Surrounded by temperate rainforest and the rocky shoreline of Átl’ka7tsem Howe Sound, YMCA Camp Elphinstone lets campers experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Registration for 2026 YMCA Camp Elphinstone overnight, day and family camp programs will open at 9:30am on Friday, January 30. Please find below information on our 2026 overnight, family and day camp programs.
As a charity, the YMCA is committed to eliminating financial barriers so as many children and families as possible can access our programs and services. If financial assistance may be appropriate for your family to access YMCA Camp Elphinstone programming, please email us at camp.elphinstone@bc.ymca.ca with any questions about the application process.
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McNabb (5-7 years)
A perfect introduction to overnight camp for little ones. McNabb offers younger campers a shorter, three-night camp experience that focuses on creating a comfortable environment for many campers first time away from home. Campers live in lodges with in-house washrooms and showers for easy access. All staff are trained to deliver age-appropriate programming and to ensure proper care for our youngest campers.
Session Dates:
| McNabb Session 1 | July 14 – July 17 |
| McNabb Session 2 | July 21 – July 24 |
| McNabb Session 3 | August 4 – August 7 |
| McNabb Session 4 | August 18 – August 21 |
Fee: $733.29 per camper
Five-Day Programs (7-14 years)
An exciting week by the ocean offers the perfect opportunity for campers to enjoy classic camp activities while making lifelong memories. With a focus on building friendships and trying new experiences, campers live in cozy cabins with up to 10 peers of similar age, guided by two experienced counsellors.
One-to-one inclusion support is available for two campers in each five day session. Details regarding one-to-one support are available below.
7-10 years (Chapman)
Five-day Chapman campers are on the early schedule with meals at 8:00am, 12:00pm, and 5:30pm. They also go to bed earlier than the older campers.
10-12 years (Arbutus)
Five-day Arbutus campers are on the early schedule with meals at 8:00am, 12:00pm, and 5:30pm.
12-14 years (Dakota)
Five-day Dakota campers are on the late schedule with meals at 9:00am, 1:00pm, and 6:30pm.
Session Dates:
| Five-Day Session 1 | July 29 – July 3 |
| Five-Day Session 2 | July 6 – July 10 |
| Five-Day Session 3 | July 13 – July 17 |
| Five-Day Session 4 | July 20 – July 24 |
| Five-Day Session 5 | July 27 – July 31 |
| Five-Day Session 6 | August 2 – August 7 |
| Five-Day Session 7 | August 10 – August 14 |
| Five-Day Session 8 | August 17 – August 21 |
| Five-Day Session 9 | August 24 – August 28 |
Fee: $1,098.22 per camper
Twelve-Day Programs
Designed to foster skill development and a love for the outdoors, this two-week program gives campers the chance to fully immerse themselves in their favourite camp activities while exploring everything YMCA Camp Elphinstone has to offer. The program includes a one-night overnight adventure camping in the woods onsite!
10-12 years (Arbutus)
Twelve-day Arbutus campers are on the late schedule with meals at 9:00am, 1:00pm, and 6:30pm.
12-14 years (Dakota)
Twelve-day Dakota campers are on the late schedule with meals at 9:00am, 1:00pm, and 6:30pm.
Session Dates:
| Twelve-Day Session 1 | July 6 – July 17 |
| Twelve-Day Session 2 | July 20 – July 31 |
| Twelve-Day Session 3 | August 3 – August 14 |
| Twelve-Day Session 4 | August 17 – August 28 |
Fee: $2,184.68 per camper
Three-Day Out-trip (12-14 years)
Campers are challenged with a scenic three-day out-trip on the Sechelt Inlet. This trip is perfect for campers who are new to out-tripping. Campers form friendships and develop leadership skills in a focused team-building environment. Experienced and well-trained staff will lead the trip and ensure that all campers have the opportunity to take on responsibilities like packing, cooking, navigating, and “leader of the day”.
Session Dates:
| Three-Day Out-trip Session 1 | July 6 – July 10 |
| Three-Day Out-trip Session 2 | July 13 – July 17 |
| Three-Day Out-trip Session 3 | August 3 – August 7 |
| Three-Day Out-trip Session 4 | August 10 – August 14 |
Fee: $1,355.77 per camper
Eight-Day Out-trip (13-15 years)
This twelve-day camp features an eight-day canoe trip through the Qathet Canoe Route (previously known as the Powell Forest Canoe Route). This trip is a 57-kilometer paddle, with eight lakes, and five portages, ranging from 0.7km – 2.8km. Campers develop confidence and teamwork skills in this introduction to backcountry living and paddling. An excellent pre-Leadership Development experience, campers must be prepared to work together on trip planning and execution.
Session Dates:
| Eight-Day Out-trip Session 1 | July 20 – July 31 |
| Eight-Day Out-trip Session 2 | August 17 – August 28 |
Fee: $2,656.93 per camper
Leadership Development 1 (14-15 years)
The LD1 program (ages 14-15) acts as the stepping stone between being a participant and a leader at Camp Elphinstone. LD1 campers participate in a series of team initiatives that introduce the basics of group facilitation, leadership, communication, and inclusion. Participants complete a 4 day out-trip with a qualified guide, practice group management techniques in a camp setting, and learn to reflect on their own leadership development.
Session Dates:
| Leadership Development 1 Session 1 | July 6 – July 17 |
| Leadership Development 1 Session 2 | July 20 – July 31 |
| Leadership Development 1 Session 3 | August 3 – August 14 |
| Leadership Development 1 Session 4 | August 17 – August 28 |
Fee: $2,197.25 per camper
Leadership Development 2 (15-16 years)
The LD2 program (ages 15 & 16) also includes an out-trip, and time at camp is spent focusing on developing hard skills in camp program areas and more advanced group facilitation and behavior management skills. The LD2 program aims to give participants the skills and experience to be qualified for entry-level jobs in camping, childcare, and the outdoor industry.
Session Dates:
| Leadership Development 2 Session 1 | July 6 – July 17 |
| Leadership Development 2 Session 2 | July 20 – July 31 |
| Leadership Development 2 Session 3 | August 3 – August 14 |
| Leadership Development 2 Session 4 | August 17 – August 28 |
Fee: $2,197.25 per camper
Day Camp
YMCA Camp Elphinstone offers an action-packed day camp program Monday-Friday. Campers take part in all the activities that Camp Elphinstone has to offer (age dependent) before they return home at 4 p.m. Camp Elphinstone provides lunch each day for campers. Transportation option includes drop-off/ pick-up directly at YMCA Camp Elphinstone on the Day Camp bus ($110/week), which stops in Halfmoon Bay, Sechelt, Davis Bay, Roberts Creek, Upper Gibsons, and Lower Gibsons.
Session Dates:
| Day Camp Session 1 | July 29 – July 3 |
| Day Camp Session 2 | July 6 – July 10 |
| Day Camp Session 3 | July 13 – July 17 |
| Day Camp Session 4 | July 20 – July 24 |
| Day Camp Session 5 | July 27 – July 31 |
| Day Camp Session 6 | August 2 – August 7 |
| Day Camp Session 7 | August 10 – August 14 |
| Day Camp Session 8 | August 17 – August 21 |
| Day Camp Session 9 | August 24 – August 28 |
| Day Camp Session 10 | August 31 – September 4 |
Fee: $315.56 per camper
Family Camp
YMCA Camp Elphinstone provides the perfect environment for families to focus on what matters most—spending quality time together. Family Camp offers a convenient getaway from the city without the hassle of pitching a tent or travelling far. Enjoy a variety of engaging camp activities and organized programs designed for children, adults, and the whole family. Choose between cozy lodge rooms or private cabins for your stay, and savour three nutritious, delicious, kid-friendly meals daily in our dining hall. Relax, reconnect, and create unforgettable family memories with us!
Summer Family Camp is a four-day, three-night camp experience packed with all our favourite warm-weather activities! Before arriving, families can choose their preferred activities, and upon check-in, they’ll receive a personalized schedule tailored for the weekend. Each evening features a special programmed event, such as a camp-wide game or a classic campfire, followed by an optional adult social to wrap up the day.
Fall Family Camp is a three-day, two-night getaway over Thanksgiving weekend, featuring activities like canoeing, kayaking, archery, and cozy indoor options for those crisp coastal days. Immerse yourself in the beauty of fall, unwind, and savour a traditional Thanksgiving dinner prepared by our Camp Elphinstone chefs. And, of course, don’t miss the highlight of the weekend—the beloved annual Pumpkin Drop!
Dates:
| Summer Family Camp | August 30 – September 2 |
| Fall Family Camp | October 9 – October 11 |
Fee:
Summer Family Camp: $325.03 per family member
Fall Family Camp: $248.44 per family member
Inclusion Statement
Camp Inclusion Statement At YMCA Camp Elphinstone, we are committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB). This includes creating inclusive spaces and programing for everyone who comes to camp, where we celebrate and value all backgrounds and identities. Learn more about our commitment to EDIB here.
One-to-one support
One of the ways we facilitate inclusion at camp Elphinstone is through one-on-one support. YMCA Camp Elphinstone offers one-to-one support from our Inclusion Counsellors for two overnight camp campers every week. If your child receives full-time, shared or one-to-one support in the school system, our Inclusion Program may be a good fit.
If you believe your camper may require one-on-one support to have a successful camp experience, please email camp.elphinstone@bc.ymca.ca to discuss your child’s needs prior to registering for a camp session. We’ll give you a phone call, and if - in collaboration with you - we agree that one-to-one support is appropriate for your child, you’ll be advised to register in one of our reserved inclusion spaces. While our Inclusion Counsellors are experienced in supporting children with diverse abilities, they are not educational assistants (EAs), behavioral interventionists, occupational therapists (OTs), etc. All campers must have control of bowel and bladder, the ability to wipe independently as well as listen to basic instructions. One-to-one inclusion is available for five-day programs; this policy aims to maximize the number of kids that get to come to camp.
Camp Elphinstone is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, and we will continue to learn, grow, and strengthen our Inclusion Program.
Financial Assistance
The YMCA raises money year round in order to offer financial assistance so that every child has the opportunity to attend camp. Financial assistance applications are now open and will be accepted until two weeks prior to the requested session date. If financial assistance may be appropriate for your family to access YMCA Camp Elphinstone programming, please email us at camp.elphinstone@bc.ymca.ca with any questions about the application process.