A great value and local favourite, our Wild Paws
Camp is an exciting, locally based extended-day summer program with camps offered in Sooke, Saanich (Beaver
Lake area), and Langford/View Royal/Westshore/Colwood. Like our other camps, kids enjoy a variety of fun
outdoor adventures while developing valuable life and wilderness skills. Activities may include
shelter-building, canoeing (Beaver Lake and Sooke locations only), hiking, navigation, geocaching,
orienteering, nature exploration, forest games, swimming, and more!
Designed especially for working families, this program provides longer hours and a more affordable day camp
alternative to overnight programs—while still offering the same quality outdoor adventure experience. It’s
ideal for kids who prefer local, full-day summer camps close to home. Try our Wild Paws Summer Camp and give
your child a week of adventure, learning, and outdoor fun!
Please Note: Transportation is not provided for this program. Campers must be dropped off and picked up at their scheduled location each day.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates & Rates | Session dates, age groups, pricing details, add-ons, and discounts. |
| Sample Schedule | Typical daily flow — arrival, morning exploration, lunch, water time, and closing circle. |
| Pick-Up & Drop-Off Times & Locations | Overview of pick-up/drop-off details for all Wild Paws program sites. |
| Saanich – Beaver Lake Program | Pick-up and drop-off times and meeting location for Beaver Lake campers. |
| Langford – Thetis Lake Program | Pick-up and drop-off times and meeting location for Thetis Lake campers. |
| Sooke Program | Pick-up and drop-off times and meeting location for Sooke-area campers. |
| Optional Overnight | Details about the optional Wednesday overnight adventure offered during select camp weeks. |
| What to Bring | Packing list and required items such as swimwear, water bottles, and waterproof jackets. |
| WEA Advantage | Why families choose Western Educational Adventures – qualified staff, small groups, outdoor learning, and a safe, growth-focused camp experience. |
| Camp Experience & Activities | What campers do each week: hiking, geocaching, canoeing (Beaver Lake & Sooke only), and outdoor skills. |
| Safety, Staff & Ratios | Staff qualifications, program ratios, and how we stay safe outdoors. |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Answers on supervision, drop-off times, age eligibility, food, and cancellations. |
| Registration | How to register and payment info |
| Contact Us – Wild Paws Day Camp | Have questions about registration, transportation, or what to expect at camp? |
| AGE | GENDER | PROGRAM LENGTH | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-10 (11-12 year-olds accepted) | Inclusive | 3-5 days | ||
| RATE | 4-DAY | 5-DAY | ||
| Returning Families Before Mar 1 | $245 - $305 | $295 - $365 | ||
| Regular Price | $245 - $395 | $295 - $485 | ||
| ADD-ONS | PRICE | NOTES | ||
| Optional Wednesday night overnight | $105 + GST for the night | Select Programs Only | ||
| PFD/Lifejacket Rental | $15 + GST for the week | Applies to Thetis Camp Only | ||
| WEEK | DATES | LOCATION | AVAILABILITY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Jun 29 - 30 & Jul 2 - 3, 2026 | Thetis | Registration Closed |
| 4A | Jul 6 - 10, 2026 | Beaver Lake | Registration Closed |
| 4B | Jul 6 - 10, 2026 | Sooke | Registration Closed |
| 5 | Jul 13 - 17, 2026 | Thetis Lake | Registration Closed |
| 6 | Jul 20 - 24, 2026 | Beaver Lake | Registration Closed |
| 7 | Jul 27 - 31, 2026 | Thetis Lake | Space Available |
| 8A | Aug 4 - 7, 2026 | Beaver Lake | Space Available |
| 8B | Aug 4 - 7, 2026 | Sooke | Waitlisting |
| 9 | Aug 10 - 14, 2026 | Beaver Lake | Waitlisting |
| 10 | Aug 17 - 21, 2026 | Thetis Lake | Waitlisting |
| 11 | Aug 24 - 28, 2026 | Sooke | Waitlisting |
Availability updated Jul 12 2026. Live availability can be found on our registration software.
| SHARE | ONLINE REGISTRATION | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| REGISTER NOW |
"My 11 year old is super picky, it's really hard to find activities/camps she really enjoys and she LOVED the Summer Camp at Western. The staff is not just super knowledgeable and caring but they are masters at tailoring activities & times according to the group's needs & preferences. I wish every kid on the Island could experience at least one of WEA's camps."
-Nancy Anaya
Call us now at 250-888-1622 and talk to a real person!! or, if you can't talk now, please click on the following button to take you to the contact information survey (takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete) and we will get back to you within 2-5 business days. If you are inquiring about financial assistance, Click here.
We operate our Wild Paws camps out of the Sooke, Thetis Lake & Beaver Lake areas. Below you can read all about our day camp pick-up and drop-off information, hours, locations and more! To view our sample day schedule, click the button below.
We offer camps in the Saanich area (Beaver Lake region). Campers meet at Camp Kingswood from Monday to Wednesday and at Beaver Lake Park from Thursday to Friday. Please note that WEA does not provide transportation, and early drop-off or late pick-up is not available.
| DAY | LOCATION | AM DROP-OFF | PM PICK-UP | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon-Wed | Camp Kingswood | 08:00 | 17:00 | 611 Linnet Lane, Park beside blue gate |
| Thu-Fri | Beaver Lake Park | 08:00 | 17:00 | Main Parking Lot @ Beaver Lake Nature Sanctuary |
Please Note: Camp runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To ensure the safety and smooth operation of the program, campers must be dropped off and picked up at the scheduled times. We are unable to accommodate adjusted drop-off or pick-up times.
We offer camps in the Langford/View Royal area at Thetis Lake Park. Campers meet at the Main Beach parking area from Monday to Friday. Please note that WEA does not provide transportation for this program, and early drop-off or late pick-up is not available.
| DAY | LOCATION | AM DROP-OFF | PM PICK-UP | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | Thetis Lake | 08:00 | 17:00 | Main Beach at Thetis Lake Park |
Please Note: Camp runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To ensure the safety and smooth operation of the program, campers must be dropped off and picked up at the scheduled times. We are unable to accommodate adjusted drop-off or pick-up times.
We offer camps in the Sooke area, with the exact location confirmed closer to the start of summer. All locations will remain within the same general region. Please note that WEA does not provide transportation for this program. Early drop-off or late pick-up is not available due to logistical considerations.
| DAY | LOCATION | AM DROP-OFF | PM PICK-UP | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon-Tue | Sun River | 08:00 | 17:00 | Shambrook Dr. parking lot just before the entransce to River's Edge. |
| Wed | Camp Barnard | 08:00 | 17:00 | end of Young Lake Rd in front of the office. |
| Thu | Sooke Potholes Lot 0 | 08:00 | 17:00 | First Parking Lot just after the yellow gate. |
| Fri | Sea to Sea Park | 08:00 | 17:00 | Parking lot at the end of Harbourview Rd. |
Please Note: Camp runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To ensure the safety and smooth operation of the program, campers must be dropped off and picked up at the scheduled times. We are unable to accommodate adjusted drop-off or pick-up times.
The optional overnight "sleepaway" experience takes place on Wednesday evenings during select weeks of camp in Victoria, BC. Campers sleep outdoors under tarps or in rustic cabins, prepare meals over the fire, and enjoy an authentic overnight camping experience with WEA staff. The overnight is typically shared by campers from several WEA programs running that week, including Classic Day Camp, Adventure X, Wild Paws, and, when offered, our overnight camp programs. This gives campers the opportunity to meet new friends while enjoying a fun, safe night outdoors together.
This is a great opportunity for day campers to experience an overnight camp in a supportive environment and see if they enjoy multi-day adventures. A detailed packing list will be provided after registration.
Please note: The overnight is offered only during select weeks and may be cancelled due to low enrollment, weather, or other logistical factors. Campers may be registered for the overnight up until 3:00 pm on Tuesday of their camp week. Depending on the week, the overnight may take place at the Wild Paws camp location, or parents may be asked to drop off and pick up their camper at our Classic Camp location for the overnight portion of the program.
Backpack (with hip straps recommended), at least two 1L water bottles, lunch, extra snacks, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, wide-brimmed sun hat, long-sleeved sun shirt, rain jacket, fleece or wool sweater, T-shirt, shorts, long pants, running shoes or hiking boots, swimsuit, towel, a properly fitting PFD/lifejacket (required as per our swim policy), black garbage bag (for hike days), and a complete change of clothes. The program will run rain or shine so please avoid cotton as much as possible! Please
do not pack any nuts, peanuts or electronics other than a camera or a watch with your child. Also, the
activities we run vary depending on weather. We do not provide a daily activity schedule. Please make sure
you pack everything on the list every day.
As we operate our programs 100% outside and often in wilderness environments, it is essential that
all families pack all items on our packing list. Failing to do so may compromise your childs safety and
experience.
Additional for the day camp optional overnight: Headlamp/flashlight, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow,
toothbrush, toothpaste, medications, warm sweater, sleeping clothes, bowl or plate, fork, spoon, cup and
clothes for the next day.
We believe that youth summer camp programming should be safe, fun and staffed by the best people in the industry.
"An awesome camp in a beautiful setting where kids learn outdoor survival skills, go on challenging adventures, and have lots of fun outdoors."
-Joanna Preston
Above all, our Saanich summer camps, Langford summer day camps, and Sooke day camps are incredibly fun! Vancouver Island kids and youth experience a wide variety of exciting outdoor activities in unique natural adventure settings. Our wilderness day camps make use of beautiful parks and natural areas with lakes, streams, forests, fields, and endless opportunities for exploration. Campers build confidence while learning valuable outdoor skills, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving through hands-on nature play, games, and adventure. Kids have an amazing time and quickly discover that learning outdoors can be fun! Many families tell us that WEA camps are their child's favourite summer camp in the Greater Victoria area.
"I am an 11 year old girl who attended camp last summer. I learned how to start a fire with just a match and what I could find on the forest floor, I improved my archery skills and I experienced canoeing for the first time. We helped cook and set up shelter. Landon was very funny and nice. He made me feel welcome. It was super duper fun."
-Cianna
Modern children & youth do not get very many opportunities to learn life skills including how to lead others, manage conflict and think for themselves. Western Education Adventure’s day camps program focuses specifically on these life skills while teaching youth wilderness and outdoor adventure skills.
This list contains our main Victoria BC day camp activities:
Please note: Activities vary from week to week depending on the weather, participant interests, and the time available each day. While we offer a wide variety of activities throughout the summer, campers typically participate in one or two core activities each day.
• Leadership • Decision Making • Conflict Management • Group Management • Navigation • Canoe and Water Safety • Canoe Rescues • Swimming • Camping Practices • Cooking • Knife and Stove Safety
Western Educational Adventures takes safety seriously. Not only do we want our participants to have an exceptional time, but just as importantly, we want them to return home safe and sound. Western Educational Adventures staff are certified in high level first aid and have years of experience managing risk in the outdoors. You won’t find a more qualified kids summer camp staff team anywhere else!
As we swim in wilderness locations, we require all youth under the age of 9 to wear a lifejacket while swimming. Children over the age of 9 must have a swimming ability of level 5 or higher. We want to keep your kids safe and having fun!
"Our Daughter spent two weeks last Summer at Camp Barnard. She really enjoyed herself learning how to paddle in a canoe, make a campfire, and build a shelter. Landon is a great leader and his company makes it easy for kids to get out into the wilderness in a safe and inclusive environment."
-Stefano Mosi
Wild Paws Day Camp is designed for children ages 6–10. We may consider 11–12 year-olds upon special request. Groups are generally mixed-age, but we actively balance cohorts so that no age range is heavily outnumbered — ensuring safe, engaging, and age-appropriate programming for all.
It’s important to note that when registering, families select the appropriate age category (for example, 6–8 or 9–10). We carefully manage the number of campers per category to maintain balanced group sizes, but we do not control the exact ages within each category. This approach allows for a natural mix of ages and social experiences while keeping staff-to-camper ratios safe and consistent.
Wild Paws Day Camp operates as three distinct camps in the Greater Victoria area:
Each location has its own staff team, schedule, and meeting point. Full details including times, maps, and parking instructions are listed in the Pick-Up & Drop-Off Times & Locations section.
Regular camp hours are 8 AM – 5 PM at all Wild Paws locations. Please plan to arrive on time for both drop-off and pick-up.
Typically, this is not possible due to travel times and the needs of the full group. Our programs often move between multiple outdoor sites, so mid-day arrivals or early departures are difficult to coordinate safely.
That said, special arrangements may be possible if requested in advance. Please contact the camp office before your program begins if you anticipate needing a schedule adjustment.
Yes! Campers in select sessions may join an optional Wednesday night overnight. See the Wednesday Overnight section for activities and packing list information.
You can add the Wednesday night overnight when registering for camp or later through our registration page at www.westernadventures.ca/registration.htm. If you have already registered and prefer, you may also email us to add the overnight to your camper’s week.
A minimum of 7 campers must be registered for that week’s overnight in order for it to run. The overnight is weather-dependent and may not be available during select weeks.
Not all camp sessions include a Wednesday overnight option due to logistical considerations. If your specific session offers an overnight and you do not see the option listed, don’t worry — you will be notified during the week of your camp with additional details.
Campers must be registered for the Wednesday overnight by 3:00pm on Tuesday of their camp week. Please note that in rare cases, the overnight may be cancelled last minute due to weather, low enrollment, or logistical reasons. Families will be notified as soon as possible if changes occur.
Yes. We offer sleeping bag and sleeping mat rentals for campers participating in the Wednesday overnight. Live pricing and availability can be viewed in our registration software.
Campers must come prepared for changing outdoor conditions. Pack a backpack with weather-appropriate clothing, two full water bottles, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, swimsuit, and towel. A full, up-to-date list appears in the What to Bring section.
That’s very common and nothing to worry about! Campers are told they may eat at almost any time during the day — not just at fixed snack or lunch breaks. It usually takes a day or two for children to adjust to this flexible eating schedule.
Staff offer reminders and opportunities, but we never force a camper to eat. If your child consistently brings home food, try sending smaller, energy-dense snacks like fruit, cheese, or granola bars.
We take sun safety seriously and remind campers 1–2 times per day to apply sunscreen — but we never force anyone. Natural consequences are part of outdoor learning and personal responsibility.
Parents should apply a base layer before camp and send a labeled, easy-to-use sunscreen, along with the required sun shirt and hat listed on the packing list.
Hydration is emphasized, but reminders may or may not be given depending on the day’s activities and weather. Campers are taught to take responsibility for drinking water regularly throughout the day.
Please send two full water bottles each day. Staff ensure safe drinking water is available and encourage refilling as needed.
We include as many of the listed activities as possible, but there’s only so much time in a day. Scheduling depends on weather, location, staff expertise, and camper input. We prioritize fun, balance, and safety rather than completing every activity each week.
If your child is set on one particular activity, please note it may not run that week — campers should be excited about the majority of camp activities.
Wild Paws Day Camp features swimming and water play each week when conditions allow. Canoeing may take place at our Sooke and Saanich (Beaver Lake) locations, depending on weather, wind, and water safety conditions. Canoeing is not offered at the Westshore (Thetis Lake) program.
Occasionally, swimming may be restricted or cancelled due to algae blooms, poor water quality, or unsafe weather conditions. In these cases, staff substitute alternate fun and educational outdoor activities to ensure campers still enjoy a full and active day.
For all swimming or open-water play, campers under age 9 or those below Red Cross Swim Level 5 must wear a lifejacket / PFD at all times. Leaders evaluate weather, water clarity, and ability levels daily to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Please keep your child home if they are unwell (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious illness). If a camper becomes sick during the day, staff will contact you to arrange an early pick-up. Campers should be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning.
Because staffing and transportation are pre-planned, refunds or make-up days are not available for missed time due to illness.
Weather and environmental factors may affect the schedule. In cases of rain, heat advisories, or air quality alerts, staff adjust activities to maintain safety and comfort while keeping the fun going.
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.
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.
We also encourage campers to attend on their own — many discover new friendships and confidence in the camp environment.
Our refund and cancellation policies are outlined in the current General Terms & Conditions (PDF). Please review this before registering, as policies may change from season to season.
Email info@westernadventures.ca or call 250-888-1622. You can also use the contact form below to reach our team directly.
If you want to sign up for our summer day camps, the process is simple. Here’s what you do:
Fill in your email and create a password
Input your information. This is a one time step, your info will be there for the rest of the summer!
Input your child (or children's information), select the program(s) you wish to register for.
**All personal information provided will not be shared with third parties unless it is relevant to the participants well being or quality of experience**
Call us now at 250-888-1622 and talk to a real person about our summer camps or, if you can't talk now, please complete the following contact information survey (takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete) and we will get back to you within 2-5 business days. If you are inquiring about financial assistance, Click here.
Nothing like running in the woods!
Sometimes we even do archery!....
Yup, doing your part can weigh a lot on a person
I'm in a puddle, why wouldn't I be smilling?
What are you doing? I'm trying to Geocache!
I think we found it, yahoo!
Go left, left, left? Wait, that's not right?!
I'm trying to live a sheltered life, ok guys!!
Alright, so this is how we are going to take that hill!
Sometimes being sluggish can be fun!
Leaf my alone in my shelter, I'm being fern!
Quit horsing around and poney up the money!
Who every said surviving can't be stylish?
Some mountain-top navigation
Man it's wet in here!