Summer Outdoor Adventure Day Camp

Children in summer camp in the conservation area

Children learning at summer camp

Child playing by pond in conservation area

Children on lunch break during camp day
Summer Adventure Camps
At Ball's Falls Conservation Area
Join the fun at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area this summer as children ages 4-17 are invited to participate in a season of fun, while totally immersed in nature!
JUNIOR CAMPERS ages 4 - 11
Explore the forest, discover natural and cultural heritage, learn outdoor survival skills, conduct science experiments, roast marshmallows over the campfire, and so much more! See the descriptions of each weekly theme below.
YOUTH CAMPERS ages 12 – 13 (NEW for 2025!)
This new opportunity offers an exciting blend of adventure, leadership, and teamwork in a dynamic outdoor setting. This program is offered weekly coinciding with the weekly themes of camps to an all new level!
SENIOR CAMPERS ages 14 - 17
Participate in Leader-in-Training (LIT) camp! Learn what it takes to be a leader in a summer camp setting and get prepared to volunteer as a Junior Camp Leader at NPCA Day Camps and Programs. This program is ONLY offered the week of July 7 – 11.
WEEKLY CAMP THEMES
- June 30 – July 4: Nature Guardians
- July 7 - 11: Wilderness Warriors & Leader in Training Camp
- July 14 - 18: Time Traveller Academy
- July 21 - 25: Wild Woods Explorers
- July 28 - August 1: Nature Guardians
- August 4 - 8: Wilderness Warriors
- August 11 - 15: Time Traveller Academy
- August 18 - 22: Wild Woods Explorers
- August 25 - 29: Ultimate Adventure
For more information:
programming@npca.ca or 905-788-3135 ext. 322 or 330
Fee per Camper - $185/week*
Leader-in-Training Camp - $365/week*
Hours - 9:00am - 3:00pm
Extended Care Hours - 8:30am - 4:30pm
Extended Care Fee - $13 per family (morning, afternoon, or full day available)
Camp location: Across from Ball's Falls Arboretum, 3159 Sixth Avenue, Lincoln, ON L0R 1S0
*Family discount applied on the second camper when booking two or more siblings in the same camp week.
weekly program descriptions
Eco Hero Youth Camp ages 12 – 13 (NEW FOR 2025!)
Offered weekly this new opportunity offers an exciting blend of adventure, leadership, and teamwork in a dynamic outdoor setting. Designed for campers ready to take on new challenges, this program allows them to experience classic camp activities that coincide with the weekly themes while also stepping into leadership roles by supporting younger campers. Through team-building exercises, outdoor adventures, and hands-on mentorship, participants will develop confidence, responsibility, and cooperation—all while enjoying the fun and excitement of camp life. Whether they’re guiding younger campers through activities, working together on problem-solving challenges, or exploring the great outdoors along the Twenty Valley and Bruce trail, exploring the natural wonder of the escarpment, our youth campers will build skills that last a lifetime.
Nature Guardians June 30 – July 4 | July 28 – August 1
Campers will identify diverse plant life, learning about their unique characteristics and ecological roles, while engaging in hands-on exploration of forests, meadows, and streams. They’ll get their hands dirty planting seeds to nurture future greenery and craft bird feeders from natural materials to support local wildlife. Creativity flourishes as they create nature-inspired art using found objects, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors.
Wilderness Warriors July 7 – 11 | August 4 – 8
Join us for an adventurous week outdoors! Designed for campers who love nature, teamwork, and hands-on survival skills. Campers will embark on thrilling activities like hiking, basics of Archery, fire-building, shelter-making, and wildlife tracking while learning essential outdoor skills in a fun and safe environment. Through guided challenges and team-based missions, they’ll develop confidence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors.
Leader In Training July 7 – 11
The one-week camp for ages 14 - 17 equips participants with essential leadership skills through hands-on experience in team building, activity planning, and fostering an inclusive environment. Trainees develop confidence and responsibility while learning to create engaging activities that promote teamwork and inclusivity among diverse groups. They also receive first aid certification, valid for 3 years, ensuring they are prepared to handle emergencies safely and effectively. Through mentorship and practical training, participants enhance their communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities, preparing them to take on future roles in camp settings and beyond. Campers that have successfully completed NPCA's LIT camp will be able to volunteer as Junior Leaders for the rest of the summer working toward high school community hours.
Time Traveller Academy July 14 – 18 | August 11 – 15
Ball’s Falls Conservation Area offers an inside look into the history of early settlers and the natural beauty of the Niagara escarpment. Campers step back in time and experience life as it was in the 1800’s, exploring the historic village, working heritage buildings, and scenic trails. Throughout the week, children engage in hands-on activities such as traditional crafts, blacksmithing, pioneer cooking, and old-fashioned games. They’ll learn about the importance of waterpower at the historic mill and try their hand at farming techniques from the past.
Wild Woods Explorers July 21 – 25 | August 18 – 22
An exciting action-packed week in the heart of the wilderness, this camp week is a place where young explorers can discover nature, develop survival skills, and build confidence through hands-on activities and teamwork. Campers will participate in activities such as shelter building, campfire building and cooking, basic navigation and everyone’s favourite – archery! Solving nature mysteries through scavenger hunts and wildlife tracking all while learning about conservation and park wildlife.
Ultimate Adventure August 25 – 29
Embark on a week filled with exploration, adventure, and discovery! Back by popular demand, this exciting session invites campers to dive into their favorite camp activities, forge new friendships, step outside their comfort zones, and create unforgettable memories. Campers will journey through the forest on an interactive scavenger hunt, sharpen their archery skills, design a unique team logo and cheer, and take on the thrilling Ultimate Adventure Challenge!
Summer Adventure Camps
at St. Johns Valley Centre Conservation Area
Running July 28 – August 29
Join the fun at St. Johns Valley Centre Conservation Area this summer as children ages 4-11 are invited for a season of fun, while totally immersed in nature!
Junior Campers ages 4-11 will get a chance to explore the forest, investigate our ecosystem, learn outdoor survival skills, conduct science experiments, roast marshmallows over a campfire, and so much more! See our descriptors of each week below.
Fee per Camper - $185/week*
Hours - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Extended Care Hours - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Extended Care Fee - $13 per family (morning, afternoon or full day available)
Camp Location - St Johns Valley Centre 3054 Orchard Hill Rd, Thorold, ON, L0S 1M0
Drop off and Pick Up Location
Holland Road, south side. More details will be shared ahead of time by email.
*Family discount applied on the second camper when booking two or more siblings in the same camp week.
SEE WEEKLY CAMP THEMES BELOW! Camp location
St Kateri / St Johns Valley Centre
3024 Orchard Hill Rd, Thorold, ON, L0S 1M0
Register for ST JOHNS CAMP Today
ECO-HEROES: JULY 28 – AUGUST 1
Ready to become a real-life Eco-Hero? The NPCA is dedicated to restoring, protecting and sharing conservation areas for everyone to enjoy. In this immersive week of adventure, campers will learn how to become a friend to the environment through hands-on eco-missions, and participate in several conservation initiatives at St. Johns Valley Centre alongside real-life Eco-Heroes - NPCA experts in restoration and ecology! This jam-packed week will create a sense of belonging, teamwork and responsibility in campers making them Niagara's next generation of Eco-Heroes.
FOREST EXPLORERS: AUGUST 4 – 8
Nature is full of hidden connections! From deer grazing in sun-dappled meadows to mushrooms breaking down fallen logs, every creature and plant plays a vital role in the great web of life. But did you know humans are part of this incredible network too? This week, campers will become Forest Explorers, hike beneath the towering trees of Niagara’s Carolinian forest, discovering the surprising ways plants, animals, and people are all intertwined. Through discovery, play, and adventure, campers will gain a deeper connection to nature—and leave with a new appreciation for the wild world that surrounds them! Are you ready to explore the Wild Wonders of the forest? Join the adventure!t!
SUPERHERO TRAINING ACADEMY: AUGUST 11 -15
Welcome to Superhero Training Academy, where young heroes-in-training will unlock their superpowers, build their bravery, and learn what it truly means to be a hero! At this action-packed summer camp, campers will step into a world of adventure, teamwork, and heroic challenges. They’ll design their own superhero identities, craft their own capes and masks, and train in agility, strength, and strategy through obstacle courses, relay races, and teamwork exercises. Throughout the week, they’ll complete hero missions, solve puzzles to outsmart villains, and work together to save the day! They’ll also learn about real-world heroes, from firefighters and scientists to community helpers, inspiring them to be heroes in their own lives.
ENCHANTED FOREST: AUGUST 18 – 22
Step into a world of magic and mystery as we journey through the Enchanted Forest! This week, campers will unleash their imagination while exploring the wonders of nature. From crafting nature potions and enchanted wands to uncovering the legends of fairy rings and learning about the healing powers of plants, every day will be filled with adventure. Through hands-on activities, storytelling, and forest exploration, campers will leave with a newfound sense of wonder and a deeper connection to the magic hidden in the natural world. Join us for a week of enchantment in the Mystic Woods!
WILDWOOD SURVIVORS: AUGUST 25 - 29
Every child has a wild side—and this week, they’ll put it to the test! Campers will dive into the ultimate outdoor adventure, learning essential wilderness survival skills like plant identification, fire-starting, and shelter building. As part of the Wildwood Survivors, they’ll craft tools from natural materials, master the art of archery, and roast sweet survival treats over the campfire. Through teamwork and hands-on challenges, campers will sharpen their outdoor skills, build confidence, and develop a deep connection to nature—all while having an unforgettable week of fun! Join the Wildwood Survivors and embrace the adventure!
PREPARING FOR THE ADVENTURE
- Campers must come prepared for an action-packed day in the great outdoors. Backpacks should include:
- Outdoor footwear (running shoes, and/or waterproof boots)
- Litter-less and nut-free lunch and snacks
- Refillable water bottle
- Summer gear: rain jacket, splash pants, sunscreen, hat, bug spray