Navigating the 2025 Montreal Camp Season: A Message for Families Affected by the YMCA Day Camp Closures
The recent news about the YMCA's difficult decision to close its day camps for the 2025 season has left many Montreal families in a challenging position. The YMCA has been a cornerstone of our community for generations, and we understand that this news is unsettling and creates a sudden, unexpected hurdle for parents planning their summer.
For thousands of families, summer camp is not just a "nice to have"—it's an essential part of their child's development, community, and the-all-important summer schedule. You are now faced with the sudden, stressful task of finding a new "summer home" for your child, one that you can trust and that your child will love.
At Laurus Summer Camp, we want to reassure you that there are outstanding, stable, and welcoming options available. As a fellow leader in Montreal's youth community, we are here to help.
To all the families now navigating this change, we are ready to welcome you.

We are incredibly proud to have been voted the '#1 Best Summer Camp in Montreal' in both 2023 and 2024. This isn't just an award to us; it's a reflection of the deep trust families place in our mission: to inspire, educate, and empower every child who walks through our doors.
For parents now looking for a new camp, here is what we promise:
What truly sets Laurus apart is our belief that summer camp should be both incredibly fun and an opportunity for real growth. We are a kids learning camp at heart.
Our unique Specific Training Activities (STAs) allow campers in our Youth Program (Ages 5-11) to choose a 75-minute specialty they want to focus on each day. These sessions are led by expert specialists, not just general counsellors. Whether your child is passionate about Robotics, Science, Cooking, Dance, or Multi-sport, they get to dive deep into their interests in a hands-on, engaging way.
Like the YMCA, we believe in long-term development. Our programs are not one-size-fits-all; they are specifically designed to grow with your child:
· Junior Program (Ages 3-4): A nurturing, safe, and playful first-camp experience with a high counsellor-to-camper ratio.
· Youth Program (Ages 5-11): The perfect blend of classic camp fun and our skill-building STAs.
· Leadership (Ages 12-14) & C.I.T. (Age 15): These Montreal youth programs are designed to mentor the next generation, building confidence, responsibility, and real-world skills.
Above all, Laurus is a community. Our high-energy counsellors are the heart of our camp, trained to create a positive, inclusive environment where every child feels like they belong. From daily smoothies to team sports, creative arts, and special themed weeks, we make sure that "learning" is always wrapped in fun, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories.
We know that changing camps is a big decision. We invite you to explore our programs, learn about our STAs, and see for yourself why Montreal families have named us their #1 choice. We are committed to serving our community and are ready to provide your child with a safe, enriching, and incredibly fun summer.
We are holding virtual and in-person open houses for new families to learn more and ask questions.
Let us show you the Laurus difference.
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