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

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CBC
2 hours ago
- CBC
Rescued mine workers safe and off to reunite with family
Officials for Newmont Corp. say the three rescued drillers were in good spirits and cracking jokes after spending three nights in a refuge chamber trapped underground in a northern B.C. mine.


CBC
2 hours ago
- CBC
Closure of Winnipeg's Louise Bridge extended after new defects discovered
Social Sharing A century-old bridge connecting Winnipeg's Point Douglas and Elmwood neighbourhoods will remain closed for longer than orginally expected. The Louise Bridge closure has been extended because of newly discovered issues that will require additional time to fix, the city said in a news release Friday evening. The bridge had been closed since May 23 for annual inspection and maintenance. The inspection found corrosion that required repairs the city initially expected to wrap up by the end of July. The city didn't give a new timeline for the bridge's reopening. It said it will provide updates as needed on its lane closures map. The bridge is still open to pedestrians and cyclists. The city said it may reduce access at times to accommodate specific work.


CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Single-vehicle crash on Hwy. 401 in Mississauga leaves driver dead
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.