To make a donation to our Summer Fundraiser, CLICK HERE!
FAQ About Donating to our Summer Fundraiser:
General Information
Q: What is the Ralph Thornton Community Centre’s RAC ?
A: The Riverdale Adventure Camp (RAC) is a summer camp run by the Ralph Thornton Community Centre (RTCC) where we provide exceptional programming that fosters personal growth, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories for children in a fun and inclusive environment.
Q: What is the Ralph Thornton Community Centre’s After School Program (ASP)?
A: The After School Program (ASP) at RTCC fosters an inclusive, supportive environment where children can thrive through healthy development and fun, engaging activities. Running in alignment with the TDSB school calendar, the program offers daily pick-up from Morse Street Public School and Dundas Public School at dismissal time. Children are safely walked to the Ralph Thornton Community Centre, where they receive a nutritious snack (in line with student nutrition guidelines) and enjoy a dynamic range of activities—from library visits, cooking and baking, and open gym time to homework help, arts & crafts, science experiments, computer time, and more!
Q: Who can attend these programs?
A: RAC Camp and the After-School Program (ASP) are open to all children and families. Both programs are not-for-profit and operate at cost to ensure affordability while maintaining high-quality childcare and programming. RAC welcomes children from diverse backgrounds, with dedicated spots reserved for families who are low-income, newcomers, or part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. ASP, which has traditionally been a fee-for-service program, is now introducing a Geared-to-Income Fee Structure—just like RAC —to increase fairness and accessibility. With community support, we’re expanding the number of subsidized spaces available in both programs. Our goal is to make sure that every child—regardless of financial circumstances—has access to enriching, transformative experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Q: What age groups do these program serve?
A: They both serve children aged 6 to 12 years old. We have tailored activities and programs suitable for different age groups to ensure every child has a meaningful and enjoyable experience.
Programs and Activities
Q: What types of activities are offered?
A: Our programs offer a wide range of fun activities, including sports, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, team-building exercises, and educational workshops to create a fun and inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and be themselves.
Q: How are the programs structured?
A: Our programs are structured to support the inclusion of children from various backgrounds. While RAC has various streams for registration purposes, children in both programs are grouped by age and age appropriate activities are designed to promote personal growth, teamwork, and creativity, ensuring a well-rounded experience for every participant.
Q: Is there a focus on inclusion and diversity?
A: Yes, inclusion and diversity are at the core of our camp. We have specific streams for low-income, newcomer, and LGBTQ2S+ families to ensure that every child feels welcome and valued.
Registration and Fees
Q: How can I register my child for RAC or ASP?
A: Please note, registration is closed for the 2025 summer session of camp. We offer a low-barrier registration process to ensure all families can easily enroll their children. When applications open, a form is available for download on our website which can be submitted electronically via email. We also have physical copies of our forms which can be filled out and submitted to reception. We do not operate on a first come first serve basis and this is to ensure that all families are guaranteed a minimum number of weeks of camp as long as they submit their paperwork on time.
If you’re interested in registering your child in our ASP, please follow the instructions at the bottom of the page, HERE.
Q: What are the fees for attending RAC or ASP?
A: RAC and ASP are not-for-profit initiatives, operating at cost to ensure affordability while upholding the highest standards of childcare and programming. This year, we’re introducing a Geared-to-Income Fee Structure for both programs to enhance fairness and accessibility. The fees charged help cover part of the camp’s operational costs; however, we also rely heavily on the generosity and kindness of people like you to help bridge the gap and keep our programs affordable for low-income households. A fee breakdown table can be found HERE.
Our goal is to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent any children who wish to attend summer camp and after school programs from having the amazing adventures they deserve.
Donations and Support
Q: How can I support this camp?
A: You can support this camp by making a donation to help sustain the program. Donations can be made by filling out the donation form linked HERE or by writing a cheque addressed to the “Ralph Thornton Community Organization”, the charitable branch of the Ralph Thornton Community Centre.
Q: Will I get a charitable tax receipt for my donation?
A: Donations of $25 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt.
Q: What impact does my donation have?
A: Every dollar you donate goes directly towards providing children in our community with a memorable and enriching summer camp experience and helping subsidize the cost of After School Program child care for low-income households. Your support helps cover the cost of activities, supplies, staffing and additional expenses which make it possible for us to offer affordable childcare to families who need it most.
Q: How much should I donate?
A: Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated. Here are some examples of how your donation can help:
$60 provides one day of camp for a child.
$300 provides one full week of camp for a child.
$1,200 provides a complete month long camp experience for a child.
We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the Ralph Thornton Community Centre’s summer RAC.
If you’d like to make a donation and help support sending local children from low-income families to camp this summer, please CLICK HERE!
If you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to our fundraising coordinator, Ming, at mingr@ralphthornton.org. With your help, we look forward to welcoming children from the East End to an unforgettable summer camp adventure!