Classic Victoria Summer Day Camp

Our Classic Day Camp is designed for children ages 6–11 (we may accept 12-year-olds upon review). Most programs are mixed-age; however, we actively balance each group so there isn’t, for example, a single camper in the 9–11 range and a large majority in 6–8. We aim for a roughly even split between younger (6–8) and older (9–11) campers while also considering friend requests and maintaining safe staff-to-camper ratios.

It’s important to note that when registering, families select the appropriate age category (for example, 6–8 or 9–10). We carefully manage the number of campers per category to maintain balanced group sizes, but we do not control the exact ages within each category. This approach allows for a natural mix of ages and social experiences while keeping staff-to-camper ratios safe and consistent.

Yes! Campers in select sessions may join an optional Wednesday night overnight. See Optional Overnight for activities and packing list information.

Drop-off and pick-up information for all Classic Day Camp locations is provided in the Pick-Up & Drop-Off Times & Locations section. Campers can join us at our Saanich – Hyacinth Park, Langford – West Hills, or Sooke – Fred Milne Park sites. Please review that section for exact times, meeting points, and any site-specific details before your child’s session begins.

Daily camp hours and transportation schedules are listed in the Pick-Up & Drop-Off Times & Locations section. These apply to all Classic Day Camp sites — Saanich – Hyacinth Park, Langford – West Hills, and Sooke – Fred Milne Park. Please review that section for your chosen location’s exact times and plan to arrive promptly for both drop-off and pick-up.

Typically, late drop-offs and early pick-ups are not possible because our groups spend the day traveling between various outdoor sites. In some cases, it may be arranged, but please understand this is at your own risk. You may need to drive a significant distance to meet the group, and if you miss them for any reason, we can’t guarantee a secondary meeting point or alter the day’s plan for one camper — it wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the group. Additionally, if we make an unplanned change to our mid-day schedule, we may not be able to contact you immediately. For these reasons, we encourage families to plan for full-day attendance whenever possible.

It’s very important to arrive on time for both morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Our buses leave promptly at the scheduled times to stay on track with park permits, activity plans, and safety requirements. If you arrive late and the bus has already departed, we unfortunately cannot hold or turn it around — doing so would delay the entire program and impact all campers.

There is usually a little bit of wiggle room built into each stop, so if you miss your scheduled one, you can often meet the bus at the next stop. However, this depends on the route, timing, and location — please call the camp office immediately if you’re running behind so we can advise you on the best option. Keep in mind that groups move quickly, and meeting them later in the day is not always possible.

If you miss all available stops and can’t connect with the group, your child may need to sit out for the day, and no refunds are available for missed sessions. We recommend arriving at least 10–15 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in, and loading. Consistent punctuality helps our staff maintain smooth operations and ensures every camper starts the day safely and stress-free.

If your child is feeling unwell before camp — especially with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious illness — please keep them home for the day. Outdoor programs take place in wilderness settings without immediate indoor access, and rest or recovery time is limited. Sending a sick camper can put both your child and others at risk.

If a camper becomes ill during the day, our staff will assess the situation and contact parents or guardians. In most cases, we will ask you to pick up your child early for their comfort and safety. Campers must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours (without medication) before returning to camp.

Unfortunately, refunds or make-up days are not available for missed time due to illness, as staffing and transportation are scheduled in advance. However, please let us know if your child is sick so we can mark their absence and plan accordingly.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping keep our community healthy — it ensures a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Yes — all WEA staff are trained in First Aid, CPR-C, and outdoor risk management. Our team also has extensive experience supporting children of all personalities and abilities, including those who may need extra patience or guidance in an active outdoor environment.

We strive to include as many of the listed activities as possible each week, but there’s only so much time in a day! Our schedule depends on weather, site conditions, staff expertise, and camper input, and we focus on creating a balanced, safe, and engaging experience rather than completing a checklist.

While most of the main activities — such as swimming, canoeing, hiking, and outdoor skills — usually happen, it’s not possible to do every single activity listed on the website. For example, canoeing may be cancelled due to high winds, or trail routes may change if conditions are unsafe.

Each group helps shape their week by sharing what activities they’re most excited about, and staff do their best to include a mix that reflects the group’s interests while fitting within time, safety, and location constraints. However, if your child has their heart set on one specific activity, please note that it may not take place that week — campers should be open to and interested in the majority of activities offered.

Every week is unique, guided by a combination of conditions, camper enthusiasm, and spontaneous adventure — that’s part of what makes our programs exciting and memorable!

Because our programs take place in wilderness locations where weather can change quickly — it may be sunny in the city but raining in the mountains (and it has even snowed at the top before!) — it is required that your child brings everything listed on the packing list each day to ensure both safety and comfort.

Many families find it easiest to send two bags: a backpack and a duffle or IKEA bag. The duffle is kept on the bus while the backpack is carried during daily activities. Staff let campers know which items they’ll need for each part of the day and give them time to leave any extra gear in their duffle on the bus before heading out.

Campers who arrive without required gear may be charged a gear rental or replacement fee, or in some cases, sent home for the day if missing items create safety or supervision concerns. We appreciate your help in ensuring every camper arrives properly prepared — it keeps the whole group safe and allows the program to run smoothly.

For the complete and up-to-date list of required items, please visit the What to Bring section.

Yes! Campers typically swim and canoe each week as part of our Classic Day Camp program. However, canoeing may occasionally be cancelled due to high winds or unsafe weather conditions — safety always comes first.

All campers wear lifejackets/PFDs while canoeing. During swimming activities, any camper under age 9 or below Red Cross Swim Level 5 must wear a lifejacket at all times — regardless of age. For example, even an 11-year-old who has not achieved Level 5 is required to wear one. At Camp Barnard, all campers wear lifejackets when swimming due to low water clarity at that site.

In some sessions, swim tests for kids over 9 but under swim level 5 may be conducted at the discretion of on-site staff. If you would like your child to complete a swim test, please email the camp office in advance to confirm availability and timing with the program team.

Our staff evaluate swimming ability, weather, and site conditions daily to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for every participant. For additional information, please see the Safety, Staff & Policies section.

Typically yes — we do our best to accommodate friend requests noted during registration. Please include your friend’s name on the registration form so we can plan accordingly.

That said, we encourage campers to join on their own whenever possible. Many children find camp is a great opportunity to build independence, make new friends, and develop social confidence outside of existing relationships.

Please list all allergies or medical information on your registration form. Our staff are trained in first aid and allergy response. If your child carries an EpiPen or inhaler, ensure it’s clearly labeled and accessible.

Our refund and cancellation policies are outlined in the most recent General Terms & Conditions (PDF). Please review that document carefully before registering, as policies may change from season to season.

This is very common and nothing to worry about! Camp days are full of movement, excitement, and new routines, and it often takes campers a day or two to adjust to eating outside of fixed meal times.

At camp, children are allowed to eat almost anytime during the day — not just at set snack or lunch breaks. Staff make this clear from the start and remind campers regularly that they can take out their food or water whenever they need it. Between hiking, swimming, canoeing, and games, kids often choose to grab small bites throughout the day instead of eating a full meal all at once.

Our staff ensure there are regular rest stops and encourage healthy eating and hydration, but we never force a child to eat if they’re not hungry. If your child consistently brings home a lot of food, consider packing smaller, energy-dense options like fruit, granola bars, or cheese instead of larger lunches.

After a few days, most campers settle into the camp rhythm and begin eating what they need, when they need it.

Staying hydrated is very important during our active, outdoor programs. However, we also believe in teaching campers to take responsibility for their own well-being. Staff may or may not remind campers to drink water throughout the day — it depends on the activities, weather, and staff on site.

Campers are taught early in the week that it’s their responsibility to drink water frequently, especially before and after physical activities, hikes, and time in the sun. If a child forgets to drink, they may feel tired or develop a mild headache — a natural consequence that helps them learn to listen to their body and make better choices in the future.

Parents are responsible for sending their child with two full water bottles each day, as listed on the packing list. Campers are encouraged to refill them as needed, and staff always ensure that safe drinking water is available. Like all parts of our program, this approach helps build independence and outdoor awareness in a supportive environment.

We take sun safety seriously, but we also believe in teaching campers personal responsibility. Staff remind children 1–2 times per day at minimum to apply sunscreen, but we never force anyone to do so.

Natural consequences are an important part of outdoor learning. If a child chooses not to reapply sunscreen after a few reminders, they may experience mild discomfort such as sun redness — a learning opportunity that helps them understand why regular sunscreen use is important in the outdoors.

Parents are responsible for sending their child with all required sun protection items, including the sun shirt and hat listed on the packing list. Please also apply a good base layer of sunscreen each morning before camp and send a clearly labeled sunscreen that your child can use independently. Staff supervise sunscreen breaks, provide reminders, and model good sun safety habits, but the final choice is left to the camper — it’s part of learning responsibility in an outdoor environment.

If you have questions, please call 250-888-1622 or visit the Contact Us section to reach our team directly.