Camp FAQs

What Type Of Training Does Your Staff Receive?

We run an intensive 10 days of staff training in the weeks before camp begins. We focus on behavior and group management techniques, numerous safety protocols, bushcraft skills, lesson specific learning, activity facilitation, nature mentoring, terrain guidelines and building a strong, supportive, fun instructor team dynamic.Several of our staff are returning, and/or are experienced in other outdoor education venues. A few are even teachers in their off-season. All staff are certified in a minimum of Standard First Aid and have an up to date Criminal Record Check. Our management team has Operations Level and/or Wilderness First Aid and are always within a quick radio call of our instructors

What about Medications and Medical Concerns?

Please provide as much detail as possible in the registration form regarding anything medical or physical we should know to keep your child safe and provide a great experience. This includes allergies (history, symptoms, procedure), medication taken and instructions, and your everyday strategies.

Pack any medications in your child’s backpack and label them with your child's full name. Please inform us as to where they are located specifically, and what has been packed. This is particularly crucial if it is an Epi-Pen or Allerject. 

What’s your Nut Policy?

We are a Nut-Safe / Nut-Aware program. We recognize that we cannot be “nut-free” as we cannot control what is eaten / handled outside of camp hours. Given the large amount of children with moderate to severe nut allergies, please leave nuts and nut products at home. We check snacks and lunches just to be safe.

How many children are in a group and what’s your instructor-to-camper ratio?

There are 14 children in a group when fully booked, with 2 instructors, so 7:1 is our ratio. We also have stellar volunteers who are often along as well. We run 2 groups of both the Trailblazers and Forest Guardians each week, therefore your child will not necessarily be placed with a friend of the same age, unless we are notified in advance.

What if my child is just a little bit too young?

The age groups have the same age restrictions as grades in school. This is particularly important when it comes to TrailBlazers (5-7). Last summer we had a couple of 4 year old children registered under false birthyears. The kids tried so hard, but it did result in a very tough week for the child, and limited the possibilities of the entire group. They also told us they were 4, because that's what 4 year old's do. This situation is applicable to all age groups, and experience has taught us that sticking to the deadlines is best for all.

Can my child be in the same group with their friend(s)?

Yes, we do our very best to accommodate requests, as we recognize this is important to many children’s camp experience. Upon registration please provide us with the names of the other campers your child would like to be placed with. With multiple groups for each age range, it will not necessarily happen automatically! Additionally, early notice is best to avoid confusion and switching groups on the first morning of camp, this can typically be hard on the young ones!

What Does A Typical Day Look Like? What sorts of activities will my child be partaking in?

Each day is different by design and by age group, but here is a general overview of what each age group can expect to get up to

Trailblazers (ages 5-7)

The Trailblazers explore the mountain through games and structured free play. This age group might not travel quite as far as their older counterparts, but they have just as much fun! Trailblazers spend their days singing songs, listening to stories and recording all of the mountain sights and sounds in their journals (or, as we like to call them, Adventure Logs!). Your camper will learn a great deal about wildlife through educationally framed games and most likely build an awesome debris shelter “fort”. We also recognize that with little ones every day is a unique experience, so activities are dictated by whatever is going to keep Trailblazers smiling and coming home with awesome stories to share. This age group explores the mountain’s closer network of Discovery trails and often climbs the short, but awesome, Dinkey Peak.

Forest Guardians (ages 8 and 9)

Being our middle age bracket, the Forest Guardians are given the opportunity to learn and explore at a level not suited to the Trailblazers, but not quite as intense as the Mountain Rangers. We aim to teach your camper to revere and respect the living world around them through games and discovery. At every turn we provide opportunities to practice newly learned skills such as how to use a compass or how to hang food safely from bears. A perennial favourite with this group is the hike to Mystery Lake, where “pondology” and the hunt for cool aquatic insects can last for hours.

Mountain Rangers (ages 10-12)

The Mountain Rangers go on longer treks than both the Trailblazers and Forest Guardians. We try to mix hard skills like plant ID and shelter building with age appropriate games like Capture the Flag that are sure to keep your child engaged and entertained in outdoor learning. Depending on the interests of the group they might also learn knots and go much more in depth into navigation. Typical longer days for this age group include Dog Mountain, the North Shore Search and Rescue Cabin and (occasionally) even First Pump Peak!

Is every week the same? So if I book my kid's into two weeks, will they be doing the same things?

We run two different weeks of programming on an alternating schedule throughout the summer. Odd numbered weeks and even numbered weeks. Book one of each for the greatest difference in content ( ie. 1 & 2 or 3 & 8). That being said, every day and every week at camp is different and we have had lots of participants come for more than 2 weeks and enjoy every minute, it's always changing!

Is there Swimming?

No, we do not have or allow swimming.

What kind of footwear should my child wear / bring?

The best footwear are hiking shoes, hiking boots or running shoes, and preferably none that are brand new! Please no sandals, and only rubber boots if it’s a very wet week or as back up footwear, as they aren’t very comfy to hike or play games in when it’s sunny and warm.

An extra pair of shoes, along with a whole change of clothes is highly recommended to be kept at camp for the week, for when the mud mysteriously jumps out of the puddles and gets your child muddy somehow…it’s inexplicable really.

What kind of things should we pack for camp?

A Whistle! Attached to their backpack or a zipper is great

Sturdy Close-Toed Shoes. "Broken in" hiking shoes, hiking boots or running shoes are best. Please no sandals or rubber boots (unless as back-up footwear).

Full Change of Clothes Including Socks and Shoes. Please pack these in a separate bag to leave at camp throughout the week. 

Sun Protection. Brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a shirt that will cover shoulders are best.

Reusable Water Bottle. We are providing one to every camper this summer, but please do pack an extra (min 500ml).

Rain Gear and Warm Layers. Waterproof jacket is a must, and pants if you have them. We head outside rain or shine, and some days are not the warmest in the morning!

Plenty of Nut-Free Snacks and Healthy Lunch. We are a nut-safe/nut-aware program, so please participate in our efforts to keep everyone as safe as possible. PACK LOTS OF SNACKS. It's an active camp, so more fuel is needed than for a school day.

Comfortable Backpack. To carry the above items. 

Medications. Should your child require them.

Suggested Items. Insect repellent: natural repellents such as "Buzz Away" work well. Lightweight, long sleeved cotton t-shirt and pants: protects from the sun and mosquito bites. Inexpensive camera: that one you never use and don't mind if it comes home in pieces or not at all.

Campers will have a cubby to store items for the duration of camp.

Please! No electronic devices or external distractions such as iPod's, portable games, trading cards, toys etc. We are encouraging technology free and commercial free nature immersion. Cell phones will stay at home base in the cubby. 

Can my child bring their iPod, cellphone or other electronics?

We allow cameras for budding photographers, as long as they are used respectfully and sparingly. We ask that no other electronics come with your child so that we are able to practice distraction-free nature immersion. Cell phones are to stay at basecamp.

What is your cancellation policy?

A full refund, minus a $25 admin fee, will be given if at least 14 days notice of cancellation is given. Cancellation with less than 14 days notice will not be refunded except on medical grounds with a valid doctor’s note. We will do our best to place your child in an alternate week if possible, but this depends on vacancy.

What if it rains?

The program operates rain or shine and we recommend packing rain gear!  In instances of unsafe weather, very high winds, severe air quality warnings, lightning etc. we will modify the day's programming to indoors for safety. On rainy days, we are always looking out for the best experience for the participants so we use the rain to teach shelters, or divert tiny creeks, or play in puddles, but will head indoors before hands get cold and the fun diminishes.

When are the Drop Off/Pick Up Times?

If driving up the mountain, please drop off for 9:00 am, and no earlier than 8:50 am. Pick up from camp is 4:00 pm. If riding the shuttle, please see the Shuttle Schedule. 

Can we pick Up early from camp or drop off late?

This past summer we saw the volume of early pick up's and drop off's become quite challenging and impactful. Each week, Instructors plan ahead where they will going what the group will be doing. One of the best parts of this camp is full day trips into trails and forest, therefore away from home base and the parking lot. While they often don't go far, it takes time for little legs to travel. Unlike school or daycare, early pick-up means that the entire group's plans need to change to accomodate. Ie. 1:00 pm pickup means the entire group needs to be close to homebase by then and cannot do a full day out. In the case of siblings of different ages, the experience of over 25 kids needs to change to accomodate.

We understand that kids need to leave camp early or come late sometimes, but please try to minimize it, give us as much notice as possible (day of REALLY messes up plans) and if possible consider keeping your child out of camp that day.

Is Lunch/Food Provided?

Mealtimes are a special part of the day as we explore the outdoors. Our cooks prepare wholesome meals with fresh ingredients with local produce. Adventures with special dietary needs are given individual attention and alternative meals.

HEALTHY, COLOURFUL BENTO LUNCH BOX

Our take on bentos is in keeping with the traditional Japanese approach, but we like to mix it up a little with a range of wholesome carbs and plenty of raw, colourful vegetables, plus a protein like chicken, eggs or tofu. Combine these with beautiful, fresh ingredients, and your child’s bento lunch box is guaranteed to taste as good as it looks.

Our cooks choose to use foods that are those in bite-sized pieces that will stay fresh out of the fridge for a few hours – perfect while your explorer is out and about!  We know that planning meals can seem sometimes daunting so why not let us take care of your loved ones while on MT Seymour.

Feel confident that you child is well looked after when you choose our daily lunch program!

Lunch Box Examples:
 

TRAILBLAZERS

Wow Butter and banana tortilla roll ups, cherry tomatoes, celery with cream cheese, strawberries and blueberries, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie

Turkey roll-ups, banana chips and dark chocolate chips, string cheese, grapes, fish crackers

Wow Butter and jelly sandwich, homemade chips, fruit salad, cheese, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie

FOREST GUARDIANS

Turkey and cream cheese tortilla roll ups, tortilla chips, blueberries, tomatoes, apples and celery with Wow Butter, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie

Turkey and cream cheese roll ups crackers, cucumbers, blueberries, cheese, raisins

Ham and cheese roll ups, gluten free sea salt multi-seed crackers, grapes, red peppers, celery, hummus, colby jack cheese sticks

MOUNTAIN RANGERS

Chicken salad wrap, raspberries, blueberries, broccoli, radishes, ranch dressing, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie

Pasta salad, raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, hardboiled egg, granola bites,

Rotisserie chicken with BBQ sauce raspberries, graham crackers, salad, oatmeal chocolate cookie

What about Bears?

Bear awareness, bear safety and “what to do if we see a bear” procedure are taught to every camp group on the morning of day one and practiced throughout the week. If we have a bear in the area we are respectful, safe and cautious. We like to teach respect and reverence for these amazing animals ahead of fear, and do actively try to avoid bears. We seldom see them, as they prefer more peace and quiet than a group of children provide, but if we do don’t be surprised if it’s the week’s highlight!

Is there still space for my child in camp?

If you cannot see the option for the camp you want in our online store, it is likely that the camp is either full or very nearly full. If you notice this please give us a call or send us and email and we will check to see what the status for you. If it is full we do have wait lists.

As we get closer to the camp start dates people do start to move around so it can be worthwhile to put your child on the wait list. 

 Feel free to give us a call at 604.986.2261 ext. 217 or email summer@mtseymour.ca

What about the 2018/2019 Season's Pass? 

Season’s Pass Details:

What’s Included with Camp Registration

• A 2018-2019 Child’s Season Pass is provided at no additional cost for each Trailblazer, Forest Guardian and Mountain Ranger registrant.
• Youth Leadership Program registrants will receive the value of a child’s pass towards a youth pass.

If you have already purchase a 2018/2019 Season's Pass for your child or as part of a Family Pass

• Please call 604.986.2261 ext 217 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to register your child for their camp over the phone, then we can discount the camp for the value of the Child Season Pass already purchased.
• If you have already purchased your Camp, then please email claims@mtseymour.ca with your details and we will get back to you with the appropriate rebate option!

Pass Printing and Pick Up

• Passes will NOT BE printed during Camp. We want your kids outside enjoying the program, not inside getting their pass photo taken and printed. (then losing it on the shuttle, on the trail, in a creek, in a bush, in the bathroom, in the bottom of their backpack etc.)
• A Season’s Pass is automatically added to your child’s account upon Eco-Adventure Camp registration. Passes can be picked up after September 15^th. We WILL NOT be processing or printing passes of Eco-Adventure Camp participants until September 15^th.

The Fine Print

• Season’s Passes are Non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Ie. We will not be issuing a credit or discount of the amount of a seasons pass if it is not collected or used.
  • If your child receives another promotional season pass you will not receive a credit, exchange or refund.
• Our Eco-Adventure Camp Seasons Pass Program cannot be combined with any other offer.
• Ie. The value of a Child’s Pass will not be discounted off the purchase of a Family Pass.

Are there Volunteering opportunities?

We are currently looking for volunteer assistant instructors who wish to deepen their experience of authentic nature based mentoring in a well-established summer program. Make a difference by helping to connect youth to nature, community, and self. Have a blast connecting with other nature based mentors and a whole community with shared values, and spend lots of time outside on the mountain!  Please forward a letter of interest with resume to summer@mtseymour.ca

80 volunteer hours gets you a season’s pass for the 2018-2019 ski season!

Shuttle bus is available to get to and from the mountain