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Recreation Subsidies
York Region offers subsidies for recreation programs, day camps and youth leadership camps. Recreation programs and day camp subsidies provide children from families with low income the ability to take part in programs offered by the municipal recreation departments. The youth leadership camp funding helps eligible youth ages 12 to 17 attend an approved overnight camp.
The subsidies that are available are:
- The Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY)
- Summer Camp Funding
- Youth Leadership Camp Funding
York Region does not guarantee space in programs or camps.
PLAY Program - Positive Leisure Activities for Youth
The PLAY Program is for children ages four to 18 and single parents. The funding is available in the fall, winter, spring and summer.
Eligibility
Families who live in York Region, who have children and meet at least one of the following criteria may be eligible:
- Receive Rent Subsidy
- Receive Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
- Receive Child Care Fee Subsidy with an annual income of $36,000 or less
Aquatic Leadership Programs
The PLAY program will approve the following Aquatic Leadership Programs that may exceed the maximum rate for eligible participants:
- Ranger, Rookie and Star Patrol
- Bronze Star
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Medallion with Emergency First Aid
- Emergency First Aid
- Bronze Cross
- Bronze Cross with Standard First Aid
- Standard First Aid
- Lifesaving Assistant Instructor
- Lifesaving Instructor Certificate
- Lifesaving Swim and Lifesaving Instructor Certificate
- National Lifeguard Certificate
- Red Cross Instructors (WSI) (Part 1 and 2)
How to Apply
The Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY) program applications open on August 4, 2020. You will only need to apply once between fall and summer of any given year. You can apply online or by telephone:
- Online: PLAY Program - Positive Leisure Activities for Youth Program (PLAY) Application Form
- Call: Access York at 1-877-464-9675 and ask about the PLAY program
Once you are approved, please check with your local municipality for registration dates. Once more information is available for your local municipality you will receive an E-Blast with registration instructions.
Summer Day Camp Subsidy
Summer day camp subsidy is for children ages four to 13 and is available during July and August. The approval period for the summer day camp subsidy is from February to July.
Eligibility
Families who live in York Region, who have children and meet at least one of the following criteria may be eligible:
- Receive Rent Subsidy
- Receive Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
How to Apply
Applications for the Summer Day Camp Subsidy program are now closed. Please check back in January 2021 for more information and how to register.
Once approved, you can sign up for a summer camp with your local municipal recreation department.
Youth Leadership Camp
Youth Leadership Camp subsidy is for children ages 12 to 17 and is available during July and August. The approval period for youth camp subsidy begins in February. Limited spots are available. First-come, first-served.
Eligibility
Families who live in York Region, who have children and meet at least one of the following criteria may be eligible:
- Live in one of the following communities, Housing York Inc., York Region non-profit Housing, Co-operative Housing Community in York Region
- Receive Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
How to Apply
Call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 and ask about free youth overnight camp.
Related Resources
- Government of Canada Benefits Finder