Camper Update - June 2023

We are only a few weeks away from camp and I hope you are as excited as we are! The junior and senior staff teams have been meeting and planning some awesome activities, we have been gathering equipment and materials and training, ready to delivery another excellent week of adventure. In this email you will find a lot of information that will help you get ready for camp, please read it carefully and if you have any questions, reach out to us through our facebook page or contact the registrar directly.

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
• Catamaran 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 between 9 am and 10 am, please try to be on time so we can check everyone in quickly.

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.

Bring a Tent!

We encourage all campers to bring their own tent to camp. As it is a multi-day camp, having your own personal gear in one palce makes it easy to find and manage. Please bring a tent that is suitable for 1 - 4 persons so you have plenty of room.

Youth that wish to share a tent with their friends may be able to do so and we will organise it upon arrival.

First Time At Camp?

Don't worry, we have lots of scouts that are new to summer camp. We group campers with kids from their own scout troop and of similar age so you will make friends quickly! You get to socialize with everyone at camp and there is lots of time to meet new people and create friendships that last for years.

Pick Up and Drop Off

Registration is 9 - 10 am on Sunday 16 July, pick up is at 4 pm on Saturday 22 July (Earlier in the year we published a later pick up time, this has now changed). Upon arrival you will be assigned your patrol, given a name badge and will meet your counselor.

The camp access road is gated and parents will be met at the end of the logging road. If you are unable to be at registration on time please contact us as soon as possible.

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.

The Big Show

This year we are bringing back the Big Show, a chance for everyone to show off their skills and talents! If you are a musician and want to bring an instrument, hten package it carefully and hand it in to one of the senior staff at registration, we'll make sure it stays safe and doesn't get damaged. Bring your ideas for a skit, song, tune, poem, jokes and more for the Big Show!

Stay Informed

You can catch up with all the news and information on the Summer Camp website at visummercamp.ca and on our Facebook page. Check in regularly as we post more information and last-minute changes the closer we get to camp.

Final Payments

Final payments are now due. If you need to make your final payment using your credit card, please visit the Parent Portal 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.