Help Fill the Bus. Send Kids to Camp.
Every child deserves the chance to experience adventure.
More Than a Summer at Camp
Ask someone about their time at camp, and chances are they’ll have a story to tell.
For generations, YMCA camps have been places where children discover what they’re capable of, build lasting friendships, connect with nature and develop skills that stay with them long after summer ends.
But for many families, the cost of camp is simply out of reach.
As the cost of living continues to rise, more families are facing difficult choices. Registration fees are only part of the challenge. Essential supplies like running shoes and sleeping bags can create additional barriers to participation.
Through Fill the Bus, your generosity helps cover these costs, along with camp equipment and improvements that support safe, meaningful experiences.
Because every child deserves the opportunity to experience camp, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Donate Now
Every $275 raised means another kid will be added to the bus!
Every Seat on the Bus Makes a Difference
Our North Bay Fill the Bus campaign is working toward a goal of $135,000 to help more local children experience camp.
Every $275 raised helps send another child to camp.
Whether you make a personal donation, rally your workplace or organize a community fundraiser, every contribution helps open the door to adventure for a local child.
Put the Fun in Fundraising!
Helping kids get to camp is something we can do together.
Bring your friends, family, classmates, colleagues or community together to Fill the Bus. Whether you’re organizing a school activity, workplace challenge or community event, there are lots of creative ways to raise funds and help more local children experience camp.
Spirit Days
Host a PJ Day, Crazy Hat Day or Superhero Day and invite participants to make a donation to join the fun.
Bake Sales
Bring people together over homemade treats, with proceeds helping send kids to camp.
Talent Shows
Showcase the talents of students, colleagues or community members and collect donations or charge admission.
Sports Tournaments
Organize a friendly competition and donate team registration fees or entry proceeds to Fill the Bus.
Holiday Events
Celebrate the season with a cookie bake-off, candy guessing jar or themed fundraising activity.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Create your own fundraising page, share why camp matters to you and invite friends, family and colleagues to support your efforts. Every donation helps bring more kids closer to camp.
The Impact of Camp Lasts a Lifetime
The experiences children have at camp can shape who they become.
Through outdoor adventures, new challenges and meaningful connections, YMCA day and overnight camps help children develop confidence, independence, leadership skills and a sense of belonging.
These are experiences that stay with them long after summer ends.
Confidence and Independence
Trying something new, overcoming challenges and discovering what they’re capable of helps children build confidence in themselves.
Communication and Leadership
Through shared experiences and group activities, campers learn to express themselves, listen to others and develop leadership skills.
Teamwork and Problem-Solving
From outdoor adventures to camp games, children learn to work together, navigate challenges and support one another.
Friendship and Belonging
Camp creates opportunities for children to connect, form friendships and feel welcomed, included and valued.
Our Community Makes Camp Possible
Behind every child who gets the opportunity to experience camp is a community that believes in them.
We’re grateful to the local businesses, organizations, volunteers and donors who help make Fill the Bus possible. Their generosity helps remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities for children and families across our communities.
Presenting Sponsors
YMCA Charitable Giving
The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is a non-profit charitable organization.
For over 90 years, the YMCA has been serving our local communities with all funds raised staying 100% in your community. We have played a key role in supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve. We take our role seriously and live by our values: inclusiveness, integrity, kindness, respect, and well-being.
Contact Us
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Give to the Y
Camp is just the beginning.
Fill the Bus is one of many ways the YMCA supports children, youth and families across Northeastern Ontario. A gift to the Y helps keep programs within reach all year long, from child care and youth support services to newcomer settlement and employment programs, for the people in our communities who need them most.