Summer camps and day camps offer far more than a fun way to spend school-free weeks—they give kids the chance to grow, connect, and discover new passions.
As summer approaches, many BC parents begin exploring options to keep their kids active, engaged, and happy once school ends. While both day and overnight camps may seem like a way to fill time, their benefits go far beyond entertainment. Whether a nature-based day camp in the city or a week-long sleepaway adventure in the mountains, these programs offer children invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Children are often used to the same routines and environments during the school year, which creates stability. But a shift in scenery—even for a short time—allows them to explore new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking. According to Dr. Esther Frogel, a licensed psychologist, doing something different helps children “explore new things—not only with others, but within their own minds.”
For younger children or first-time campers, day camps are a great entry point. They provide a structured environment where kids can build social and emotional skills, explore new interests, and gain a sense of independence—all while returning home at night. Just completing the first day, trying something new, or making a new friend can be a huge confidence boost.
Dr. Frogel notes that camps can also help children “open up the creativity centres in their brains, finding new ways to connect with others and make meaningful relationships.” When children take part in activities they don’t normally have time for during the school year, it strengthens the brain’s neural pathways and supports healthy development.
“One of the biggest changes we see in kids after attending camp is their understanding of water safety—a life-saving skill that stays with them,” says Sheida Yoosefi, a current director and former coach at Marina’s Swim School. “In just five days, campers often gain enough skills to pass one swim level. Because they master such an important life skill so quickly, we see a real, noticeable boost in their confidence.”
One of the best parts of day camps is the variety. Want to learn STEM and how to code? There’s a camp for that. Passionate about painting, soccer, animals, or science? There’s a camp for that too.
Summer is a great time for kids to try something new without the pressure of grades or rigid schedules. A child who’s never picked up a paintbrush might discover they love visual art. Another might find unexpected joy in archery or outdoor survival skills. These moments of exploration help kids build self-awareness, develop hobbies, and uncover talents they never knew they had.
“At summer camps, kids are in ‘play-mode,’” says Lisa Oppenheim, co-founder and program director of Lights Up Theatre in the Lower Mainland. “This is exactly the headspace that fosters creativity and imagination, allowing participants to explore and discover new passions.”
After a school year filled with structure and screen time, camps offer something refreshingly different: real-life connections. Both day and overnight camps provide space for kids to interact face-to-face, collaborate, and build friendships through shared experiences.
For children who are shy or struggle socially, camp environments often feel more relaxed and inclusive. Counselors are trained to foster a sense of belonging and can help guide positive peer interactions. Plus, without the usual academic or extracurricular pressures, kids are more open to being themselves and making new friends.
“Camp specializes in bringing people together,” says Scott Bayley, director of Camp Qwanoes, a residential camp located in Crofton, BC.
“When you take shared adventures, add in fun and laughter, learning, mutual respect—friendships naturally happen! Often, memories and new best friends made at camp can last a lifetime.”
Camp teaches kids to adapt and persist, whether handling a rainy day on a nature hike or learning how to work with a group during a team activity. Sleepaway camps, in particular, add another layer to this learning. Being away from home—even for just a few nights—helps kids step outside of their comfort zones and discover how capable they are.
Dr. Frogel emphasizes that camp provides “a chance to be more independent and learn how to adapt to new situations.” These experiences—big or small—support healthy brain development and long-term confidence.
And even in day camps, kids get plenty of practice trying, failing, and trying again—whether it’s mastering a gymnastics routine or working through a team challenge.
Living in BC means having access to breathtaking natural settings, and many local summer camps and day camps take full advantage. From urban day programs that include nature walks and gardening, to sleepaway camps surrounded by lakes and forests, kids get to unplug and connect with the world around them.
Outdoor play reduces stress, boosts mood, and helps improve focus, and summer is the perfect time to soak in these benefits.
When summer ends, kids remember more than just the crafts or campfire songs—they remember the feeling of belonging, the pride in mastering something new, and the joy of having the freedom to explore. For parents, there’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a child return home more confident, curious, and connected than when they left.
Whether you’re registering your child for a half-day art camp or sending them off for a week under the stars, summer camps and day camps are about so much more than filling time. They’re about growth, connection, and creating the space for your child to discover what lights them up.
604-681-5268 | Granville Island
604-497-0308 | Surrey
artsumbrella.com/programs/art-camps/
Arts Umbrella’s summer programs in Art & Design, Dance, and Theatre, Music & Film, provide young people with an opportunity to discover new artistic passions, develop their skills, and enjoy the break alongside their peers. Single and multi-week programs are available in Architecture, Musical Theatre, Creative Dance, Sculpture, and much more at their Granville Island and Surrey locations.
1-888-997-9266
[email protected]
qwanoes.ca
Jump into the adventure and let friendship fill each day! Experience a world of discovery in a spectacular oceanfront setting with an amazing staff team. We make it easy for mainland campers to get to camp – just meet us at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal!
See Camp Qwanoes in action here!
604 621 9473
14772-64 Ave Surrey and a new location in Abbotsford
ejsfinearts.com
Wizard of Oz When a tornado rips through Kansas Dorothy and her dog Toto are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz.
Ages 8-16 years
July 7-18th Monday to Fridays 10-2pm
Performance day July 18th
Cost $360 + Reg Fee $25, register before June 1st $15.00 off.
Box Office: Open 12 – 5pm, Monday – Saturday.
604-927-6555
[email protected]
evergreenculturalcentre.ca/summer-camps
Join us for an exciting summer of creativity and unique activities at Evergreen Cultural Centre! Our mix of full and half-day camps offers campers a chance to explore all kinds of artistic mediums like painting, sculpting, acting, dancing, and more. Campers will also get to visit a professional art gallery and explore beautiful Lafarge Lake, just steps from our building.
604-247-4975 or email [email protected]
For ages 6-13
Spend a week or two in July in a fun and supportive environment in one of Gateway Academy’s Acting or Musical Theatre summer camps! These camps are a great opportunity to try acting, singing, dancing, and more, ending with a final presentation! “ACTING FOR STAGE & FILM” is new this year for your kids aged 11-13!
Save $25 off your order when you register for 2 summer camps at the same time! Discount will automatically be applied at checkout.
Space is limited. Register Now!
Locations throughout Vancouver & 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. Campers will strut their stuff for family and friends at our camp presentations. Like all Lights Up programs, our camps teach children to work in teams, build confidence, sing, dance, act and SHINE! Summer Camp Sign Up on NOW! Discounts available for siblings and multiple camp sign ups!
15 locations across Metro Vancouver and the Okanagan, including Vancouver (Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Yaletown, South), Burnaby (Central, Metrotown), North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Delta-Ladner, Richmond (Steveston), Surrey (Sullivan, White Rock), Fort Langley, Kamloops, and Kelowna.
604 355 2155
pear-tree.ca
Since 2012, Pear Tree Education has offered Vancouver’s most engaging summer camps, blending hands-on learning with fun, creativity, and outdoor adventures. With 15 locations across BC, small class sizes (16 students max), and expert school teachers, Pear Tree’s Theme-Based, EduActivity, and Language Camps deliver real-world skills and unforgettable summer experiences for ages 5–15.
#5-12491 No. 2 Road, Richmond
Our FULL WEEK, FULL DAY summer camps offer the ultimate experience -endless fun and educational activities, field trips and new friendships to be made!
For Kindergarten to Grade 6 students
9:00AM – 3:00PM
7:30AM / 6:00PM (before/after care option)
Hot lunch option available
Field trips included!
Types of camps available:
* STEM
* Cooking
* Art
* Dance
* Active/High Energy
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