Summer 2026 registration is open — book now

Everything you need to know before your child arrives.

Answers to the practical questions international families ask most — before and after they register.

A Typical Day What to Bring Arrival & Departure Food & Diet Accommodation If Your Child Gets Sick FAQs

A typical day

Your child’s day — from arrival to pick-up.

Every day has a clear structure. There’s time to learn, time to move, time to eat, and time to be outside. No child sits still for more than an hour.

TimeActivityNotes
8:00–9:00amBefore Camp Care (optional)Supervised free time. Early drop-off.
8:50–9:00amArrivalsStaff greet every child at the door.
9:00–9:15amSoft StartMorning routines, introducing the day.
9:15–10:15am1st Activity (theme-based)First main learning activity.
10:15–10:30amSnack & Free PlayChildren bring their own snack.
10:30am–12:00pm2nd Activity or Cultural TripLongest block. Often includes field trips.
12:00–1:00pmLunch & Free PlayPacked lunch or hot lunch (Kitsilano).
1:00–2:00pmPark & Sports TimeOutdoor active time every day.
2:10–2:50pm3rd Activity (theme-based)Often creative, presentation, or wrap-up.
2:50–3:10pmHome TimeReleased to authorised adults only.
3:00–5:00pmAfter Camp Care (optional)Extended supervision until 5pm.

What to bring

Pack for a Vancouver summer — not a classroom.

Our camps spend significant time outdoors. Pack for active days, changeable weather, and the occasional beach or park visit.

Every day

  • Packed lunch (unless enrolled in hot lunch at Kitsilano)
  • Two snacks (morning and afternoon)
  • Water bottle — refillable, at least 500ml
  • Sunscreen already applied in the morning
  • Comfortable, active clothing — no uniforms
  • Closed-toe shoes suitable for running
  • Light jacket or hoodie — mornings can be cool

For field trip days

  • A small backpack to carry their items
  • Extra sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A light rain jacket — BC summers include brief showers
  • Any medication they may need

Do not bring

  • Mobile phones (stored securely if brought)
  • Electronic devices or tablets
  • Valuable jewellery or large amounts of cash
  • Nuts or nut-based products — nut-aware environment

Arrival & departure

Drop-off and pick-up — what to expect.

Drop-off (9:00am)

Staff at the door from 8:50am. Bring your child to the entrance — a staff member greets and signs them in. Early drop-off from 8:00am with Before Camp Care.

Pick-up (3:10pm)

Children released only to adults on the authorised pick-up form. Please bring ID if staff haven’t met you before. After Camp Care available until 5pm.

Late pick-up

Call us as soon as possible. Children will be supervised until you arrive. Repeated late pick-ups may incur a fee.

Authorised adults

Provide the name and contact number of your homestay parent or local guardian at registration. We cannot release a child to an unlisted person.


Food & dietary needs

We take food seriously. So does our Red Seal chef.

The hot lunch program at our Kitsilano location is run by a Red Seal Level 3 Chef — the highest professional chef certification in Canada. Meals are freshly made, nutritionally balanced, and genuinely good.

If your child has dietary requirements — vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, or any allergen — note them at registration. We are a nut-aware environment.

Hot lunch: Kitsilano only (+$84/week). Burnaby is packed lunch only.

PHOTO: Hot lunch

Accommodation

Our camps are day programs. Here’s how most international families handle accommodation.

Homestay (most common)

A local family provides a room, meals, and a safe home environment. English practice 24 hours a day. We can recommend trusted Vancouver homestay agencies.

Short-term rental

Families who travel with their child often use Airbnb or a serviced apartment near the camp. Both locations have good short-stay options.

Location matters

Aim to be within 30 minutes. Kitsilano: bus along West Broadway. Burnaby: SkyTrain Expo Line to Metrotown station.

Airport transfers

YVR is 25–30 min from both camps. Canada Line SkyTrain connects YVR to downtown. Taxis and rideshares available.


If your child gets sick

Our procedure is simple. Your child will be looked after.

Our camp managers hold specialised first aid certification. Every camp has a first aid kit on site and a clear procedure for any health situation.

Minor illness or injury

First aid on site. We contact you. Your child stays comfortable until collected if needed.

Unwell before camp

Keep your child home if they have a fever or contagious symptoms. Call before 8:30am. Symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.

Medication

Inform us at registration. Original packaging with child’s name and dosage. Written authorisation required.

Allergies & EpiPens

Disclose severe allergies at registration. EpiPen must be brought daily. We are a nut-aware environment.

Emergency contacts

Medical emergency: Call 911 — universal emergency number in Canada.

BC Poison Control: 1-800-567-8911 (24/7)

Camp contact and nearest urgent care: Provided in your registration confirmation email.


Frequently asked questions

The questions international families ask most.

What English level does my child need to join?

No minimum level required. ESL programs are designed for beginners to intermediate. Your child will be placed in an appropriate group. The immersive environment helps beginners progress quickly.

Can I book more than one week?

Yes — and we encourage it. Each week has a completely different theme. Multiple weeks compound the progress. No discount for multiple weeks.

What nationalities are typically in the ESL groups?

Children from across Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East — alongside some local Vancouver families. English is the only shared language.

What if my child is very shy or nervous on the first day?

Very common, especially for children arriving in a new country. Our teachers are experienced with shy beginners. Most children settle in by the end of day one.

Will my child be with children the same age?

Yes. Groups are organised by age: 7–9, 10–12, and 13–15. Not mixed across age groups.

Can I contact my child during camp?

Phones are not used by children during camp. For urgent messages, call the camp directly. For non-urgent, email us and we’ll pass it on at a break.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations 30+ days before: full refund less $50 admin fee. Within 30 days: non-refundable unless we fill the space. Medical cancellations with a doctor’s note handled case-by-case. Full details in Terms & Conditions.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend it. Canada’s public healthcare does not cover international visitors. Check that your policy covers outdoor activities and field trips.

Does my child need a visa?

Most visitors need a Canadian eTA — quick online application, $7 CAD. Some countries require a visitor visa. Check canada.ca. Camp under 6 months does not require a study permit.

Can my child attend with a medical condition or disability?

Contact us before registering to discuss your child’s needs. We’ll be honest about what we can and cannot accommodate.

Still have a question?

Send us a message — we reply within 24 hours.

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