How to Choose the Right Summer Camp for Your Child’s Personality

Summer camp can be one of the most memorable parts of childhood. It’s a chance for kids to build confidence, make friends, try new activities, and gain independence. But with so many camp options available (sports camps, outdoor adventure camps, arts programs, STEM camps, leadership camps, and specialty camps) choosing the right one can quickly feel overwhelming for parents.

The good news is that the “best” camp isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the most popular. The best camp is the one that matches your child’s personality, interests, and comfort level.

Here’s how parents can find a summer camp experience where their child will truly thrive.

Start With Your Child’s interest, not just the Camp Marketing Brochure

It’s easy to get swept up in glossy camp websites and exciting activity lists, but before researching camps, spend some time thinking about your child’s unique personality.

Ask yourself:

• Does my child love meeting new people, or do they need time to warm up socially?
• Are they highly active or more creative and reflective?
• Do they enjoy structure and routines, or do they prefer flexibility?
• Are they adventurous or cautious?
• Do they thrive in large groups or smaller settings?
• Are they independent, or do they still need extra emotional support?

When parents begin with the child rather than the camp, the decision becomes much clearer.

For the Energetic and Active Child

Some children need constant movement. They come alive when they’re running, climbing, swimming, or competing.

These kids often do well in:

• Sports camps
• Adventure camps
• Outdoor wilderness programs
• Multi-activity day camps

Look for camps that keep kids physically engaged throughout the day and offer a variety of activities to prevent boredom.

Parents should also consider the pace of the program. Highly energetic children often struggle in camps with too much downtime or long classroom-style sessions.

For the Creative Child

Creative children may be happiest in environments where they can express themselves freely and explore their imagination.

Consider:

• Art camps
• Theatre and drama camps
• Music camps
• Dance programs
• Film or photography camps

These camps can help children build confidence while connecting with peers who share similar interests. Creative children often flourish when they feel emotionally safe and encouraged rather than pressured to compete.

For the Quiet or Sensitive Child

Not every child wants a loud, high-energy camp environment — and that’s perfectly okay.

Some children are naturally cautious, introverted, or highly sensitive to noise and stimulation. These children may prefer:

• Smaller camps
• Nature-based programs
• Camps with lower camper-to-counsellor ratios
• Shorter day camps before trying overnight camp

If your child is hesitant about camp, avoid pushing them into a highly intense experience right away. A gradual introduction can help build confidence and positive associations.

It’s also worth asking camps how they support children emotionally during transitions, homesickness, or social challenges.

For the Curious Learner

Some children are happiest when they’re building, experimenting, inventing, and asking questions.

These kids often enjoy:

• STEM camps
• Robotics camps
• Coding programs
• Science camps
• Engineering or maker camps

Academic-focused camps can be especially valuable for children who may not connect strongly with traditional sports-based camp environments.

For the Social Butterfly

Highly social children often adapt easily to camp life and may enjoy:

• Large traditional camps
• Team-based programs
• Leadership camps
• Overnight camps

These children tend to enjoy the excitement of meeting many new people and participating in group activities.

However, parents should still ensure the camp offers enough supervision and emotional support. Even confident children can become overwhelmed in unfamiliar settings.

Don’t Ignore Your Child’s Readiness

Sometimes parents choose camps based on what they hope their child will become rather than where they are emotionally right now.

A shy child does not necessarily need the “toughest” camp to build resilience. A highly anxious child may not benefit from being pushed too quickly into overnight camp.

Growth happens best when children feel challenged and supported.

Choosing a camp that matches your child’s current developmental stage often leads to a more positive experience — and increases the likelihood they’ll want to return next year.

Questions Parents Should Ask Before Registering

Once you’ve narrowed down a few options, ask camps questions such as:

• What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
• How are behavioural or emotional challenges handled?
• How much structure is there in the daily schedule?
• What training do counsellors receive?
• How does the camp support children who are shy or anxious?
• Is there flexibility if a child struggles with participation?
• What safety procedures are in place?

A camp’s philosophy and culture matter just as much as the activities offered.

The Goal Isn’t a “Perfect” Camp

No camp experience will be perfect every moment. Kids may feel nervous, miss home, or struggle socially at times — and those experiences can also help them grow.

The goal is not to eliminate all discomfort. The goal is to choose an environment where your child feels safe, supported, and able to be themselves.

When the camp environment aligns with a child’s personality, incredible things can happen: confidence grows, friendships form, and kids often discover strengths they never knew they had.

And sometimes, the best summer memories begin simply by finding the place where a child feels like they belong.

Summer Camps to choose from

Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver, (778) 655-9554
vanaqua.org

Soak up family memories that last a lifetime at Canada’s largest aquarium, nestled in the heart of Stanley Park. Home to over 65,000 incredible animals across immersive indoor and outdoor exhibits, Vancouver Aquarium invites you to feel the splash of a rescued sea lion, experience unforgettable enrichment shows, and dive into hands-on discovery in the Wet Lab. Connect with the incredible and connect with each other at Vancouver Aquarium.

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Camp Qwanoes
Vancouver Island
250/246-3014, 1-888-997-9266
qwanoes.ca
Ages 8–18

A Christian camp filled with wild adventure and pure fun, sun-soaked days, new friendships, tasty food, great music, over 75 activities, and all in a spectacular setting with amazing staff from around the world… all who love kids. Life like no other awaits!

Coming from the mainland? Meet our experienced camp leaders at our reserved parking area at the Tsawwassen Mills Mall where we’ll check you in and load your luggage. Then drop off your child with our staff at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal – we’ll provide supervision on the ferry. It’s all part of your camp adventure!

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Lights Up Musical Theatre Schools
Locations throughout the Lower Mainland.
1-888/502-5253
lightsuptheatre.ca/camps
Ages 4–12

Shine a Spotlight on FUN at Lights Up Musical Theatre camps. Every kid is a born performer—no prior experience is required. Get ready for a week filled with fun and performing. Their camps teach children to work in teams, build confidence, sing, dance, act and SHINE! Sign up for a week they won’t forget!

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School of Rock
Vancouver 778/561-4261 
Langley 778/561-5355
schoolofrock.com
Ages 3-18+

School of Rock Langley’s summer camps for ages 7–18 immerse students in the experience of playing in a real band. Over one week, campers learn songs, rehearse together, and perform for their families. Instructed by local performing musicians, these high-energy camps build confidence and create an unforgettable introduction to making music!

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WildPlay – Summer just got Wild!
Maple Ridge, 1-855-595-2251
wildplay.com

Give your kids an unforgettable summer at WildPlay’s Anti-Gravity Camps for ages 5 – 14. With ziplines, aerial obstacle courses, outdoor games, and team challenges, every day is packed with adventure, confidence-building, and serious fun. Camps run in Maple Ridge, Victoria, and Nanaimo. Sign up today at wildplay.com/camps – spots fill fast!

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Wonder Camps Renaissance Academy
Richmond, 604/241-0141
Ages 5-12
renaissanceacademy.ca

Give your child a summer full of creativity, movement, and discovery. 
From cooking and robotics to dance, art, sports, and 3D printing—our camps keep kids engaged, learning, and having fun every day plus an exciting field trip. Week-long, full-day (9 AM–3 PM) with extended care, and hot lunch options available.   Limited spots available—REGISTER NOW

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Residential Camps

GOLD Girl Guides
girlguides.ca

SILVER YMCA
Camp Elphinstone
604/939-9622
gv.ymca.ca
Ages 7–15

BRONZE Camp Jubilee
Indian Arm, 604/937-7388
campjubilee.ca
Ages 8–16

British Columbia Family French Camp (BCFFC)
Shuswap Lake, Gwillim Lake and Nanaimo 
bcffc.com

Camp Qwanoes
Vancouver Island
250/246-3014, 1-888-997-9266
qwanoes.ca
Ages 8–18
A Christian camp filled with wild adventure and pure fun, sun-soaked days, new friendships, tasty food, great music, over 75 activities, and all in a spectacular setting with amazing staff from around the world… all who love kids. Life like no other awaits!

Coming from the mainland? Meet our experienced camp leaders at our reserved parking area at the Tsawwassen Mills Mall where we’ll check you in and load your luggage. Then drop off your child with our staff at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal – we’ll provide supervision on the ferry. It’s all part of your camp adventure!

Camp Artaban
Gambier Island, 604/980-0391
campartaban.com
Ages 8–18

Camp Fircom
Gambier, 604/662-7756
fircom.ca 
Ages 6–16, plus Family Programs

Camp Imadene
Mesachie Lake, 250/749-6606
imadene.com
Ages 7–18, plus Family Camps

Camp Pringle 
Shawnigan Lake, 250/472-6877
camppringle.com 
Ages 6–17

Camp Suzuki: Howe Sound
Howe Sound – Camp Fircom
604/732-4228
campsuzuki.org
Ages 7–13 

Children’s Horse Camp – Webbs Holiday Acres
Aldergrove, 604/857-1712
webbsholidayacres.ca
Ages 6–14
Debate Camp Canada
Vancouver, Victoria
888/512-8154
debatecamp.com 

Evans Lake Camp
North of Squamish
604/294-2267
evanslake.com
Ages 8–16

Green Bay Bible Camp
West Kelowna
250/768-5884
greenbay.bc.ca
Ages 6–14

Kawkawa Camp & Retreat
Hope
604/869-9637
kawkawa.com
Ages 7–18

Keats Camp
Keats Island
604/925-6799
keatscamps.com
Ages 7–18

Pioneer Pacific Camp
Thetis Island
250/246-9613
pioneerpacific.ca 
Ages 7–18

Sasamat Outdoor Centre
Belcarra
604/939-2268
sasamat.org
Ages 4–17

Stillwood Camp
Cultus Lake
1-800/507-8455
stillwood.ca
Ages 5–16

Timberline Ranch
Maple Ridge
604/463-9278
timberlineranch.com
Ages 9–16

Wyld Summer Camps and WYLD Expeditions
Strathcona Park
250/286-3122
gowyld.ca
Ages 12–18

Special Needs Camps

Adaptive Multi-Sport Camp
Cloverdale
604/333-3520
bcwheelchairsports.com
Ages 11+

Camp Alohi Lani
Port Moody
alsbc.ca/programs-services/camp-alohi-lani
For youth who have a parent or grandparent in a significant role living with ALS.

Camp Goodtimes and Teen Program
campgoodtimes.org
For children ages 7–15 and teens 15–18 with cancer, and their families.

Camp Kodiak
Parry Sound, Ontario
campkodiak.com
Ages 6–18
For children and teens with and without Learning Disabilities, ADHD and high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

DYT Summer Camps
fndc.ca
Focussing on language enhancement (ASL) and social opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing children ages 5–18.

Easter Seals Camps
604/873-1865 or 1-800/818-4483
eastersealscamps.ca
Ages 6–18
For children and teens with physical and/or mental disabilities.

Empowering Steps
Club Aviva, Coquitlam
604/526-4464
empoweringsteps.ca
Camps for students with developmental challenges

Eureka Camp
604/520-1155
eurekacamp.ca
For children and adolescents with invisible disabilities.

Young Burn Survivors Camp
burnfund.org/camp-for-young-burn-survivors
For young burn survivors ages 6–18

Art, Music, Drama & Dance

GOLD  Vancouver Performing Stars
Vancouver, 604/671-3775
performingstars.ca

SILVER Colourstrings Conservatory Musical Summer Camps 
Vancouver
colourstrings.ca
Ages 3–10

BRONZE Lights Up Musical Theatre Schools
Locations throughout the Lower Mainland.
1-888/502-5253
lightsuptheatre.ca/camps
Ages 4–12
Shine a Spotlight on FUN at Lights Up Musical Theatre camps. Every kid is a born performer—no prior experience is required. Get ready for a week filled with fun and performing. Their camps teach children to work in teams, build confidence, sing, dance, act and SHINE! Sign up for a week they won’t forget!

Artmania
West Van, 604/670-7592
artmaniabc.ca

Arts Umbrella Summer Camps
Vancouver, 604/681-5268
Surrey, 604/535-1127
artsumbrella.com/summercamp
Ages 3–19

Asland Learning Academy
Vancouver, 604/812-2020, 604/968-4501
aslandacademy.ca

Boogaloo Academy
604/805-0558, Vancouver
boogalooacademy.com

Camp Monarch – Music, Art & Dance
North Van, 604/723-8151
monarcharts.com
Ages 5–12

Evergreen Cultural Centre
Coquitlam, 604/927-6555
evergreenculturalcentre.ca

Gateway Academy: Acting, Musical Theatre
Richmond, 604-247-4975
gatewaytheatre.com/academy
Ages 6-18

Goh Ballet Academy Canada
Vancouver, 604/872-4014
gohballet.com
Ages 4–7

Place des Arts
Coquitlam, 604/664-1636
placedesarts.ca
Ages 5–14

Renaissance Academy
Richmond, 604/241-0826
renaissanceacademy.ca

School of Rock
Vancouver 778/561-4261 
Langley 778/561-5355
schoolofrock.com
Ages 3-18+
School of Rock Langley’s summer camps for ages 7–18 immerse students in the experience of playing in a real band. Over one week, campers learn songs, rehearse together, and perform for their families. Instructed by local performing musicians, these high-energy camps build confidence and create an unforgettable introduction to making music!

Tutu School
North Van, 778/732-5044
tutuschool.com/northvancouver

General Activities

GOLD Pedalheads Bike Camps
Locations all over Greater Vancouver, 604/874-6464
pedalheads.com
Ages 2–12 

SILVER Boys & Girls Club
bgcbc.ca

BRONZE Wonder Camps – Renaissance Kids
Renaissance Academy
Richmond, 604/241-0826
renaissanceacademy.ca
Ages 1+ 

Alexandra Neighbourhood House
604/535-0015
alexhouse.net
Ages 5–12

Clubhouse Kids 
Vancouver, 778/939-2389 
clubhousekids.ca
Ages 5–12

False Creek C.C. Day Camps
Vancouver, 604/257-8195
falsecreekcc.ca
Ages 3–14 

Pear Tree Education
Vancouver, East Van, Burnaby, North Van, White Rock
604/355-2155
pear-tree.ca
Ages 5–14

Renaissance Academy
604-241-0826
renaissanceacademy.ca

SFU Summer Camps
Burnaby, 778/782-4965
sfu.ca/camps
Ages 5–19

Spare Time Child Care Society
Vancouver
sparetimesociety.org
Ages 5–12

SMS Co-ed Camps
Victoria, 250/479-7171
stmarg.ca
Ages 6–12

Sunset Community Centre
Vancouver, 604/718-6505
mysunset.net
Ages 6–16

Kidtropolis’ Summer Break Kid Camp
Richmond, 604/285-7529 (PLAY)
kidtropolis.ca
Age 6-10

West Point Grey Community Centre Summer Day Camp
Vancouver, 604/257-8140
westpointgrey.org/programs/day-camps
Ages 3–13 years

Westside Montessori Academy
Vancouver, 604/434-9611
wmasummercamp.com 

YMCA 
Vancouver, 604/324-9622
gv.ymca.ca
Ages 5–12

Specialty Camps

GOLD Girl Guides
girlguides.ca

SILVER West Coast Centre for Learning
wccl.ca

BRONZE Renaissance Academy
Richmond, 604/241-0826
renaissanceacademy.ca
Ages 1+ 

Adventure Day Camps
Grouse Mountain, North Van
604/980-9311
grousemountain.com/camps
Ages 3–14

BrainSTEM Learning
North Van, 604/379-2767 
brainstemlearning.ca
Ages 4–14

Brain Booster Summer Camps
Surrey, 778/839-5515
westcoastcentreforlearning.com 
Ages 6–12

Cousteau Multi Specialty Camps 
North Van, 604/924-2457
cousteauschool.org
Ages 3–5 & 6–9 

Dive into Summer Camp at the Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver, 604/659-3552
vanaqua.org 
Ages 4–16

Dolphin Kids™ Achievement programs
Burnaby, Vancouver, and West Vancouver 778/939-6440
dolphinkids.ca

Eaton Arrowsmith Camp
Surrey, Vancouver
604/264-8327
eatonarrowsmith.com

FarmWonders Camp
UBC Farm, 604/827-4048
farmwonders.ca
Ages 6–14

Fraser Academy Summer Boost Camp
Vancouver, 604/736-5575 
fraseracademy.ca
Ages 7–13

Jump Gymnastics
Vancouver (Cambie): 604/559-6492
Richmond: 604/559-6492
North Van: 604/559-6492
jumpgymnastics.ca
Ages 4-7

Langara Summer Camps
Vancouver, 604/677-0198 
langara.ca/summer-camps
For teens 13–17 years

LEGO^® Robotics Summer Camps with
Daedalos Enrichment Programs
5375 University Blvd, 604/ 345-8603
daedalosacademy.com
Ages 6–13

Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre Mini Camps
North Van, 604/990-3755
ecologycentre.ca
Ages 5–12

Petit Architect Design for Kids
Vancouver, Richmond
petitarchitect.com
Ages 6–14

Reframe Education Summer Sessions
North Vancouver, 604/417-3300
reframeeducation.ca
Ages 5+

Richmond Nature Park Camps
Richmond, 604/276-4300
richmond.ca/register
Ages 4–12

Saplings Outdoor Program & Nature School
North and West Vancouver, 778/838-0335
saplingsoutdoorprogram.ca & saplingsnatureschool.ca 

Sea Smart – Beach Camp
Vancouver, Richmond, 604/358-3001
seasmartschool.com
Ages 6–13

Sprout the Chef Cooking Camp 
Vancouver, Burnaby, 604/505-0074
sproutingchefs.com
Ages 7–13

Steamoji
Locations across the Lower Mainland
steamoji.com

TWU Summer Camps
Langley, 604/513-2121 ext. 3441
twu.ca/camps
Ages 4–15 

Vancouver Neurotherapy Health Services Inc.
Vancouver, 604/730-9600
neurofeedbackclinic.ca
Ages 3+

Sports Camps

GOLD Pedalheads Bike Camps
Locations all over Greater Vancouver, 604/874-6464
pedalheads.com
Ages 2–12

SILVER Jump Gymnastics
City Square: 604/559-6492
Richmond: 604/559-6492
North Van: 604/971-0513
jumpgymnastics.ca
Ages 4–7

BRONZE Royal Soccer Club
Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley
800/427-0536
royalsoccer.com
Ages 5–13

Atlantis Swim Programs
Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam
604/874-6464
pedalheads.com
Ages 4 months+

Academie Duello
Vancouver, 604/568-9907
academieduello.com
Ages 8–14

Diving Locker
Vancouver, 800/DIVE-398
divinglocker.ca
Ages 10+

Heroheads Multisport Camp
Vancouver, Burnaby, North Van
604/874-6464
pedalheads.com
Ages 4–8

The Hive Climbing
North Van, PoCo, Surrey, Vancouver
hiveclimbing.com
Ages 6–12

Learn to Sail
Deep Cove Yacht Club, North Van, 604/929-1009
deepcoveyc.com
Ages 4–16

MyGym
Richmond, 778/859-9680
mygym.com/richmondbc

Oval Summer Sport Camps
Richmond Olympic Oval, 778/296-1400
richmondoval.ca
Ages 4–18

Phoenix Gymnastics
Vancouver, 604/737-7693
phoenixgymnastics.com
Ages 3+

Renaissance Academy
Richmond, 604/241-0826
renaissanceacademy.ca
Ages 1+ 

RBL Basketball
604/269-0221 or 604/253-5295
RBLBasketball.com
Ages 5–15

Sportball
Multiple Locations
604/688-3157
sportball.ca
Ages 16 months–12 yrs

Timberline Ranch
Maple Ridge, 604/463-9278
timberlineranch.com
Ages 9–16

Total Athlete Training – Athletes in Action
Langley, 604/514-2079
athletesinaction.com
Ages 14–18

TumbleTown Movement Education Centre – Gym-venture Days
Vancouver, 604/357-7355
tumbletown.ca 
Ages 3–8 yrs
Twin Rivers Equestrian Centre
Cloverdale, 604/574-5481 
twinriversequestrian.com 

UBC Sport Camps
Vancouver, 604/822-6121
ubccamps.ca
Uphoria Yoga
Vancouver, 604/326-2995
uphoriayoga.com

Yoga Kiddo Buttons Camp
Vancouver, 604/739-9642
yogabuttons.com
Ages 3–7