and learn through experimentation.

More Than Activities

Kids To Camp 2026 was designed to provide much more than a week of summer recreation.

GRFS sought to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children could develop friendships, strengthen confidence, communicate with others, respect differences, and experience a meaningful sense of belonging.

Through shared games, challenges, creative projects, and team activities, participants experienced the importance of cooperation, supporting one another, and appreciating people from different backgrounds.

These experiences reflect GRFS’s broader commitment to helping children and youth grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically while building stronger connections within their communities.

Made Possible Through Kids to Camp Funding

The program was made possible with support from The Waterloo Region Record – Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund, held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

Grand River Friendship Society gratefully acknowledges this important support, which helps reduce financial barriers and provides children and youth across Waterloo Region with access to meaningful summer learning, recreation, and community-building opportunities.

This funding enabled GRFS to create an accessible program where participants could learn, play, build friendships, discover new interests, and create positive summer memories together.

Thank You to Our Program Community

GRFS extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, parents, volunteers, mentors, community partners, and supporters who contributed to the success of Kids To Camp 2026.

The dedication of volunteers and mentors, the trust of families, and the enthusiasm of the children helped create a positive week filled with learning, laughter, teamwork, and new friendships.

As the program comes to a close, GRFS is grateful for the connections created and the experiences shared throughout the week.

Kids To Camp 2026 — Building friendships, building confidence, and building community.

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Grand River Friendship Society is pleased to recognize the support of the City of Waterloo through the 2026 Sports & Recreation Grant Program, helping GRFS continue and expand its Weekly Open Soccer Program.

The program provides welcoming and accessible opportunities for newcomer youth and adults, mentors, families, and other community members to participate in regular recreational soccer activities.

Building Connections Through Sport

GRFS uses community sport as more than an opportunity for physical activity. Weekly soccer sessions create a positive environment where participants from different cultural and social backgrounds can meet, build friendships, stay active, and develop a stronger sense of connection and belonging.

The open and inclusive structure of the program encourages participation regardless of previous soccer experience. By reducing barriers to recreational opportunities, GRFS aims to create a space where participants feel welcomed, supported, and connected to their community.

The City of Waterloo’s support will help GRFS strengthen the program and reach more participants while continuing to provide regular soccer opportunities throughout the year.

Supporting Inclusive Recreation

Through the Weekly Open Soccer Program, participants have opportunities to:

• Stay physically active and support healthy lifestyles
• Build friendships and social connections
• Connect with people from different cultural backgrounds
• Strengthen teamwork and communication
• Develop a greater sense of community belonging
• Participate in accessible and welcoming recreational activities

These outcomes reflect GRFS’s broader commitment to using education, mentorship, recreation, and community engagement to bring people together and strengthen inclusive communities.

Thank You, City of Waterloo

Grand River Friendship Society sincerely thanks the City of Waterloo for supporting inclusive recreation and recognizing the value of accessible community-based sports programs.

This contribution helps GRFS continue creating opportunities for youth, adults, mentors, newcomers, and community members to connect through soccer in a friendly and supportive environment.

We are grateful for the City of Waterloo’s investment in initiatives that encourage active living, friendship, inclusion, and stronger community connections.

Play together. Connect together. Grow together.

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Strengthening Connections Through Shared Experiences

From exciting rides and plenty of laughter to meaningful conversations and quality time together, the day provided a wonderful opportunity for students and mentors to strengthen their connections and create lasting memories.

Mentorship Beyond the Classroom

At GRFS, mentorship goes beyond academic and career guidance. It is about building trust, offering consistent support, creating meaningful relationships, and walking alongside young people as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

Supporting Students Through an Important Year

As our Grade 12 students continue through their final year of high school, we are grateful to the mentors who continue to encourage, guide, and support them along the way.

A sincere thank you to all of our mentors, volunteers, and youth who made this experience so memorable.

Here’s to more friendship, growth, meaningful connections, and unforgettable moments together!

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Offered as part of the GRFS Summer Learning & Activity Day Camp, the program will welcome up to 35 students for five engaging mornings of recreation, creativity, teamwork, and hands-on learning in a safe and welcoming environment.

Five Days of Learning, Recreation and Friendship

Throughout the week, participants will enjoy a varied schedule designed to encourage curiosity, movement, collaboration, and personal growth. Activities will include:

• Interactive games, sports, and relays
• Team-building challenges and friendly competitions
• Creative workshops, arts, and design activities
• STEM activities and problem-solving missions
• Leadership and collaboration exercises

Each day will offer new experiences that help students build confidence, explore their interests, develop practical skills, and form meaningful friendships. Whether participants enjoy sports, creativity, STEM, puzzles, or meeting new people, the program is designed to provide an active and memorable summer experience.

Program Details

• Dates: August 10–14, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
• Location: Grand River Friendship Society, 1117 Snyder’s Road East, Baden, ON N3A 3L2
• Participant group: Middle school students
• Capacity: 35 students
• Attendance requirement: Participants must commit to attending all five days
• Program Fee: FREE

Registration is required, and spaces are limited. Families are encouraged to register early to secure a place. Use the button below or the QR code in the program flyer.

Register Now – Limited to 35 Students

Creating Access to Meaningful Summer Opportunities

This free program is made possible with support from The Waterloo Region Record – Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund, held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

Grand River Friendship Society gratefully acknowledges this support, which helps reduce financial barriers and provides children and youth across Waterloo Region with access to meaningful summer learning, recreation, and community-building opportunities.

GRFS looks forward to welcoming 35 students for a week filled with active learning, creativity, friendship, confidence-building, and memorable summer experiences.

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An Exciting Whirlpool Jet Boat Experience

A highlight of the day was the Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour. Students experienced the power and energy of the Niagara River during an exciting journey filled with rapids, turns, and plenty of splashes.

The activity offered a memorable way to discover the region’s natural environment. With guidance and support from staff and mentors, participants enjoyed the adventure in a safe and welcoming group setting.

Exploring Niagara Falls Together

Throughout the trip, students took in the scenic surroundings of Niagara Falls, captured memorable photos, spent meaningful time with friends, and created lasting memories together. The day balanced recreation, exploration, and opportunities for students to connect outside their usual learning environment.

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario
Featured activity: Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour

Learning and Friendship Beyond the Classroom

Educational trips are an important part of the GRFS student experience. They help young people develop confidence, strengthen friendships, discover new places, and build independence in a safe and supportive environment.

Experiences such as the GRFS Grade 9–10 Niagara Falls Trip also encourage curiosity, teamwork, and a stronger sense of belonging. By sharing new experiences, students can connect classroom learning with the world around them.

Appreciation to Our Program Community

Grand River Friendship Society sincerely thanks all students, staff members, mentors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making the trip safe, enjoyable, and memorable.

We look forward to creating more opportunities for our students to learn, explore, connect, and grow through meaningful shared experiences.

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The journey began with a bus and train ride from Kitchener to Toronto, followed by a ferry trip across the waterfront to the islands. Throughout the day, students explored new places, enjoyed outdoor activities, strengthened friendships, and created meaningful memories together.

Toronto Trip Highlights

• Travelling from Kitchener to Toronto by bus and train
• Ferry ride to the Toronto Islands
• Biking and outdoor activities
• Chairlift experience
• Visit to the petting zoo
• Ice cream and beautiful Toronto skyline views
• Souvenir shopping for magnets and keychains
• Popeyes picnic by the waterfront
• Visit to the CN Tower area
• Exploring the Toronto Railway Museum

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Grade 9 Toronto Islands trip offered a wonderful balance of recreation, experiential learning, exploration, and community connection. Students experienced Toronto’s waterfront, public transportation system, cultural landmarks, and shared public spaces while enjoying quality time with their peers and mentors.

Travelling through the city helped students develop practical skills, including navigating public transportation, managing a full day of activities, making independent choices, and learning how major urban spaces connect people and communities. From the ferry crossing and island bike ride to the CN Tower area and Toronto Railway Museum, every stop offered a new perspective.

At GRFS, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Experiences like this help young people build confidence, develop independence, discover new interests, and strengthen their sense of friendship and belonging. They also give students opportunities to connect classroom learning with real places, transportation systems, cultural landmarks, nature, and community life.

We sincerely thank our mentors, volunteers, program staff, and everyone who helped make this trip safe, enjoyable, educational, and memorable for our students. We are also grateful to our Grade 9 students for bringing their curiosity, enthusiasm, and positive energy throughout the day.

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Grand River Friendship Society invites families, neighbours, and community members to join us for a Community Yard Sale on Saturday, August 8, 2026, beginning at 7:00 AM.

A wide selection of gently used items will be available, including:

• Toys
• Clothing
• Shoes
• Books
• Household items
• And much more

All proceeds from the yard sale will be directed toward supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by the recent wildfires.

This event offers an opportunity to find useful and affordable items while contributing to a meaningful cause. Every purchase, large or small, will help demonstrate care and solidarity with those facing displacement, loss, and uncertainty.

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Grand River Friendship Society
1117 Snyder’s Road East, Baden, ON N3A 3L2

Everyone is welcome. Please join us, invite your family and friends, and help us turn community generosity into meaningful support for wildfire-affected communities.

Together, we can make a difference through compassion, solidarity, and collective action.

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