Y Camps Ottawa

10/15/2026

They’re back!
Synopsys Canada employees returned to Y Outdoor Centre/YMCA Camp Otonabee in Ottawa for another year of site maintenance and improvement projects. From clearing brush around buildings and removing debris from the forest, to cleaning shared spaces and raking rocks from roadways, these volunteers tackled important upkeep across the camp. These hands-on efforts helped maintain the safety, accessibility, and overall condition of this cherished community space.

Thank you to Synopsys, and Volunteer Canada for their continued partnership in making this volunteer day possible.

They’re back! Synopsys Canada employees returned to YMCA Camp Otonabee in Ottawa this Season of Service, for another year of site maintenance and improvement projects.

From clearing brush around buildings and removing debris from the forest, to cleaning shared spaces and raking rocks from roadways, these volunteers tackled important upkeep across the camp.

These hands-on efforts helped maintain the safety, accessibility, and overall condition of this cherished community space. YMCA Camp Otonabee provides local youth and families with opportunities for connection, learning, and personal growth in a natural setting.

Thank you to YMCA of the National Capital Region, Y Camps Ottawa, Synopsys, and Points of Light for their continued partnership in making this volunteer day possible.



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Ils sont de retour ! Les employés de Synopsys Canada sont retournés au Camp Otonabee du YMCA à Ottawa cette saison de service, pour une nouvelle année de projets d’entretien et d’amélioration du site.

Qu’il s’agisse de débroussailler les bâtiments et d’enlever les débris de la forêt, de nettoyer des espaces partagés ou de ramasser des pierres sur les routes, ces bénévoles ont réalisé d’importants travaux d’entretien partout sur le site.

Ces efforts pratiques ont contribué à maintenir la sécurité, l’accessibilité et l’état général de cet espace communautaire si précieux. Le Camp Otonabee offre aux jeunes et aux familles de la région des occasions de créer des liens, d’apprendre et de s’épanouir dans un cadre naturel.

Merci à YMCA of the National Capital Region, Y Camps Ottawa, Synopsys et Points of Light pour leur partenariat continu qui a permis d'organiser cette journée de bénévolat.

10/14/2026

Introducing the YMCA Orléans Job Fair employers!

Alterna Savings, Farm Boy, OC Transpo, RBC, Potvin Construction, and more local employers are ready to meet you. Explore opportunities in industries such as health care, hospitality, financial services, construction, transportation, child care, and retail.

You'll also discover training programs and community services ready to help you thrive.

Join us on at Place d'Orléans on Thursday, October 15 from 11AM-3PM. Amission is free.

Your next opportunity could be here!

Register today: https://www.ymcaottawa.ca/jobfair-2026

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Découvrez les employeurs présents au Salon de l’emploi du YMCA à Orléans!

Alterna Savings, Farm Boy, OC Transpo, RBC, Potvin Construction et plusieurs autres employeurs de la région sont prêts à vous rencontrer! Explorez des possibilités d’emploi dans des secteurs comme les soins de santé, l’hôtellerie et la restauration, les services financiers, la construction, le transport, la garde d’enfants et le commerce de détail.

Vous pourrez également découvrir des programmes de formation et des services communautaires qui vous aideront à vous épanouir.

Joignez-vous à nous à la Place d’Orléans le jeudi 15 octobre, de 11 h à 15 h. L’entrée est gratuite.

Votre prochaine occasion pourrait se trouver ici!

Inscrivez-vous dès aujourd’hui : https://www.ymcaottawa.ca/fr/salonemploi-2026

10/08/2026

🎃🍂 Looking for Halloween fun the whole family can enjoy? 🍂🎃

Join us on Saturday, October 31 at the Y Outdoor Centre for Trail & Treat: A Halloween Family Fun Day!

Enjoy a day filled with outdoor adventures, seasonal treats, and spooky (but not scary!) fun for all ages, including:

🏹 Archery
👻 Spooky Nature Trail
🎃 Pumpkin Carving & Painting
🧪 Potion Station
🎨 Face Painting & Seasonal Crafts
📸 Family Photo Area
🔥 Campfire with Hot Apple C***r & Hot Chocolate
🕸️ Haunted House Maze
🎲 Halloween Games

Plus, cookies, popcorn, and candy bags will be available for purchase!

📅 October 31, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
📍 Y Outdoor Centre, Dunrobin
💲 Tickets from $0-$25

❤️ All proceeds support YMCA Camps and Outdoor Education programming.

🎟️ Spots are limited, so don't wait!

👉 Register today: https://www.ymcaottawa.ca/trail-and-treat

🎃👻🍁

10/08/2026

We let our inner artists shine at our Active Together social clubs! 🎶🎨🧶

Introducing YMCA Active Together, a new initiative with the goal of helping older adults stay active, connected, and engaged.

As part of this, we're hosting free twice-monthly social clubs at our centres, with fun activities, guest speakers, and great company. It's open to everyone 55+. No YMCA membership required.

In September, we kicked things off with music jams, crocheting, and a paint night. It was wonderful to see participants meet new people and share their creativity!

Here's what's coming up in October:

🍲 EAT WELL, AGE WELL
Learn practical tips about nutrition and healthy aging.
Taggart Family Y | October 14 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Clarence-Rockland Y | October 14 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

🖌️ UNLEASH YOUR INNER ARTIST
Follow painting instructions and create your own masterpiece.
Taggart Family Y | October 21 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

🪝 GET HOOKED ON CROCHET
A relaxing morning of crochet, conversation, and good company.
Clarence-Rockland Y | October 28 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

No need to RSVP. Just show up and have a good time. We'll see you there!

Learn more about Active Together on our website: https://www.ymcaottawa.ca/activetogether

10/07/2026

When it comes to ending homelessness, we can't go fast enough 🏘️👟

Our YMCA Housing Services team and friends (Team 'Y Not') recently took part in the 2026 Race to End Homelessness, organized by the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa.

As a member of the alliance, we believe that everyone in our city deserves a safe, stable place to live. We're taking steps every day to help meet this need.

It was so motivating to see our community come together around this shared vision. Let's keep working together to make it a reality. 🙌

10/06/2026

81 new Canadian citizens from 27 countries, right here at the YMCA 🇨🇦

We were honoured to host a citizenship ceremony at the Taggart Family YMCA, organized by our Newcomer Services team.

People of all ages, from kids to seniors, were surrounded by loved ones and supporters as they took the Oath of Citizenship. While each person's journey is different, it is their strength and perseverance that led them to this moment. That's something to take pride in.

Thank you to everyone who helped facilitate the event, including Robert Thirsk, Sophie Cisse, Amevi Aziato, Karine ElHajjar, Corporal Craig Kennedy, Elder Irene Compton, Sana Belhadad, Trevor McAlmont, and IRCC.

Thank you to Vanesbright for marking this occasion with a beautiful vocal performance.

Congratulations to our new citizens! 🍁

10/05/2026

Walking together in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation 🧡

On September 30, YMCA Employment and Newcomer Services / Services d’emploi et aux nouveaux arrivants du YMCA invited our newcomer community to join us for a walk in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A heartfelt thank you to the A7G - Assembly of Seven Generations for guiding us on this meaningful tour through downtown Ottawa.

Along Sparks Street and throughout the downtown core, A7G shared stories connected to the land, the 94 Calls to Action, and places that have changed or disappeared as Ottawa has evolved — reminding us that even as our surroundings change, their history remains.

For newcomers, this was an opportunity to explore their new community, deepen their understanding of the history of the land they now call home, and come together through listening, learning, and reflection.

09/30/2026

Today, on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and communities and recognize the lasting impacts of residential schools on Survivors, families, and communities.

At the YMCA, our commitment to reconciliation is rooted in our values of dignity, compassion, and belonging, and in learning, action, and meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Learn about the Y's reconciliation work this year, and hear YMCA Canada President & CEO Peter Dinsdale discuss reconciliation, partnership, and opportunity on BMO’s Indigenous Reconciliation Series podcast: https://ymca.ca/en/what-we-do/truth-reconciliation.

09/18/2026

It was a beautiful day for the 2026 Y Golf Classic! 🏌️⛳

This week, we gathered at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club for the 17th annual tournament, fun competitions, connection, and celebration.

Together, we raised an extraordinary $253,500 in support of YMCA of the National Capital Region programs. This generosity will directly help more children, youth, families, and individuals access the vital supports they need to thrive.

We're incredibly grateful to all of the sponsors who contributed. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, including Victor Canada, Arch Insurance Group Inc., Aviva, Everest, HDI Group, Munich Re, Group, AXA XL, Ascot Group and Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance.

Every golfer, donor, volunteer, and supporter made a big difference for our Y and our community. We'll see you back on the course next year!

09/16/2026

Looking for work? Come meet employers who are hiring — right here in Orléans. 🧰

The YMCA Orléans Job Fair on October 15th brings 35+ employers and community organizations together under one roof. Explore job openings, learn about training programs, and connect with services that are available to support you.

Everyone is welcome and there is no cost to participate.

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Place d'Orléans (110 Place d’Orléans Dr)
💲 Free

Register in advance: https://www.ymcaottawa.ca/jobfair-2026

09/15/2026

Join Y@Home's upcoming webinar: Healthy Aging — Improve Your Strength and Stability 💪

Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 12–1 p.m. EST
Location: Online webinar

Falls and related injuries impact 1/3 of seniors and cost over $1B annually in BC. To stem the tide of this common and preventable issue, we will examine why falls happen and how to mitigate the risk.

Join Ingrid Knight-Cohee, Director of Healthy Aging & Chronic Disease Programs at YMCA BC, to learn more about falls and how to prevent them as part of your overall healthy aging strategy. In this webinar, you’ll learn about fall prevention strategies and tips to incorporate them into your daily life, and towards the end, she’ll take you through a basic assessment and show easy exercises to help you work on your balance.

This webinar is free and open to all — you don't have to be a Y Member to join.

Register: https://www.ymcahome.ca/wellness-webinars

09/15/2026

🌲💚 A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers! 💚🌲
This weekend, our community came together to make a tremendous impact at camp, and we couldn't be more grateful.
Thanks to the dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm of our volunteers, we made significant progress on a number of important projects:
✅ Spread wood chips on pathways and around our ground-level rope courses
✅ Cleared a large amount of dead branches, logs, and brush from the forest
✅ Raked and cleaned up fire pit areas
✅ Cleared vegetation around rope courses and buildings
✅ Filled potholes with gravel on roads and high-traffic areas
✅ Deep cleaned doors, windows, baseboards, and other hard-to-reach areas
✅ Completed paint touch-ups on doors, trim, and selected walls
Your time and effort help create a space where campers can learn, grow, explore, and build lasting memories. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive community standing behind us.
From all of us at camp, thank you for making a difference. ❤️
📸 Swipe through to see some of the amazing work accomplished by our volunteers!
💚🌲

09/11/2026

🏌️‍♂️⛺ From the golf course to Camp Otonabee, community support is creating unforgettable camp experiences for children and youth.
We are incredibly grateful to Ken White Construction for selecting YMCA Camps as the beneficiary of their Drive for Little Lives 2026 Golf Tournament.
Together with sponsors, golfers, donors, and supporters, they raised an incredible $30,036.40 to help provide children with opportunities to grow, explore, build friendships, and experience the magic of camp.
This summer, our team had a wonderful time at Eagle Creek Golf Club hosting our "Chip in for Camp" challenge, where participants tested their skills by chipping golf balls into a canoe. 🛶⛳
More recently, we were delighted to welcome members of the Ken White Construction team to YMCA Camp Otonabee. During their visit, they toured camp, learned more about our programs, and saw firsthand how their generosity will help create meaningful experiences for children and families across our community.
Every camper deserves the chance to discover new adventures, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging. Thanks to community partners like Ken White Construction, more children will have the opportunity to do just that.
💙 Thank you to everyone who sponsored, golfed, donated, volunteered, and supported this incredible event. Your generosity will make a difference for years to come.

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

🏕️ Calling All Camp Alumni, Former Staff, Volunteers, and Camp Families!

Help us prepare YMCA Camp Otonabee and the Y Outdoor Centre for a fantastic fall season.

Reconnect with camp, spend time outdoors, and make a lasting impact on the spaces that create so many memorable experiences.

📅 Sunday, September 13, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
🍴 Lunch Provided
👧 Child Care Available (Ages 4-12)
📝 Volunteer Hours Available Upon Request

We can't wait to welcome you back to camp!

Link to register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=LqmtORNUJk6LZ9fjoiBTQ8EAx8yXxhFHrSWLQYHDl3dUN1g4OVpYM043VlJXTkRLNUJGUzFZWkc1TyQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

08/26/2026

Keep the fun going beyond summer!☀️➡️🍂
YMCA After School Programs offer a safe, active, and welcoming place for children to connect, play, and grow after the school bell rings.
📍 Churchill Alternative School
📍 Katimavik Elementary School
📍 Terry Fox Elementary School
Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Learn more and register: https://www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-services/child-care/after-school

08/24/2026

🍂 Volunteer Fall Clean-Up Day! 🍂
Help us prepare YMCA Camp Otonabee and the Y Outdoor Centre for an exciting fall season! Whether you're a current camp family, alumni, former staff member, volunteer, or community supporter, we'd love to have you join us for a day of giving back.
📅 September 13, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
🍽️ Lunch Provided
👧 Child care available for children ages 4-12 through supervised camp programming.
🙋 Youth volunteers ages 13-17 are welcome to volunteer with a parent/guardian present at all times.
✅ Community involvement/volunteer hours can be provided upon request.
Come spend the day outdoors, connect with the camp community, and help us keep camp looking its best for the season ahead. Every helping hand makes a difference! 💚
Sign up using the QR code on the poster! 🌲

08/24/2026

Parents often tell us that camp changes more than a child's summer.

They return home more confident, more independent, and excited to try new things.

Your generosity makes these life-changing experiences possible.

Help give another child that opportunity.

Give the gift of camp: https://www.ymcaottawa.ca/gift-of-camp

08/21/2026