Here are common questions and answers for VI Summer camp registration, volunteering, how to get there, supplies, and more!
Vancouver Island Summer Camp is a week–long Scouts Canada youth camp held annually during the summer season. Located at Camp Woodlands, Lake Cowichan, BC, Canada for Scouts aged 11 – 15 registered with Scouts Canada.
Find us on Maps!
Go to our registration page to find out more and start the registration process!
All Scouts, Venturers, Rovers, and Scouters must be registered and active with Scouts Canada. All 19+ participants must have Wood Badge 1 and a current PRC.
- Scout Campers, Ages 11 to 15.
- Venturer/Rovers as OOS, Ages 15 to 18.
- Rovers/Scouters as Volunteers, Ages 19+
Camp Woodlands, a Scouts Canada property, is located on the shores of Lake Cowichan. Access to the Camp is via a 2km single-lane logging road, accessed just past Marble Bay.
By Road
Follow Cowichan Lake Highway 18 – take left lane into Lake Cowichan (last stop for food, fuel etc.) Turn right on to North Shore Rd at the roundabout (before the bridge) and continue 3.2 km. Turn left onto Meade Creek Rd and follow this for 1.8 km to Marble Bay Rd (left). Follow Marble Bay Rd 1.4km to the access (dirt) road to Camp Woodlands. (just past Canada Post mailboxes). Follow this road straight through to the camp.
Each year we try to add more activities in that provide an experience of Scouting techniques and tools, using the skills the youth learn during the year, and a mix of adventurous activities that include watersports, archery, caving and more.
Check out our Activities page here.
- Decorative Knots (making woggles)
- Leather Work
- Wood Carving
- Plaques with Knots
- Scout Craft
- Open Mic Night
- Patrol Gateways
- First Aid Training
- Water Obstacle Course
- Sailing
- Caving
- Canoeing
- Talent Show
- Tubing
- Archery
- Trail crafts
- Rock Climbing
- Swimming
- Lashing & Knot Tying
- Rappelling/Abseiling
- Raft Building & Racing
- High Ropes Course
- Fire Building
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Zombie Hunt
- Compass Course
Want to come along as an Offer of Service to the Vancouver Island Scout Summer Camp? Read on!
As an Offer of Service (OOS), you get to come to camp for free. In return, you gain the experience of interacting directly with a group of youth, liaising with the leadership team, and running the activity program. We’re looking for motivated and skilled Venturers and Rovers aged 15+ who want to give the younger scouts an experience they won’t forget!
Part of the OOS program includes one day of preparation, during which we will talk through the program, activities, and responsibilities, and you get the chance to meet the rest of the leadership team and ask any questions you have.
To become a an OOS, go to our registration page and register as an Offer Of Service.
NOTE: OFFER OF SERVICE APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FROM YOUTH WHO ARE REGISTERED AND ACTIVE WITH SCOUTS CANADA. OOS WILL BE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS AND SPACES ARE LIMITED SO PLEASE REGISTER EARLY. ALL 19+ PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE A CURRENT PRC.
Camp Counsellors are given the opportunity to work directly with the Scouts as their Camp Counsellors. Every year, we have a dynamic team of enthusiastic, organised, and patient counsellors who help the youth get the most out of their camp experience.
Being a Camp Counsellor, you are the first person that the youth turn to – whether they need assistance with an activity, putting up their tent, finding the washrooms or when something goes wrong. It’s a big role and probably one of the most important for all the Staff.
Here are some of the things that Camp Counsellors are responsible for:
- Ensuring the health and Safety of all Scouts and their patrol.
- Assisting your patrol and encouraging the patrol members during events – you are their fan club! Cheer them on!
- Make sure that the patrol is fully prepared and ready for each event – are they dressed appropriately, do they have the right equipment with them? Are they on time?
- Helping the Patrol Leader understand their responsibilities.
- Be aware of any medical issues in your Patrol and who to ask for assistance.
- Helping the Patrol with the ir Patrol Log Books.
- Letting the Patrol know where your tent is in case of an emergency at night.
- Deal with any minor problems and letting your head counsellor know.
- Above all, helping your patrol to stay motivated and have fun throughout their stay!
You are key to the memories that the Scouts will have for many years!
To become a Camp Counsellor, go to our registration page and register as an Offer of Service and add a note that you are wanting to be a Camp Counsellor.
NOTE: OFFER OF SERVICE APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FROM YOUTH WHO ARE REGISTERED AND ACTIVE WITH SCOUTS CANADA. OOS WILL BE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS AND SPACES ARE LIMITED SO PLEASE REGISTER EARLY. ALL 19+ PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE A CURRENT PRC.
We need you! Scouters are the backbone of any successful Scout summer camp. They provide essential supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of the Scouts. Without their dedication, camps simply wouldn’t happen. Your presence enables Scouts to experience a fun and enriching environment to explore the outdoors, develop leadership skills, and create lifelong memories. Scouters help guide activities, manage logistics, cook meals, organize games, teach outdoor skills, and support Scouts, & OOS’ through challenges. They foster a supportive and safe atmosphere that encourages Scouts to grow, learn, and enjoy every moment at camp.
NOTE: SCOUTERS MUST BE IN GOOD STANDING, REGISTERED AND ACTIVE WITH SCOUTS CANADA. MUST HAVE WOODBADGE 1 AND A CURRENT PRC.
To become a Scouter Volunteer, go to our registration page and register as an Adult Volunteer.
To attend camp as a volunteer, you are required to be a Scouter registered and active with Scouts Canada, and must have Wood Badge 1 and a current PRC.
Becoming a Scouter is simple if you’re interested in joining the fun and making a difference. Reach out to your local Scout group or visit the Scouts Canada website for more information on training and requirements. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to support youth and participate in camp activities. Join Us!
Scout summer camps can’t run without passionate and dedicated Scouters. Your time and energy create unforgettable experiences for Scouts and help foster a new generation of leaders. So, join the adventure and see why being a Scouter is vital and an incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling experience!
Drop off and pick up are at the gate on the road leading into camp at the allocated date/time. Due to safety and security, the public is not permitted to access the dock or beach at any time during camp.
If you are experiencing financial hardship and require assistance with registration fees, equipment or any other costs, please contact [email protected] and/or visit Scouts Canada No One Left Behind (NOLB) link. VI Summer Camp and Scouts Canada proudly and confidentially support local families so that no child is excluded.
We do our best to make sure that everything is prepared for our campers, and have prepared a few suggestions to help our campers get prepared for Summer Camp. You will be given more detailed information after registration via email.
Registration: All youth are required to register prior to camp. Camp fees must be paid before the camp date. Our Online Registration page has more information about payment methods and dates. To be eligible to camp as either an Offer of Service (OOS), a regular camper or volunteer, you must have an active Scouts Canada registration. No exceptions.
Accommodations: The youth are organized into patrols on arrival at camp. We do our best to accommodate groups of friends but believe that meeting new people is an integral part of the experience. Youth are asked to bring their own tent which will be set up under the guidance of their Camp Counsellor. A kit list will be included at registration to ensure all participants are ready for the exiting summer camp week.
Dietary Needs: At registration you will be asked about any dietary needs. Our team of cooks are able to cater for most dietary needs. If your child has specific needs, please let us know using the Camper Registration form. We welcome input from parents with specific dietary needs.
Medicine: In accordance with Scouts Canada policies, medicines for your youth should be self-managed. The camp staff are able to oversee the taking of medicines but are not responsible for the administration of medicine unless in an emergency capacity. Please contact the camp registrar for more information or if you have specific questions.
All Vancouver Island Scout Camp attendees need to bring with them sufficient clothing and personal equipment to ensure they have a comfortable (and warm) stay! The list below provides a minimum requirement checklist for campers. Please take special note of the equipment list for the overnight out trips. If your youth is taking part in one of the overnight trips, they must ensure they have appropriate clothing and footwear.
**NOTE: This list may change from year to year, please refer to the provided camp rules for the most up-to-date information.
Parents Note: Please make sure all items are clearly marked with the name of your Scout and securely fixed to personal belongings. All scouts MUST bring a sun hat without exception.
We want all of our campers to have an enjoyable and safe experience at the Vancouver Island Scout Summer Camp. We have a few items that we don’t allow campers to bring on-site so that the experience can be enjoyable for everyone.
NOTE: This list may change from year to year, please refer to the provided camp rules for the most up-to-date information.
Please make sure the devices listed below are not brought to Camp.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES. This includes personal radios, 2-way radios, MP3 players, iPods, electronic games and cell phones. We want the Scouts to enjoy being part of a community camping in the wilderness and having electronic devices are distractions and deter from the overall experience.
CELL PHONES. We know that some scouts like to stay in touch – we’ll be posting regular updates on the website and facebook page. Cell Phones are available for emergency use, so personal cell phones are not necessary at Camp.
FOOD. We feed the campers well! Personal food is absolutely prohibited at Camp. We are camping in an area of wilderness where we often see wild animals including eagles, cougar and bears. Personal food items left in tents will attract wild animals.
NUT OIL AND NUT PRODUCTS. Due to some severe food allergies, nut oil and nut based products are not allowed at Camp.
LARGE KNIVES/MACHETEES. We want the Campers to have a safe and enjoyable time. Large knives, machettes and fixed blades are not permitted on site. They may bring Scouts Canada approved knives.
Refunds are available under certain conditions:
• You can cancel and receive a full refund within 14 days of registration, unless the registration occurs within one month of camp.
• If you cancel more than one month before camp, you are eligible for a 50% refund.
• No refunds are available within one month of camp.
Why do we have this policy? As a non-profit organization, we carefully plan our resources to keep camp affordable and accessible for all families. Once you or your child is registered, we immediately begin allocating funds to cover costs such as supplies, equipment, and food, which are purchased months in advance to ensure the camp runs smoothly. These expenses are incurred regardless of attendance, which is why we are unable to offer full refunds close to the camp date.
To request a refund, please contact [email protected] to begin the process.