The Ultimate Summer Camp Planning Checklist 10 Tips for Busy Parents

Summer camp season has a way of sneaking up on even the most organized families. Between work, school schedules, and everyday life, it’s easy to feel behind before you’ve even begun. The good news? With a clear plan (and a realistic approach), you can lock in a great summer for your kids without the stress.

Here’s a practical, parent-friendly checklist to guide you from “I should probably look into camps…” to “We’re all set.”

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1. Start with Your Summer Goals

Before diving into registrations, take a moment to define what you actually need.

• Do you need full-day care to cover work hours?
• Are you looking for enrichment (arts, STEM, sports)?
• Does your child want fun with friends, or to try something new?

Getting clear on priorities helps you filter options quickly. This helps you avoid overbooking or overspending.

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2. Map Out Your Calendar First

Open your calendar and block out:

• Vacation time
• Family commitments
• Stat holidays
• Transition days between camps

Then fill in the remaining weeks with camp options. This step alone prevents those dreaded “what do we do next week?” gaps.

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3. Research Early (But Not Perfectly)

You don’t need to find the perfect camp just good, reliable options. We have a list of camps to start with below.

Focus on:

• Location (close to home or work = sanity saver)
• Hours (does it match your schedule?)
• Age suitability
• Reviews or word-of-mouth recommendations

Pro tip: Some camps fill up early. If you haven’t booked yet, it is recommended you get started now.

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4. Set a Realistic Budget

Camp costs can add up quickly.

Consider:

• Weekly fees
• Before/after care
• Supplies or special equipment
• Transportation

Mixing premium camps with lower-cost community programs can help balance things out without sacrificing variety.

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5. Prioritize Registration Deadlines

Once you’ve shortlisted camps, note:

• Registration opening dates
• Early bird pricing deadlines
• Cancellation policies

If a camp is high priority, register early, even if your summer isn’t fully mapped out yet. It’s easier to adjust later than to miss out.

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6. Double-Check the Details

Before finalizing, confirm:

• Drop-off and pick-up procedures
• What your child needs to bring daily
• Allergy or medical accommodations
• Contact protocols

This avoids last-minute surprises during busy mornings.

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7. Plan for Energy (Not Just Coverage)

Back-to-back camps sound efficient—but kids can burn out.

Try to:

• Alternate high-energy camps with calmer ones
• Leave a buffer week if possible
• Keep at least a few unscheduled days

A little downtime goes a long way in preventing mid-summer meltdowns.

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8. Prep Your Child (and Yourself)

Once camps are booked:

• Talk through what each camp will be like
• Label everything (water bottles, hats, backpacks)
• Do a “practice morning” if your child is nervous

Confidence on Day 1 makes the whole experience smoother—for everyone.

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9. Create a Simple Weekly System

Busy mornings are where things fall apart.

Set up:

• A camp bin or basket for each child
• A checklist (lunch, water, sunscreen, change of clothes)
• A Sunday reset routine

This reduces daily decision-making and keeps things running smoothly.

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10. Stay Flexible

Even with the best planning, things shift.

Weather changes, kids change their minds, or a camp just isn’t the right fit. Give yourself permission to adjust. A successful summer isn’t about perfect execution—it’s about happy kids and manageable days.

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Summer camp planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A bit of upfront organization can turn it into something that actually supports your family, rather than adding stress.

And remember: kids don’t need a perfectly curated summer. They need a mix of fun, rest, and a parent who isn’t completely burned out.

Summer Camp Options

Here are some great summer camps, including the Family Favourite winners!

Top 5 Summer Camps

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

Turn up the creativity this summer with Arts Umbrella! Their inspiring programs in Art & Design, Dance, and Theatre, Music & Film invite young people to explore new passions, sharpen their skills, and make unforgettable memories with friends along the way.

With flexible single- and multi-week options, students can dive into everything from Architecture and Musical Theatre to Creative Dance, Sculpture, and so much more. 

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!

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!

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!

WildPlay – Summer just got Wild!

Maple Ridge, 1-855-595-2251
[email protected]
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!

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

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

Turn up the creativity this summer with Arts Umbrella! Their inspiring programs in Art & Design, Dance, and Theatre, Music & Film invite young people to explore new passions, sharpen their skills, and make unforgettable memories with friends along the way.

With flexible single- and multi-week options, students can dive into everything from Architecture and Musical Theatre to Creative Dance, Sculpture, and so much more. 

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