YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMPS FOR EVERY CHILD

We think it’s pretty safe to say that, like us, all parents want their kids to thrive, to develop key life skills and to become joyful and confident humans. We stress over how to best support them in this development. “What more can I do? Did I do that right? Am I doing enough?”.

Sometimes though, the best thing we can do is to give our kids some space to soar. Give them a chance to express themselves and learn without us there. Kids can grow and expand in amazing ways when placed in new environments. Having the opportunity to rise to new heights and overcome obstacles builds their confidence and self-esteem. Of course, we're not suggesting you should abandon them! On the contrary, we're suggesting one of the best places for kids to spread their wings in a supportive, fun and magical place, is at YMCA Camp Elphinstone and its overnight camp programs.

YMCA campers speak from the heart about what camp means to them, what they love about their camp counsellors and which superhero they would bring along for the experience.

WHICH CAMP IS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?

With an emphasis on building independence and personal development, campers gain confidence in the overnight camp setting. Campers learn new skills and challenge themselves through many traditional camp activities like canoeing, archery, and rock climbing. From three-night introductory camps for little ones, to one and two-week specialized sailing or out-tripping camps for older kids, YMCA Camp Elphinstone, which is located on B.C’.s beautiful Sunshine Coast, really offers something special for every child.

3 Nights - McNabb Camp at Elphinstone

Ages 5 to 7

This is the perfect introduction to overnight camp for little ones.

This camp offers younger campers a shorter, three-night camp experience that focuses on creating a comfortable environment for many campers’ first time away from home. McNabb campers enjoy their meals in a smaller dining hall and live in lodges with in-house washrooms and showers for easy access. McNabb campers are introduced to camp programs like rock climbing, canoeing, archery, and sailing. All staff are trained to deliver age-appropriate programming and to ensure proper care of the YMCA's youngest overnight campers.

1-Week Camp at Elphinstone

Ages 7 to 15

This is perfect for newbies and seasoned campers, and especially those looking to coordinate their schedule with other families and busy summer schedules. 

Working together with cabin-mates, campers choose activities that meet their interests and skill levels. Campers build friendships as they engage in exciting activities alongside one another—sailing, archery, climbing, ropes courses and so much more.

2-Week Camp at Elphinstone

Ages 7 to 15

This is the ideal program for kids who have been to camp before or are confident in being away from home.

Working together with cabin-mates, campers choose activities that meet their own interests. Two-week campers participate in an out-trip in addition to traditional camp activities and skill levels. With two weeks together, campers build friendships as they engage in exciting activities alongside one another—sailing, archery, climbing, ropes courses and so much more. Campers live in cabins with up to 10 children close in age, along with two experienced counsellors.

2-Week Camp - Desolation Sound 2

Ages 13 to 15

Desolation Sound Two-Week Camp is perfect for an older child looking to develop independence, wilderness skills and leadership. 

This two-week camp features a nine-day canoe or sea kayak trip through one of the most breathtaking coastal settings in Canada. Campers develop confidence and teamwork skills in this introduction to backcountry living and coastal paddling. An excellent pre-Leadership Development experience, campers must be prepared to work together on trip planning and execution.

2-Week Camp - Sunshine Coast Trail 2

Ages 13 to 15

This overnight camp program is perfect for an older camper looking to hone wilderness travel and backcountry living skills while challenging themselves physically. 

This two-week camp features a nine-day backpacking trip on the Sunshine Coast Trail. Longer and slightly more challenging than our one-week Sunshine Coast Trail I, this route will take campers from Lois Lake to Powell River and travels through landmarks like Walt Hill, Inland Lake and Tin Hat Mountain. This camp gives campers even more opportunities to strengthen their backcountry living skills. Under the guidance of experienced staff, campers will develop resilience, cooperation and communication skills by working together in the wilderness for nine days.

FOR MORE INFO & TO BOOK YOUR CAMP:

WEBSITE: myymca.ca
PHONE: 604.939.9622
EMAIL: camps@gv.ymca.ca 
CAMP LOCATION: YMCA Camp Elphinstone, 1760 YMCA Road, Gibsons, B.C. V0N 1V6