Camp Update - July 2021

As you will know from my last email, we have had the official permission from the Province of BC, Scouts Canada and Scouts Canada properties to hold the 2021 Vancouver Island Scout Summer Camp. Our youth and staff management team have been meeting over the past few months to get things ready for you and we have an exciting line up of program acitivities for you to enjoy.

There are a few things that we want all campers to bring with them to camp this year, so please make a note of them below. Youth campers will be sleeping in their own tents or sharing with another person within their patrol and we have asked all youth campers to bring their own tent (maximum 3 person tent allowed). Please also bring with you a camp chair so we can sit comfortably for some of our evening activities. We are expecting another week of hot weather, so it is really important for you to bring a SUNHAT, SUN CREAM and a WATER BOTTLE (all labelled of course!)

Activity Schedule

We have added some new activities to the schedule this year and we are offering all campers the chance to take part in:

• Camping
• Canoeing
• Hiking
• Orienteering
• Sailing
• Swimming
• Tubing
• Crafts
• Raft Races
• Mountain Biking
• Archery
• Caving
• Rapelling
• ... and so much more!

Travel Arrangements & Check In

The Vancouver Island Scout Summer Camp is located on the shores of Lake Cowichan. We have put together some directions and a map for you on the website at http://visummercamp.ca/how-to-get-here-vancouver-island-bc. We will meet all campers at the end of the access road at your pre-arranged check-in time. (Check in times will be emailed to you separately based on the patrol and household your youth is allocated to. Please check your emails regularly and expect to see the check in email on FRIDAY 16 JULY).

Check-in will be base on a staggered arrival time to meet with the restrictions from Scouts Canada and the Province of BC. Youth will have an hour to check in with their patrol and we encourage parents to ensure youth are at the registration point on time. If you are unable to make the registration check-in aduring your designated time, you will be able to check your child into camp later in the evening. All youth will be able to be checked into camp on Saturday morning so please keep that in mind when making travel arrangements.

Kit Lists

We have a lot of activities planned this year and we want everyone to be safe! To help youth prepare for camp, we have compiled some basic kit lists that will help when packing your bags! Please pay attention to the additional clothing and footwear for the activity sections, and remember all campers - youth and adults - must wear a sun hat or cap at all times!. We only allow flip-flops and open toe sandals/watershoes during free time swimming activities. At all other times, closed toe footwear must be worn. The campground has many uneven and rocky surfaces and we want to avoid injuries! To download the kit list, you can visit http://visummercamp.ca/equipment-lists. (all saftey equipment is provided).

Parents - the equipment list is especially important as it includes equipment for safe hiking and attire during camp. If your youth does not have appropriate footwear, backpack or other essential items, they may be unable to take part in activities. Each year we have youth arrive without appropriate equipment. If you have questions regarding equipment and footwear, please contact the Registrar.

Pick Up and Drop Off

All campers will be assigned a check-in time to meet with their patrol and check into camp. These time slots will be strictly maintained to meet our safety plan guidelines. All campers will be notified of their check in time by email on Friday 16 July. Upon arrival you will be assigned your patrol, given a name badge and will meet your consellor. Pickup will be back at the gate for parents on Saturday 29th July between 2.30pm and 4pm (depending on your pickup time allocation).

Uniform

Every year one or two youth arrive without their uniform. Scouts are required to wear their uniform to camp and for the official flag break and opening.

Final Payments

Final payments are now due. If you need to make your final payment using your credit card, please visit visummercamp.ca/payments/pay-with-card.php and submit any balance due. Once logged in you will be able to see payments already made on your account.

Stay in Touch!

We request that all campers leave electronics, ipods, phones, games etc at home for the week of camp. Staff will be contactable on site by cell phone in emergencies at (250) 327-1593 or you can check out the Summer Camp Facebook Page at facebook.com/groups.visummercamp for updates and photos throughout the week.