Get in touch with The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) directly
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required
The YES (The Youth Excellence Society)
-
Type:Overnight camp, After-school / weekend classes, Virtual Camp/Program
-
Focus:Leadership (multi)
-
Cost:$125 to $900/week
-
Ages:14 to 18
-
Gender:Coed
-
Main language:English
-
Capacity:40 to 50
-
Programs:0 available; 2 TBD
-
Summary Profile
The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) answered our questions
Who are you as an organization?
The YES Camps are located on Vancouver Island but serve youth from across British Columbia. We are a cooperative leadership camp that has been running since 1975 with the support of BC's co-ops and credit unions. In the winter months we also offer school workshops and online courses. As experts in leadership training, our programming changes the lives of participants providing them with the tools and skills to create positive change in their family, school, and community. For over 45 years, the YES has been providing a unique learning experience for over 15,000 youth across BC. The YES is a charitable organization that has no religious affiliation and is supported through the province's co-operative and credit union movement.
- Special needs:
Yes, mild support.
A few of our campers have special needs. - LGBTQ+ friendly community
What do you do differently or uniquely well?
"The YES is a co-operative leadership camp. We believe in helping youth experience and learn what it takes to build a strong community, strong friendships, resilience and self-worth. With a focus on self-awareness, cooperation, communication and leadership, we provide life skills that everyone needs to both succeed and find fulfillment. Because of our incredible volunteer staff team, our camp is both fun and life-changing. Youth get to experience what it is like to be part of a supportive community, be celebrated for who they are, and have the opportunity to learn about themselves and others, all while having a ton of fun on 40 acres of beautiful lakefront wilderness. "
Who are your staff and counsellors?
"The YES Staff team are an incredible group of over 50 individuals from around BC. While the majority of our staff are YES Camp Alumni, we also have highly skilled individuals with experience in youth leadership, education, empowerment and counselling. Joining the YES Staff team is highly competitive, and the quality of our facilitators is second to none. "
What do families need to know about registration?
"Please note students can only attend one week of The YES Summer Camp per year. This is to ensure we leave space in our programs so as many BC youth can attend. Secondly, when you leave one of our camps, a really strong community is formed and it may be challenging to step into an unformed group for another week.
Camp rates are already subsidized by the Credit Unions of BC, however sponsors from around BC are available to further support camp registration fees. Visit our website for a list of our sponsors. Each sponsor has a different process for selecting participants, so please get in touch with sponsors in your community to find out more.
All youth are welcome to register for camp, and details can be found at www.theyes.ca/summer-camp"
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
- Special needs:
Yes, mild support.
-
Programs, Rates & Dates
Programs and Sessions Calendar
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) currently has 0 program available; 2 TBD.
Filter Activities
Financial Aid & Payment Details
Payment Options:
Deposit required with acceptance Yes Credit card payment Yes Maximum installments available 10 Scholarships & awards:
Total annual scholarship fund: $10,000 CAD-
BC Credit Union & Co-op Sponsors
Type: Need basedAmount: 100% Deadline: Rolling
Age: 14 to 18
Details: Every year many participants attend our summer camp programs through camper sponsorship provided by various Credit Unions and Cooperatives in B.C. Although the cost of camp is already subsidized, we along with our generous supporters make every effort to make camp accessible to all families and their children. If you are a participant or parent/guardian looking for support, there are two ways to obtain sponsorship: 1. Ask your local Co-op or Credit Union, or 2. Apply for subsidy from The YES
Application Details: Sponsorship is available to those who require financial support. In our effort to making camper fees more affordable, our office offers partial subsidies for our Summer Camp program. Sponsorship request forms must be submitted minimum two weeks prior to camp. If you are interested in obtaining some subsidy, please fill out the Subsidy Request Form at www.theyes.ca/finding-sponsorship
-
Insider Reviews & Perspectives
Review(s) of The YES (The Youth Excellence Society)
Heather (Parent) — The Best Thing For My Daughter
The YES was the best thing that has happened to my daughter and I have no doubt that the skills she has learned there will continue to help foster her into a pretty terrific human being for a long time to come... So, from ... Read More
Anonymous (Parent) — A Grateful Parent
I can't believe the person who came home from camp after only 6 days! After much persuasion by me, he reluctantly agreed to go but did so with an "I'm too cool for this" attitude. He returned home as a new person with such... Read More
Emmy (Camper) — I've Never Felt More Free
I came out of camp with a completely different mindset on how I viewed myself and how I viewed others, for the first time in a very long time I was finally happy. Happy with myself and who I was as an individual. This camp... Read More
Daphne (Camper) — Taking Away So Much
This week I had the amazing opportunity to attend The YES Camp. I was able to learn about communication and leadership, as well as make new friends and try new activities. I had lots of fun swimming and listening to songs ... Read More
Gabe (Alum) — A Life Changing Experience
The YES Camp creates a beautiful community that fosters friendship, creativity, and vulnerability. With each passing year I attend, I find myself growing more confident in expressing who I am and in taking risks. This camp... Read More
-
Location & Site Details
Address
Lake Cowichan, BC8885 Lakeview Park Rd, Lake Cowichan, British Columbia, V0R2G0Victoria, BC100-556 Herald Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 1S6
Busing
-
Camp Bus (Bus fee: Included in Camp Cost)
Location Address Pick up Drop off West Kelowna West Kelowna, BC V1Z 3Y4, Canada 8:15 am 6:45 pm Merritt 3999 Airport Rd, Merritt, BC, Canada 9:30 am 5:30 pm Abbotsford Abbotsford, BC V2S 0E7, Canada 12:45 pm 3:15 am Vancouver 1150 Station Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada 2:00 am 1:45 am Horseshoe Bay Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, West Vancouver, BC, Canada 2:45 am 12:50 pm Nanaimo Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC, Canada 5:45 pm 9:50 am
Accommodations
Sleeping Accommodations
- Cabins
- Dorm or Building
Amenities
- Electricity in Sleeping Area
- Shower in Sleeping Area
- Toilet in Sleeping Area
Washrooms Facilities
- Flush Toilets
- Showers (indoor)
Are meals provided? Yes
Is The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) technology free? Yes All participants are required to hand in their cellphones or any other device that can connect to the Internet on the first night of camp. Cell phones and other devices will be securely stored by the staff team and will be returned on the last day of camp (Saturday morning). We believe that our programming is most successful when participants limit screen time, and spend intentional moments with the community at camp. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to support this goal by not requiring that youth check in throughout the week. Participants can request to make a phone call or send a message home with a staff member when needed.
Property Details
Sports facilities
- Soccer Field
Landscape
- Beach
- Forested Area
- Lake/Pond/River
- Nature Trails
- Open Field
More details about property: Our camp facility comes with an incredible kitchen staff that serves us nutritious meals and snacks, buffet style. One of the largest buildings on site is our main hall and dining area, which is attached to our big, outdoor patio. We use our main hall for many activities, as well as our two large upper and lower fields. We love being able to run activities that connect us back to nature and the land that we are on. Thanks to this site, we’re able to offer teenagers an opportunity to go canoeing, swimming, play field games and more.
-
Camp Bus (Bus fee: Included in Camp Cost)
-
What's New
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) have good reviews?
We've collected reviews from past attendees. Read 5 reviews of The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) here.What types of programs does The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) offer?
The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) runs: overnight camps. Programming specializes in: Leadership (multi), Traditional (multi activity) . Browse the program calendar for rates and dates.What age does The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) start?
The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) has programs for children aged 14 to 18.How much does is cost to attend The YES (The Youth Excellence Society)?
Fees to attend The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) range from $125 to $900/week.Does The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) offer support for children with special needs?
The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) offers some mild support for children with special needs. Please contact the director to discuss your needs.Does The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) offer busing?
Yes, The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) offers transportation. Find busing info and fees here.
 |
Our Kids: The Trusted Source for Families since 1998. |
Thank you for using OurKids.net.
The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) will be in touch with you shortly.
| |
Our Kids: The Trusted Source for Families since 1998. |
Thank you for using OurKids.net.
The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) will be in touch with you shortly about
Interested in:
Run by The YES (The Youth Excellence Society)Questions about The YES (The Youth Excellence Society)?
