More Halifax-area families seeking financial help for day camp enrolment, says YMCA

CBC

6 days ago

Day camps are an important rite of summer but an increasing number of parents in the Halifax area are seeking financial assistance to enrol their children.
The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth says of the 831 campers participating in its programs this year, about 40 per cent required financial assistance.
That's double last year's figure when only about 20 per cent of children required assistance, according to Alex Jackson, the organization's day camp director.
A spokesperson for the Halifax Regional Municipality, which operates a number of day camps, said in an email the municipal parks and recreation summer programs have seen an increase in requests for assistance.
"There has been a 40 per cent increase in [subsidized] camp programs from 2024 to 2025," the email said.
Jackson said it's a reflection of growing financial pressures on households.
"Things are getting more expensive generally," he said. "I'm sure we've all felt that, and it's tough to have that sort of budget set aside for your summer care, but it is still super important."
The YMCA camps offer activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and community outings for kids aged five to 12 while school is out. The downtown Halifax location also offers lunch for the children.
The cost per week ranges from $230 for YMCA members and $260 for non-members. There is a 10 per cent discount if two or more campers are enrolled.
Jackson said the YMCA's financial aid program, which covers at least half of the enrolment fees, is funded through community partnerships and donations.
"We do our best to give something to anybody who comes in and asks," Jackson said.
He said eligibility hinges on income, expenses, and family size, but the process is straightforward and people are taken at their word.
With high demand, Jackson said the YMCA has been trying to bring camps closer to where campers live. This year, new locations have been added in Spryfield, Lower Sackville and Dartmouth.
Jackson urged parents who have never enrolled their children in day camp before to give it a try.
"They have opportunities to try things they wouldn't do otherwise during the school year ... and they can meet people, make those lifelong connections," he said.