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Camp Basics
Interpersonal skills are:
• Ability to understand the emotions and behaviours of others, and to respond accordingly
• Ability to compromise and listen
• Communication skills
• Leadership
An ever-increasing number of camps “realize how important emotional intelligence is,” says Alice Wiafe. “It’s right in the curriculum.” Below the listings, learn more from psychotherapist Wiafe, parents, and campers discussing the value of interpersonal skills and camp’s role in developing this character trait. Read more
Grade 5-6 Reading Comprehension, Writing, Public Speaking and Debate Program
Sep 09, 2026 - Jun 22, 2027
Our program runs during the school year from September to June with classes held once a week for 90 minutes. Visit website |
Pre-K Headstart Learning Program
Sep 22, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026
Ease kindergarten worries: Our tailored Head Start Program helps transition smoothly! Visit website |
Grade 7-8 Reading Comprehension, Writing, Public Speaking and Debate Program
Sep 09, 2026 - Jun 22, 2027
An enrichment writing and oral communication program geared for high achieving students who want to succeeding academically! Visit website |
Grade 2 Reading Comprehension, Writing and Public Speaking Program
Sep 09, 2026 - Jun 22, 2027
Our goal is to create a solid foundation upon which exceptional writing & oral skills build. Classes are weekly for 90 mins. 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 |
Grade 3 Reading Comprehension, Writing and Public Speaking Program
Sep 09, 2026 - Jun 22, 2027
Our goal is to create a solid foundation upon which exceptional writing & oral skills build. Classes are weekly for 90 mins. 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 |
Recertification National Lifeguard
Jun 07 - Oct 25, 2026
For National Lifeguard-Pool certified candidates needing recertification. Skills are demonstrated in an exam setting 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 |
Grade 4 Reading Comprehension, Writing and Public Speaking Program
Sep 09, 2026 - Jun 22, 2027
Our goal is to create a solid foundation upon which exceptional writing skills can be built. Classes held weekly for 90 mins. 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 |
Grade 3 Reading Comprehension, Writing and Public Speaking Online Program
Sep 09, 2026 - Jun 22, 2027
Power of Words Academy is committed to providing the highest quality of written and oral communication training to children. Visit website |
Grade 1 Enrichment Reading Comprehension, Phonics and Early Writing
Sep 30, 2026 - Jun 22, 2027
Building strong reading & writing foundations with tailored instruction and progress assessments. Visit website |
Grades 7-8 Reading Comprehension, Writing, Public Speaking and Debate Program
Sep 09, 2026 - Jun 22, 2027
By the end of the program, your child will have the talent to write fantastic essays and deliver strong speeches! Visit website |
Sunday House League Programs at Havergal College and Bishop Strachan School
Oct 18, 2026 - May 30, 2027
Weekly Volleyball Instruction and Game Play—Perfect for Athletes of All Skill Levels! 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 |
Grade 5-6 Reading Comprehension, Writing, Public Speaking and Debate Online Program
Sep 09, 2026 - Jun 22, 2027
Power of Words Academy is committed to providing the highest quality of written and oral communication training to children. 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 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 |
Grade 4 Reading Comprehension, Writing, Public Speaking and Debate Online Program
Sep 09, 2026 - Jun 22, 2027
Power of Words Academy is committed to providing the highest quality of written and oral communication training to children. 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 |
March Break Learning Camp
Mar 15 - Mar 19, 2027
Brain Camp campers will engage in: • English, French, and Math • Creative Writing & Essay Skills • Study Strategies Visit website |
Kindergarten to Grade 12 Tutoring
May 07 - Dec 31, 2026
Catch up, keep up, or get ahead this summer with personalized tutoring that builds confidence and ensures success. Visit website |
French Tutoring
May 07 - Dec 31, 2026
Broaden opportunities for your kids with our dynamic En Français French language tutoring program. Visit website |
Youth Broadway (Musical Theatre Class, Grade 5-7) | SING, ACT, & DANCE WITH FRIENDS
Sep 19 - Dec 12, 2026
While rehearsing for a final showcase, students explore voice, dance, improv, and character development! Visit website |
Spring Trail Rides
Mar 20 - Oct 24, 2026
Just Ride in the magical fields and forests on our well trained horses. Feel the heart to heart connections. Visit website |
Weekly Pickleball Clinics (Ages: 6-8 @6 PM, 9-12 @7 PM)
Sep 16 - Dec 09, 2026
Master the court! High-energy, station-based pickleball clinics for all levels. Build skills, agility, and super fun. Visit website |
Adventure Leadership Training
Jun 27 - Aug 06, 2027
Adventure Leadership Training for teens 15-17 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 |
Junior Broadway (Musical Theatre Class, Grade 2-4) | SING, ACT, & DANCE WITH FRIENDS
Sep 19 - Dec 12, 2026
Build confidence on stage while learning the art of storytelling through singing, acting, and dance! Visit website |
Canoe Tripping Camp
Jul 03 - Aug 21, 2027
Fantastic trips Visit website |
Spring and Winter Break Camps
Mar 16, 2026 - Jan 08, 2027
Our unique programming will allow for adventure, development and excitement! Visit website |
Summer Camp Full Sessions
Jun 25, 2026 - Aug 23, 2027
Discover everything camp has to offer in a month or more of fun, learning, and personal growth supported by expert staff. Visit website |
STEM Winter Break Camp (JK-Gr.4) - Early Bird Pricing
Dec 21 - Dec 31, 2026
Hands-on STEAM experiences kids don't get in school. Visit website |
Summer Camp Half Sessions
Jun 01 - Aug 11, 2027
A 2 week long taste of everything camp has to offer. Daily activity selection, overnight canoe trip, and oodles of safe fun! Visit website |
Weekly Evening Pickleball Clinics (Fall Session) (Ages 13-15 @8 PM)
Sep 16 - Dec 09, 2026
Our Pickleball program is designed to turn every camper into a court hero! Visit website |
Modern/ Lyrical Dance Class
Sep 14, 2026 - May 22, 2027
Modern/lyrical dance is beautiful flowing moves translating song lyrics into dance moves through expressive dance technique Visit website |
Adventure Camp
Jun 27 - Aug 21, 2027
All the things you love about summer camp! Unplugged fun. Visit website |
Super Kids Volleyball: Teamwork, Hustle, and Heart (Ages 6–12)
Sep 16 - Dec 09, 2026
Set, spike, and score! Our Super Kids Volleyball offers young athletes (ages 6–12) to master the Volleyball fundamentals, Visit website |
Junior Broadway (Musical Theatre Class, Grade 2-4) | SING, ACT, & DANCE WITH FRIENDS
Sep 15 - Dec 08, 2026
Build confidence on stage while learning the art of storytelling through singing, acting, and dance! Visit website |
Softball Camp
Jun 01 - Dec 31, 2026
IMG Academy’s softball camp delivers elite training, expert coaching, and mental performance tools to help athletes level up 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 |
Other results on this page:
“The skills we use everyday to communicate with others [include] the ability to control and self-regulate our own emotions” says Leigh King, one of the day camp managers at the YMCA of Greater Toronto. “Being able to effectively communicate with … peers and effectively control emotions is a huge part of growing up and learning. The more [kids] can learn that at a young age, the more positive interactions they’ll have with their peers, teachers and friends.” Early development of interpersonal skills can play a huge role in a child’s maturation.
The development of interpersonal skills goes deeper than the ability to communicate, if you ask Alice Wiafe. For her, it’s a kind of intelligence, “a science that allows you to know how you’re wired, how you’re seen, how you’re perceived by other people … It’s your ability to read those cues with other people”. Emotional intelligence, she says, demonstrates the importance of interpersonal skills in everyday life. As a psychotherapist at Positive Kids, she deals directly with children’s growth in the realm of social and emotional skills.
“Emotional intelligence [understanding, demonstrating and regulating emotions] is now a higher predictor of success than IQ,” according to research, she says. “Interpersonal skills and the ability to hone, nurture and grow in that part of your life is probably the most important piece [of kids’ personal development], more so than getting A’s in math.”
This ability to connect and relate to other people, to communicate effectively and read social cues is extremely important, “in the workplace, in relationships ... in your [ability] to be self-aware and how you’re being perceived by others,” she says.
Emotional intelligence is now a higher predictor of success than IQ.
As children get older, their interpersonal skills will develop and help them in their adult lives. These skills are useful in both personal and professional settings. People with interpersonal skills are better equipped to understand the needs and wants of others. They’re able to make positive adjustments to their behaviour or actions and cultivate harmonious environments as a result. They’re more likely to solve problems without commotion, communicate effectively and have a deeper consideration of others.
You can foster interpersonal skills by modeling certain behaviours for your child. This includes keeping your temper at bay when you’re frustrated, working through situations calmly, listening to others and communicating how you feel calmly and respectfully. You can also encourage your child to practice positive interpersonal skills around other people by using manners, being polite and respectful. Remember to support your child’s achievements and use any discrepancies as an opportunity to learn from mistakes.
Children aren’t born with interpersonal skills. As Wiafe explains, “some kids are naturally more comfortable with people but many are not. A lot of times they have to be honed, developed and learned.”
Social environments provide children with the ability to focus on building relationships, gain confidence and manage their own emotions, behaviours and speech. It’s increasingly important, she points out, “that [camps and schools] are now realizing how important emotional intelligence is and are actually putting supports in place to make sure that’s something that’s nurtured in the curriculum.”
In a camp setting, children are exposed to new and various people. At camp, they build new relationships, develop skills and gain confidence. Through daily trial and error, kids learn at their own pace. “How you act during that process all naturally contributes to building interpersonal skills,” she explains. “If you were to ask a parent about what their child learned at camp, or if you were to ask an adult about what they learned at camp as a child ... they often will tie it back to social skills as well as just learning skills in general and how that has improved their confidence and helped them in their lives as they got older.”
Wiafe supports King’s point by mentioning that a camp environment is “built around the whole idea of building emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.”
“They recognize that it’s very much needed and very significant in nurturing both intrapersonal skills (my relationship with myself) and interpersonal skills (my relationship with somebody else).”
If a child is told to line up and they begin to push people or cut ahead, thatès one example of lacking interpersonal skills. Children don’t realize “there’s repercussions for that behaviour in terms of how they’re seen and ultimately treated,” Wiafe explains. “A child who has learned interpersonal skills would recognize that, if I act this way or say these things, then it’ll cost people to not want to be around me or not want to be my friend.” It’s all about developing fuller relationships with others around them.
Leigh King illustrates an example of interpersonal skills at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, where she works. An initiative called “The YMCA Values Bead Program” awarded beads to campers demonstrating one or more of their six core values: respect, responsibility, inclusiveness, caring, honesty and health. One camper showed surprising personal growth by offering to give away one of his Values Beads in acknowledging both the emotions and actions of his peers.
Leigh tells the whole story below.
Children learn interpersonal skills through exposure to others in a structured environment, like camp. They meet new friends, strengthen relationships, work in small and large groups and develop those interpersonal skills. “I just can’t stress enough what a huge role that I feel camp plays in the development of positive interpersonal skills for children and youth,” King mentions. “Camp is just a huge [opportunity] for children to learn and grow.”
At camp, “members of a peer group get all thrown together, and co-operation then becomes really important,” says Joan Grusec, professor emerita of psychology at the University of Toronto. “And that’s a great experience: learning how to get along with other people; take your fair share, no more; be concerned for other people.” Kids learn by example, she says, seeing it as “a natural way of life, [where] nobody questions it: This is the way we do things. We care for other people.”
How many Camps that grow interpersonal skills are there?
There are 42 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 grow interpersonal skills?
Fees for camps that help kids grow in interpersonal skills range from FREE to $14,750 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 grow interpersonal skills?
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.