Camp Frequently Asked Questions
What does my child need to bring?
Please pack the following for your child:
✅ Allergen-free lunch
✅ Sunscreen
✅ Reusable water bottle
✅ Bathing suit and towel (optional)
✅ Pocket money (optional, for adventure camp only)
Our camps are child-led, meaning kids have a say in shaping their day. We don’t follow a strict schedule; instead, we encourage leadership, confidence, and teamwork by co-creating activities with campers.
We set the goals, and they help design the journey. For example, if our focus is on meditation and pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), children might decide to build a fort in the forest first, creating a quiet space to tune out distractions. Through thoughtful discussion and collaboration, campers work together to reach a consensus on activities that align with our shared goals.
What is the camp schedule?
Our camps run from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (free late pick up until 4 pm). As far as our itinerary goes, we design our camps based on the goals of the children enrolled and typically have multiple activity options co-occurring at the same time to create safety in autonomy, allowing children to refuse any activity they do not want to participate in. Because our camps are co-created with the youth, we do not adhere to a specific schedule.
What are some examples of activities?
Every activity is intentionally designed to foster a deeper connection to nature, self-awareness, and creativity. We prioritize eco-friendly practices, using mostly upcycled or reused materials, and we spend as much time outdoors as possible.
Movement & Mindfulness Camps
These camps introduce mindfulness and self-regulation through movement and reflection. Children are given leadership opportunities, such as designing movement activities, creating mindfulness exercises, or co-facilitating with staff. Activities may include:
🧘 Yoga
🏃 Outdoor games & sports
🎨 Art & sewing
🧩 Meditation
🌟 Building obstacle courses & interactive games
Adventure Camps
In these camps, youth take the lead in planning their own day trips around the Lower Mainland using public transit. We start at Moody Centre Station, where campers collaborate to decide on a destination and then navigate their way there together.
Designed to foster confidence, independence, and teamwork, these camps empower youth to make decisions and problem-solve in a real-world setting. Parents may choose to provide optional pocket money to help campers practice budgeting and making thoughtful spending choices. However, all transit and entry fees are covered, so no additional costs are required.
Are your programs suitable for special needs children?
Yes! Our low camper-to-staff ratio provides a supportive environment where children of all abilities can participate in a way that feels comfortable for them. We have extensive experience working with neurodiverse youth, youth with mental health challenges and learning disabilities, as well as youth with physical disabilities. The flexible, child-led approach of our camps allows each child to engage at their own pace, fostering growth, confidence, and inclusion in a way that works best for them. Many children with special needs have thrived in our welcoming and adaptable setting!
We are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, with a strict anti-bullying policy at the core of our values. Children are never forced to participate in activities that don’t feel safe for them, ensuring they have the freedom to opt out when needed. However, if a child’s behaviour poses a risk to their own safety or the safety of others, they may be required to leave camp, and refunds will not be issued in such cases.
Additionally, some of our camps may be covered by extended health benefits if counselling with a Registered Social Worker is included in your plan or through AFU or FNHA funding.
*If your child’s needs are assessed to exceed our low 1:5 ratio, we may require you to send a behavioural interventionist with your child, or we can arrange for additional staff at a cost of $30/hour. Email dawn at rvnwellness.com if you would like more information about how this is assessed.
What are the qualifications of your staff?
All camp staff have education/experience working with children, in addition to a criminal record check. Our camps are designed by a Master’s level therapist/yoga instructor specializing in child & youth mental health. Not your typical camp counsellors!
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a non refundable refund cancellation fee of $35 for our single day camps, and $100 for our full week camps if cancelled 72 hours prior to the start of camp. Unfortunately, cancellations beyond within 72 hours are not eligible for a refund, however you are welcome to gift your child’s space to another child without any administrative cost. Email dawn at rvnwellness.com if you need to change a registration. Since our camps often sell out and we hold a waitlist, we ask for as much notice as possible.
Do you offer any discounts?
Unfortunately we do not as we strive to keep our pricing as accessible as possible for all.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes. We have a limited number of spots at a reduced rate ($50/day) for campers facing financial barriers. Please email dawn at rvnwellness.com for more information.
Additionally, we understand it can be difficult to pay up front for summer camps and do offer flexible payment plan schedules with a non refundable $100 deposit. Please email dawn at rvnwellness.com for more information.