Summer Camp Fun

Residential summer camps offer children and teens a chance to take a step toward independence in a safe, fun-filled setting. Here are some summer camps from which to choose. Some of these organizations also offer camps for families. For more information, please refer to the advertising in the April issue of Island Parent.

Camp Columbia

Middle schoolers won’t want to miss out on a week of co-ed Wilderness Camp in Strathcona Park, where they’ll learn survival skills, plant identification and campfire building. Six skilled counsellors will guide campers through team-building challenges, hikes, worship, and care for creation programing. Guest leaders include an Anglican chaplain, an ecological restoration designer, and an Aboriginal elder. Tents and gear are provided, but bring a sleeping bag and mat. July 30-August 3. $250. Register at www.antikipper.com.

We provide space for high school students to get serious about doing what they love in our three specialty camps: Get Me a Musician, Act Up!, and Holy Disorder, in which campers work with professionals in music performance, stage acting or doing justice. Visit a recording studio, learn script-writing, and perform in an inspiring theatre, or play ninja games with high-powered nuns. July 4-13 at Pine Lodge Farm in Mill Bay, $500 early bird. www.antikipper.com.

Camp Imadene

Camp Imadene has been providing successful camping opportunities for children, teens, and adults on Vancouver Island for 85+ years. Our 200-acre property surrounds beautiful Mesachie Lake, just 90 minutes from Victoria. Each year, 1,500 campers come to enjoy tubing, wakeboarding, our 1,000 ft. BMX track, rock-climbing, rappelling, caving, swimming, boating, low-ropes, geocaching, pickleball, and more. With a 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio, we provide a supportive and encouraging atmosphere that fosters unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships. 1-800-445-7575. www.imadene.com.

Camp Narnia

Imagination and adventure thrive at Camp Narnia. We are located near Parksville, and are a nondenominational camp whose programs are based on the creative children’s stories The Chronicles of Narnia. Camps are for children ages 6-15. Camp Narnia is centered on storytelling, forest and nature activities, unique crafts, theatre, and so much more. Our purpose is to foster the joys of childhood, respect and community in a unique setting. Come join in the adventure! www.campnarnia.com.

Camp Qwanoes

Qwanoes is a youth oriented high-adventure Christian camp celebrating a 46-year tradition of excellence in camp ministry on Vancouver Island. We are fully accredited and maintain standards of the highest quality. Choose from week-long co-ed camps for Juniors, Junior Highs, Senior Highs, plus family retreats. Seeking to encourage, challenge and develop the entire person, our well-rounded programs include over 75 activities, stimulating speakers, music and singing, Bible study, firesides and pure fun. Qwanoes is an ideal place for fun-filled, life-changing adventure. For a free brochure or more info: 1-888-997-9266 or www.qwanoes.ca.

CanAdventure Education

CanAdventure Education is a therapeutic wilderness adventure program that engages young people in education, cultural awareness, skill development, and personal growth. The program was founded to promote wilderness adventure as an ideal vehicle for recreation, learning and personal growth among youth. Located in Sayward, CanAdventure runs programs for youth aged 13-19, including specialized programming for struggling teens. Our camps feature backpacking and kayaking expeditions to Vancouver Island’s most inspiring destinations, including Strathcona Park, Nootka Island, Cape Scott, and Johnstone Strait. 250-282-3862. www.canadventure.ca.

Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre

Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre provides a stunning island setting for summer retreats and conferences. Outdoor Education participants as well as special interest groups such as artistry guilds, reunions, and church denominations receive attentive and friendly service to make their time away a memorable event. The Holiday Bible Weeks during July and August provide families with solid practical Bible teaching amidst a holiday setting. See www.capernwray.ca for all the details, or call 1-888-224-5681.

Glenlyon Norfolk School

The Marine Adventure Program at Glenlyon Norfolk School is beginning its 18th season providing 5- and 6-day sea kayak camps for teens and youth. Small groups and experienced leaders create an ideal and safe opportunity to experience sea kayaking and the marine environment while gaining skills in paddling, marine travel, navigation, marine life and more. These active camps are full of games and activities and explore some of the most spectacular locations of our world famous B.C. coastline. Contact the Marine Adventure Program at 250-370-6852 or e-mail dtyrrell@mygns.ca.

George Pringle Memorial Camp

Remember that great summer you spent as a child at that awesome summer camp? Those carefree days of learning new skills like archery or canoeing, being able to swim every day and being in an inclusive community where you became best friends with every kid in your cabin? Those camps still exist, and they continue to have a profound and positive social aspect. This summer, send your child for a week that lasts a lifetime. www.camppringle.com.

The Gulf Islands Film & Television School

Act, direct, and make your own movies with Canada’s best filmmaking mentors during six “Action!”-packed days. The Gulf Islands Film & Television School is celebrating 18 years of exceptional youth experiences each week this July and August. Lifelong friendships are made in this intimate setting (only 30 campers) on safe, beautiful Galiano Island, while learning real-life skills on professional equipment. Early Teen (10-14) or French Immersion available. School groups April-June. For information: www.GIFTSfilms.com, gifts@giftsfilms.com, or 1-800-815-9993.

SMUS Summer Music Academies

Join students from across North America in this unique summer program with a solid arts pedigree. Youth age 11-17 can spend a week of intensive, hands-on learning with expert instructors exploring and enhancing their skills in a specific area of the performing arts. Program areas include: voice (youth opera and vocal variety), jazz band, switch band, and musical theatre. Residential and day options are available. For details, visit us at www.smus.ca/academies, or call 250-370-6120.•