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.

The post Kids To Camp 2026 Brings a Week of Learning, Friendship and Community to GRFS appeared first on GRFS.

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.

The post Free Summer Activity and Game Program for Middle School Students appeared first on GRFS.