Brock Councillors back 2026 camp program after mixed results in annual report

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Recreation and Leisure Coordinator, Alicia Bagshaw, presented the Annual Camp Summary to Brock Township Council this month, outlining the successes, challenges, and financial outcomes of the 2025 camp season. Following the report, Council directed staff to move ahead with planning the 2026 March Break Camp, scheduled for March 9th to 13th. and the 2026 Summer Day Camp, running from June 29th to August 27th, to be held at the Foster Hewitt Memorial Community Centre and the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre.

The report noted, while the Township’s long-standing camp programs continue to be well-regarded, 2025 brought several new pressures. Ms. Bagshaw said, each year “brings new dynamics, new challenges, and new opportunities to strengthen what we offer,” emphasizing the importance of adapting programming to changing family needs.

One of the most significant areas of focus was inclusion support. Two campers required one-on-one assistance, for a total of three weeks, while others benefited from informal behavioural and social support. “Our goal is always to create a safe, welcoming environment for every child,” Ms. Bagshaw explained. “Having an Inclusion Counsellor available makes a meaningful difference in ensuring all kids can participate successfully.”

Two subsidy programs, offered jointly with the Region of Durham, also helped support families. Eleven children received Ontario Works subsidies, for 21 total weeks of camp, while three campers accessed the Region’s Child Care Fee Subsidy Program. The latter program requires no municipal contribution.

Campers enjoyed several special guest visits, in 2025, encompassing: demonstrations, from the Township Fire Department; an educational animal visit, from Zoo to You; and hands-on activities, with Kids in the Kitchen. While off-site camp trips were explored, staff determined, guest visits remained the most cost-effective option for the year.

Registration numbers were noticeably lower, in 2025, which staff believe is tied to the closure of Sunderland Memorial Arena and the introduction of individual day registration. Council added, the day-by-day option to provide more flexibility, but the new system proved complex. “Individual day registration helped some families,” Ms. Bagshaw said, “but it created administrative challenges and confusion, around availability. We’re asking Council for direction on whether to continue offering it.” March Break Camp saw strong numbers, reaching daily capacity of 35 campers and generating a wait list. However, Winter Camp was cancelled, due to facility scheduling conflicts. These same challenges make a 2025/2026 Winter Camp unfeasible. Staff, instead, plan to explore holiday-themed activities, for December 22nd and 23rd.

Financially, the 2025 camp season ended with a deficit of $15,382. By comparison, the 2024 season generated a small surplus. Staff have since developed a revised cost-recovery model, aiming for 70 percent registration capacity and earlier registration cutoffs. Camps which do not meet required numbers, may be cancelled, to prevent future losses. “We want these programs to remain both accessible and financially responsible,” Ms. Bagshaw noted.

With Sunderland Arena remaining under renovation, next summer, all proposed 2026 camp weeks would take place in Beaverton and Cannington. The draft schedule includes nine weeks of programming, with three short weeks, due to holidays.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, the report underscores both the value of the camp programs and the importance of careful planning. “Families across Brock rely on these camps,” he said. “This report shows where improvements are needed, and it gives us a realistic path forward, to deliver strong programs in 2026.”

Council formally received the report and directed staff to: proceed with March Break and Summer Camp planning, continue the two subsidy programs, explore special guest opportunities and potential off-site trips, and review the future of individual day registration, before decisions are finalized for next year.