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 provides families with the ability to 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 and spring.

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:

• 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

Applications for the winter Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY) program open on November 5, 2019. You can apply online or by telephone:

• Online: PLAY Program - Positive Leisure Activities for Youth Program (PLAY) Application Form
• Call: KIDS Line at 1-888-703-KIDS (5437) and ask about the PLAY program

Once you are approved, you can sign up for a program at a local municipal recreation department.

Please note:  When you became eligible for the fall 2019 PLAY program, you also became eligible for the winter 2020 PLAY program. There is no need to re-apply.  Please go in-person to your community centre to register for your winter recreation programs. 

Here are the registration dates for each local city and town:

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. Applications will open January 30, 2020 for the 2020 Summer Day Camp Subsidy program.

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 13 to 17 and is available during July and August. The approval period for the summer day camp subsidy is from February to July. Limited spots are available.

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 the KIDS Line at 1-888-703-KIDS (5437) and ask about free youth overnight camp.

Related Resources

• Government of Canada Benefits Finder