Created by Local Families, for Local Families
The Tobermory Children’s Camp & Childcare Program was founded to meet a growing need in our community. Each summer, Tobermory welcomes thousands of visitors — and with that comes increased pressure on local families who work in tourism, hospitality, retail, and seasonal operations. While the demand for workers rises, childcare options become even more limited, leaving parents without reliable support during the busiest months of the year.
Our program was created to change that. We provide safe, dependable, and enriching summer care for children ages 4–10, helping parents stay employed and helping children thrive in a fun, structured, and nurturing environment.
Our Purpose
We exist to support the well‑being and resilience of Tobermory’s families. Our goals are to:
• Offer consistent, high‑quality childcare during peak tourism season
• Create a safe and engaging environment where children can learn, play, and grow
• Reduce barriers to employment for local parents
• Support the stability of local businesses and the border community
• Strengthen social connections and community support systems
What Children Experience
Our program blends creativity, exploration, and hands‑on learning. Each day includes a mix of:
• Arts & crafts
• Music, storytelling, and literacy activities
• STEM‑based learning
• Outdoor play and physical activity
• Nature walks and environmental exploration
• Social skill building and teamwork
We keep group sizes small to ensure every child feels supported, included, and encouraged.
Our Vision
We envision a Tobermory where:
• Every family has access to reliable childcare
• Children have a joyful, safe place to learn and play
• Parents can work with confidence during the busiest season
• Community organizations collaborate to support local needs
This program is built on community, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves a summer filled with growth, connection, and fun.
Tobermory Children’s Camp and The Meeting Place Tobermory are formally linked through a structured partnership designed to meet an urgent childcare gap while ensuring strong governance, financial accountability, and long‑term stability. Here’s how that partnership works and why it matters.
Core Relationship
Tobermory Children’s Camp operates under the charitable trusteeship of The Meeting Place Tobermory. This means:
Funding for the camp flows specifically to the camp, but is held and overseen by The Meeting Place Tobermory.
The Meeting Place provides governance, financial management, and organizational accountability, ensuring the camp is run responsibly and sustainably.
The camp benefits from the infrastructure, credibility, and community trust The Meeting Place Tobermory has built over more than a decade.
This is not a loose affiliation — it is a formal, structured partnership that allows a new program to launch quickly and effectively while being anchored in an established charitable organization.
Why This Partnership Exists
Tobermory faces a severe childcare shortage during its busiest season:
Only 8 childcare spaces are available for school‑aged children in July and August.
At least 12 families (likely more) with no summer care options.
Summer is when:
Parents work their longest hours in tourism, hospitality, retail, and marine services.
Businesses rely most heavily on staff.
The local economy generates the majority of its annual revenue.
Without childcare, families lose income, businesses lose staff, and the community loses economic stability.
Tobermory Children’s Camp was created directly in response to this crisis, offering safe, structured care for children ages 4–10 so parents can work and children can thrive.
Why The Meeting Place Is the Right Partner
The Meeting Place Tobermory is a trusted, long‑standing community organization:
Originated from community needs identified in 2008–2009.
Operated informally for years, hosting programs and supporting local groups.
Became a registered charity in 2015.
Now serves as a community anchor for:
Food security
Recreation
Social supports
Children and youth programming
The Children’s Camp is a natural extension of this mission.
What This Partnership Achieves
By partnering with The Meeting Place, the camp gains:
Charitable oversight
Administrative stability
Community credibility
A framework for long‑term sustainability
Together, Tobermory Children’s Camp and The Meeting Place:
Provide urgently needed childcare during the town’s busiest season.
Support parents in maintaining employment.
Help local businesses stay staffed and open.
Strengthen the local economy.
Ensure children have a safe, enriching, community‑based place to spend their summer.
This is not a standalone project — it is a strategic, community‑driven initiative built on the foundation of an established charitable organization to deliver immediate and lasting impact.