Eco-Adventure Summer Camps

What Are Your Office Hours?

We can be reached in our office between the hours of 9:00am - 4:00pm in the summer.

Phone: 604-986-2261 option 3.

Email: summer@mtseymour.ca.

When Will You Hear From Us?

We send out a camp pre-arrival email 1-2 weeks before your child's camp to the purchaser email address. It contains information such as what to bring, shuttle bus times, and reminders about packing nut-free lunches and snacks. If you do not receive this by 1 week before the camp start date, please ensure you are checking the correct purchaser email account, and also check your junk/spam folder. If you still have not received this please email us at summer@mtseymour.ca.

We will also be sending out a "Camper Chronicles" email the following week after your child's camp. This email contains pictures from all the groups, highlights of the week, feedback request and the discounted season pass purchase option. 

What Type Of Training Do 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 is 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 number 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 a 7:1 ratio. We also have stellar volunteers who often join us. We run multiple groups of each age group 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?

If your child is slightly younger than the specified age group, we understand your eagerness to enroll them. However, our programs are carefully designed for specific age ranges to ensure the best experience for all participants. When children register for groups beyond their age range, they often find it challenging to keep up, which can affect the entire group's experience.

For our Trailblazers program (ages 5.5-7), we require all participants to have turned 5 by December 30 of the previous year. Additionally, if your child is 4 years old, they usually end up telling us they are 4, because that's what kids do. Over time, we've found that adhering to these age guidelines benefits everyone involved. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following these age requirements when booking your child's spot.

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 full names of any other campers your child would like to be placed with. With multiple groups for each age range, it will not happen automatically! Please note friends cannot be paired together unless they are booked into the same camp (i.e. no Forest Guardians with Mountain Rangers).

We will not disclose information regarding campers other than your child (i.e. the names and dates of attendance) unless authorized to do so by their parent or guardian (e.g. if you are on the camper's authorized pick-up list). 

Can my child change groups?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate group changes once camp has begun. Our groups are carefully planned to ensure a balanced and enriching experience for all campers. If you have any specific concerns, please contact us before the start of camp, and we will do our best to address them.

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

We run three different weeks of programming on an alternating schedule throughout the summer. 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!

How does the Sea to Sky Camp work?

We have partnered with Ocean Ambassadors Canada to create our Sea to Sky camp for eco-conscious kids aged 8-12. Campers will split their time between ocean exploration and mountain top adventures. On the ocean, at Whey-ah-Wichen / Cates Park, North Vancouver, they will explore the shoreline and tidal ecosystems on paddleboards, and at Mt Seymour campers will participate in our Junior Ecologist program. They will get to know the mountain ecosystem through exploration and play.

Ages 8 & 9 will spend Mon-Weds (3 days) at Mt Seymour, and Thurs & Fri (2 days) at Cates Park. Ages 10-12 will spend Mon-Weds (3 days) at Cates Park, and Thurs & Fri (2 days) at Mt Seymour.

Is there Swimming?

We do not swim as part of the Eco-Adventure Camp. For the Sea to Sky camps, participants will be out on the water, PFD's are provided.

What kind of footwear should my child wear / bring?

The best footwear is hiking shoes or hiking boots, and preferably not brand new! Please no runners, gumboots or sandals unless as back-up footwear.

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?

No electronics at all please.

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

Sturdy Close-toed Shoes. "Broken in" hiking shoes or hiking boots. Please no runners, sandals or rubber boots (unless as backup 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. A 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. A 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" works well. Lightweight, long-sleeved cotton t-shirt and pants: protect campers 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 iPods, 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 base camp.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please pay attention to this, as this has changed for 2024:

For all camps that start in July, the last day to cancel or reschedule is May 31, 2024.

For all camps that start in August, the last day to cancel or reschedule is June 30, 2024.

Cancellations are subject to a $25 cancellation fee per camp, the remainder will be refunded to the original method of payment. Reschedules are available for no penalty, but are subject to availability.

In the event of illness/injury, a doctors note must be provided within 7 days. Upon receipt we will try our best to reschedule the camp, or provide a credit.

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 building shelters, divert tiny creeks, or play in puddles, but will head indoors before hands get cold and the fun diminishes.

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

We do not allow early pick-ups or late drop-offs. This past summer we saw the volume of early pick-up's and late drop-off's become quite challenging and impactful. Each week, instructors plan ahead where they will be going and what the group will be doing. One of the best parts of this camp is full-day trips into trails and forests, 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 accommodate (i.e. 1:00 pm pickup means the entire group needs to be close to home base 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 accommodate.

Is Lunch/Food Provided?

We are not offering our lunch add-on this summer. 

Mt Seymour Eco-Adventure Summer Camps are a Nut-Safe / Nut-Aware program. We recognize that we cannot be 100% "nut-free" as we cannot control what is eaten/handled outside of camp hours.

What about Bears?

Bear awareness, bear safety, and “what to do if we see a bear” procedures 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!

When does registration close?

For camps that are not sold out, registration closes at midnight on Wednesday night, the week before the camp start date.

Is there a waitlist?

Yes - If you cannot see the option for the camp you want in our online store, it is likely that the camp is full. Firstly, check out other dates to see if any other options might suit you. If not, we highly recommend using the waitlist.

Summer plans change, and as we draw closer to the camp start dates, there is much movement on the waitlist. It can be very worthwhile to add your child/ren to any and all camp waitlists you would be interested in.

Want to know your chances? Curious where you are sitting on the waitlist? - Feel free to give us a call at 604.986.2261 option 3, or email summer@mtseymour.ca.

Is there a Winter Season Pass Add-On?

Summer Camp participants will be offered the option to purchase a Full Season Pass for $49 + tax. This offer will be sent out AFTER your child has participated in the camp. Look out for this email in the weeks that follow.

If you have already purchased a 2024/25 Season Pass for your child:

• You will be eligible for a gift card credit of the difference paid. A link to action will also be provided in the email sent out in the weeks following your child's attendance in the camp.

The Fine Print:

Season Passes are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE unless the Pass Protection/60 Day Guarantee is purchased.

Are there Volunteering Opportunities?

We will be 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 your resume to summer@mtseymour.ca.

40 volunteer hours get you a season pass for the 2023/24 Winter Ski season!

A shuttle bus is available to transport you to and from the mountain.