CDCC Arts Camp!

Create. Express. Belong.

Camp Mission

At CDCC Arts Camp, our mission is to inspire creativity, diversity, confidence, and community for children ages 8 to 11 through immersive experiences in visual arts, drama, movement, and music. We aim to cultivate a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where young artists can explore their unique talents, build friendships, and express themselves freely, all within the vibrant cultural setting of the historic Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre (CDCC) – Carleton University’s downtown Arts, Performance and Learning Centre.

Program Highlights

CDCC Arts Camp offers an immersive, action-packed creative experience designed to inspire young artists; blending hands-on artistic exploration, professional artist engagement, and community connection. No arts experience required!

Each week includes:

• Hands-on visual arts
• Interactive movement and music sessions
• Expressive drama classes
• Professional artist showcase attendance
• Outdoor exploration time
• Daily snack options

Why Choose CDCC Arts Camp?

• Professional arts facilitators and visiting guest artists
• Historic downtown performance venue setting
• Community-focused environment connecting youth to Ottawa’s vibrant arts scene
• Balanced programming combining creativity, performance, and outdoor activity

Location

We acknowledge that the CDCC Arts Camp will be hosted on the traditional and unceded lands of the Algonquin nation.

All camp activities will be offered at Carleton University’s downtown Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre – a 1912 heritage building converted into an Arts, Performance and Learning Centre.

Main entrance located at 290 Lisgar Street in Ottawa, Ontario.

Camper Ages

The 2026 camp is designed for youth ages 8–11. Campers must be 8–11 years of age during their camp session. Families seeking programming for ages 12+ are encouraged to explore Carleton Music Summer Camps hosted at Carleton University main campus.

Scheduling and Registration

Please choose your preferred registration link accordingly. Campers may register for one week only during summer 2026.

Registration Fees

2026 Camp Rate: $435 per week per camper, hst not applicable.

The base camp rate does not include before or after extended care options that start from $36/week.

The base camp rate includes all art supplies, and professional showcase ticket fees.

Camp Handbook

Upon registration, families will receive a detailed Camp Handbook including:

• Welcome message
• First day information
• Daily schedule and special events
• Pick-up and drop-off procedures
• Sign-in and sign-out process
• Morning and afternoon extended care details
• What to bring (and what to leave at home)
• Health and safety guidelines
• Camp rules and behaviour expectations
• Artist and team profiles
• Emergency contact information
• Information about CDCC and its programming

Bullying and Inclusion

CDCC is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive camp environment.

Please review the CDCC Camper Behaviour Policy.

Please review the CDCC Camper & Staff Inclusion Policy.

Sign-In and Sign-Out

All campers must be signed in and out daily by a parent/guardian or designated adult.

Before and After Camp Care Services

Before Care:

• Available Tuesday–Friday, 7:30am-8:30am (4 days per week; no Mondays).
• Please note: Before care is not available on the first day of camp to allow for full camper registration.

After Care:

• Available Monday–Thursday, 4:30pm-5:30pm (4 days per week; no Fridays).
• Please note: After care is not available on the final day of camp.

Weekly before-care and after-care fees apply and may be added during registration.

Thank you for planning accordingly.

Pick-ups During Camp Sessions

We encourage campers to participate fully each day.

For emergency midday pick-up requests, please email or call emergency information provided upon registration.

Cancellations and Refunds

Full refunds are available for cancellations made in writing by Monday, June 1, 2026.

Refund requests must be submitted via email to cdcc.camp@carleton.ca and must include the camper’s name and registered week.

Refunds will not be issued for cancellations requests made after June 1, 2026.

Thank you for your understanding.

Lunches and Snacks

Families must provide a packed lunch daily.

CDCC Arts Camp provides optional morning and afternoon snacks (e.g., apples, oranges, nut-free granola bars, popcorn).

If these options are not suitable for your camper, please pack additional snacks.

Allergies and dietary restrictions can be noted during registration, but CDCC is not a dedicated allergy-friendly facility as the building is open to the general public.

Lost and Found

Please label all items brought to camp.

Lost items will be collected weekly and displayed on the final day for review. Items will be held onsite for up to one month after camp before being donated to a local charity.

Parking

CDCC does not manage the parking lot on the north side of the building.

Parking is enforced 24/7 at posted rates.

For details, please view: www.carleton.ca/cdcc/visiting

Camp Contact

You are welcome to contact cdcc.camp@carleton.ca with any additional inquiries. Email response times may vary during the camp’s off-season time.