The 2026 OUR KIDS Private School Expo is coming to cities near you. Get your family pass
1
Camp Basics
Creativity is:
• Interest and pleasure in exploring creative potential
• Tendency to see novel solutions to problems
At camp, Kavya Vaidyanath learned that “you don’t always have to follow the recipe.” Camp gives kids opportunities to think freely about problems in different contexts. Below the listings, learn more from campers like Kavya and experts like Rhea Deosaran, as they discuss the value of creativity, and how camps encourage this trait. Read more
Winter Acting and Drama Classes Level One: Let's Act ! (ages 6 to 8) (Weekdays)
Jan 11 - Apr 12, 2027
Since 1994 ! GBTC's experienced staff will introduce your kids to stage performance and guide them toward self-expression. Visit website |
Fall Acting and Drama Classes Level Two: Acting Up ! (ages 9 to 14) (Weekdays)
Sep 21 - Dec 14, 2026
Since 1994 ! GBTC's experienced staff will introduce your kids to stage performance and guide them toward self-expression. Visit website |
Winter Acting and Drama Classes Level One: Let's Act ! (ages 6 to 8) (Saturdays)
Jan 09 - Apr 03, 2027
Since 1994 ! GBTC's experienced staff will introduce your kids to stage performance and guide them toward self-expression. Visit website |
Winter Acting and Drama Classes Level Two: Acting Up ! (ages 9 to 13) (Saturdays)
Jan 09 - Apr 03, 2027
Since 1994 ! GBTC's experienced staff will introduce your kids to stage performance and guide them toward self-expression. Visit website |
Fall Acting and Drama Classes Level One: Let's Act ! (ages 6 to 8) (Saturdays)
Sep 26 - Dec 12, 2026
Since 1994 ! GBTC's experienced staff will introduce your kids to stage performance and guide them toward self-expression. Visit website |
Fall Acting and Drama Classes Level Two: Acting Up ! (ages 9 to 14) (Saturdays)
Oct 17, 2026 - Jan 30, 2027
Since 1994 ! GBTC's experienced staff will introduce your kids to stage performance and guide them toward self-expression. Visit website |
Fall Acting and Drama Classes Level One: Let's Act ! (ages 6 to 8) (Weekdays)
Sep 21 - Dec 14, 2026
Since 1994 ! GBTC's experienced staff will introduce your kids to stage performance and guide them toward self-expression. Visit website |
Winter Acting and Drama Classes Level Two: Acting Up ! (ages 9 to 13) (Weekdays)
Jan 11 - Apr 12, 2027
Since 1994 ! GBTC's experienced staff will introduce your kids to stage performance and guide them toward self-expression. Visit website |
March Break Art Camp
Mar 15 - Mar 19, 2027
Art & Brain Campers explore: • Painting & Drawing • Colour Mixing & Fine Motor Skills • Creative Thinking & Problem Solving Visit website |
Kids Broadway (Musical Theatre Class, JK-Gr 2) | SING, ACT, & DANCE WITH FRIENDS
Sep 19 - Dec 12, 2026
Learn musical theatre fundamentals through games and exercises, all while rehearsing for a high-energy final performance! Visit website |
Ukulele Lessons (In-Home, Online, or Studio)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Highly qualified ukulele teachers: PhD, DMA, MMus. Learn at your own pace. Have fun! Free 1st lesson! Visit website |
Afterschool Cooking Classes - Session #1
Oct 19 - Oct 26, 2026
Learn how to make good choices, think about taste and flavours, try to new foods and use basic kitchen tools safely. Visit website |
Advanced Teen Troupe (Grade 9-12) -Toronto's Premiere Advanced Musical Theatre Program
Sep 08, 2026 - May 02, 2027
We provide high-quality, innovative performing arts training to inspire artists and help students achieve their dreams. Visit website |
Paint & Play Ages 3-5
Oct 03 - Oct 31, 2026
Kids art program where we focusing on toddler development and learning. Sensory and art play. Visit website |
Weekend Cooking Classes - Teen Cooking
Oct 18 - Nov 08, 2026
Learn how to make good choices, think about taste and flavours, try to new foods and use basic kitchen tools safely. Visit website |
Kindergarten Piano (4-5 years)
Sep 12, 2026 - Jun 19, 2027
Kindergarten Piano classes build upon everything they've learned so far in ECM classes and bridge the gap to private lessons. Visit website |
Trumpet Lessons (In-Home, Online, or Studio)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Professional trumpet lessons with exceptional teachers: PhD, DMA, MMus. Free 1st lesson! Visit website |
Intermediate Troupe (Grade 7-10) -Toronto's Premiere Advanced Musical Theatre Program
Sep 08, 2026 - May 10, 2027
We provide high-quality, innovative performing arts training to inspire artists and help students achieve their dreams. Visit website |
Private Acting Lessons (All Ages) - Personalized Performance Coaching
Sep 08, 2026 - Jun 20, 2027
Private acting lessons offer personalized 1:1 coaching to help you build performance skills and confidence at your own pace. Visit website |
Parent and Toddler Classes
Oct 26 - Dec 07, 2026
Join us for a fun-filled session where you and your little one can cook and bake together! Visit website |
Tap Dance Class Registration ( multiple styles)
Sep 14, 2026 - May 22, 2027
Tap dance is fun, lively, creating one beat after another with footwork technique and tap shoes, this class is a popular one! Visit website |
Private Music Lessons: Piano, Guitar & Ukulele (All Ages) – 1:1 Instruction
Sep 08, 2026 - Jun 20, 2027
Our private lessons offer personalized instruction to help you reach your musical goals at your own pace. Visit website |
Banjo Lessons (In-Home, Online, or Studio)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Learn to play the banjo with expert teachers: PhD, DMA, MMus. Online, in-home, or studio. Free 1st lesson! Visit website |
Ukulele Lessons
Jul 20, 2026 - Jun 30, 2027
Your child will learn to play the ukulelewith enjoyable, educational and engaging lessons, guided by an experienced teacher. Visit website |
Songwriting Lessons
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Learn to write original songs. Be creative. Highly educated teachers: PhD, DMA, MMus. Free 1st lesson! Visit website |
Inventor Series: MINI MAKERS (JK & SK)
Sep 19 - Nov 25, 2026
Students will explore a variety of new skills each week such as basic woodworking, craft techniques, and robotics! Visit website |
Private Online Music/Vocal/Production lessons (Monday to Sunday)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Beginner, intermediate and advanced private music, vocal and production lessons are available online Visit website |
Voice Lessons
Jul 20, 2026 - Jun 30, 2027
Your child will learn to sing with enjoyable, educational and engaging lessons, guided by an experienced teacher. Visit website |
Private Singing Lessons (All Ages) – Personalized Vocal Training & Technique
Sep 08, 2026 - Jun 20, 2027
Our private lessons offer personalized instruction to help you reach your musical goals at your own pace. Visit website |
Lego Robotics (Gr. 1-2)
Sep 19 - Nov 25, 2026
Explore the world of coding and engineering with everyone’s favourite building kit, LEGO! Visit website |
Weekend Cooking Classes - COOKSMART KIDS
Oct 18 - Nov 08, 2026
Learn how to make good choices, think about taste and flavours, try to new foods and use basic kitchen tools safely. Visit website |
PD DAY CAMP 10 OCTOBER
Oct 09 - Oct 09, 2026
No tricks, just treats! A full day of sporty fun, Halloween games & playful movement magic, awaits your kiddo! Visit website |
Weekend Cooking Classes - Beyond the Basics
Oct 18 - Nov 08, 2026
Learn how to make good choices, think about taste and flavours, try to new foods and use basic kitchen tools safely. Visit website |
Mandolin Lessons (In-Home, Online, or Studio)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Engaging mandolin lessons with highly educated & experienced teachers: PhD, DMA, MMus. Free 1st lesson! Visit website |
Musical theatre Dance Class
Sep 14, 2026 - May 22, 2027
Broadway Musicals come to life in this class with a combination of fun open dance styles, improv, acting for stage presence. Visit website |
Intro to Woodworking: Sapling (Gr. 3-4)
Sep 19 - Nov 21, 2026
Students will learn basic safety practices, hand tools, construction techniques, & finishing methods. No experience required! Visit website |
Kinder Broadway (Musical Theatre Class, JK-SK) | SING, ACT, & DANCE WITH FRIENDS
Sep 19 - Dec 12, 2026
Our Kinder Program introduces little stars to the magical world of theatre through music, movement, and imaginative play. Visit website |
Youth Troupe (Grade 5-8) -Toronto's Premiere Advanced Musical Theatre Program
Sep 10, 2026 - May 22, 2027
We provide high-quality, innovative performing arts training to inspire artists and help students achieve their dreams. Visit website |
Violin Lessons
Jul 20, 2026 - Jun 30, 2027
Your child will learn to play the violin with enjoyable, educational and engaging lessons, guided by an experienced teacher. Visit website |
New Fall Season Jazz Dance Class Registration
Sep 14, 2026 - May 22, 2027
Energetic fast paced fun class, moving to popular pop music.Kids learn jazz technique, stretches, big jumps & choreography Visit website |
Junior Troupe (Grade 3-6) -Toronto's Premiere Advanced Musical Theatre Program
Sep 13, 2026 - May 17, 2027
We provide high-quality, innovative performing arts training to inspire artists and help students achieve their dreams. Visit website |
Piano Lessons
Jul 20, 2026 - Jun 30, 2027
Your child will learn to play the piano with enjoyable, educational and engaging lessons, guided by an experienced teacher. Visit website |
New Fall Season Dance Class Registration ( multiple styles)
Sep 14, 2026 - May 22, 2027
Non-competitive dance, 2.5-adult.Small classes, certified teachers, fun, friendship & growth. Be a part of our dance family! Visit website |
Lego Robotics (Gr. 3-4)
Sep 19 - Nov 25, 2026
Explore the world of coding and engineering with everyone’s favourite building kit, LEGO! Visit website |
Senior Troupe (Grade 9-12) -Toronto's Premiere Advanced Musical Theatre Program
Sep 09, 2026 - May 04, 2027
We provide high-quality, innovative performing arts training to inspire artists and help students achieve their dreams. Visit website |
3D Printing (Gr. 5-8)
Sep 19 - Nov 21, 2026
Students will learn everything from designing 3D models to learning about the operations of different 3D printers. Visit website |
Violin Lessons (In-Home, Online, or Studio)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Highly educated violin teachers (PhD, DMA, MMus) are available to teach you or your children. Free 1st lesson! Visit website |
Winter Break Camp
Dec 21 - Dec 30, 2026
Packed with exciting activities, winter-themed crafts, outdoor adventures (weather permitting), and cozy indoor games. Visit website |
Inventor Series: SPARK (Gr. 1 & 2) - Spring
Sep 19 - Nov 22, 2026
Students build confidence & independence as they are exposed to 3D design, woodworking, engineering, robotics and more! Visit website |
Harp Lessons (In-Home, Online, or Studio)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Engaging harp lessons in-person (at home or studio) or online. Free 1st lesson! Award wining harp teachers! Visit website |
Electric Guitar Lessons (In-Home, Online, or Studio)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Specialized electric guitar lessons that are fun, rewarding and challenging. Free first lesson! Visit website |
Weekend Cooking Classes - Family Cooking
Oct 18 - Nov 08, 2026
Learn how to make good choices, think about taste and flavours, try to new foods and use basic kitchen tools safely. Visit website |
Hip-Hop Dance Class Registration
Sep 14, 2026 - May 22, 2027
Bringing the urban street style dance into the studio, combining cool funky dance moves & battle set into choreography! Visit website |
Songwriting Class
Sep 12, 2026 - Jun 19, 2027
Students will learn the fundamentals of music composition in kid-friendly and accessible ways. Visit website |
All About Engineering 3/4
Sep 19 - Dec 05, 2026
Saturday Clubs are weekly meetings all about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Visit website |
Under the Sea 1/2: Saturday STEAM Club
Sep 19 - Dec 05, 2026
Saturday Clubs are weekly meetings all about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Visit website |
Inventor Series: IGNITE (Gr.3-4)
Sep 20 - Nov 22, 2026
Students will explore a variety of new skills each week such as basic woodworking, craft techniques, and robotics! Visit website |
Piano Lessons (In-Home, Online, or Studio)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Fun, affordable piano lessons in the comfort of your home, online, or at our High Park studio. Free 1st lesson! Visit website |
Kids Choir
Sep 12, 2026 - Jun 19, 2027
Your child will learn to sing as part of a group with enjoyable and engaging classes, guided by an experienced teacher. Visit website |
Guitar Lessons
Jul 20, 2026 - Jun 30, 2027
Your child will learn to play the guitar with enjoyable, educational and engaging lessons, guided by an experienced teacher. Visit website |
Woodworking 101: Spruce (Grade 5-8)
Sep 19 - Nov 25, 2026
Students will learn basic safety practices, hand tools, construction techniques, & finishing methods. No experience required! Visit website |
Little Rockers Band Program (Beginner & Intermediate)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Learn to play your favorite songs in a band setting. Learn teamwork and accountability as you work together in a band. Visit website |
Space Explorers 5-7: Saturday STEAM Club
Sep 19 - Dec 05, 2026
Saturday Clubs are weekly meetings all about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Visit website |
Saxophone Lessons (In-Home, Online, or Studio)
Sep 15, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Fun, affordable saxophone lessons with professional teachers (PhD, DMA, MMus.). Have fun while learning. Free 1st lesson! Visit website |
Other results on this page:
“Creativity,” says Rhea Deosaran, is typically defined as “the beautification of an environment” or as “the use of creative works to express views.” That traditional, intuitive take on creativity no longer suffices for her. It’s really “the restructuring, innovation or expression that results in a unique or unconventional [way of looking at things].”
Working as an education coordinator with youth, she witnesses creativity on a daily basis. For example, when you see a child using blocks to build a tower, “Who knows what that tower means? Maybe it’s a spaceship or something else,” she says.
She encourages children to challenge their conventional thoughts. “It’s about getting them to think outside of the box instead of thinking, I’m building blocks into a tower.” For her, this is the key to developing creativity in children. It’s important to encourage “behaviours where they’re stepping outside of what they see in a literal sense can actually be [seen in] a more creative sense.” Changing your thought patterns to express ideas that are unconventional is the essence of creativity. “It’s innovation,” she says.
Creativity develops at a very young age. During a child’s first ten years, they’re identifying their interests, learning new methods of self-expression, and understanding more about the world around them. It’s critical to support and nurture creative development during these years.
You can do so by fostering an inclusive environment that encourages self-expression and imaginative thinking. Once your child feels like they can think outside the box, it’s important to give them the tools to expand their interests (e.g. art materials, sports equipment, etc). Allow your child to exercise independence and make their own choices as they work on their problem-solving skills and discover new ways of thinking.
Encourage your child to further develop creativity by expanding options available to them. Take them on walks and point out different shapes and colours you see, and encourage them to play outside. By exposing your child to new settings, they’ll learn new perspectives and expand their personal creativity.
Finally, when you place more emphasis on the journey rather than the outcome, you support your child’s efforts and creative insights along the way.
Creativity is important, says Deosaran, “because creativity incites innovation.” When children play freely and exercise creativity at a young age, they discover new ways of thinking. “[It’s] important not only for the arts, but extremely important for innovation in STEM and business,” she adds. “[This is] what drives advancement in society, technology, business and culture. I think fostering this sort of behaviour is really essential for continued growth in our society.”
Creativity helps children appreciate perspectives other than their own. They learn to challenge their own thought processes. It results in greater flexibility and adaptability.
There are personal benefits as well. They discover their own methods of problem-solving. They become open to more possibilities. A child with enhanced creativity doesn’t “feel as though they’re pressured to continue along a path that maybe does not serve them,” says Deosaran. It becomes a catalyst for a child’s clearer self-expression, a tool they use to more fully express unique interests, thoughts or feelings.
The development of creativity has important effects on cognition and skills development, as well.
Creativity has grown through her camp experience. She learned that it’s okay to adapt something [when] you’re curious about trying something different.
Creativity comes in different shapes and sizes. Any time kids are innovating or challenging conventional thought processes or finding new ways to express themselves, they’re using creativity. “What I’ve seen more personally with my students,” says Deosaran, “has been innovation in the way that students approach science and math problems. [If] they’re taught something a certain way [they learn to] deviate and try to find resources and examples to kind of support their line of thinking, which is good … [They] think about problems in a different sense.”
Her students show creativity they’ve acquired by restructuring the way they’ve been taught, to fit their own needs.
Kavya Vaidyanath says she learned this kind of creativity at Rooks to Cooks camp. “I define creativity as going your own way,” she says. The camp encouraged here to “add more or less of something,” for example. She learned, “you don’t always have to follow the recipe.”
In the social setting of the camp, Kavya learned this through the example set by her instructor. “[He] would sometimes say things and then we looked at the recipe, [we saw that he wasn’t always doing] what it says in the recipe.”
She recognizes that her creativity has grown through the camp experience. She learned that it’s okay to adapt something as rigid or defined as a recipe, if you’re curious about trying something different. She plans to be a biologist when she grows up and she believes creativity will be important in this profession. “I can use my creativity to find out something new about an animal that no one knew about ... I can use creativity to find ways to explain that [to people].”
“Social environments [like camp] foster creativity because it actually determines what kind of novelty is produced,” Deosaran explains. “Active in their social environment, they’re more likely to become confident,” then they gain the comfort to “innovate outside of what is normal.”
"The parents who come to us," says Emmanuelle Deaton, founder of Hatch Coding Camps, "come to us because they’re looking for a creative outlet for their kids using technology. They don’t want their kids to be zombies; they want them to be masters of their own destinies. … The way to do that is through using tools to create things.” Deaton, comes from a background of teaching history and civics. She co-founded Hatch with Peter Kuperman, who has a computer science background. Their experience can seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, though, even if they’ve taken different paths along the way, both are proponents of the creative aspect of coding, which, given the state of the tools available, is prodigious. Coding, she says, is "entirely creative, and that's the most beautiful thing there is in computer language: the promise of computer language is the promise of creativity. Children can imagine something they want to create, and then they can do that. That’s really powerful for them."
Social environments like camp enable children to exercise creative thinking. The free-form setting of camp also encourages play, critical to fostering creativity. Deosaran says, “play behaviour [allows children to discover] what they’re capable of doing, capable of innovating.” Through play, they realize ways in which “their thoughts could be more open-minded.”
Camps, activities and programs all support the development of creativity. These environments encourage children to play, try new things that they haven’t tried before, and work with others to expand their thought processes and personal expression. “It’s really about getting children to think more fluidly,” she says, “creative behaviour will allow for that sort of thought process.”
Camp is a great environment for children to enhance their creativity because it provides them with a platform to develop their interests, learn new perspectives from other people and demonstrate self-expression. There are many camps that encourage and support the development of creativity for your child, whether that’s through the arts, sports, STEM or wellness.
How many Camps that develop creativity are there?
There are 64 camps that are Our Kids trusted members. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.
What are the fees to attend Camps that develop creativity?
Fees for camps that help kids grow in creativity range from FREE to $3,675 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.
Where can parents meet with Camps that develop creativity?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.