Early morning online registration for Toronto’s CampTO summer programs began this week, prompting a wave of anxiety among parents seeking spots for their children.
CampTO serves children aged four to sixteen and offers more than 150 day camps across the city, many of which are subsidized for low‑income families.
Kelly Aizicowitz, a board member of a local non‑profit focused on urban livability, described the process as “needlessly stressful,” noting that families must submit applications and hope for acceptance amid intense competition.
The organization has proposed several measures to make camp access more equitable, including a plan to double CampTO capacity over the next five years by utilizing public facilities such as libraries, schools, and parks.
Expanding capacity could also create seasonal employment opportunities for youth, addressing the high demand for summer jobs among teenagers.
Aizicowitz highlighted the need for additional registration support, pointing out that many families, especially newcomers, face language barriers and lack reliable high‑speed internet.
City officials indicate that spots remain available for many camps despite the initial surge in applications.
The proposed reforms aim to create a more predictable registration system, ensure fairer allocation of camp spaces, and provide stronger assistance to families navigating the process.
