Kettleby Valley is a traditional outdoor summer day camp and overnight camp located just west of Newmarket, Ontario. Since 1998, families from Newmarket and across York Region have chosen our 60-acre site on the Oak Ridges Moraine for forests, fields and waterfront that feel like a northern camp, without a long drive.

Our day camp program includes bus transportation, lunch each day and full days outside with a wide range of classic camp activities.

Traditional Outdoor Summer Camp Near Newmarket

If you’re searching for a summer camp near Newmarket, Kettleby Valley offers a northern-style experience that is close to home.

Quick facts for Newmarket families

Programs: Weekly Day Camp Sessions, 1-week or 2-week Overnight Camp Sessions, Leader-In-Training (LIT)

Ages: Campers who have completed Junior Kindergarten through grade 9

Location: 609 Kettleby Road in Kettleby, a short drive west of Newmarket

Setting: 60 acres of rolling hills, forest and waterfront on the Oak Ridges Moraine

What’s included: Bus transportation for Day Campers (where available), hot lunch and a full daily activity schedule

Focus: Outdoor play, independence, confidence and time away from screens

Other day camps in and around Newmarket may be based in gyms or community centres. Kettleby Valley gives campers space to explore the outdoors all day long.

You get early drop-off and late pick-up so it fits around work

Kettleby Valley is designed to work for busy families who live in and around Newmarket.

Many day campers use our supervised bus service to get to camp each day. Families not using the busing service have two drop off options. Our Before Care drop off is between 7:45 am and 8:00 am. Campers in this program will be engaged in a different activity each day. Activities may include Climbing Wall, Arts and Crafts, Archery, Low Ropes Course and Field Games. Those not needing to arrive as early can be dropped off between 8:45 am and 9:00 am, a discount will be applied to their account after registering.

For campers using our buses, arrival at camp is typically between 8:50 am and 9:05 am, so the first activity can begin at 9:30 am.

What Newmarket Campers Do at Kettleby Valley

Campers from Newmarket take part in a full schedule of mostly outdoor activities. A typical day includes five activity periods, plus lunch and snack breaks.

Waterfront activities can include swimming, canoeing and water games. Adventure activities may involve high and low ropes elements, climbing wall, bouldering, archery and crossbow. Campers also enjoy creative programs such as arts and crafts, pottery and leathercraft, and camp-wide games, along with outdoor skills like nature programs, camp craft and exploring our forest and trails.

These activities help campers build skills, try new things and discover what they enjoy most. By the end of the week, many Newmarket campers are more confident in the water, more comfortable outdoors and proud of what they have accomplished.

Camper Demographics

Kettleby Valley welcomes campers who have completed Junior Kindergarten through grade 9, with programs that grow as they do.

Day camp is available for children who have completed Junior Kindergarten up to grade 8. Overnight camp is offered for campers who have completed grades 3 to 8, depending on the session. The Leader-In-Training program is designed for teens who have completed grade 9.

Our team has experience working with campers who may benefit from extra support, and we focus on clear routines and expectations, patient, caring staff who get to know each camper and communication with parents before camp to understand what each child needs.

Why Families Choose Kettleby Valley

Many of our day and overnight campers come from Newmarket, Aurora and other nearby communities year after year. Families tell us they choose Kettleby Valley because it feels like a northern overnight camp, but it is close enough for day camp or a short drive.

Campers spend most of the day outside, not in a gym or classroom. Lunch is provided each day, simplifying summer routines for parents. Staff are carefully selected, well trained and supported throughout the season. The program helps children build resilience, independence and confidence while they have fun with friends.

Being active and outdoors leads to benefits that last beyond the summer. We believe a quality outdoor camp program improves both the physical and mental health of everyone who participates.

A Typical Day for a Camper from Newmarket

For day campers who take the bus from Newmarket, buses generally arrive between 8:45 am and 9:15 am and campers join their groups on site. The first activity period begins at 9:30 am.

During the morning, campers take part in two or three activity periods. Lunch for our younger campers is at 11:30 am and 12:30 pm for older campers. The afternoon includes two or three more activity periods, there is a recreational swim period for all campers. The final activity wraps up at approximately 3:30 pm, and campers prepare to go home. Buses typically depart around 4:00 pm.

Campers who are dropped off by parents can take advantage of the extended hours on site from 7:45 am to 5:00 pm.

Next Steps for Newmarket Families

If you live in or near Newmarket and are looking for a traditional outdoor summer camp with bus transportation, and a wide range of activities, we would be happy to help you decide if Kettleby Valley is the right choice.

You can learn more about our Day Camp and Overnight Camp programs, review Sessions and Fees and read about Meals at Kettleby Valley Camp. You can also view a our Typical Camp Day.

When you are ready, visit our registration page to secure a spot. If you have questions specific to your family or your child’s needs, please contact our office. We can confirm transportation options for your neighbourhood and help you choose the best session for your camper.