Three unique YMCA overnight summer camps
Overnight camp! Campfire songs, bunk beds, swimming, fireflies, docks and arts & crafts – many of us remember a camp experience like this from when we were kids. Now add sailing, archery, climbing, rope courses and backpacking to the list. YMCA Camp Elphinstone has three options for overnight camps including a shorter camp for the little ones.
Wondering WHY you should send you child to an overnight camp?
YMCA overnight summer camps for all kinds of kids
YMCA Two-Week Camps (ages 7 to 15)
The only thing better than a week at camp is two weeks at camp, and there are tons of benefits!
- Kids make stronger, longer lasting bonds with new friends while participating in exciting activities such as sailing, archery, climbing, ropes courses and more.
- There are twice as many interest groups, which means four skills to master!
- There are a lot more opportunities for out-trips, including overnight hiking, canoe, or kayak trips.
- Plus, the longer you stay at camp, the more likely you are to spot an orca swimming by (how cool is that?!)
>> Find out more about the YMCA’s two-week overnight summer camps
McNabb 3-Day Camp (ages 5 to 7)
Is your 5 to 7 year old ready for overnight camp this summer? McNabb sessions are perfect for little ones who are eager to get a taste of the overnight camp experience. This shorter, 3-night camp focuses on creating a comfortable environment for many campers’ first time away from home. Campers are introduced to activities like rock climbing, canoeing, archery, sailing, arts and crafts, and more.
>> Find out more about McNabb Camp.
Sunshine Coast Trail Hiking Camps
There are two options for campers: Sunshine Coast Trail I is a one-week session featuring a four-day hike for 12-14 year olds and Sunshine Coast Trail II is a two-week session featuring a nine-day hike for 13-15 year olds.
Sunshine Coast Trail I
Campers set out on a scenic four-day backpacking trip on the Sunshine Coast Trail led by experienced staff. This option is ideal outing for kids who are new to out-tripping. Campers form friendships and develop leadership skills in a focused team building environment as they take on on responsibilities like packing, cooking, being leader of the day and navigating.
The route takes campers from Saltery Bay to Lois Lake and features the challenging but rewarding hike up Mount Troubridge, the highest point along the Sunshine Coast Trail.
Find out more about the Sunshine Coast Trail 1 Camp
Sunshine Coast Trail II
This two-week camp features a nine-day backpacking adventure on the Sunshine Coast Trail that is longer and slightly more challenging than the one-week Sunshine Coast Trail I. This route takes campers from Lois Lake to Powell River and travels through landmarks like Walt Hill, Inland Lake and Tin Hat Mountain and gives campers even more opportunities to strengthen their backcountry living skills.
Under the guidance of experienced staff, campers will develop resiliency, cooperation and communication skills by working together in the wilderness for nine days.
>> Find out more about the Sunshine Coast Trail 2 Camp
This post is sponsored by YMCA Camps of Greater Vancouver
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. Surrounded by temperate rainforest and the rocky shoreline of Howe Sound, YMCA Camp Elphinstone’s 144 acres lets campers experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Located on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast near Gibsons, and just a 40-minute ferry ride from Vancouver, Find out more: gv.ymca.ca/camps
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