Acorn Adventures: 2025-2026 PA Day Camp for Kids (Ages 5–8)
Play. Connect. Grow.
Looking for something meaningful, fun, and enriching for your child to do on PA Days?
Play. Connect. Grow. Looking for something meaningful, fun, and enriching for your child to do on PA Days?
Our PA Day Camps at Acorn Counselling are the perfect mix of creativity, connection, and play, with a therapeutic twist.
Led by child and family therapists, our camps can help young kids build confidence, social- emotional skills, and friendships, all in a warm and welcoming environment. Think art, movement, nature-based activities, and imaginative games, all thoughtfully designed with your child’s development in mind.
Why Choose a Therapy-Informed Camp?
Unlike traditional day camps, our program is rooted in child development and social emotional learning. Through guided play, co-regulation, and skill-building activities, kids will explore:
- Emotional regulation and expression
- Confidence and independence
- Friendship and cooperation
- Mindfulness and calming strategies
Whether your child is shy, sensitive, silly, or spirited, there’s space for them here.
Who Is This Camp For?
This camp is designed for children ages 5–8 who benefit from a little extra support in navigating big feelings, social dynamics, or changes in routine. Whether your child is shy, sensitive, energetic, or simply still developing key emotional and social skills, this group offers a gentle, supportive space to grow. It may be especially helpful for kids who:
- Struggle with emotional regulation or transitions
- Are working on confidence, flexibility, or independence
- Are developing early social skills like taking turns, joining in play, or reading social cues
- Benefit from smaller group sizes
- Are curious, creative, and thrive in hands-on, play based learning environments
2025–2026 Camp Dates & Themes
Planning ahead? We’ve got you covered for the whole school year. Each PA Day features a unique theme to spark creativity, build emotional awareness, and foster connection.
Friday September 19, 2025
Welcome to the Jungle!
Kick off the year with bold animal-themed fun that helps kids explore identity, belonging, and connection. Through jungle games, animal yoga, and imaginative play, children will begin to name their strengths, understand what makes them unique, and practice social skills in a safe, playful environment.
$80 per child
Friday October 24, 2025
Superhero Academy
Every child has inner strengths, and this camp day helps them discover and develop theirs! With movement-based challenges, team games, and superhero-themed crafts, kids will learn about resilience, flexible thinking, and how to keep trying even when something feels hard.
$80 per child
Friday November 21 2025
Big Feelings, Little Monsters
From silly to shy, grumpy to giggly, kids will meet playful “feelings monsters” that bring emotions to life. Through art, storytelling, and sensory activities, we’ll teach emotional literacy: helping children identify, express, and care for their feelings with compassion and curiosity.
$80 per child
Friday January 23 2026
Warm Hearts, Cool Days
This cozy winter session focuses on empathy, kindness, and co-regulation. Through group activities, collaborative crafts, and calming sensory stations, kids will explore how to care for themselves and others, especially when emotions run high or friendships feel tricky.
$80 per child
Friday March 6 2026
Art From the Heart
Self-expression builds confidence, and this day is all about helping kids share their inner world through creative outlets. Music, movement, and art activities will help children explore identity, emotions, and boundaries in a hands-on, regulation-supportive way.
$80 per child
Friday April 17 2026
Growing Me
As spring blooms, so do emotional and cognitive skills! In this reflective and gentle session, kids will explore how their thoughts and feelings grow and shift over time. Through calming mindfulness activities, growth-themed art, and guided conversations, we’ll help children build self-awareness and pride in their personal development.
$80 per child
Friday June 5 2026
Camp Kindness Adventure
We’ll wrap up the PA Day series with a joyful celebration of everything we’ve learned! A day full of movement games, scavenger hunts, and team challenges will help kids practice inclusion, kindness, and friendship while reflecting on the social-emotional tools they’ve built throughout the year.
$80 per child
PA Day Package
2025-2026 School Year Bundle
Looking for consistency and convenience? This option guarantees your child’s spot all year long and supports ongoing social-emotional growth in a familiar, supportive setting.
Register for all PA Day Camps for a discounted rate of $500 per child.
Payment Details
Once we receive your registration form we will be in touch with an invoice for a $25 (single session) $150 (Bundle) non-refundable deposit to secure your child’s spot. Because space is limited, the deposit helps us thoughtfully prepare staffing, materials, and activities, while also ensuring that each spot is reserved for families who are excited to attend. If you have any questions, or concerns about the deposit, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to chat and find ways to support Acorn family.
Hosted at Acorn Counselling
Acorn Counselling is a child and family therapy practice in Hamilton specializing in social-emotional development and mental wellness. Our PA Day Camps offer the same safe, supportive environment kids experience in therapy—infused with creativity, connection, and a whole lot of fun.
Each camp includes:
· Active movement and physical play
· Hands-on activities and creative projects
· Something special to take home and share
If you have any questions about the group before registering, please don’t hesitate to connect with us directly, we’re always happy to chat!
Meet Your Facilitator!
I’m Charlene Forde-Smith, a mental health counsellor who loves helping kids tap into their inner superpowers—building confidence, resilience, and emotional smarts along the way.
I’m Charlene Forde-Smith, a mental health counsellor who loves helping kids tap into their inner superpowers—building confidence, resilience, and emotional smarts along the way.
Not sure if group will work for you right now?
We continue to offer individual child, youth and parent counselling. Get in touch to discuss what services will best meet your needs.
