As the summer sun stretches longer across the mountains and lakes of Vancouver Island, the team at Strathcona Park Lodge is buzzing with anticipation — WYLD Camp season is just around the corner!

Stronger together: building trust, friendships, and resilience in the wild.

Adventure Awaits: WYLD Camps Are Almost Full for Summer 2025

WYLD (Wilderness Youth Leadership Development) programs offer youth the rare chance to unplug from everyday distractions and reconnect with nature, community, and themselves. From alpine treks to campfire conversations, WYLD camps are more than just an outdoor adventure — they’re transformative journeys.

“We are looking forward to WYLD camps starting,” shares Sophie O’Brien, Manager of Instructional Staff at SPL. “Our instructors enjoy working the longer programs where they get to focus on building a small community with their group of youth, fostering connections, supporting them in learning new skills. They are rewarding programs to plan and to be a part of. You really feel the impact that these moments can have on the larger picture of one’s life.”

Making Wilderness Leadership Accessible: The Run WYLD Scholarship

Set against the backdrop of wild Vancouver Island, WYLD Camps offer youth a chance to unplug, reconnect, and discover who they are in the heart of nature.

This year, five young people will join WYLD camps through the Run WYLD Scholarship Program, which supports underserved youth in remote communities, including Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos, and Kyuquot (School District 84). Funded by generous donations, this initiative helps remove barriers to accessing nature-based leadership programs.

We are excited to be welcoming five more Run WYLD youth to our camps this summer. “This project is dear to my heart, and I’m grateful to be able to offer youth from these communities these opportunities,” adds Sophie.

Real Stories from Real Campers

The impact of WYLD is best captured by the youth who live it. Here are just a few reflections from past participants:

🌲 “Spending a whole day playing in the sand and rain with my friends was the highlight—and also seeing orcas!”

🌿 “I loved getting to disconnect from my phone. I think I’ve learned more about taking a break, slowing down, and enjoying nature. I’m definitely going to apply those two things to my life at home.”

🏕 “Our instructors were amazing—they felt more like guides who truly cared about getting to know us. They helped me when I was struggling and made me feel safe. We were really lucky.”

🏔 “Getting to the alpine was a highlight. I had a deep sense of accomplishment.”

🧭 “I learned to not take what we have in our daily lives for granted. I think I’ll be happier with less, and not feel the need to take more than I need.”

💚 “Strathcona will have a special place in my heart always. I will never forget this place or the people I’ve met. Thank you for making my summers so fulfilling.”

Developing Leaders Through Outdoor Experience

From setting up camp to crossing rivers, every challenge is met together — fostering trust, communication, and lasting friendships.

WYLD is more than a summer program — it’s a chance to build confidence, resilience, and connection. It’s about youth stepping into leadership, making memories that last a lifetime, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the world around them.

And it’s made possible by people like Sophie, who continues to raise awareness and funds for Run WYLD by taking on long-distance runs in the name of accessible adventure. In the true spirit of leadership, she’s running the distance so youth from all walks of life can go the distance — into the backcountry and into their own potential.

Want to support WYLD Camps or the Run WYLD Scholarship Fund?
Your donation helps more youth experience the wilderness, build leadership skills, and discover just how strong, capable, and connected they really are.

https://strathconaparklodge.com/youth-programs/run-wyld-scholarship/

The Countdown Is On — Claim Your Place at WYLD Camp

With just a few spots left in this summer’s WYLD camps, the energy is building fast around the Lodge. The early enthusiasm has been incredible, and our team is thrilled to see so many youth ready to step into the adventure.

“It’s been lovely to see such high enrollment so early on,” says Sophie. “We’ve started getting in touch with families, and it’s been neat to hear how excited these youth are to participate, which gets us even more excited for the season! Since we work mostly behind the scenes, I always look forward to when groups come back—seeing their smiling faces and the newfound confidence they have in themselves is pure magic.”

As summer approaches, we can feel the momentum. If your young adventurer hasn’t signed up yet, now is the time — these final spaces won’t last long!

Stay tuned for stories from this season; we can’t wait to see what these incredible youth will discover this summer.