It's that time of year again for us parents: Time to plan summer in the Kingston area. From STEM programs to arts and theatre, overnight camps to budget-friendly day camps, we've rounded up top options in Kingston, Napanee, and Loyalist Township—organized by theme to help you find the perfect fit.

👩‍🔬 STEM & STEAM Summer Camps

Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)
Introduce your child to real-world problem-solving at this Queen’s University camp for Grades 4–11.
Ages: 10–17 

Science Quest – Queen’s University
Inspire young scientists with hands-on STEM fun.
Ages: 4–17

STEM Camp
Offered in Kingston, Napanee, and over 50 Ontario locations, this day camp makes science, tech, and engineering fun.
Ages: 5–13

Camp STEAM
Explore robotics, coding, and animation in an engaging, collaborative setting.
Ages: 5–14 

Kingston STEAMworks
A local favourite for kids who love to tinker, build, and create.
Ages: 6–12

🎨 Arts, Theatre & Music Camps in Kingston

Agnes Art Camp – Queen’s University
Held at Queen’s University's renowned Agnes Etherington Art Centre, campers explore sculpture, painting, and more.
Ages: 6–12

Young Artists of Kingston
A long-standing local program where kids express themselves through themed art projects and mixed media.
Ages: 5–11

Blue Canoe Productions
Musical theatre camps that build confidence through singing, dancing, and acting.
Ages: 4–12

NSAA Theatre Camps
Kids perform in real productions at the Domino Theatre with this drama-focused program.
Ages: 6–13

The Make Station
Daily themed arts and crafts designed to spark creativity.
Ages: 5–12

ASUS Summer Camps
Run by Queen’s students, this not-for-profit camp combines art, education, and Ontario curriculum-aligned themes.
Ages: 4–12

Mulberry Waldorf School Camps
Nature-themed weeks like Fantasy, Music, and Olympics bring Waldorf-style education to summer fun.
Ages: 4–11

Cantabile Choirs
Mini Maestros and Rising Stars programs help kids explore music through movement and song.
Ages: 5–12

Stabback Music Studio
Music, art, and theatre collide in these creative camps.
Ages: 6–14

Leisa’s School of Dance
From tap to hip hop, this camp keeps kids moving.
All levels welcome

🌳 Outdoor & Overnight Summer Camps

Camp Oconto
All-girls traditional overnight camp north of Kingston, with over 20 activities.
Ages: 4–16

Camp Davern
A classic co-ed overnight camp with a focus on positivity and exploration.
Ages: 7–16

Tall Ships Adventure
Teens set sail on real tall ships, learning leadership, resilience, and teamwork.
Ages: 12–18

🏅 Sports & Active Camps

Kingston Racquet Centre
Newly opened dome facility with tennis, pickleball, and multisport fun.
Ages: 5–15

YMCA Kingston
Rowing, aquatics, science, dance, and leadership camps in a safe and welcoming environment.
All ages

Kingston Aeros Trampoline Club
Bounce into summer with Olympic trampolines and energetic instructors.
Ages: 4–12

Greater Napanee Martial Arts-Themed Camp
Themes like Wild Water, Disney Discovery, and Ultimate Sports make each week fresh and fun.
Ages: 5–12 | Pre/post care available | Weekly themes: View here

💙 Affordable Family-Friendly Options

BGC South East Summer Camps
With 150+ programs across Kingston, Napanee, Amherstview, and Bath, BGC offers:

• Science & Tech

• Leadership

• Sports & Movement

• Literacy Enrichment

Ages: JK to 15 | Pre/post care available

📍 Bonus Tip: Local Community Camps

Check out municipal websites, rec centres, and school boards in your area for budget-friendly day camps close to home.

Do you know of more great camps in the area that we forgot to mention? Let me know and I will add them to the list! 

If you live in the area, we hope you found this useful, and that you and your children have a great summer!

If you're thinking of moving to the area, we’d love to help. We specialize in helping families find the right home for their lifestyle. Contact us and let’s find a place that keeps your kids close to the action—and gives you peace of mind. 

Are you considering using your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to purchase a home in the Kingston area? Understanding the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) can be a valuable step in making homeownership more attainable.

What is the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)?

The HBP is a federal program that allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $60,000 (increased from $35,000 for withdrawals made after April 16, 2024) from their RRSPs to buy or build a qualifying home. For couples, this means a potential combined withdrawal of $120,000. The withdrawn amount is not taxed, provided it's repaid into the RRSP within a 15-year period.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the HBP, you must:

1. Be a Canadian resident at the time of withdrawal and up to the time a qualifying home is bought or built.

2. Meet the definition of a first-time homebuyer, meaning you have not owned and occupied a home in the previous four calendar years, excluding the 30 days before withdrawal.

3. Have a written agreement to buy or build a qualifying home for yourself or a related person with a disability.

4. Intend to occupy the home as your principal residence within one year of purchase or construction.

Even if you or your spouse have previously owned a home, you may still be considered a first-time homebuyer if certain conditions are met.

How to Withdraw from Your RRSP Under the HBP

Once you've confirmed your eligibility and have a purchase agreement in place, follow these steps:

1. Complete Form T1036: Fill out the "Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) Request to Withdraw Funds from an RRSP" form.

2. Submit to Your RRSP Issuer: Provide the completed form to your RRSP provider, who will process the withdrawal.

3. Receive Funds: The funds will be released to you without withholding taxes.

Ensure that the RRSP funds you plan to withdraw have been in the account for at least 90 days to avoid potential tax implications.

Repayment Terms

Repaying the withdrawn amount is crucial to avoid tax penalties. Here's how it works:

1. Repayment Period: Normally, you have 15 years to repay the amount, with the first payment due two years after the withdrawal. However, for withdrawals made between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025, the repayment period starts after five years instead of two.

2. Annual Payments: Each year, repay at least 1/15 of the withdrawn amount.

3. Missed Payments: If you miss a payment, the outstanding amount for that year will be added to your taxable income.

For withdrawals made between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025, the start of the repayment period is extended to five years.

Pros and Cons of Using the Home Buyers Program
Pros:

1. Interest-Free Loan: Access your RRSP funds without interest charges.

2. Boosted Down Payment: Increase your down payment, potentially reducing mortgage default insurance premiums.

Cons:

1. Repayment Obligation: Mandatory repayments over 15 years.

2. Opportunity Cost: Withdrawn funds lose potential investment growth during the repayment period.

3. Discipline Required: Strict adherence to the repayment schedule is essential to avoid tax consequences.

Consult with Professionals

While the HBP offers significant advantages, it's essential to consult with financial advisors, mortgage professionals, or tax professionals to understand the full implications based on your personal circumstances. All of the information can be found on the canada.ca website, but we know sometimes it needs a bit of an explanation. At Lynn & Lorna Real Estate, we're committed to guiding you through every step of your home buying journey in the Kingston area. Whether you're looking to discuss the HBP, have questions about the local market, or looking for a mortgage specialist recommendation, don't hesitate to reach out.