What Parents want to know about Centauri Arts Camp

"You have taken our daughter from feeling invisible to feeling like she is on top of the world. We are so happy we found Centauri - it has opened our lives in a very positive way."

Camp Parent, 2010

I just thought I would write a quick note to tell you how VERY much Jake enjoyed your camp. He has three siblings all VERY involved in sports and he is not interested, so sometimes he feels as though he doesn't fit in. This last week he was able to meet so many like minded people. He loved it. Thank you for doing what you do. I do believe you will have a "LIFER" in Jake. It was wonderful to see what he feels passionate about and what he is good at.

Our Philosophy...

As a specialty sleep-over camp with a focus on the arts, our goal is to provide the best in arts training, combined with an exciting summer camp experience. We offer a nurturing, supportive community in which every camper can grow as a person, make friends, develop new skills and have the time of their lives.

The Camp and the Directors...

Centauri Summer Arts Camp was established in 1994 by Julie and Craig Hartley, who emigrated from England to follow their dream of creating a summer arts community for youth. Since then, Centauri has grown into a second home for 140 youth per session from Canada and across the world. Julie and Craig Hartley have been the owner-directors of Centauri throughout the past 17 years, living on camp all summer and participating actively in camp life.

To find out more about the camp, click here

Our staff...

Centauri brings together leaders who are outstanding role models for the campers they inspire and instruct. The majority of our staff return year after year, a factor that contributes to the high standard of arts teaching and the exceptional community spirit.

Our Counsellors
Camp counsellors form the backbone of our community, providing guidance, nurturing, friendship and fun. Most of our counsellors were known to us for years as campers, undergoing a rigorous selection and training process before joining the staff.

Our Teaching Faculty
Program Directors are arts professionals with teaching experience who design and teach our programs. Their presence in camp adds the unique arts dimension to Centauri. Program Directors are always on hand to advise and inspire campers, participating in all facets of the community.

Click here to find out more about our staff

Our Facilities...

Centauri Summer Arts Camp is located at a rural facility in the Niagara Region of Canada, 1.5 hours west of Toronto and 45 minutes from the US border. We have a 30-acre central campus surrounded by 170 acres of forest, fields and meadows. We have excellent accommodations: three dorm buildings with indoor washrooms and recreation rooms; a lovely dining hall, sports facilities, a wellness centre and a small pool. Arts facilities include indoor and outdoor theatres, music rooms, art studio, graphic arts lab, dance studio with sprung floor, writing room, film studios and rehearsal rooms.

Click here to see photos of the site

References and Testimonials...

References, Home Visits and More! We're very proud of the summer opportunities we offer with young people, and the relationships we establish with our camp families. Please call us, and we can discuss the individual needs and interests of your child. Telephone references can also be provided. For families within easy reach of Toronto we are always happy to arrange to meet with you in your home.

Click here to read camper and parent Testimonials

Our Commitment to Health & Safety ...

Centauri has been an accredited member of the Ontario Camps Association for the past 14 years. We have an outstanding safety record, a high staff ratio, an extensive staff training program and dedicated, mature counsellors. At least one camp nurse is on site at all times and all our staff are first aid trained. Our chefs prepare excellent, nutritious food which includes vegetarian options at all meals and an extensive salad bar at lunch and dinner.

Click here to read more about our Food and Health at Centauri

Accreditations and Memberships

Centauri Arts Camp has been a member of the Ontario Camps Association since inception and is a fully accredited camp with the Ontario Camps Association.
Centauri Arts Camp is also a member of the International Camping Fellowship, Theatre Ontario and Dance Ontario.

One Session... or Longer?

Campers at Centauri can stay as many sessions as they wish. Campers choose 1 program per session. We offer a multiple session discount and families are invited to the presentations on each final day.

FAQs

Click here for a 'frequently asked questions' page

Transportation

Since we are located only 1.5 hours from Toronto and 40 minutes from the US border, many parents bring campers directly to camp, and share in the first day ‘welcome’. We also offer bus transportation from the west end of Toronto, and transportation from Toronto’s international airport.

Click here for more details. Click here to see the map.