Programs & Services: Camps

Sport Fitness School

~Development for Sport, Development for Life~

A multi-sport program, SFS provides children and youth ages 6-16 with opportunities in a wide range of sport and fitness related activities. The camp is designed to influence healthy, active lifestyle choices, positive social interaction and individual development through sport and play.

Also offered at SFS: Teen Leadership Programs | One-on-One Support

Sport Fitness School - or SFS, as it's affectionately known - has been building community and empowering children through sport since 1977! With over 25 sports offered, exceptional coaches and world-class facilities, it's one of the preeminent sport camps in Canada, right here in Hamilton! 

Campers select 3 sport activities from 25+ sport offerings to participate in each day. Camp also features a start-your-day-off-right Wake-Up Call, Fit-Forums, Rec-Sessions, and a daily swim in our Olympic Pool.

Early-bird special: Register for our Sport Fitness School summer programming or our Leadership Programs before March 31st and receive $10 off!

Registrations Open February 3rd

For more information: 905-525-9140 x24464  reconline@mcmaster.ca

Sport Fitness School

Activities include: Children & Youth Programs

SFS 1: June 30-July 4, 2025 (*4-day)

*No Camp on Tuesday, July 1st - Canada Day

  • Co-recreational , Age: 6-14 as of Dec-31 of the current camp year
  • Registration Required

SFS 2: July 7-11, 2025

  • Co-recreational , Age: 6-14 as of Dec-31 of the current camp year
  • Registration Required

SFS 3: July 14-18, 2025

  • Co-recreational , Age: 6-14 as of Dec-31 of the current camp year
  • Registration Required

SFS 4: July 21-25, 2025

  • Co-recreational , Age: 6-14 as of Dec-31 of the current camp year
  • Registration Required

SFS 5: July 28-Aug 1, 2025

  • Co-recreational , Age: 6-14 as of Dec-31 of the current camp year
  • Registration Required

SFS 6: Aug 5-8, 2025 (*4-day)

*No Camp Monday, August 4th - Civic Holiday

  • Co-recreational , Age: 6-14 as of Dec-31 of the current camp year
  • Registration Required

SFS 7: Aug 11-15, 2025

  • Co-recreational , Age: 6-14 as of Dec-31 of the current camp year
  • Registration Required

SFS 8: Aug 18-22, 2025

  • Co-recreational , Age: 6-14 as of Dec-31 of the current camp year
  • Registration Required

2024 SFS Sport Schedule

We like to call SFS a 'beyond multi-sport camp' - with over 25 sports, we strive to create an environment where young campers not only develop into the best athletes they can be (variety at a young age is LTAD gold!), but learn one of the most important life-skills: Trying something new, even if you're not that good at it...especially if you're not that good at it!!

Reading the Sport Schedule: Junior vs. Senior & AM, PM1, PM2
Sports are listed in terms of Junior and Senior age group offerings. Choose the same age level for all 3 sport choices, and ensure your choices fit into the AM, PM1 & PM2 time slots. Sports listed as 'Junior & Senior' will operate as two separate age groups at camp.
  • All ages as of December 31 of the current camp year
    • Junior: Ages 6 to 9 years
    • Senior: Ages 10 to 14 years
    • 6 and 7 year olds attending their first-ever SFS session, it is recommended that you select Junior Multisport as one of their sports!
*Some sports include extra notes on equipment athletes must bring, day and overnight trips, special performances for family and friends, extra fees, etc. Please read the sport option descriptions.*
Select sports have Beginner & Intermediate options listed:
  • Beginner activities are designed for athletes with little-no prior experience playing the sport and are looking to learn the fundamentals and try it out.
  • Intermediate activities are designed for athletes that have a base-level of experience/knowledge of the sport - perhaps participating recreationally outside of camp/gym class.

During online registration sport availability will adjust in real-time based on the selections of your fellow camp families - best to plan ahead with alternate choices in case one of your top 3 fills up. If it does, you may be redirected to the Shopping Cart with a 'capacity error' during checkout. Choose 'Edit Camp Options' in the Shopping Cart and select a new sport.

 

Sports

AM

PM1

PM2

Adventure Running

Athletes will be participating in a variety of team-based challenges across McMaster Campus including score courses, photo races and shelter building. Athletes will learn how to read maps, design maps, and use compasses in order to complete the task at hand.

In addition, adventure running focuses on the importance of our environment and being educated on how to protect our green space through nature walks and other educational activities.

  • Athletes will be in a variety of outdoor settings on McMaster Campus.
Senior
Junior
Junior
& Senior

Ball Hockey

Strengthen your hockey skills this summer with good old-fashioned road hockey practice and scrimmages.  Hockey balls are used instead of pucks.

  • Equipment Required: Hockey stick and helmet with full-face protection. Gloves are recommended. Bring daily.
  • Athletes can store at camp but camp is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen equipment.
  • Ball Hockey is played outdoors on tarmac.
  • For Registration: please note the skill level of the athlete as of current. The levels offered are beginner or intermediate.
Senior

*Intermediate*
Junior
& Senior

*Beginner*
Junior

*Intermediate*

Baseball

Juniors - focused on a different skill each day. By the end of the session, athletes will play a full game of baseball in two teams.

Seniors - Athletes will learn game strategy, situational plays, and be given sport specific feedback to perfect the fundamentals. Athletes will have a scrimmage each day, with one full game at the end of the session.

  • Equipment Required: Baseball glove. Bring daily.
  • Athletes will be playing on a grass field outdoors.
Junior
& Senior
Senior
Junior

Basketball

Juniors - Athletes will participate daily in a warm-up, skill, drill, and activity each day. Junior basketball is focused on learning fundamental skills with a tournament day at the end of the session.

Seniors - Athletes will refine fundamentals while focusing on game strategy and skill, playing scrimmage style games and tournament style at the end of the session.

  • Basketball is played indoors in the Sport Hall Gymnasium.
  • For Registration: please note the skill level of the athlete as of current. The levels offered are beginner or intermediate.
Senior
*Beginner & Intermediate Offered*
Junior
*Beginner & Intermediate Offered*
Junior
& Senior
*Intermediate*

Breakdance

This program will teach break dance techniques and styles. Athletes will develop rhythm, strength and creativity.

  • Dance sessions will be indoors.
 Junior
& Senior
Junior
 Junior
& Senior

Dance

Athletes develop rhythm, strength and creativity across many different styles of dance, including breakdance, hip hop, and more!

  • Dance sessions will be indoors.
Senior
Junior
Junior

Floorball

A variation of ball hockey, Floorball brings all the fun and excitement without all the equipment! Athletes will engage in skills, drills, and lots of scrimmaging to improve their game in the off-season!

Junior
Not
Offered
Not
Offered

Flag Football

Juniors - Athletes focus on the fundamentals of throwing, catching, tackling (using a tackling dummy) and basic game play.

Seniors - Athletes refine their fundamentals learned in junior football, and in addition learn game strategy, and more advanced routes. At the end of the session, athletes will show their skills and compete in a NFL combine competition!

  • Juniors and Seniors will be separated!
  • Majority of the session will be flag football with one day focusing on tackling technique - no contact, using a tackling dummy. Shoulder pads not necessary.
  • Football will be played on the Turf Field outdoors.
Junior
& Senior
Senior
Junior

Golf

This introduction to golf will focus on the FUNdamentals of the sport. Athletes will learn about the purpose of their golf kit, when to use each club, and practice a different skill each day.

  • Equipment Required: One wood, iron and putter. Bring daily. Athletes can store equipment at camp, but camp is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen equipment.
  • Golf will be located on the field outdoors.
Not
Offered
Senior
Senior

Instructional Swim & Aquatic Games

Water safety programs run by our certified lifeguards is provided in addition to games in the water. 

  • Limited Sessions: Not offered Session 2, 3 & 4! 
  • Equipment Required: Towel, bathing suit, goggles (if preferred) etc. Bring daily.
  • Please indicate current program and level during registration!
  • Instructional Swim & Aquatic Games will be located in McMaster's Indoor Pool.
Junior
& Senior
Not
Offered
Not
Offered

Karate

Basic fundamentals of this ancient art form are presented to the children in a fun environment. Discipline and control are emphasized.

  • Karate is an indoor sport. 
Junior
Junior
& Senior
Not
Offered

Lacrosse

Fundamentals of lacrosse are learned, as well as game strategy and positional play.

  • Equipment Required: Helmet with full-face protection and lacrosse stick. Bring daily. Athletes can store equipment at camp in a locked bin. Camp is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged equipment.
  • Lacrosse will be played outdoors on a turf field.
Senior
Not
Offered
Junior

Leader-in-Training & Junior Leadership

Not a sport! Our Leader-in-Training & Junior Leadership program for 14, 15 and 16 year olds runs in one-week sessions across the summer. A great confidence builder and transition from athlete to coach and an important step towards future employment at camp. Learn more...
14, 15 & 16
year olds
14, 15 & 16
year olds
14, 15 & 16
year olds

Mindfulness, Meditation & Yoga

Intention, attention and attitude. Learn to cultivate gratitude, handle emotions and develop kindness towards themselves and others. We'll teach wellness and mindfulness through activities like yoga and meditation.

  • Mindfulness, Meditation & Yoga will primarily take place both outside and indoors.
  • Yoga mats will be provided.
Not
Offered
Junior
Senior
 

Girls Multi-Sport & Leadership

Athletes take part in a variety of SFS sports - and some extras like yoga and meditation - with a focus on developing strong, healthy and proud leaders, in and out of sport. With leadership workshops throughout the session, Girls Multi-Sport & Leadership is a girl-powered and empowering take on sport and life.

  • Girls Multi-Sport & Leadership will be a combination of indoor and outdoor activities.
Not
Offered 
8 & 9 year olds
Girls Only!

 
Senior
Girls Only!

 

Junior Multi-Sport

This program is rooted in Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles and is designed to introduce children, ages 6 and 7, to both traditional and non-traditional activities that will help them develop fundamental movement skills and physical literacy, while gaining an appreciation for a variety of sports. *Previously named Kidsport

  • First-ever SFS session for your 6 or 7 year old? Select Junior Multi-Sport for one of their sport choices to introduce them to the fundamentals of sport and movement.
  • Junior Multi-Sport is a great option for athletes who are new to SFS, and/or those that prefer activities and age specific skills.
6 & 7 year olds
6 & 7 year olds
6 & 7 year olds
 

Senior Multi-Sport

Designed to give senior athletes the opportunity to experience an even wider variety of sports than they would normally get to try at SFS. From team sports like ultimate frisbee, rugby, tchoukball, volleyball - there is a new sport to learn or play every day!

  • Senior Sport will take place in a variety of locations, mainly outdoors.
  • An excellent option for senior looking for sport variety or an interest in trying something new!
 Not
Offered
 Senior
Senior

Outdoor Adventure-Based Challenge (OABC)

Programming is run by our McMaster Outdoor Rec / Altitude staff. Alpine tower high challenge course (including climbing, belaying and safety procedures), group initiatives on the Team Development low ropes course (including cooperation, communication and trust activities), fire building, nature stewardship, basic wilderness survival and a day trip to Grand River Rafting. All adventures run on a 'challenge by choice' framework where athletes stretch their comfort zones as they see fit, supported by their coaches and peers. Activities will allow each athlete to develop a new sense of confidence and allows them to challenge themselves in an adventure setting.

  • Extra fees apply.
  • Includes a day trip to Grand River Rafting! Trip forms will be distributed and required for permission to attend the trip. 
    • No trip on 4-day weeks (Session 1 & 6)
  • Outdoor Adventure Based Challenge will be in a variety of settings including outdoor ropes course, indoor climbing wall and fields.
Not
Offered
Senior

Extra Fees
$95 for 1-week sessions
$65 for 4-day sessions (sessions 1&6)

This activity uses both PM1 & PM2 timeslots at camp.

Choose 'N/A - OABC Part 2' as your PM2 sport option when registering!

Racquet Sports

Learn pickleball (inside) and squash (inside the four walls of our squash courts), as well as table tennis (inside), creating a great combination for athletes of all levels. Racquets are provided, as well as eye-protection for squash.
Senior
Junior
& Senior
Senior

Rugby

Rugby combines speed, strength and strategy. This non-contact program offers an introduction to the skills and tactics as athletes learn how to throw, run, kick, catch and tackle as a team.

  • Lacrosse will be played outdoors on a grass field.
Senior
Not
Offered
Not
Offered 

Skateboarding

Skateboarding covers a wide range of styles and tricks and is meant to be an individual experience that one can learn on their own at their own pace. Our athletes will work on things such as stance & pushing, turning & pivoting, ollies, dropping in, table top, and the nose stall.

  • Equipment Required: skateboard, knee and elbow pads, wrist-guards and helmet. Bring daily.
  • Athletes can store at camp but camp is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen equipment.
  • Skateboarding will be done outdoors on a variety of portable skatepark equipment.
 Not
Offered
Junior
& Senior
Not
Offered

Soccer

Juniors - Athletes will learn the fundamentals of soccer in a lesson, drill, and practice format. Skills include but are not limited to: passing, shooting, and dribbling. Athletes will play scrimmage based games throughout the session.

Seniors - Athletes will focus on improving fundamental skills and being challenged to apply skills learned to scrimmages and game situations. Coaches will focus on teaching game strategy, and improving overall game play.

  • Soccer will be played on our outdoor turf fields.
  • For Registration: please note the skill level of the athlete as of current. The levels offered are beginner or intermediate.
Junior
*Beginner & Intermediate Offered*
Senior
*Beginner & Intermediate Offered*
Junior
*Beginner & Intermediate Offered*

Strength, Conditioning & Nutrition

Using the Pulse Fitness Centre, outdoor and urban workout spaces, athletes will learn proper and developmental-age appropriate techniques for strength training, fitness and nutrition. The program supports improved athletic performance and development of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Senior
Not
Offered
Senior

Synchronized (Artistic) Swimming

Explore a form of dance adapted to the water. Athletes develop rhythm, strength, endurance and creativity.

  • Limited Sessions: Not offered Session 2, 3 & 4!
  • STRONG swimming skills and deep-end skills are mandatory
  • Equipment Required: Towel, bathing suit, goggles etc. Bring daily.
  • Location: Indoor McMaster Pool
Senior
Not
Offered
Not
Offered

Track & Field

Juniors - Athletes learn the fundamentals of hurdles, running technique, jumping, and throwing through the program.

Seniors - Athletes will be challenged to improve running form and technique, relay, jumping, throwing and hurdles to further their performance in Track and Field.

  • Locations is the outdoor track.
Junior
& Senior
Junior
Senior

Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate Frisbee is a fast moving, non-contact team sport. Players need to possess a degree of speed, stamina and agility.

  • Played outdoors on grass fields.
Not
Offered
Senior
Not
Offered

Volleyball

Juniors - Athletes will use junior trainer volleyballs to learn basic skills such a setting, passing and serving. Athletes will work on their skills daily and play a scrimmage style game by the end of the session.

Seniors - Athletes learn about positioning, practice blocking and hitting, and perfect their fundamental skills through skill and drill format. Athletes will be given scrimmage time during the session.

  • Played on outdoor grass courts.
Senior
Senior
Junior

Water Polo

This sport is similar to handball, only in the water! Strong deep-end swimming and deep-end treading water skills are mandatory.

  • Limited Sessions: Not offered Session 2, 3 & 4! 
  • Equipment Required: Towel, bathing suit, etc. Bring daily.
  • Location: Indoor McMaster Pool
Not
Offered
Not
Offered
Senior

Wrestling

Athletes are taught the basic understanding and fundamental movements of wrestling. Athletes will be in contact with each other to practice their skills in a controlled and disciplined environment.

  • Location: IWC Combative Room
Junior
Senior
Senior

Additional Camp Services

Options available during registration include:

Preparing for Camp

Camp Guide & Information

Watch our helpful Preparing for Camp Video!

Daily Camp Schedule

The tentative schedule offered below outlines a typical day at camp:

7:30am Extended Care (must pre-register)
8:30am Athlete Arrival
8:50am SFS Wake-Up Call
9:00am AM Sport  
10:10am Recreational Swim
11:00am Fit Forum
11:50am Lunch
12:30pm PM1 Sport
1:40pm Nutritional Break
2:20pm PM2 Sport 
3:30pm Rec Session 
4:15pm Athlete Dismissal
4:30-5:30pm Extended Care (must pre-register)

Camp Checklist

  • Sunscreen & Hat
  • Water Bottle: Bring your own every day!
  • Uniform T-Shirt (provided on the first day of the session)
  • Running Shoes (no “Heelies” or sandals)
  • Bathing Suit
  • Towel – ONLY if enrolled in water sports (towels are provided for Recreational Swims)
  • Lunch & Snacks: There is no refrigerator and no access to vending machines or cafeterias. Consider sending lunches in re-usable containers, and remember we’re nut-free!

A note on electronics: One of the goals of camp is to provide campers with unique experiences at McMaster. Electronic devices - games, phones, music players, etc. - while great for individual entertainment, do not readily encourage socialization at camp and often present challenges, especially when they go missing. We ask that all electronics be left at home for the duration of camp, and promise to provide an awesome experience to keep campers engaged throughout their session!

Sport Specific Equipment - some activities require special equipment:

  • Ball Hockey: Helmet with full-face protection and stick mandatory. Gloves recommended.
  • Baseball: Glove.
  • Golf: One wood, iron and putter.
  • In-line Skating: Skates, knee and elbow pads, wrist-guards and helmet (not offered in 2023)
  • Lacrosse: Helmet with full-face protection mandatory, gloves recommended.
  • Skateboarding: Skates, knee and elbow pads, wrist-guards and helmet (not offered in 2023)
  • Water Sports –Instructional Swim, Synchronized Swimming, Water Polo: Suit and extra towel – keep in mind all athletes take part in a recreational swim in addition to their 3 sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

 An online FAQ is available at www.marauders.ca/CampFAQ, including answers to:

  • What are the camp hours of operation?
  • What if my child needs to leave early, or arrive late or will be absent from camp?
  • Can my child stay late or arrive early?
  • Is wearing the camp t-shirt mandatory?
  • My camper is on the waitlist for a sport. How do I know if a spot opens up?
  • What are the different colour bracelets for?
  • Is swimming mandatory?
  • What is the swim test? How do you keep my camper safe at the pool?
  • Can my child bring electronics to camp?
  • Can my camper walk or ride their bike home?

First Day Check-In

Please refer to the “Drop-Off & Pick-Up” section for information on dropping campers off to camp.

 

On the first day of the session, your child will be assigned to a Counsellor Group (according to the ages of athletes) in the Sport Hall Gymnasium. Please enter the gym through the north doors.

  • Counsellor groups will be assigned when entering the gym on the first day of each session. There is a minimum of two counsellors for each group.
  • Athletes are to meet with their counsellor group every morning for attendance, and to store their belongings for the day.