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