Do you have children between the ages of 5 and 9? We are excited to offer our popular five-day Nature and Science day camps again this summer starting July 4th. Children will learn about the birds, animals and plants of the Cowichan Estuary, explore the clam beds, eelgrass meadows, mudflats, and the beaches at Hecate Park, and have the same fun we have every summer with all the required Covid-19 physical distancing and health and safety protocols in place – a safe, learning-filled camp experience for children in small groups of no more than 12 campers.
Each camper will have their own learning package, including their own bucket and shovel to find out who lives here on the beach and in the estuary’s waters. They’ll also get to know the region’s inter-tidal and sea creatures in our salt water aquarium and observation tank and have an opportunity to get acquainted with young Coho salmon in our fresh water aquarium. There’ll be lots of other fun age-appropriate hands-on science activities, games, hikes, and crafts, where campers can play, learn and explore nature together.
All Camps run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE FORMS ON THIS PAGE.
- PLEASE EMAIL camps@cowichanestuary.ca TO REQUEST FORMS NEEDED.
COVID UPDATE: We will be monitoring current data and Health Canada and PHO guidelines and post up to date Summer Camp policies so you can rest assured your camper will have a safe and fun experience with our team.
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Schedule for 2023 Nature and Science Summer Camps:
July 3-7: Ages 5-7
July 10-14: Ages 7-9
July 17-21: Ages 5-7
July 24-28: Ages 7-9
July 31-Aug 4: Ages 5-7
Aug 8: Single Day Camp, Ages 5-9
Aug 9: Single Day Camp, Ages 5-9
Aug 10: Single Day Camp, Ages 5-9
Aug 11: Single Day Camp, Ages 5-9
Aug 14-18: Ages 7-9
Aug 21-25: Ages 5-7
Details and Fees
Camp fees are $245 per child for a total of five days of camp. Single Day attendance: $49 per day per child is normally for single day camps. Single Day attendance during week-long camps may be available if the camp is not fully booked and depending on health and safety protocols.
Bursaries: We are proud to offer access to two bursary funds for camp fees this year.
The Nature Centre has its own bursary fund set up to partially or fully fund a child’s camp fees for 2023. To apply for bursary support please download our application form here: Summer-Camp-Bursary Application. The Cowichan Valley Naturalists’ Society has also set up a summer camp bursary in honour of the late Eric Marshall who volunteered and dedicated himself to nature education in the marine environment. Application: Eric-Marshall-Memorial-Bursary-application-2023. To apply for either bursary please download the application form at one of the links above and submit your application to: camps@cowiichanestuary.ca. Bursary applications may also be submitted with your Registration documents (found below) to apply for a space in a specific week of camp to camps@cowichanestuary.ca.
All Camps run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. You may drop off your child between 8:45 am and 9 am.
As our camp leaders are busy setting up for the day, we cannot offer early drop off or late pick up. Parents will be charged late fees for not adhering to drop of and pick up times.
All camp participants must to be able to eat, dress and toilet independently. For children with special needs, contact camps@cowichanestuary.ca to discuss possible accommodations.
Our staff are working hard to ensure the safety of all of our campers during Covid-19. You’ll find more details on how we will will work with you as parents to support your child to have a safe, health camping experience in our Covid 19 Parent Guide.
How to Register (2023 registration links and registration forms will be live and accessible by March 15th)
Registration is a two-step process:
- Go to Eventbrite, select a camp, sign up, and make payment. (Each camp is also linked above in the camp schedule to Eventbrite). Payment can be through a credit card on Eventbrite or cash/cheque mailed to or dropped off at the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre.
- Download and complete a camp Registration/Medical form linked below:
- CENC-Camp-Registration-Form-2023
- PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE FORMS ON THIS PAGE. PLEASE EMAIL camps@cowichanestuary.ca TO REQUEST FORMS NEEDED.
- Return forms at least 2 weeks prior to camp start by:
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– email to camps@cowichanestuary.ca,
– in person or by mail to:
Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre
Box 5, Cowichan Bay,
BC, V0R 1N0
IMPORTANT: Your registration is not considered complete until we have received the medical information and waiver forms. Payment and forms must be received at least 2 weeks prior to camp start date or your registration will be forfeited.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: If a camp is cancelled due to Covid-19 provincial health requirements, all camp fees will be fully refunded to affected families.
Families withdrawing a child’s registration within the two week period prior to the camp offering or during a camp will be charged for days attended plus an administrative fee unless the withdrawal is illness-related.
Questions? Contact camps@cowichanestuary.ca. Or phone: 250-597-2288
