In Ontario, summer camps used primarily for childcare while a parent works are generally treated as mandatory Section 7 expenses and split proportionately based on income. Purely recreational sports camps may only qualify if their cost is considered “extraordinary” relative to the parents’ combined income.
When summer approaches in Ontario, parents often scramble to register their children for various camps and activities. For separated or divorced parents in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga, this often triggers a frustrating debate: who is paying for it? Under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, basic monthly child support is meant to cover standard food, clothing, and everyday hobbies. However, certain costs fall outside this basic amount, known as Section 7 or “special and extraordinary expenses.”
The legal conflict usually arises when one parent signs a child up for an expensive summer camp or an elite recreational sports league. Is it a necessary childcare expense, or an optional recreational activity? 📝 If it is childcare, both parents must typically share the cost in proportion to their incomes. If it is purely recreational, it must meet the legal threshold of being “extraordinary” before the other parent is legally forced to contribute. This guide will walk you through how Ontario family courts categorize these expenses and how to claim them properly.
Step-by-Step Process for Claiming Summer Camp as a Section 7 Expense
Properly claiming a summer camp expense requires transparency and adherence to your family court order. Most applicants in this province follow a clear process to ensure they are legally entitled to reimbursement.
Step 1: Determine the Primary Purpose of the Camp
First, evaluate why the child is attending the camp. If you work full-time during the summer and the camp is strictly necessary to supervise your child during your scheduled parenting time, it falls under “childcare expenses incurred as a result of employment.” Childcare is automatically a Section 7 expense. If the child is attending a specialized hockey camp simply because they enjoy it, it is classified as an extracurricular activity.
Step 2: Evaluate if the Cost is “Extraordinary”
If the camp is strictly recreational, it only qualifies as a Section 7 expense if the cost is extraordinary. 💰 Ontario courts evaluate this by looking at the combined income of both parents, the number of children, and the overall cost of the program. A standard $200 CAD community soccer camp is usually expected to be covered by base monthly child support. However, a $3,000 CAD elite overnight camp would likely be deemed extraordinary and split proportionately.
Step 3: Check Your Separation Agreement
Before demanding money, carefully review your final separation agreement or court order. Many well-drafted agreements specifically list which extracurricular activities are pre-approved. Some agreements cap Section 7 expenses (e.g., “recreational camps up to a maximum of $1,000 per year”). You must follow the exact rules written in your specific legal document.
Step 4: Obtain Written Consent Before Booking
Do not book an expensive camp and hand your ex the receipt after the fact. Ontario family law generally requires parents with joint decision-making responsibility to agree on major expenses beforehand. Send an email outlining the dates, the total cost, and the exact proportionate share you are requesting. Give them a reasonable deadline to respond.
Step 5: Mediate or File a Court Motion
If your ex-partner refuses to pay their proportionate share of a valid Section 7 expense, do not withhold your child from their parenting time. Instead, you must attempt to resolve the issue through family mediation. If mediation fails, you can file a motion at the Superior Court of Justice or the Ontario Court of Justice to have a judge force the reimbursement.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
Disputing a camp fee in court can quickly cost more than the camp itself. Consider these financial realities:
- Average Camp Costs: Day camps range from $250 to $600 CAD per week. Overnight camps can cost $1,500 to $4,000 CAD for a multi-week session.
- Family Mediation: Hiring a private mediator to resolve expense disputes usually costs between $1,500 and $3,000 CAD, split between both parents.
- Lawyer Fees: If you must file a court motion to enforce a Section 7 expense, expect to pay a family lawyer between $350 and $650 CAD per hour.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Getting consent should only take a few days if parents are communicating effectively. If you must go through mediation, expect the process to take 4 to 8 weeks. If you are forced to file a motion in family court to recover unpaid Section 7 expenses in 2026, severe court backlogs mean you could be waiting 4 to 8 months for a judge’s decision.
Categorizing Summer Activities
Understanding how judges categorize activities can help you avoid unnecessary legal battles. Review this table for common examples.
| Activity Type | Section 7 Status | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| YMCA Summer Day Camp | Usually Yes (Childcare) | Necessary for the parent to work during the summer break. |
| Local House League Soccer | Usually No | Inexpensive; expected to be covered by base child support. |
| Elite Travel Hockey Camp | Usually Yes (Extraordinary) | High equipment and travel costs that exceed standard budgets. |
| Math Tutoring Camp | Usually Yes (Education) | Qualifies as an extraordinary educational program if recommended by a school. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to pay if I was not consulted about the camp?
Generally, no. If you share joint decision-making responsibility, the other parent cannot unilaterally register the child for an expensive, non-essential recreational camp and legally force you to pay for it without your prior written consent.
How is the proportionate share calculated?
Section 7 expenses are split based on the parents’ respective Line 15000 incomes from their tax returns. If Parent A makes $70,000 and Parent B makes $30,000, their combined income is $100,000. Parent A pays 70% of the camp, and Parent B pays 30%.
What if my ex claims they cannot afford their share?
If the expense is deemed reasonable and necessary, the court will look at their actual income. However, the court will not order a parent to contribute to an elite luxury camp if doing so would drive them into severe financial hardship.
Does the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) affect this?
Yes. When calculating the net cost of the childcare expense, you must deduct any government subsidies, tax deductions, or childcare benefits received before splitting the final out-of-pocket cost between the parents.
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