Summer Camp Fun

Residential summer camps offer children and teens a chance to take a step toward independence in a safe, fun-filled setting. Campers also learn new skills, make new friends and have fun in a new setting. Here are some local summer camps from which to choose. Some of these organizations also offer camps for families. For more information, please refer to the advertising in this issue.

Camp Barnard
Summer camp at Camp Barnard hosts a wacky, wild, wonderful week of adventure. Laughter, friendship, archery, shelters, campfire lighting, canoeing, crafts, games, plus many more wilderness skills and thrills are offered for girls and boys 9-12 years of age. Camp dates are August 7-12 and 14-19. Camp Barnard is located on beautiful Young Lake in Sooke, and will be hosted by a team of university and college outdoor enthusiasts. Registration is limited for this hands-on wilderness experience. To register, visit www.adventurecamps.ca or call Kay at 250-384-3494.

Camp Columbia
Camp Columbia offers camps for ages 7-17 and for families. A short ferry ride from Chemainus brings you to 72 acres on oceanfront property and this pristine location on Thetis Island—the perfect setting for a summer camp. Accredited by the BC Camping Association and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Camps, our small camp size ensures a quality experience with highly motivated and experienced staff members. Please visit our website at www.campcolumbia.com or call the camp office toll free at 1-866-946-3751 for more information.

Camp Imadene
Get ready to grab on to a week filled with non-stop adventure, good friends and tons of fun. Whether you’re catching big air on the tubes or ripping it up on the 1,000 foot long BMX track, Camp Imadene provides an unforgettable, action-packed adventure for all ages. Go to our website, www.campimadene.com, for camp dates and program details, and be sure to check out our new Wildside Programs and Family Getaway Weekends. Camp office: 1-800-445-7575 (within B.C. only) or 250-729-6606.

Camp Pringle
Camp Pringle Gets a Facelift. For over 60 years, the BCCA & UCC accredited George Pringle Memorial Camp on Shawnigan Lake has been a premier sleepover camp for children on Vancouver Island. Our excellent reputation for caring staff, great programs and Christian grounding has placed us as a welcoming camp for children, youth and families. In 2010, the BC Conference of the United Church invested over $3 million to ensure we have world-class facilities that will accommodate more campers. More information at www.camppringle.com.

Camp Qwanoes
Qwanoes is a youth-oriented high-adventure Christian camp celebrating a 45-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 High, plus family retreats. Seeking to encourage, challenge, and develop the entire person, our well-rounded programs include over 75 activitites, stimulationg 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.

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 for more information.

Denman Island Soccer Camp
Developing mind, body and soul. Shel Brodsgaard hosts this residential soccer camp blending sustainable values in health and lifestyle with the world's greatest game. The former professional soccer player and Canadian National Team Coach mentors players ages U11-U18 in a six-day program of personal soccer skill development in connection with the rustic island lifestyle. Home grown meals, beach walks, a visit to Tribune Bay, lake swimming, and talent show rates this holistic program as the best ever camp experience. 250-334-7957. www.denmanislandsoccercamps.com.

Glenlyon Norfolk School
The Marine Adventure Program at Glenlyon Norfolk School is beginning its 17th season providing 5- to 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 participants explore some of the most spectacular locations of our world famous B.C. coastline. Contact the Marine Adventure Program at 250-370-6852 or email dtyrrell@mygns.ca.

Green English Adventures
Come camp by the ocean for a week on beautiful Pender Island. Nature-based ESL camps and art camps are offered in July. Afternoon activities include kayaking, hiking, swimming, or a boat tour. Only 12 students per camp. Green English Adventures is run by Amanda Griesbach, M.A., an ESL teacher for over 10 years, a park operator for seven summers, and an artist (painting and mixed-media collages). 1-250-629-3915. www.GreenEnglish.ca.

Gulf Islands Film and Television School
The Gulf Islands Film and Television School (GIFTS), est. in 1995, runs youth residential camps all summer on Galiano Island. This internationally acclaimed program is taught by professional filmmakers chosen for their ability to inspire and teach. A special extra-fun pre-teen (11-14 years) course is offered July 31-Aug 6. Students from around B.C. and beyond choose a session and then a genre (drama, documentary, visual effects, game design, acting, stunts for film, etc.). For information, visit www.GIFTSfilms.com or call 1-800-813-9993.

Horne Lake Provincial Park
This camp really rocks! For summer camps that are guaranteed to WOW, check out the high-energy programs at Horne Lake Provincial and Regional Parks. Thrilling activities include rock climbing, cave exploring, rock rappelling, paddling, nightly campfires & camping in a Teepee. Adult counsellors, healthy meals and a wide variety of camps include a 6-day Explorer Camp, the Crusader Camps or the new Girls InPower Camps. Families can join with a “Thriving Wild Camp” and older teens can put it all together at the “Inner Leader Camp”. All camps include teepees and all meals. Online reservations www.hornelake.com or call 250-703-6051.

Outward Bound Canada
Outward Bound Canada is a world-renowned provider of transformational education experiences. We are offering two types of courses for 15-18 year olds this summer: the classic 21-day Youth Discovery and a 14-day Youth Challenge for those at risk of making poor health and lifestyle choices. Courses incorporate challenging outdoor adventure travel and leadership training. For more information on these Vancouver Island courses and adult courses, see www.outwardbound.ca.

Pioneer Pacific Camp
For over 50 years we have been providing campers with a week of unforgettable adventure on our breathtaking oceanfront site in the Gulf Islands. Our exciting youth programs, led by mature, trained and caring staff, offer opportunities and challenges that foster social, physical, intellectual and spiritual growth as youth reach for their potential. From wakeboarding to extreme biking, great friends to great music, let us welcome you to Pioneer Pacific Camp—for a summer of adventure and a lifetime of memories. Experience it! Pioneer Pacific Camp, owned by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, is one of eight across Canada. 1-800-784-1415 or www.pioneerpacific.ca.

SMUS Summer Music Academies
Join students from across North America in this unique summer program with a solid arts pedigree. Youth aged 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), strings, and musical theatre. For details, visit us at www.smus.ca/academies or call 250-370-6120.

Vancouver Island University
Grandkids University runs at Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island University on July 6 & 7. Grandkids and grandparents come together to learn and create memories in a dynamic atmosphere. “Earn a Degree” in one of five majors: Anthropology, Fisheries, Field Biology, Fine Arts, Nursing, or Classical Mythology. Attend a BBQ and take part in evening recreation. Stay together in Student Residences. Enjoy time together and create lasting memories. Visit www.viu.ca/grandkids or call 1-866-734-6252 to register.

YMCA-YWCA Camp Thunderbird
YMCA-YWCA Camp Thunderbird builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Our staff members are the best in the business with the perfect blend of training, enthusiasm, care and certification. Our programs are active, dynamic, challenging and creative. We focus on having fun and developing skills. Campers will enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking, campfires, music, drama, out-trips and more. 250-418-1840 or www.victoria.com/campthunderbird for more information.•