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
Offered June 29 - September 4, 2026
Join the fun in Lincoln at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area this summer! With opportunities for Junior Campers (ages 4-11), Youth Campers (ages 12-13), and teens (ages 14-17), Ball's Falls Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp has the perfect nature-based program in store for 2026!
JUNIOR CAMPERS (ages 4 - 11)
Offered Weekly
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.
Please note that children must have turned 4 on or before December 31, 2025 in order to participate.
YOUTH CAMPERS (ages 12 – 13)
Offered Weekly
Join a small-group team to become Eco-Heroes! This opportunity offers an exciting blend of adventure, leadership, and teamwork in a dynamic outdoor setting. This program is offered weekly, with programming aligned with the themes of Junior Camp.
SENIOR CAMPERS (ages 14 - 17)
This program is ONLY offered the week of July 6 – 10.
Looking to level-up? In this dynamic camp for teens, participants will become in Leaders-in-Training (LIT)! 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.
For more information:
programming@npca.ca or 905-788-3135 ext. 322 or 330
Camp location: Ball's Falls Conservation Area, 3292 Sixth Avenue, Lincoln, ON L0R 1S0
Fee per Camper: $195/week*
Leader-in-Training Camp: $365/week*
Camp Hours: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Extended Care Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Extended Care Fee: $13 per family per day
*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): June 29 - Sept 4
Eco-Heroes Camp runs weekly all summer!
This new opportunity offers an exciting blend of adventure, leadership, and teamwork in a dynamic outdoor setting. Designed for youth who are 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 and offering bigger challenges.
Through team-building exercises, outdoor adventures, and 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 Trail and Bruce Trail, exploring the natural wonder of the escarpment, Eco-Heroes will build skills and friendships that last a lifetime.
Leader In Training Camp (ages 14-17): July 6-10
This 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 will hear from NPCA Professionals on the work that the Conservation Authority is doing in hopes to inspire the next generation of Conservation Stewards.
Campers will 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 service hours requirements.
Nature Guardians: June 29 - July 3 | August 17 - 21
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.
Camp runs on Canada Day Holiday.
Wilderness Warriors: July 6 - 10 | August 3 - 7
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.
Camp runs on Civic Holiday Monday.
Time Traveller Academy: July 13 – 17 | August 10 – 14
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 20 – 24 | August 24 – 28
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: July 27 - 31 | August 31 - Sept 4
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
Offered August 3 - September 4, 2026
Join the outdoor fun in Thorold, at St. Johns Valley Centre Conservation Area this summer!
DETAILS
Camp Location: St. Johns Valley Centre, 3054 Orchard Hill Rd, Thorold, ON, L0S 1M0
Camp Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Extended Care Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Fee: $195 per camper per week*
Extended Care Fee: $13 per family per day
*Family discount applied on the second camper when booking two or more siblings in the same camp week.
SEE WEEKLY CAMP THEMES BELOW!
Register for ST JOHNS CAMP Today
Superhero Training Academy: August 3-7
Campers become heroes-in-training as they create superhero identities, design capes and masks, and take on action-packed missions. Through obstacle courses, team challenges, and problem-solving games, campers build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills—while learning that real heroes protect their communities and care for others.
Camp runs on Civic Holiday Monday.
Working for the Wild: August 10-14
Camper's step into the role of conservationists, discovering how plants, animals, and people are connected. Through hands-on stewardship projects, wildlife tracking, habitat restoration, water exploration, and activities alongside NPCA staff, campers learn how conservation areas are cared for—and how they can help protect the natural world.
Survive and Thrive: August 17-21
This hands-on outdoor skills week teaches campers how to thrive in nature through shelter building, fire safety, water purification, basic foraging, and team challenges. Campers build resilience, problem-solving skills, and strong friendships while gaining confidence and practical outdoor knowledge.
Mystic Woods: August 24-28
A week of imagination and discovery where storytelling meets nature. Campers explore forest legends, create nature-inspired crafts, learn about plants and their traditional uses, and take part in imaginative forest adventures. Mystic Woods encourages creativity, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the living forest.
Adventure Unleashed: August 31 - September 4
Fast-paced and high-energy, Adventure Unleashed is all about movement, teamwork, and classic camp fun. Campers take on obstacle courses, navigation games, mission-based hikes, and large-group challenges that push them to try new things, support their teammates, and build confidence—all while running hard and having fun outdoors.
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