In virtually every Tim Hortons community, there are youth benefiting from our programs. Whether they join us as a summer camper, participate through our school program, or attend through our strategic partnerships, thousands of camp experiences are made possible annually thanks to the generosity of restaurant owners, guests and corporate partnerships.
Learn about our programs:
Summer Program
We work with adolescents aged 12 to 16 who meet our economic qualifications. These are some of the most formative years of young people’s lives and our programs are tailored to make a lasting impact.
Our participants are discovering who they are. They’re facing pressure from friends, challenges from school, and changes from growing up. They’re also forming patterns that will guide how they think, feel about themselves, and relate to others. They are deciding who they are—and the young adults they want to be.
At this stage, programs that are geared towards social and emotional development and resiliency can change patterns in behaviour and set young people up for health and wellbeing in adulthood. In fact, camp programs that have this focus and offer opportunities to build relationships with supportive and caring young adult leaders are even better.
Youth Selection
We are committed to serving youth from every Tim Hortons community in Canada and the US. Tim Hortons Restaurant Owners in these communities – in partnership with local organizations, and the public – play a critical role in selecting youth from disadvantaged circumstances who would benefit from our multi-year youth development Summer Program.
Eligibility Guidelines for First Year Campers
- The camper is 11 or 12 years old as of December 31 of the year prior to attending camp (turning 12 or 13 the year they attend camp).
- The camper comes from a low-income home based on the criteria established by Statistics Canada and the U.S. Census Bureau.
- The camper can participate in a group setting.
- The camper does not require ongoing 1:1 health care, emotional or behavioural support.
- The camper must be referred by someone from a community-based organization or a Tim Horton’s Restaurant Owner.
Timeline for Selection
Fall: Applications are sent to returning campers to apply for the following year of camp. The Tims Camps Registration Department then processes all of these applications.
Winter: Campers are notified of their acceptance in February. Through the winter months, we reach out to our Tim Hortons Restaurant Owners to help locate and select youth to enter the program. We then begin working with community-based organizations to fill any remaining first year spots.
Spring: Applications for first year campers are typically due in March/April and acceptance letters are sent in the months following this.
Summer: Open spots continue to be filled right up until the first day of camp, for all sessions throughout the summer.
Waitlist: Any applications that come in from the general public are accepted beginning in January and go onto a waitlist. Once we have a spot available, we will work directly with the family. Spaces often become available throughout the Spring and Summer months.
Summer Program Camper Selection FAQ
How do I receive an application?
Please contact the Tims Camps Registration Department to obtain more information on receiving an application. They can be reached by phone at 1-888-585-0829 or 519-448-1248. They can also be reached by email at registrar@timscamps.com
How much does camp cost?
The Tim Hortons Foundation Camps are completely subsidized for our campers and families. Meaning there is no cost associated with attending. This is made possible through the generous support of Tim Hortons Restaurant Owners, Restaurant Brands International and corporate and local sponsors.
Can I pay if I don't meet the financial criteria?
Our programs are geared towards youth who come from low income homes. We do not accept payment to attend camp and campers must meet our eligibility criteria.
When will I find out where I am going to camp?
Campers and their families will be notified of what camp their child is going to attend by the Registration Department in February. It is important that the Registration Department has the most up-to-date email and home address on file.
How do I get to and from camp?
Campers will travel to camp via bus or flight depending on the distance that they live from the camp they will be attending. During both bus and flight travel, campers are accompanied by our camp staff.
When do I receive my travel package?
Can I choose where I go to camp?
What if a youth has just missed the cutoff age and is slightly too old?
I am from a community organization that works with youth and would like more information. Where can I find it?
Please contact the Registration Department to obtain a more detailed explanation of our registration process and get a copy of the registration package. They can be reached by phone at 1-888-585-0829 or 519-448-1248. They can also be reached by email at registrar@timscamps.com
