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Camp Qwanoes
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Type:Overnight camp, Family programs
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Focus:Traditional (multi activity)
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Cost:$634 to $790/week
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Ages:8 to 18
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Gender:Coed
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Main language:English
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Capacity:410 to 420
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Programs:
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Summary Profile
Camp Qwanoes answered our questions
Who are you as an organization?
Camp Qwanoes is a youth-focused high adventure Christian overnight camp that exists to love kids to life like no other. Established in 1966, Qwanoes is located on scenic oceanfront property on the east coast of Vancouver Island between Victoria and Nanaimo. What makes a week so special? Adventure (over 75 activity options), friendship, new discoveries… all with an amazing staff. Choose from summer camps, overnight kayak adventure camps, weekend retreats, and our leadership programs.
- Special needs: Not available
- Religious affiliation: Christian
What do you do differently or uniquely well?
"The heart of Qwanoes is a heart for kids. We seek to welcome kids to the highlight of their year. The difference is noticeable the moment you arrive… a special atmosphere of fun and caring sparked by an enthusiastic staff team. We are committed to standards of the highest quality and are constantly striving to improve our service. We seek to provide you the greatest value. Our goal is that your child will have an unforgettable week that will change their life forever!"
Who are your staff and counsellors?
"Qwanoes’ core leadership team has over 175 combined years of leadership experience you can trust. And our summer staff sets Qwanoes apart! These predominantly young adults and college students from across BC, Canada, and a dozen other countries are chosen after a rigorous application and screening process (including a Criminal Record Check). Pre-summer staff training is provided. Fully certified lifeguards supervise Qwanoes Beach activities. Our camper/counselor ratio averages 6 to 1 and many cabins have both a senior and junior counselor (all overseen by our experienced head counseling team). The camper/staff ratio overall is a low 2 to 1. Our staff’s enthusiastic spirit is contagious and they can’t wait to share a week with you!"
What do families need to know about registration?
"Registration for all our 2023 programs is open now! Please register online at qwanoes.ca/register. An information package will be emailed upon receipt of registration and is available on our registration portal. People from all backgrounds are welcome and campers from Vancouver Island, Greater Vancouver, across southwestern B.C. and beyond come to camps at Qwanoes each year. For more info, please see qwanoes.ca/summer. "
COVID-19 Response
We are so excited for all that is ahead in 2023 and beyond! The past three years have been quite an adventure and filled with many changes and challenges brought on from the impact of COVID. It's been amazing to see what can happen when people join together in unity for a common cause - and especially powerful when it's to make a difference in the lives of children and youth. We love our team - everyone who has had a part in making Qwanoes what it is! Camp has always had a profound impact on children and youth... and now more than ever. It is one of the special places and experiences in our world today. Life is different here! We invite you to come and experience it for yourself.
View recent COVID-19 updates from Camp Qwanoes
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
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Programs, Rates & Dates
Programs and Sessions Calendar
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Camp Qwanoes currently has 14 programs available.
Filter Activities
Ages: 11 - 14Overnight Camp
(Coed)Traditional (multi activity)
$673 to $738Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Jul 01-07 $673 - $738 Ages: 13 - 15Overnight Camp
(Coed)Wilderness Out-tripping, Kayaking/Sea Kayaking
$783Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Jul 01-06 $783 Ages: 12 - 14Overnight Camp
(Coed)Traditional (multi activity)
$715 to $780Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Jul 08-14 $715 - $780 Ages: 14 - 16Overnight Camp
(Coed)Wilderness Out-tripping, Kayaking/Sea Kayaking
$783Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Jul 08-13 $783 Ages: 12 - 14Overnight Camp
(Coed)Traditional (multi activity)
$725 to $790Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Jul 23-29 $725 - $790 Ages: 13 - 15Overnight Camp
(Coed)Wilderness Out-tripping, Kayaking/Sea Kayaking
$783Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Jul 23-28 $783 Ages: 11 - 13Overnight Camp
(Coed)Traditional (multi activity)
$667 to $732Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Aug 06-11 $667 - $732 Ages: 14 - 16Overnight Camp
(Coed)Wilderness Out-tripping, Kayaking/Sea Kayaking
$783Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Aug 06-11 $783 Ages: 12 - 14Overnight Camp
(Coed)Traditional (multi activity)
$673 to $738Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Aug 20-25 $673 - $738 Ages: 15 - 18Overnight Camp
(Coed)Wilderness Out-tripping, Kayaking/Sea Kayaking
$783Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Aug 20-25 $783 Ages: 12 - 18Overnight Camp
(Coed)Traditional (multi activity)
$659 to $724Vancouver Island, BC
1148 Smith Road (Box 250)Aug 27-Sep 02 $659 - $724
Financial Aid & Payment Details
Payment Options:
Deposit required with acceptance Yes Credit card payment Yes -
Insider Reviews & Perspectives
The Our Kids review of Camp Qwanoes
The setting is spectacular, and the range of activities extensive, added to each year. All the traditional camp activities are represented, augmented with many that most camps don’t have, though which campers are very happy to see. The skate park provides an example of how the camp approaches all of its offerings: nothing is done by half. All sparkles, and run by dedicated and enthusiastic staff. The values piece allows for a unique point of connection, and it informs the feeling of inclusion that campers have while on site. Vibrant, exciting, caring. There’s a good reason that campers have been drawn to this place for more than three decades.
Visit camp's website
Editor's Review
Three Things: Camp Qwanoes
Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at Camp Qwanoes
Insider's Perspective: Parent
- 00:39 - What's unique about camp Qwanoes that made you want to enroll your child there?
- 01:49 - What would you highlight about Camp Qwanoes?
- 03:20 - How and when did you know that Camp Qwanoes was the right fit for your child?
- 05:24 - Was there any change or noticeable personal growth you saw in your child after spending time at camp?
- show more
User reviews of Camp Qwanoes — Read all 9 reviews
Highly Recommend To Everyone
Family Retreat Guest (Parent)“Just came back yesterday from weekend family retreat. Highly recommend to everyone... staff are friendly and lots of activities to do. My kids had so much fun. We will definitely be coming back!”
Exceeded All Our Expectations
Camper Parent (Parent)“I just wanted to say how much gratitude my family has for the Team at Camp Qwanoes! My daughter had an amazing time at the camp this weekend. I was so excited for her as your camp looked AMAZING and it exceeded all our ... Read More
The Best Camp!
Krista Lee (Parent)“The best camp! My son literally had so much fun and loved everything about it, he cannot wait to go back! It was an amazing time”
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Location & Site Details
Address
1148 Smith Road (Box 250), Crofton, British Columbia, V0R 1R0, Canada
Busing
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Camp Qwanoes (Bus fee: Ferry fee, but no charge for the bus.)
Location Address Pick up Drop off Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal 1 Ferry Causeway, Delta, BC, Canada 5:15 pm 11:00 am
Accommodations
Sleeping Accommodations
- Cabins
Washrooms Facilities
- Flush Toilets
- Showers (indoor)
More details about accommodations: Summer campers stay in cabent-style cabins surrounded by tall trees in our seven villages, with each village made up of similar age groups. Modern washrooms, including hot water and showers, are centrally located in buildings and cabin village areas.
Are meals provided? Yes
Is Camp Qwanoes technology free? Campers are not permitted to have phones at camp... it helps create a safe, stress-reduced, and distraction-free atmosphere.
Property Details
Sports facilities
- Archery Range
- Basketball Court
- Climbing Wall
- Rope Course
- Soccer Field
Landscape
- Beach
- Forested Area
- Nature Trails
- Open Field
More details about property: Camp Qwanoes is situated on 55 acres of naturally stunning ocean-front property at the edge of Maple Mountain on the east coast of Vancouver Island about one hour north of Victoria, British Columbia. Facilities include the Sky Ridge Lodge, Pacific Woods Lodge, Club Coco, the Q-Town Activity Centre, seven cabin villages, the Tuck Shop, camp store, Ice Cream Island, Shave Ice Palace, Dockside Cantina, Qwanoes Beach, the Above & Beyond Challenge Course, a concrete skatepark, RC Speedway track, mountain bike trails and terrain park, sport court, volleyball court, a guest house, and much more.
Rentals & Services
Available for private rentals: Yes
Associations
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Camp Qwanoes (Bus fee: Ferry fee, but no charge for the bus.)
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What's New
Director's Message
Scott Bayley, Executive Director
B.B.A.Dear Parent,
The heart of Qwanoes is a heart for kids. And we would love to welcome your child to the highlight of their year!
You'll notice the difference the moment you arrive - a special atmosphere of fun and caring sparked by an enthusiastic staff team. Our tradition of excellence continues as this summer we hope to welcome over 4,000 campers of widely varied backgrounds.
Qwanoes is a youth-oriented, high-adventure, non-profit Christian camp situated on 55 acres of magnificent scenic waterfront property on Vancouver Island. We are committed to standards of the highest quality and are constantly striving to improve our service. The health and safety of your child is of highest priority!
Returning campers will discover new activities, new programs... and all-new adventures. No summer is ever the same at Qwanoes! We are committed to providing you the greatest value.
Qwanoes children's and youth camps have grown for the past 30 summers, and yet we still offer one of the lowest camper-to-staff ratios.
As a Christian camp, we incorporate biblical principles into all programs. Qwanoes is an ideal setting for life-changing, fun-filled adventure and a wise investment in your child's life. Campers who arrive at camp just looking for fun will discover far more - like new-found friends, newly acquired skills, real love, and a caring environment.
Our goal is that your child will have not just the greatest week of their life, but an unforgettable week that will change their life forever!
Scott Bayley, Executive Director
Stories
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I Would Not Be Who I Am Today
“This program changed my life... I would not be who I am today without the impact of CIT and each summer I have spent at Qwanoes!"
www.qwanoes.ca/leadership/cit/
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10/10 Would Recommend Coming
"Words cannot describe how amazing this place is... The staff have this amazing love for kids and many come from all over the world, to participate in the mission of making kids feel loved and valued. This year I'm planning on doing the CIT program, and cannot wait to hopefully give the same experience to my campers as my counselors have given to me...10/10 would recommend coming."
www.qwanoes.ca/leadership/stepout.php
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Making Kids Feel Special
“What an exciting welcome to such as great camp! You guys do an amazing job of making kids feel special.”
www.qwanoes.ca
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Beyond Excited
“I'm actually so excited I can't even handle it right now. This camp is my life.”
www.qwanoes.ca
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Making a Difference
"I loved the passion... and energy... and focus on Christ. The focus is on making a difference in lives and I loved that."
www.qwanoes.ca/staff
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A Place To Gain A Vision For Life
"I came here because of the skiing and wakeboarding and stuff but I discovered so much more. I found hope! I discovered a vision for my life. It has been amazing."
www.qwanoes.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Camp Qwanoes have good reviews?
We interviewed families about their experience with Camp Qwanoes. Watch the video here. You can also read 9 reviews of Camp Qwanoes from past attendees.What types of programs does Camp Qwanoes offer?
Camp Qwanoes runs: overnight camps. Programming specializes in: Traditional (multi activity) , Wilderness Out-tripping, Kayaking/Sea Kayaking. Browse the program calendar for rates and dates.What age does Camp Qwanoes start?
Camp Qwanoes has programs for children aged 8 to 18.How much does is cost to attend Camp Qwanoes?
Fees to attend Camp Qwanoes range from $634 to $790/week.Does Camp Qwanoes offer support for children with special needs?
Camp Qwanoes does not offer support for children with special needs.Does Camp Qwanoes offer busing?
Yes, Camp Qwanoes offers transportation. Find busing info and fees here.
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I Would Not Be Who I Am Today
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Our Kids: The Trusted Source for Families since 1998. |
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Our Kids: The Trusted Source for Families since 1998. |
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