Are you looking for ideas on sleepaway camps near Metro Vancouver? Or are you wondering whether a Family Camp a better fit for your family?
There are many different types of sleepaway camps to choose from, each with its own unique focus or theme. Options include sports camps, adventure camps, performing arts camps, academic camps, religious camps, and special needs camps. Consider your child's interests and needs when choosing a sleepaway camp to find the best fit.
What Sleepaway Camps give kids
Sleepaway camps can be a really exciting experience for kids. They get the chance to be independent and make their own decisions, which can be really empowering. Plus, they get to hang out with other kids their age and make new friends. Sleepaway camps often have lots of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and rock climbing, which can be a great way for kids to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors. And they can also do educational and enriching activities like workshops and craft classes, which can be a fun way for them to experience new things. Sleepaway camps can also help kids step outside their comfort zone and try new things, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem. All in all, sleepaway camps can be a fun and rewarding experience for kids.
YMCA Camp Elphinstone
YMCA overnight camp programs take place at YMCA Camp Elphinstone, located on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast, which is a short ferry ride from West Vancouver. Overnight camps include summer one-week and two-week sessions, extended leadership programs for teens, wilderness expeditions, and family camps. YMCA Camp Elphinstone offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, rock climbing, and archery. We love their emphasis on building independence and personal development, campers gain confidence in the overnight camp setting.
Camp
Narnia
Camp Narnia is a sleepaway camp located in Cowichan Valley, BC on Vancouver Island. Kids can try cooking over a campfire, dress up in costume for the Narnian play, create works of art, test their archery skill, and (most importantly) make lots of new friends. Camp Narnia offers week-long summer camp programs for children ages six to fifteen. We love that this community-focused summer camp on Vancouver Island fosters creativity, friendships and skill development with a focus on healthy living and attention to children’s individual needs.
Lower Mainland
Camp Luther - This is a Christian sleepaway camp located in Mission, BC, about an hour east of Metro Vancouver. It offers programs for children and youth, including adventure, sports, and arts and crafts.
Camp Summit - This is a sleepaway camp located Near Squamish, BC. It offers a range of activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, and arts and crafts.
Camp Jubilee - This is a sleepaway camp located in Indian Arm, BC. It offers a range of activities, including horseback riding, archery, and water sports.
Evans Lake - This is a sleepaway camp located in Squamish, BC, about a 1-hour drive north of Metro Vancouver. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking.
Camp McLean - This is a co-ed sleepaway camp operated by Scouts Canada located in Langley, BC, about a 30-minute drive east of Metro Vancouver. It offers a range of activities, including horseback riding, water sports, and arts and crafts.
Camp Squeah - This is a full-time Christian summer camp located in Hope, BC. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, boating, and archery. Also offers shorter stays for younger campers and Family Camp options.
Sunshine Coast / Gulf Islands / Vancouver Island
Camp Fircom - This is a sleepaway camp located on Gambier Island, BC, which is a short ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, rock climbing, archery and outdoor school.
YMCA Camp Elphinstone - This is a sleepaway camp located on the Sunshine Coast, BC, which is a short ferry ride from West Vancouver. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, rock climbing, and archery.
Camp Qwanoes - This is a Christian sleepaway camp located in Crofton on Vancouver Island. It offers a range of outdoor and adventure activities, such wakeboarding and archery to mountain boarding and the Sky-Scraper…there’s over 75 activity options to choose from!
Camp Homewood - This is a sleepaway camp located on Vancouver Island. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as harbour camp, ranch camp, sailing camp and woodsman camp.
Camp Sunrise - This is a Christian sleepaway camp run by the Salvation Army located in Gibsons, BC. They offer programs such as the "BRAVE" Teen Girl Camp & Performing Arts Camps.
Camp Thunderbird - This is a sleepaway camp located in Sooke, BC. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and has provided outdoor experiences for children and youth since 1935.
Camp Narnia - This is a sleepaway camp located in Cowichan Valley, BC. Kids can try cooking over a campfire, dress up in costume for the Narnian play, create works of art, test their archery skill, and (most importantly) make lots of new friends.
Okanagan & BC Interior
Camp Olave - This is a Girl Guide sleepaway camp located in Sechelt, BC. It offers a range of activities for all ages of Girl Guides.
Camp Owaissi - This is a Christian sleepaway camp located in Kelowna, BC. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, boating, and archery. With over 50 acres of land including beaches and forest it's a truly nature based experience.
Eagle Bay Camp - This is a Christian sleepaway camp located in Vernon, BC. It offers a variety of outdoor activities for children ages 8 to 15.
Camp Koolaree - This is a sleepaway camp located in Trail, BC. It is run by the United Church & offers a range of activities, including horseback riding, water sports, and arts and crafts.
What is Family Camp?
Family camps provide an opportunity for families to spend quality time together and bond in a different setting and a “practice run” for kids who are unsure if they are ready for sleepaway camp by themselves. Most sleep away summer camp operators located near Metro Vancouver, British Columbia offer 1 or 2 family camp sessions at the beginning or end of their regular camp season.
Many family camps offer a range of outdoor activities to try together, such as swimming, boating, and hiking, which can be a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Family camps can provide a relaxing and stress-free environment, which can be a great way for families to recharge and reconnect. They can also be a great way for families to meet new people and build new relationships!
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