Adventure X Day Camp Program Victoria

The Adventure X Day Camp is designed for youth ages 9–12. 13-year-olds cannot register directly online — however, we may approve participation on a case-by-case basis. If your child is 13 and interested in Adventure X, please contact our office before registering to discuss suitability and availability.

This program runs as a single mixed-age group rather than divided age categories. We do not control the exact age distribution within each week, as it depends on who registers. The mix of ages adds to the Adventure X experience — older campers often take on leadership roles, while younger ones benefit from peer mentoring and group collaboration.

Adventure X campers often share buses with Classic Day Camp participants and may occasionally choose to join Classic groups for certain activities such as swimming, canoeing, or large group challenges. These shared experiences build social connection, teamwork, and flexibility — key parts of outdoor learning and adventure.

Yes. The Adventure X Day Camp is designed for campers who are physically active, resilient, and ready for a challenge. This program includes full days of hiking, swimming, and outdoor adventure activities that require stamina and enthusiasm.

On Fridays, Adventure X participants complete a full-day wilderness hike covering approximately 13 – 24 kilometres with up to 900 metres of elevation gain. Campers must be capable of safely completing this distance while carrying their own daypack, water, and gear. Proper footwear, hydration, and conditioning are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

This program is best suited for kids who are comfortable being outdoors all day, enjoy physical activity, and are motivated to push themselves while having fun in a supportive group setting. It is not recommended for campers unaccustomed to long hikes or sustained outdoor exertion.

Before registering, please review our Fitness Requirements & Program Details Form (PDF) . The form outlines activity expectations, suggested preparation, and how to assess if this program is right for your child. If you have any questions, please contact our office — we’re happy to discuss the program’s demands and help determine whether your camper is ready for the Adventure X experience.

Yes! Campers in select sessions may join an optional Wednesday night overnight. See Optional Overnight for activities and packing list information.

Drop-off and pick-up information for all Adventure X Day Camp locations is provided in the Pick-Up & Drop-Off Times & Locations section. Campers can join us at our Saanich – Hyacinth Park, Langford – West Hills, or Sooke – Fred Milne Park sites. Please review that section for exact times, meeting points, and any site-specific details before your child’s session begins.

Daily camp hours and transportation schedules are listed in the Pick-Up & Drop-Off Times & Locations section. These apply to all Adventure X Day Camp sites — Saanich – Hyacinth Park, Langford – West Hills, and Sooke – Fred Milne Park. Please review that section for your chosen location’s exact times and plan to arrive promptly for both drop-off and pick-up.

Typically, late drop-offs and early pick-ups are not possible because our groups spend the day traveling between various outdoor sites. In some cases, it may be arranged, but please understand this is at your own risk. You may need to drive a significant distance to meet the group, and if you miss them for any reason, we can’t guarantee a secondary meeting point or alter the day’s plan for one camper — it wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the group. Additionally, if we make an unplanned change to our mid-day schedule, we may not be able to contact you immediately. For these reasons, we encourage families to plan for full-day attendance whenever possible.

It’s very important to arrive on time for both morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Our buses leave promptly at the scheduled times to stay on track with park permits, activity plans, and safety requirements. If you arrive late and the bus has already departed, we unfortunately cannot hold or turn it around — doing so would delay the entire program and impact all campers.

There is usually a little bit of wiggle room built into each stop, so if you miss your scheduled one, you can often meet the bus at the next stop. However, this depends on the route, timing, and location — please call the camp office immediately if you’re running behind so we can advise you on the best option. Keep in mind that groups move quickly, and meeting them later in the day is not always possible.

If you miss all available stops and can’t connect with the group, your child may need to sit out for the day, and no refunds are available for missed sessions. We recommend arriving at least 10–15 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in, and loading. Consistent punctuality helps our staff maintain smooth operations and ensures every camper starts the day safely and stress-free.

If your child is feeling unwell before camp — especially with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious illness — please keep them home for the day. Outdoor programs take place in wilderness settings without immediate indoor access, and rest or recovery time is limited. Sending a sick camper can put both your child and others at risk.

If a camper becomes ill during the day, our staff will assess the situation and contact parents or guardians. In most cases, we will ask you to pick up your child early for their comfort and safety. Campers must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours (without medication) before returning to camp.

Unfortunately, refunds or make-up days are not available for missed time due to illness, as staffing and transportation are scheduled in advance. However, please let us know if your child is sick so we can mark their absence and plan accordingly.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping keep our community healthy — it ensures a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Yes — all WEA staff are trained in First Aid, CPR-C, and outdoor risk management. Our team also has extensive experience supporting children of all personalities and abilities, including those who may need extra patience or guidance in an active outdoor environment.

The Adventure X Day Camp offers a wide range of challenging and fun outdoor experiences, but the week’s schedule is a blend of structured and group-driven planning. The first and last days are set — the first focuses on team building, safety, and skill development, while the last typically features a longer hike adventure.

During the middle days of the week, campers work together as a group to decide which activities they’d most like to do. Options may include canoeing, swimming, fishing, navigation, hiking, or outdoor survival skills, depending on location, conditions, and available equipment. Staff help guide the discussion to balance camper interests, safety, and timing.

Occasionally, if a camper is not interested in the activity the group has chosen, they may have the opportunity to join a Classic Camp group for an alternate activity that better fits their interests and ability level — provided supervision and logistics allow.

Campers also help choose the destination for the final-day hike, selecting from safe and age-appropriate options that match the group’s abilities and enthusiasm. This collaborative approach builds leadership, cooperation, and decision-making skills while ensuring every participant feels included in shaping their adventure.

Because weather, site conditions, and logistics can change, it’s not possible to complete every listed activity each week — but most groups experience a wide range of core Adventure X highlights. Each week is unique, shaped by teamwork, conditions, and the spirit of exploration!

Because our programs take place in wilderness locations where weather can change quickly — it may be sunny in the city but raining in the mountains (and it has even snowed at the top before!) — it is required that your child brings everything listed on the packing list each day to ensure both safety and comfort.

Many families find it easiest to send two bags: a backpack and a duffle or IKEA bag. The duffle is kept on the bus while the backpack is carried during daily activities. Staff let campers know which items they’ll need for each part of the day and give them time to leave any extra gear in their duffle on the bus before heading out.

Campers who arrive without required gear may be charged a gear rental or replacement fee, or in some cases, sent home for the day if missing items create safety or supervision concerns. We appreciate your help in ensuring every camper arrives properly prepared — it keeps the whole group safe and allows the program to run smoothly.

For the complete and up-to-date list of required items, please visit the What to Bring section.

Yes! Campers typically swim and canoe each week as part of our Classic Day Camp program. However, canoeing may occasionally be cancelled due to high winds or unsafe weather conditions — safety always comes first.

All campers wear lifejackets/PFDs while canoeing. During swimming activities, any camper under age 9 or below Red Cross Swim Level 5 must wear a lifejacket at all times — regardless of age. For example, even an 11-year-old who has not achieved Level 5 is required to wear one. At Camp Barnard, all campers wear lifejackets when swimming due to low water clarity at that site.

In some sessions, swim tests for kids over 9 but under swim level 5 may be conducted at the discretion of on-site staff. If you would like your child to complete a swim test, please email the camp office in advance to confirm availability and timing with the program team.

Our staff evaluate swimming ability, weather, and site conditions daily to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for every participant. For additional information, please see the Safety, Staff & Policies section.

Typically yes — we do our best to accommodate friend requests noted during registration. Please include your friend’s name on the registration form so we can plan accordingly.

That said, we encourage campers to join on their own whenever possible. Many children find camp is a great opportunity to build independence, make new friends, and develop social confidence outside of existing relationships.

Please list all allergies or medical information on your registration form. Our staff are trained in first aid and allergy response. If your child carries an EpiPen or inhaler, ensure it’s clearly labeled and accessible.

Our refund and cancellation policies are outlined in the most recent General Terms & Conditions (PDF). Please review that document carefully before registering, as policies may change from season to season.

This is very common and nothing to worry about! Camp days are full of movement, excitement, and new routines, and it often takes campers a day or two to adjust to eating outside of fixed meal times.

At camp, children are allowed to eat almost anytime during the day — not just at set snack or lunch breaks. Staff make this clear from the start and remind campers regularly that they can take out their food or water whenever they need it. Between hiking, swimming, canoeing, and games, kids often choose to grab small bites throughout the day instead of eating a full meal all at once.

Our staff ensure there are regular rest stops and encourage healthy eating and hydration, but we never force a child to eat if they’re not hungry. If your child consistently brings home a lot of food, consider packing smaller, energy-dense options like fruit, granola bars, or cheese instead of larger lunches.

After a few days, most campers settle into the camp rhythm and begin eating what they need, when they need it.

Staying hydrated is very important during our active, outdoor programs. However, we also believe in teaching campers to take responsibility for their own well-being. Staff may or may not remind campers to drink water throughout the day — it depends on the activities, weather, and staff on site.

Campers are taught early in the week that it’s their responsibility to drink water frequently, especially before and after physical activities, hikes, and time in the sun. If a child forgets to drink, they may feel tired or develop a mild headache — a natural consequence that helps them learn to listen to their body and make better choices in the future.

Parents are responsible for sending their child with two full water bottles each day, as listed on the packing list. Campers are encouraged to refill them as needed, and staff always ensure that safe drinking water is available. Like all parts of our program, this approach helps build independence and outdoor awareness in a supportive environment.

We take sun safety seriously, but we also believe in teaching campers personal responsibility. Staff remind children 1–2 times per day at minimum to apply sunscreen, but we never force anyone to do so.

Natural consequences are an important part of outdoor learning. If a child chooses not to reapply sunscreen after a few reminders, they may experience mild discomfort such as sun redness — a learning opportunity that helps them understand why regular sunscreen use is important in the outdoors.

Parents are responsible for sending their child with all required sun protection items, including the sun shirt and hat listed on the packing list. Please also apply a good base layer of sunscreen each morning before camp and send a clearly labeled sunscreen that your child can use independently. Staff supervise sunscreen breaks, provide reminders, and model good sun safety habits, but the final choice is left to the camper — it’s part of learning responsibility in an outdoor environment.

If you have questions, please call 250-888-1622 or visit the Contact Us section to reach our team directly.