Recreation Subsidies
York Region offers subsidies for recreation programs, day camps and youth overnight camps. Recreation programs and day camp subsidies provide children from families with low income the ability to take part in programs offered by the municipal recreation departments. The youth overnight camp funding helps eligible youth ages 12 to 17 attend an approved overnight camp.
The subsidies that are available are:
- Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY)
- Summer day camp funding
- Youth overnight camp funding
York Region does not guarantee space in programs or camps.
PLAY Program - Positive Leisure Activities for Youth
The 2024 PLAY period is now closed. Applications for the 2025 PLAY period will open January 8, 2025.
The PLAY program is available to eligible families to assist children ages four to 18 and single parents to access municipal recreation programs in the fall, winter, spring and summer.
Eligibility
Families who live in York Region, who have children and meet at least one of the following criteria may be eligible:
- Receive Rent Subsidy, STAR and COHB
- Receive Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
- Receive Child Care Fee Subsidy with an annual income of $43,000 or less
How to Apply
Applications only need to be submitted once per calendar year. If you received funding in a previous calendar year, you will need to submit a new application for the current year. You can apply online or by telephone:
- Online Application for Recreation Subsidy
- Call: Access York at 1-877-464-9675 and ask about the PLAY program
Due to a high volume of telephone inquiries, you may experience longer wait times.
You will receive confirmation of your eligibility along with detailed municipal program registration instructions from York Region if your application is approved. Once you are approved, please check with your local municipality for program registration dates.
Please review the Questions and Answers Guide for PLAY program for more information about the application process.
Summer Day Camp Subsidy
Registration for 2024 summer camp is now closed. Applications for 2025 summer day camp will open January 2025.
Summer day camp subsidy is available for children ages four to 12 to attend municipal camps that operate during July and August. The approval period for the summer day camp subsidy is from January to August.
Eligibility
Families who live in York Region, who have children and meet at least one of the following criteria may be eligible:
- Receive Rent Subsidy, STAR and COHB
- Receive Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
- Families receiving Child Care Fee Subsidy must contact their Customer Service Representative to discuss their summer camp options.
How to Apply
Applications only need to be submitted once per calendar year. If you received funding in a previous calendar year, you will need to submit a new application for the current year. You can apply online or by telephone:
- Online Application for Recreation Subsidy
- Call: Access York at 1-877-464-9675 and ask about the PLAY program
Due to a high volume of telephone inquiries, you may experience longer wait times.
You will receive confirmation of your eligibility along with detailed municipal program registration instructions from York Region if your application is approved. Once you are approved, please check with your local municipality for program registration dates.
Please review the Questions and Answers Guide for PLAY program for more information about the application process.
Youth Overnight Camp
Registration for 2024 summer camp is now closed. Applications for 2025 summer day camp will open January 2025.
Youth overnight camp subsidy is for children ages 12 to 17 and is available for camps during July and August.
Eligibility
Families who live in York Region, who have children and meet at least one of the following criteria may be eligible:
- Receive Rent Subsidy, STAR and COHB
- Live in one of the following communities, Housing York Inc., York Region non-profit Housing, Co-operative Housing Community in York Region
- Receive Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
- Receive Child Care Fee Subsidy with an annual income of $43,000 or less
Aquatic Leadership Programs
Become a lifeguard and/or swim instructor through eligible PLAY-funded aquatic leadership programs.
Aquatic leadership programs offer a unique opportunity for eligible youth and single parents to gain the skills needed to become recreation staff. Municipal recreation jobs offer rewarding seasonal part-time job opportunities with flexible hours and room for career growth.
Approved Programs:
- Ranger, Rookie and Star Patrol
- Bronze Star
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Medallion with Emergency First Aid
- Emergency First Aid
- Bronze Cross
- Bronze Cross with Standard First Aid
- Standard First Aid
- Assistant Instructor
- National Lifeguard Certificate
- National Lifeguard Instructor; or its equivalent, as approved by the Region
Check out this resource from the Lifesaving Society – Canada for details on how to become a lifeguard.
Eligibility
Family members who are eligible for PLAY may access an unlimited number of approved leadership programs each season, regardless of their individual or combined cost. Unlimited leadership programs cannot be combined with regular recreation program enrollments.
How to Apply
Please see the application instructions in the PLAY section to apply for PLAY funding. Detailed registration instructions will be provided if you are eligible for PLAY funding.
Once you are approved for PLAY, please check with your local municipality for program availability and registration dates. To work as a lifeguard or swim instructor in York Region, please check with your local municipality for a detailed list of job requirements and certifications.
Leadership Training Programs
York Region offers recreation subsidies to eligible youth to receive various certifications through local municipalities, including aquatic leadership programs, counsellor in training, babysitter courses and more. Leadership training is a great way to build confidence, meet new people and even help secure a part-time job. Through PLAY, eligible youth and single parents can enroll in the following leadership training opportunities and receive certifications:
- Home Alone/Safe at Home
- Babysitter’s Course
- Counsellor or Leader in Training programs
- High Five certification training
- Volunteer Leadership Program (City of Vaughan)
- Additional programs may be approved in consultation with municipal recreation departments
Eligibility
Family members who are eligible for PLAY may access an unlimited number of approved leadership programs each season, regardless of their individual or combined cost. Unlimited leadership programs cannot be combined with regular recreation program enrollments.
How to Apply
Please see the application instructions in the PLAY section to apply for PLAY funding. Detailed registration instructions will be provided if you are eligible for PLAY funding.
Once you are approved for PLAY, please check with your local municipality for program availability and registration dates.
Related Resources
- Visit EarlyON Child and Family Programs for free support services and programs to parents, caregivers and their children from birth to six years old in York Region
- Visit your local municipality for parks and recreational programs
- Government of Canada Benefits Finder
