Youth & Children

Happy Herons Important Information

Please read the information below to find information regarding our camps.

Our Happy Herons Camps are committed to providing participants with a safe, welcoming, inclusive, fun and quality camp program! We plan various programs including PA Days, March Break, Winter Break and Summer Break that promotes a heathy, creative and active lifestyle and environment. Our camps include a variety of passive, active and creative activities during each day.

Our Parent Handbook: available here or in person at the Youth Centre is a great way to learn about our camps, our policies, High Five, participant safety and behaviour, leader expectations, and emergency procedures/drills. We ask all parents/guardians to read through our Handbook before sending a participant to camp.

ALTERNATIVE TEXT: We ask that participants and parents/guardians be aware of our camp rules. They include: Challenge Yourself, Remain Hands Off, Meet New Friends, Ask Permission, Listen to Leaders, Show Respect For Others and Property, Participate and Have Fun, Take Responsibility, Use Kind Words, Ask for Help, Tell The Truth and Try New Things.

ALTERNATIVE TEXT: Our camps are about more than just keeping children entertained. Our camps also:

• Provide opportunities to make new friends and build connections
• Gives chances for participants to increase their independence and social skills
• Spark new and continued interests
• Allow children to try new things/activities and to challenge themselves
• Help children unplug (from phones)

Registration open now

Camp dates follow the AMDSB and HPCDSB schedules for PA days.

General Information:

Participants drop-off is 8:00-9:00am and pick-up between 4:00-5:00pm.

Core programming runs from 9:00am-4:00pm.  

Fee:

Daily Rate: $38.00

If you are approved (or are awaiting approval) for subsidized child care, please choose "Subsidized" as the fee type when registering online. We will follow up with you.

What to Bring:

- Lunch, snacks, and reusable water bottle

- Running Shoes

- Seasonal Equipment may be requested i.e skates or bathing suit

Programs are subject to a $15 cancellation fee. Refund requests within 7 days of the program will only be considered for medical and/or family emergencies. Please email recadmin@westperth.com to request a refund.  If the program is cancelled, a full refund will be issued.

Stay tuned for 2026 program details!

We had so much fun with our campers during March Break Camp 2025!

Check back in early 2026 for more details!

Summer Camp

Happy Herons Summer Camp 2025 – That’s a Wrap!

What an incredible summer it’s been at Happy Herons! From outdoor adventures and creative crafts to new friendships and countless laughs, our campers filled the season with energy, curiosity, and fun. A huge shoutout to our amazing camp staff for bringing the spirit of summer alive every single day! 

We’re already excited for next year—registration for Happy Herons Summer Camp 2026 will open in early spring 2026. Stay tuned for updates, and get ready for another summer full of memories!

Until then, thank you to all of our campers, families, and staff for making this summer unforgettable.

Youth Centre Participation Waiver Required

Before joining us at the Youth Centre this school year, a parent/guardian-signed participation waiver must be completed. Please ensure you fill out the form and have it signed before attending.

Digital copy

Physical copies are available for pickup at:

• The Youth Centre during Drop-In hours

• The Recreation Office (inside the West Perth Community Centre) during operating hours, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Hours may vary due to off-site commitments)

Youth Week 2025

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

The West Perth Youth Centre and its programs/events can provide High School Youth will volunteer hours and opportunities.

These opportunities can provide learning opportunities, skill development and help increase community connections.

Interested in volunteering?

Contact our Child and Youth Centre Program Lead           

Caitlyn Bergsma                                                                                                                                                                                        519-349-9311 x 303 | cbergsma@westperth.com

Cooking With Class

Discover the joy of cooking in our Cooking with Class program this January! Over the course of this fun and interactive 8-week session, participants will learn essential kitchen skills, explore new recipes, and build confidence preparing delicious meals. Classes are hands-on, welcoming, and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

Our Winter Program is now full. If you wish to participate in our next set of classes in September, please choose the day that works best for you — Mondays or Thursdays and add your child's name to the waitlist with the link below!

Register Here!

Thank you to Farm to Family!
A huge thank you to Farm to Family for generously providing fresh, local produce for our Fall Cooking with Class sessions. We’re grateful for your partnership and commitment to our community!

THANK YOU to our generous sponsors and community volunteers! McGratten Children's Fund, held within the Stratford Perth Community Foundation for funding the acquisition of all the cooking equipment and supplies.

Kidz Korner - After School Program 2025 - 2026 

Our After School Program for ages 4-11. In this program staff will pick-up participants at Upper Thames Elementary School and walk to the West Perth Community Centre. HPCDSB Parents can arrange to make the Community Centre a bus drop-off location. Parent/guardian pick-up will be at the West Perth Community Centre between 5-5:30pm.

Enjoy weekly themed crafts, games, activities and indoor/outdoor free play!

• Grades JK-6
• $10/day

What to bring:

• A reusable water bottle
• An after school snack
• Indoor running shoes 
• Appropriate outer wear

Program occurs every Monday-Friday from September 3 2025 - June 25 2026.

There will be no program on the following dates: Oct 10, 13, Nov 21, Dec 22-Jan 2, Jan 30, Feb 16, Mar 16-20, Apr 3, 6, 24, May 18, June 5, 26

Full time registration is currently FULL! Please contact cbergsma@westperth.com or 519-348-9311 to be added to the waitlist. 

Programs are subject to a cancellation fee. Refund requests within 7 days of the program will only be considered for medical and/or family emergencies.

Youth Pickleball

The Municipality of West Perth in partnership with LiveWell4Life.

Youth Pickleball: Learn pickleball skills through developmental drills & games. Learn, play and have fun!

Wednesday Nights
October 1 - December 3
Time to be determined based on registration.

Grades 5-9

$80 / child.

Registration opens on August 22nd at 8am