Acorn Adventures: 2026 Half-Day Summer Camp (Ages 5-8)
Play. Connect. Grow.
Looking for something meaningful, fun, and enriching for your child to do this summer?
Play. Connect. Grow. Looking for something meaningful, fun, and enriching for your child to do this summer?
Our Half-Day Therapeutic Camps offer the perfect balance of creativity, connection, and skill-building, all within a small, supportive group setting.
Led by child and family therapists, these week-long morning camps are designed to help children strengthen emotional regulation, build confidence, and develop positive peer relationships, all while having fun.
Think art, movement, collaborative games, storytelling, and hands-on activities, thoughtfully designed with your child’s emotional 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
- Flexible thinking and frustration tolerance
- Mindfulness and calming strategies
Every activity is designed with intention, blending fun with meaningful skill development.
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
This camp is especially valuable for children who are already participating in individual therapy. It provides a unique opportunity to practice therapy skills in a supported group setting. Rather than only discussing coping tools during a 50-minute session, children are able to apply regulation strategies, communication skills, and problem-solving tools in the moment, with trained therapists present to coach and reinforce those skills as situations naturally unfold. It acts as a meaningful extension of the therapeutic process.
A Small Group with Big Support
Our half-day format is ideal for younger children who benefit from structured mornings while still having time to rest and recharge at home in the afternoon. To preserve a therapeutic environment:
- Enrollment is intentionally limited
- High facilitator-to-child ratio
- Led by trained mental health professionals
- Predictable daily structure
- Individualized support embedded into group activities
Children are supported in real-time as social moments and emotional challenges arise, turning everyday interactions into opportunities for growth.
Summer 2026 Camp Dates
Summer 2026
We are offering two week-long half day therapeutic camp sessions:
- July 13–17, 2026 (9am-12:00pm)
- August 17–21, 2026 (9am-12:00pm)
Each week provides a cohesive, thoughtfully designed therapeutic experience, with activities that build upon one another throughout the week.
Payment Details
Acorn Adventures is $875 per camp week. Spots are limited to maintain the quality and therapeutic integrity of the group. Each morning of camp provides three hours of therapeutic support within a structured peer environment at the same hourly rate. Families receive immersive, experiential skill-building time across five consecutive days, allowing children to deepen regulation skills, social confidence, and real-world application of therapeutic tools.
Once we receive your registration form we will be in touch with an invoice for a $300 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?Â
We continue to offer individual child, youth and parent counselling. Get in touch to discuss what services will best meet your needs.Â