About Us
All these great options in one place
Established in 1996, we’re your one-stop shop for all these great camp options for boys and girls ages 5 to 12: Arts and Crafts, Biking, Horseback (Kanata location only), Multisport and Swim Lesson Camp.
Who would have guessed that when we started this business more than 29 years ago that we’d still be going strong after all these years. As of summer 2024, our camp has hosted more than 50,000 kids, just like yours.
Why Camps Canada?
When you’re comparing camps, be sure that you’re comparing apples to apples.
We encourage you to do lots of research. When you do, we’re confident you’ll choose Camps Canada.
Safety First
- Safety is our number one priority.
- We’re professionals. We plan every minute of camp very carefully and we’ve been so, for 29 years.
- The owner of Camps Canada brings more than 31years experience to running camps.
- Since our inception in 1996, more than 50,000 campers have attended our camps.
- Our counselor to camper ratio is 8 to 1, while at some camps the ratio is as high as 20 to 1.
- Our Counselors work with the same group of campers throughout the week. This helps build positive relationships and makes communication with parents easy.
- We publish, post and enforce our “camper code of conduct”.
- We use a “buddy system” at all times.
- We’ve established and enforce strict swimming rules and regulations.
- Our staff undergo extensive training before the start of camp
- Although safety is our first concern, we still know how to keep it fun!
All the Extras
- We’re home of the original 100% risk-free, money back guarantee.
- We offer extended hours from 7:30am to 5:30pm (convenient for working parents)
- Pre and Post Camp Care are always FREE OF CHARGE (other camps charge extra)
- Afternoon swims (the highlight of camp for many campers)
- All these great extras – FREE t-shirt, or hat, decals, tattoos, our famous “Gator Cup”, and weekly awards and prizes for all
- A variety of camp choices at one location (certainly a plus when you’re trying to accommodate more than one child)
- Optional lunch program (tired of packing box lunches?)
- Easy online registration (it takes only a few minutes and it’s available 24/7)
- You can check Camp Availability online (see what spots are still available)
About Camps Canada’s Founder and CEO
Matt “Coach” Barr, Camps Canada Founder and CEO, has more than 31 years experience in the camp industry. He started as a Camp Counselor in 1991, became a Camp Director in 1992, and soon after started a camp of his own in 1996. He’s been the owner of his own camp for more than 29 years.
“I love camp. I love everything about it. I love talking about it. I love training and working with young people and fostering their love of working with kids. I love playing games with kids and most importantly, I think … I love to see kids having a great time, smiling and laughing. What a great job I have!”
I’m really lucky because I love what I do. Even after 30 years I can’t wait to welcome a new group of kids to the camp every year.
Education
I was born and raised in Nepean and lived in the Trend Village, Arlington Woods area. I attended Sir Robert Borden High School until I finished grade 10 and then I moved with my family to Pembroke, Ontario where I completed high school at Fellowes High School.
After graduation, I moved back to Ottawa to attend Carleton University where I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Sociology in 1989. Shortly after graduation I began working as a full-time tennis professional. It was here that I first learned the business of summer camps. In 1996 I decided to start a camp of my own, first named ABC Sports Camp and later changed to Camps Canada.
In 1999, I returned to school at the University of Ottawa to complete my Bachelor of Education. I was a full-time elementary school teacher from 2000 to 2004 before retiring from teaching to dedicate myself full-time to Camps Canada.
Extra Curricular Activities
When I’m not at camp or working on camp stuff, I like to play competitive sports.
I play tennis all year round at the West Ottawa Tennis Club and still compete from time to time in some ITF tournaments. Although my real competitive days are behind me, I still enjoy playing and find it to be a good workout. I supplement my tennis matches with running on the treadmill and playing a little squash in the winter and golf in the summer.
Family
I am married (2003) to Neove (Zafiris). She is a veterinarian and after years of working in private practice, she now works for Health Canada with the Federal Government. We live in Stittsville, Ontario.
My mom (Sheila) lives in Pembroke, Ontario as well as my two younger siblings Joanne (Dawson) and Peter.
Our Awesome Staff
All of our staff are hired after extensive interviews, employment background checks and criminal record checks. They are certified in First Aid and CPR and undergo extensive training in preparation for camp.
Certified Teachers
We’e been very fortunate over the years to have certified school teachers on staff.
They are the senior spokespersons who provide leadership and guidance to campers and to our other staff.
Parents often comment that this is what separates us from other camps. Every year we get tons of positive feedback from parents about the quality of our staff.
We know that having teachers as senior leaders gives parents peace of mind. It also ensures that children are provided with a nurturing environment with positive adult role models. This is not always the case at other camps. Our enthusiastic teachers are our greatest asset. They make every day at camp fun.
We know that our teachers, more than any other single factor, are what truly make our camp the best.
Counselors (minimum age 18)
Our Counselors are what bring this camp to life. This group of enthusiastic university students are the backbone of our camp. They provide the creativity and energy needed to make any camp a great success. They are hired for their personaility, sense of humour and their desire to lead exciting group activities. Many of them have been with us for years.
Volunteers (students ages 13 to 15)
Our volunteers have all completed our compulsory 12-hour accreditation course. The training course, conducted by Camps Canada owner Matt Barr, includes: understanding your personality, preparing a resume, applying to jobs, interview skills, working with kids, teaching sport progressions, basic first aid (no certificate provided), leadership skills, camp administration skills, and much more.
If you have a 13 to 15 year old who might like to volunteer this summer, please read more about our Volunteer Prep Course.