Calling all Nature Explorers Ages 5-9!
Come and join us for our Science and Nature Summer Camps.
We are excited to offer our popular five-day camps in July and August. Campers will learn about the birds, plants, and animals of the Cowichan Estuary as well as explore eelgrass meadows, clam beds, mudflats, and the beaches at Hecate Community Park.
During camp, we will explore tide pools, do experiments and crafts, play games, learn about watersheds and estuaries and their important role in our local ecosystems as well as get to know our Coho Salmon Fry in our freshwater aquarium, meet and greet the creatures living in our saltwater aquarium, play in the mud and many other age-appropriate hands-on activities.
Our small group-oriented camps of up to 12 students offer a safe, hands-on learning experience for children ages 5-9.
All Camps run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Schedule for 2024 Nature and Science Summer Camps:
July 2: Single Day Camp, Ages 5-7
July 3: Single Day Camp, Ages 5-7
July 4: Single Day Camp, Ages 5-7
July 5: Single Day Camp, Ages 5-7
July 15-19: Ages 5-7
July 22-26: Ages 7-9
August 6: Single Day Camp, Ages 7-9
August 7: Single Day Camp, Ages 7-9
August 8: Single Day Camp, Ages 7-9
August 9: Single Day Camp, Ages 7-9
August 12-16: Ages 5-7
August 19-23: Ages 7-9
Details and Fees
Camp fees are $275 per child for a total of five days of camp. Single Day attendance: $55 per day per child 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 2024. 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@cowichanestuary.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 and pick up from 3:00 – 3:15 pm.
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 off and pick up times.
All camp participants must to be able to eat, dress and toilet independently. For children with special needs, contact admin@cowichanestuary.ca to discuss possible accommodations.
How to Register (2024 registration links and registration forms are now accessible)
Registration is a two-step process:
- Go to Eventbrite, select a camp, sign up, and make payment. Payment can be made 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.
- Forms will be emailed to you once you have registered with Eventbrite.
- Return forms at least 2 weeks prior to camp start date.
– email to admin@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: Refunds for reservation cancellations are available up to 30 days before the event.
Questions? Contact admin@cowichanestuary.ca. Or phone: 250-597-2288
