Blog

August 17 - 21 Supplies List

August 13, 2020

We recommend having these easy to find items available to ensure kids have the materials they need to enjoy the Backyard Camp experience.

Summer Shopping Guide - Gives 10% to Kids Help Phone!

August 7, 2020

Our friends at Indigo have generously offered to give 10% from our Summer Shopping Guide to help support Kids Help Phone!

The Social Benefits of Esports for Kids

August 7, 2020

While we would like to see our kids spend time engaging in outdoor activities this summer, don't be quick to discount the emotional and mental health benefits esports offers during these unique times as video game companies continue to focus on games' social components.

Meet The "Teachers," Backyard Camp's Drivetrain

August 7, 2020

The volunteers that bring Backyard Camp to life each day wear many hats. If you view Backyard Camp as a car made of many parts, "The Teachers" are really the drivetrain that powers the program.

Share your favourite activities

August 7, 2020

Let the Backyard Camp community know about your own favourite activities to do with your kids using #BYCChallenge

Kids Summer Reading List Part 1

July 29, 2020

Whether it's a rainy day, or on the beach or in the park, keep your kids' minds engaged and away from the screens for a while. Part 1 of our favourite children's books.

Backyard Camp Faces: Mark Silver

July 28, 2020

As a father of 3, technology executive and faculty at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Mark Silver already wears many hats. So it may seem surprising that Silver decided to don another by co-founding a camp program for kids. For Silver, though, his decision hinged more on necessity than choice.

Support Kids Help Phone

July 27, 2020

Fundraising will be used to educate families and youth across Canada about the importance of mental health and well-being while drawing awareness to Kids Help Phone's life changing and saving services and resources.

Backyard Camp teams up with Kids Help Phone

July 27, 2020

Backyard Camp teams up with Kids Help Phone to raise funds, awareness and promote summer fun‍ with $25,000 pledge to help families navigate unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

GTA Small Business Spotlight

July 23, 2020

Backyard Camp is committed to providing information and ideas for parents to help plan and organize their summers. As part of this commitment, we are excited to spotlight some of our favourite small businesses to support the local community and inspire Backyard Camp families. ‍

5 Cool Activities To Beat the Heat This Week

July 22, 2020

It's hot out there, Backyard Camp nation. While some are cottaging on lakes or cooling off in their pools, the rest of us need to get creative in getting our kids out the door and active while keeping them cool (not to mention you).

Bird Watching, a Natural Pastime

July 19, 2020

Bird watching, or birding, has been a favourite summertime family activity for generations. We dive into why it has withstood the test of time and tips you can use to bird watch in Canada, home to some of the most beautiful species in the world!

The Beautiful Game

July 16, 2020

The world's most popular sport has had the highest child participation in Canada for a long time. has been the sport with the highest participation in Canada. What makes this sport the "Beautiful Game"?

Backyard Camp Faces: Erin Elfassy

July 14, 2020

Erin Elfassy is both a Backyard Camp founding parent and volunteer. Recently, we caught up with Erin to learn a little more about her background, role in Backyard Camp, and what makes the camp a fun, successful program for both kids and parents.

Reach for the Stars

July 9, 2020

The universe has captivated human beings for thousands of years. It's no surprise that stargazing is a common summertime activity, it's one of our personal favourites and we explain why.

Free daily email programming guide for parents

July 8, 2020

Backyard Camp was started just a few weeks ago when a group of parents started asking the question - “What are we going to do with our kids if summer camps are cancelled as a result of Covid 19?”

Ball is Life

July 8, 2020

Basketball is the fastest growing sport in Canada. Our thoughts behind this fast paced and wonderful game and why it's a perfect outdoor activity for the kids this summer.

Overnight Family Retreat

July 6, 2020

Looking for a change of scenery this summer? Elite Camps offers Family Retreats where your family can experience the beauty of the Bruce Peninsula and everything that the Elite Camps Outdoor Leadership Centre has to offer.

Purchase arts & crafts, educational and STEM activities

July 3, 2020

Throughout the summer we’ll be featuring a number of fun, engaging and entertaining products from our friends at Super Toy

Let's turn lemons into lemonade

July 1, 2020

Let's turn the lemons of summer 2020 into lemonade and help ensure kids have a great summer!

Backyard Camp Launches Esports Experience for Families

July 1, 2020

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Backyard Camp Esports League powered by Mission Control.

Backyard camp to deliver daily camp programming

June 22, 2020

Parents and caregivers can reboot the summer camp experience at home with today’s launch of Backyard Camp – a new, free service delivering daily activities and customizable programs by email aimed at keeping kids active and engaged all summer long.

Creating a fun obstacle course

June 12, 2020

Whether it's indoors or outdoors, an obstacle course is an easy way for children to stay active and develop new skills.