Run in partnership with the Western Educational Adventure Society (WEAS), WEA’s 6-day and 13-day overnight sleepaway camps in Victoria, BC give kids a life-changing summer experience. Campers build independence, confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through a variety of outdoor adventures including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, geocaching, fire-building, shelter-building, camp cooking, campfires, forest games, swimming, and more. Each camp runs Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon, with campers helping cook for their group and plan their own activities.
The 6-day program includes a one-night backcountry hiking trip, while the 13-day program features a four-night canoeing or hiking expedition to incredible Vancouver Island destinations such as the Juan de Fuca Trail, Kludahk Trail, Strathcona Park, and the Sayward Forest Canoe Circuit. Join us for a unique, one-of-a-kind overnight camp experience filled with skill-building, exploration, and fun!
**Ferry and airport pick-up/drop-off available for out-of-town campers.**
***Please note, the program location has or may have changed since this video was made***
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates & Rates | Program dates, age ranges, session durations, and registration information for all overnight camp options. |
| Pick-Up & Drop-Off | Details on where and when to meet for departure and return, including Victoria and regional transportation options. |
| Transportation | Shuttle and travel arrangements for campers coming from nearby communities, ferry terminals, or the airport. |
| Preparing for Camp | What to expect before camp starts — including pre-trip checklists, readiness guidance, and how to get your camper set for adventure. |
| Fitness Requirements | How physically prepared campers should be for active outdoor days involving hiking, paddling, and games. |
| What to Bring | Complete packing list with required clothing, gear, and personal items — plus practical packing tips. |
| Gear Rentals & Add-Ons | Optional equipment rentals (e.g., sleeping bags, pads, and backpacks) and information on how to reserve them. |
| WEA Advantage | Our staff qualifications, safety certifications, and educational philosophy that set WEA programs apart. |
| The Overnight Camp Experience | Overview of daily group activities such as canoeing, hiking, archery, and camp cooking — most done together to foster teamwork and connection. |
| Camp Facilities & Setting | Information about the camp base, accommodations, and amenities that support a safe and fun experience in nature. |
| Skills Learned | Outdoor, social, and leadership skills developed through camp activities, teamwork, and hands-on learning. |
| Safety, Food & Supervision | How safety is managed at camp, food systems and meal routines, and supervision ratios for each age group. |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Answers about schedules, packing, food, safety, and general overnight camp expectations. |
| Registration | How to register, payment process, and links to cancellation, refund, and policy information. |
| Contact Us – Overnight Camps | Reach out to the WEA team with questions or for help preparing for your camper’s summer experience. |
| AGE | GENDER | PROGRAM LENGTH | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-13 | Inclusive | 6 days | |
| 6-DAY PRICE | 13-DAY PRICE | ||
| $995 - $1,195 + GST | $1,950 - $2,500 + GST | ||
| PROGRAM | DATES | AVAILABILITY | |
| 6-Day 1 (Ages 9-13) | Jul 26 - 31, 2026 | Space Available | |
| 6-Day 2 (Ages 9-13) | Aug 2 - 7, 2026 | Space Available | |
Availability updated Nov 5 2025. Live availability can be found on our registration software.
| SHARE | ONLINE REGISTRATION | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| REGISTER NOW |
Call us now at 250-888-1622 and talk to a real person!! or, if you can't talk now, please click on the following button to take you to the contact information survey (takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete) and we will get back to you within 2-5 business days. If you are inquiring about financial assistance, Click here.
While we may run our overnight camp at another location (in the past at Camp Barnard in Sooke), we typically run our overnight camps at Camp Jubilee, 9548 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V0R 2L0. WEA's Victoria-based overnight summer camp 6-day programs run from 15:15 on Sunday to 15:15 on Friday, while the 13-day program runs until the following Friday. The overnight campers make their own schedule for the week, choosing the activities that interest them most and work best with their schedule. While at camp, kids have the option of doing all the activties the day campers may do and then some. They also get to do activities like night games, night hikes, explore, etc. as well as learn learning valuable skills like cleaning up after themselves, cooking and more. When on-trip, campers get to experience places like the Sayward Forest Canoe Route, Juan de Fuca trail and Strathcona Park. Transportation is available from the city, ferries and airport for those who need it.
| START/END | LOCATION | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Camp Jubilee, 9548 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V0R 2L0, Canada | 15:15 |
| End | Camp Jubilee, 9548 W Coast Rd, Sooke, BC V0R 2L0, Canada | 15:15 |
**Ferry and airport pick-up/drop-off for campers available for those that live out of town**
Typically we require families to pick-up and drop-off their kids directly at our staging location (above). If you need transportation for your camper to and from camp from the city, ferries or airport or are wishing to pick you camper up on the final day of the program up-island, please CONTACT US.
Below are informational documents for both our overnight programs. They are designed to give you a better idea about our overnight camps programs, including activities, meals, etc. Please note that schedules, days, activities & trip locations may vary depending on the weather, logistics, group input and group dynamics.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE SAMPLE MEAL PLAN
Some level of physical fitness is important for all participants in our overnight camps. While most children are well-suited for the 6-Day Camp, the 13-Day Camp requires a higher level of fitness and endurance. For more details about physical fitness requirements for the 13-Day Camp, Click the button below.
As our programs take place outdoors and often in wilderness settings, it is essential that all families pack every item listed on our packing list. Failing to do so may affect your child’s safety and overall experience. Basic gear can be rented or borrowed based on your financial situation, and additional items can be purchased from WEA. For more information, click the rental gear & add-on button below.
We believe that youth programming should be safe, fun and staffed by the best people in the industry.
"My 14 year old son had a great time at summer camp. It was a multi-age camp which is a bit unusual, but provides a unique experience for kids to learn and be a leader outside of their usual school age cohort. I like that the camp is fairly low-key and provides time for reflection and personal growth. I imagine this may be a less competitive atmosphere than some of the larger camps. The programming was good and varied. A great bonus from the camp was my son willingly offered to take out the garbage and recycling when he arrived home. He has continued to offer to do chores and contribute more to the household routines! Thanks Landon!"
- Karla Benson
Above all, our residential summer camp for kids is more fun than you can imagine! Youth enjoy a wide variety of
outdoor summer activities in an incredible natural setting. Our rustic camp facility, located in the hills west
of Sooke and Victoria, B.C., features streams, fields, forests, fire pits, cooking shelters, and many other
unique, nature-based amenities. Campers learn about nature, camping skills, leadership, and teamwork — and the
best part is, they don’t even realize they’re learning!
***Please note: our facility is rustic. Youth sleep in canvas tents or other simple, cabin-style structures
during camp. We follow a community-based approach where campers work together to solve challenges, and adults
encourage independence whenever possible. Showers and flush toilets or running water may not be available
during the 6-day camp.***
"I am an 11 year old girl who attended camp last summer. I learned how to start a fire with just a match and what I could find on the forest floor, I improved my archery skills and I experienced canoeing for the first time. We helped cook and set up shelter. Landon was very funny and nice. He made me feel welcome. It was super duper fun."
-Cianna
Experience the adventure of our overnight camp, set in a beautiful, rustic wilderness with scenic lakes, creeks, and refreshing swimming holes. Campers will enjoy cozy accommodations in spacious cabins or sturdy canvas tents perched on wooden platforms, offering ample room to stand and move around. As a co-ed camp, we embrace a welcoming and inclusive environment where campers share sleeping spaces regardless of gender. For those who prefer a same-gender arrangement, we’re happy to provide alternative options to ensure everyone feels comfortable and secure. The camp's wilderness setting means access to running water may vary throughout the program, adding to the authentic outdoor experience. Delicious meals are prepared in a covered cooking shelter equipped with propane stoves and all the essentials for hearty camp dining. To foster connection with nature and fellow campers, we maintain a no-cell-phone policy—encouraging everyone to fully immerse themselves in the adventure of camp life. Join us for an unforgettable wilderness experience!
At WEA, we’re all about getting kids outside and experiencing the beauty of the backcountry. That’s why all of our children’s overnight camp programs include a backcountry camping expedition. There’s no better way to help campers develop essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, meal planning, and outdoor cooking. While this may sound like an intense adventure, we’ve found that these backcountry overnights consistently provide youth with life-changing, positive experiences. Even children as young as six have successfully participated in our backcountry trips! If you’re unsure whether this summer camp experience is the right fit for your child, please Contact Us.
6-Day Program: During the 6-day overnight summer camp, each group experiences wilderness camping under a tarp or in the open air (weather permitting) for one night — sometimes more if the group chooses! Typically, we camp near the Kludahk Trail or the Juan de Fuca Trail, though locations may vary depending on weather, group dynamics, and other factors. Whether at a backcountry campground or on a mountain ridge, campers learn valuable skills such as meal preparation, backcountry cooking, setting up tarp shelters, and other essential outdoor techniques.
13-Day Program: During this two-week overnight summer camp, campers embark on a 5-day backpacking or canoeing expedition — often on the Juan de Fuca Trail, within Strathcona Provincial Park, or along the Sayward Forest Canoe Route. Over multiple days, campers gain hands-on experience with backcountry meal planning and cooking, tarp setup, and essential expedition skills — building confidence, teamwork, and resilience in the process.
Modern children & youth do not get very many opportunities to learn life skills including how to lead others, manage conflict and think for themselves. Western Education Adventure’s summer sleep-a-way camp focuses specifically on these life skills while teaching youth wilderness and outdoor adventure skills.
While every kid gets a taste of leadership, older campers (mainly teens) get more of an immersive leadership experience by being paired with their younger counterparts. Although they get to do all the same fun activities as the younger kids, they receive practical leadership experience through the process!
• Leadership • Decision Making • Conflict Management • Group Management • Route Planning • Navigation • Canoe and Water Safety • Canoe Rescues • Swimming • Kayaking • Archery • Camping Practices • Food packing • Cooking • Fire building • Knife and Stove Safety • Backcountry Equipment Maintenance
Western Educational Adventures takes safety seriously. Not only do we want our participants to have an exceptional time, but just as importantly, we want them to return home safe and sound. Western Educational Adventures staff are certified in high level first aid and have years of experience managing risk in the outdoors. You won’t find a more qualified kids summer camp staff team anywhere else!
As we swim in wilderness locations, we require all youth under the age of 9 to wear a lifejacket while swimming. Children over the age of 9 must have a swimming ability of level 5 or higher. We want to keep your kids safe and having fun!
We believe that a good experience starts with good nutrition. Proper diet and eating habits are lacking in today’s society - a result of readily available fast foods, processed foods and a lack of nutritional education. We strive to provide quality, simple, wholesome meals with limited processed ingredients – in addition to the occasional smores and limited other tasty treats. This is part of why we include our participants in all meal planning, purchasing and cooking.
We are also very experienced in dealing with dietary restrictions and serious food allergies. Great care is taken to avoid serious participant food allergens whenever possible. Where this is not possible, we take great care to avoid cross contamination of ingredients.
"Landon guided an overnight trip for our family on the Juan de Fuca trail. Healthy eating is important to us. Landon helped our kids build an outdoor oven and they were soon baking an amazing dinner. It’s an incredible feeling knowing that you can look after yourself in the outdoors."
-Carole Damnjanovic
My 6yr old son had a wonderful time at WEA’s summer day camp! The staff are amazing and supportive, very responsive to camper needs and dynamics. The week’s activities include incredible diversity, flexibility, skill building and fun adventures ensuring the kids are engaged, learning outdoor education, building self confidence and physical/emotional strength. WEA staff were also great at accommodating my son’s dietary needs for the overnight camp, making our family comfortable and relaxed for his first night away. Can’t wait for camp next year!!
-Gypsy Fisher
The Overnight Camps welcome youth ages 9–13 for the 6-day program, with a 13-day option for older or returning campers. See Dates & Rates for session dates and fees.
Yes — friends may register for the same session and request to be grouped together; we’ll do our best to accommodate where space and logistics allow. That said, many families find it’s often better to come solo: campers integrate more easily, build independence, and form new friendships without pre-existing dynamics getting in the way.
Campers take part in group-based activities such as canoeing, hiking, archery, fire-building, camp cooking, forest games and more — designed to build teamwork and shared adventure. Most of the time the group does the same activity together; split activities are rare and generally occur only during unstructured/free time. See The Overnight Camp Experience.
We offer more activities than will fit into a single week. Because of that, campers choose together as a group which options to prioritize, with leaders facilitating a fair process based on interest, safety, weather, and location. This builds leadership, compromise, and decision-making.
Not always — part of the camp experience is learning responsibility and cooperation. If the group doesn’t honor their cleaning or cooking duties or isn’t motivated to get ready on time in the morning, they may miss or delay a planned activity. Leaders guide campers to understand how their effort and teamwork directly affect what they can do that day. These natural consequences help campers build accountability, initiative, and respect for the group.
Yes. Cooking and camp chores are part of the program. Campers help plan, cook, and clean under staff guidance — learning practical skills, teamwork, and responsibility while keeping camp running smoothly.
We use a rustic base camp setup that may include cabins or canvas wall tents on platforms, group shelters, and outdoor kitchens. Facilities and amenities vary by session and location. Learn more under Camp Facilities & Setting.
Mornings start with camp routines and planning, followed by group-chosen activities, meals, and leadership moments. Short blocks of free time help campers reset and practice independence. Evenings include wind-down activities and reflection.
Unstructured time allows campers to explore, create, and collaborate without direct adult direction. It’s key to developing self-reliance, imagination, and social skills. These moments also let campers practice independence in a safe, supervised environment.
Yes — download the Info Packages for a Sample Schedule and Sample Meal Plan to preview daily flow and menus.
Please follow the What to Bring lists. Proper warm layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear are essential for comfort and safety.
Yes — basic items like sleeping bags, pads, and backpacks are available in limited quantities. See Rentals for fees and how to reserve, or contact us.
All campers should be active and comfortable with full outdoor days for the 6-day program; the 13-day option requires greater endurance. See Physical Fitness and our Fitness Guidelines (PDF).
Our supervision ratio is a maximum of 1:8, and is typically 1:4–1:6 during most activities. During certain moments (e.g., meal prep or transitions), some staff may be preparing food or setting up equipment, so active supervision can briefly be at a slightly higher ratio — however, staff remain nearby and attentive at all times.
We design experiences where campers can feel independent and work together without immediate adult intervention — especially during team challenges or free time. Leaders remain nearby and aware, and campers are expected to come to an adult for help if needed. We often won’t step in unless asked or unless safety requires it, so campers can practice problem-solving, conflict resolution, and leadership.
Please review our Behaviour Policy for expectations, boundaries, and how we support positive camper conduct.
Leaders are trained in first aid and wilderness risk management. We serve simple, wholesome meals and are experienced with dietary restrictions. When total avoidance isn’t possible, we take care to prevent cross-contamination. Learn more under Safety, Food & Supervision.
Programs run rain or shine. In adverse conditions (e.g., high winds or heavy rain), leaders may adjust the day plan or campsite to maintain safety and quality of experience.
See Pick-Up & Drop-Off for schedule, location, and map. If you’re traveling from out of town, review Transportation or contact our team to discuss options.
Yes — ferry and airport pick-up/drop-off are often available when arranged in advance. Please contact us to confirm availability and timing.
Register via Registration. Policy links (including cancellations/refunds) are listed there and in our General Terms & Conditions.
Use the Contact Us section or call 250-888-1622 — we’re happy to help with transportation, packing, and preparation.
If you want to sign up, the process is simple. Here’s what you do:
Fill in your email and create a password
Input your information. This is a one time step, your info will be there for the rest of the summer!
Input your child (or children's information), select the program(s) you wish to register for.
**All personal information provided will not be shared with third parties unless it is relevant to the participants well being or quality of experience**
Call us now at 250-888-1622 and talk to a real person!! or, if you can't talk now, please complete the following contact information survey (takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete) and we will get back to you within 2-5 business days. If you are inquiring about financial assistance, Click here.
Prepped for the backcountry trip!
Stop shaking!, the apple keeps moving...
Practice makes perfect
Siblings bonding....
Now this is kayaking!
Building my very own wilderness retreat...
Give it another 2 minutes...
Game over for this little herbivore!
Geocaching - We found it!
Mama Mia!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! A WEA overnight specialty
Heading into the backcountry
WEA's version of the Sooke Potholes
Chilling on a secluded lake...
Dusk in the backcountry...
