Types of kids’ camps in Kelowna
The city of Kelowna offers a variety of day programs and overnight summer camps, offering many different activities, from arts camps to zoology summer camps, and STEM camps to soccer camps. In lists below, you’ll find some of the many possible activities camps focus on or offer, linking to a list of Kelowna camps with those activities.
Sports camps in Kelowna
Summer is the ideal time to get out and get moving! Sports activities linked to below go to our advanced search where you’ll find camps that focus on that activity at the top of the list, and those offering that activity lower down. Find your favourite team sport, individual sport, water sport, field sport, etc., in the list below and find a camp for you.
Search all Kelowna SPORTS CAMPS
Education camps in Kelowna
Camp makes learning fun and extends kids’ intellectual growth beyond the school doors. Find your favourite subject in the list below and find camps teaching that subject.
Search all Kelowna EDUCATION CAMPS
Arts camps and programs in Kelowna
What’s your favourite art form? Find a Kelowna camp teaching that in the links below.
Search all Kelowna ARTS CAMPS
Special and exceptional needs camps in Kelowna
Families with kids who have exceptional needs or other special concerns will find support at the camps linked to in lists below.
Search all Kelowna EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS CAMPS
More Kelowna camp types available:
Seven reasons why you should go to summer camp
Camp gives kids a chance to learn, grow and have fun in a safe, supportive setting. It’s an opportunity to explore interests, develop new skills, and build relationships with their peers and counselors. There are lots of great reasons to go to summer camp. Here are seven reasons summarised below, with links to more information across our website.
Social time and social skills improvement. Camp naturally encourages kids and teens to interact with others in a safe environment. Campers make friends with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and ages. They develop good interpersonal skills, along with empathy and generosity.
Grow in self-confidence. At Kelowna summer camps and kids’ programs, campers take risks and try new things. When they succeed, they gain confidence in themselves, away from the oversight of parents and teachers. They take this into other areas of life, from school to sports teams to personal relationships.
Grow team building skills. Camp naturally encourages kids and teens to work together through tasks and activities. They develop skills in communicating, problem-solving, collaboration, and even leadership.
Leadership development. At summer camp, kids have many opportunities to learn to lead. They take on responsibilities, and role model for others while also seeing counsellors and older kids as models.
Put away screens, get in touch with the world. Many summer camps actually have rules against screen time. In any case, you can’t be looking at your phone when you’re playing tetherball or beach volleyball. Camp helps kids appreciate the outdoors and nature. They learn to relax and become mindful of their surroundings.
Explore your adventurous side. Kids explore and have fun. They try new activities, explore the outside world, and take part in exciting, adventurous activities—everything from canoe trips to tree-top trekking to ziplining. Kids develop curiosity, and grow in their desire to explore.
Improve self-awareness. Last but not least, kids challenge themselves and discover new strengths—and even some weaknesses, which is good! They develop a fuller understanding of themselves and what they’re capable of. Learn more about how kids can develop character at camp.
How to find the best camp for your child
Links in the list above let you easily reach out to camps by going to their website for more information, or by reaching out to them directly from OurKids.net. Here’s a look at questions—with tips and notes—that will help you find the best camp for your family:
On camp safety
- Ask if counsellors all have vulnerable sector checks (aka police checks).
- Find out the camp’s policies concerning bullying, as well as discipline. Think about this from the perspectives of both how your child will be protected and how they will be treated by leaders.
- Ask about the ratio of counsellors to kids in each session. A ratio of 8:1 might be considered the ideal.
- Inquire about camp groupings. How many kids are there per session? Are kids grouped by age range or gender?
- Ask if you can personally contact the group leader for your child.
On practical concerns
- Ask when the camp’s day schedule starts and finishes, Know when drop-off and pick-up are, and consider how these fit your schedule.
- Is there a waiver to sign? Ask if there are any other legal concerns you should know about.
- Ask if they’re accredited. If they aren’t, what do they have to say about this?
- Ask for a schedule. How much will your child be able to indulge in their favourite games, etc.?
On matters of food, drink, snacks, etc.
- Ask how they deal with food allergies and special diets. If your child has sensitivities or serious allergies, how will they be affected? Are campers allowed to bring their own snacks from home?
- Ask about hydration. Is water available throughout the day, especially on hot days?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Kelowna camps are there?
There are 3 Kelowna camps that are Our Kids trusted members. In addition, there are 1 options that bus from the area. Use the filters to narrow options by age or type, then click on each organization to read reviews, browse program schedules, and access registration details.
What are the fees to attend Kelowna camps?
Fees for Kelowna camps range from FREE to $1,000 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.
What age do Kelowna camps start at?
There are programs available for children starting at age 2. Family and adult programs are also available.
