Gabriola Summer Camps

Campers will spend some of the day in a multi-age group, and some of it in smaller groups (ages 4-6, and ages 7-12). They will learn (without even realizing!) about responsible harvesting, medicinal and food plants, natural materials, wild crafting, navigation, tracking and stalking, bird language, ancestral heritage and local ecology. With strong core routines of play, gratitude, circle sharing, singing, storytelling, observing, inquiring, and mentoring each other, we cultivate a nature-connected, community-minded group culture, grounded in relationships of respect and reciprocity.

The 8 Shields “Coyote Mentoring” approach we use was developed by Jon Young at the Wilderness Awareness School, formalizing the child-led, experiential schooling methods apparent in nature-based cultures. This approach focuses on connection: cultivating children’s curiosity and innate wisdom, guiding them into personal and collective learning experiences that reveal their gifts and support their development towards healthy maturity and wholeness.

July 2-5, 2024

July 15-19, 2024

Bushcraft Camp

Our fun-packed camp will offer a journey into the ancient skills and arts of the land. This theme will bring us into our senses, teach us to read the landscape like a story book, and offer the opportunity to craft tools from nature. By the end of camp, each camper will come home with a nature made tool and a deep sense of accomplishment.

Where:

Whalebone Beach

Day and Time:

July 2-5, 2024

9am - 2pm (4-7 yr olds)

9am – 3pm (8-12 yr olds)

Ages:

4-7 and 8-12

Cost:

$210 (4-7 yr olds) 4 days

$245 (8-12 yr olds) 4 days

*Seedlings camps are now 5hrs long

REGISTER FOR 4-7 YR OLDS

REGISTER FOR 8-12 YR OLDS

July 15-19, 2024

Survival Camp

Join Fianna for an awesome adventure into the art of surviving in the wilderness. We will explore the four essentials for survival: shelter, fire, water, food. These skills will be incorporated into games, stories, and activities that engage our passions and nourish our aliveness.

Where:

Whalebone Beach

Day and Time:

July 15-19, 2024

9am - 2pm (4-7 yr olds)

9am – 3pm (8-12 yr olds)

Ages:

4-7 and 8-12

Cost:

$263 (4-7 yr olds) 5 days

$305 (8-12 yr olds) 5 days

*Seedlings camps are now 5hrs long

REGISTER FOR 4-7 YR OLDS

REGISTER FOR 8-12 YR OLDS

Aug 6-9, 2024

July 15-19, 2024

Aug 6-9, 2024

Wild Nature

Fianna instructors will draw on the innate sense of adventure and wild imagination of the group. We will explore our animal nature and our capacity to be both playful and attentive while we move through the forest and coastline. This will be an extravaganza of nature connection, forest and beach games, and epic explorations.

Where:

Whalebone Beach

Day and Time:

Aug 6-9, 2024

9am - 2pm (4-7 yr olds)

9am – 3pm (8-12 yr olds)

Ages:

4-7 and 8-12

Cost:

$210 (4-7 yr olds) 4 days

$245 (8-12 yr olds) 4 days

*Seedlings camps are now 5hrs long

REGISTER FOR 4-7 YR OLDS

REGISTER FOR 8-12 YR OLDS