WYLD Camps
A Guide to WYLD Expeditions
Wilderness Youth Leadership Development (WYLD) expeditions are 8-12 day long summer camps for teens, ages 12-17. Campers travel into the wilderness of Strathcona Provincial Park, where they will canoe, hike, camp beneath the stars, learn skills to navigate the backcountry, and create lasting connections.
Experiential learning is at the forefront of WYLD camps. These expeditions touch on the value of “the journey,” the importance of shared experience, and the freedom of living from what you (and your group) can carry. Through these experiences groups learn to trust, to embrace adventure, and to find joy in both times of struggle and triumph.
Our goal is that WYLD participants will return home with the awareness that they are both capable and resilient, as well as the drive to acquire new skills, an appreciation for the natural world, and the motivation go after what they believe in.
All participants must sign a waiver and release agreement prior to taking part in an SPL experience or activity.
Learn more here!
WYLD 2sLGBTQIA+ and Allied Teens Backpacking Camp
On this expedition you’ll travel by foot into Strathcona’s subalpine. Crossing suspension bridges, boardwalks, and climbing up stairs are all features of this beautiful hike. The trail is lined with stunning mountain views, big trees, and glistening lakes, it’s a perfect place to learn introductory backpacking skills. Campers will begin their adventure at the Lodge’s base camp going over trip preparation and getting to know their fellow participants. The following day they will set out on their 4 day hiking trip. Throughout the trip, campers will learn about leadership and foundational camping skills. Depending on the group’s goals, there is an option to travel further along the trail towards the iconic Cream Lake. If campers are lucky they might be able to catch a glimpse of Canada’s highest waterfall, Della Falls.
Experiential learning is at the core of all SPL camps. Join us for a fun 5 days and walk away with life long skills and new community!
Ages: 14-17
Price: $1160
Dates: August 19-23, 2024
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WYLD Discovery Camp
Explore Buttle Lake by canoe and hike to one of Strathcona Park’s hidden jewels, Landslide Lake.
Our Discovery camp is a great way for youth to learn the foundations of backcountry travel, while sampling both canoe camping and backpacking. Campers will begin their adventure with an exciting challenge on our High Ropes course . The first night is spent at the Lodge’s base camp, learning about trip preparation and getting to know the fellow participants. The following day, the group will depart on their first expedition and spend 3 days exploring the fjord-like Buttle Lake. Upon return to the Lodge, campers will learn about climbing skills at one of our rock bluffs. The group will spend the evening at the Lodge’s base camp in preparation for the following days adventure on the Elk River Trail. A highlight for many campers is hiking through this beautiful old growth forest towards Landslide Lake and seeing the towering walls of Mount Colonel Foster.
Experiential learning is at the core of all WYLD camps. Join us for a fun 8 days and walk away with life long skills and the feeling of accomplishment.
Ages: 12–13
Price: $1500
Camp 1: June 30 – July 7, 2024
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Camp 2: August 17-24, 2024
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WYLD Nootka Camp
Experience the wonders of the west coast of Vancouver Island while sea kayaking in breathtaking Nootka Sound.
Our WYLD Nootka camp is the ideal introduction to sea kayaking expeditions and takes you on a historical journey. Campers will learn about the significance of Nootka Sound as well as backcountry camping skills while journeying on the ocean. Throughout the trip, campers will learn leadership skills and have the opportunity to learn other essential skills such as chart navigation, weather interpretation, tides, marine wildlife etiquette as well as leave no trace principles. Weather permitting, the group will make their way to the historic Mowachaht village of Yuquot (also known as Friendly Cove).
Experiential learning is at the core of all WYLD camps. Join us for a fun 7 days and kayak away with lifelong skills and the feeling of accomplishment.
Ages: 14-17
Price: $1600
Camp 1: August 18-24, 2024
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WYLD Explore Camp
Join us for a 5 day backpacking trip on one of Strathcona Park’s most scenic trails, the Bedwell Trail.
On this expedition you’ll travel by foot into Strathcona’s subalpine. Crossing suspension bridges, boardwalks, and climbing up stairs are all features of this beautiful hike. The trail is lined with stunning mountain views, big trees, and glistening lakes, it’s a perfect place to learn introductory backpacking skills. Campers will begin their adventure at the Lodge’s base camp going over trip preparation and getting to know their fellow participants. The following day they will set out on their 4 day hiking trip. Throughout the trip, campers will learn about leadership and foundational camping skills. Depending on the group’s goals, there is an option to travel further along the trail towards the iconic Cream Lake. If campers are lucky they might be able to catch a glimpse of Canada’s highest waterfall, Della Falls.
Experiential learning is at the core of all WYLD camps. Join us for a fun 5 days and walk away with life long skills and the feeling of accomplishment.
*Please enroll in corresponding age range camp*
Camp 1: July 3-7, 2024 Ages: 15-17
Price: $1160
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Camp 2: August 7-11, 2024 Ages: 12-14
Price: $1135
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WYLD Backcountry Beginnings
Experience the delights of a multi-day canoe trip, and take on rewarding day hikes up into Vancouver Island’s subalpine.
Our Backcountry Beginnings camp is the ideal introduction to longer expeditions. Campers will embark on an 8 day canoe trip, where they will paddle on glacier-carved lakes and hike into the subalpine. Campers will begin their adventure with an exciting challenge at our rock climbing bluff. A highlight of this camp is exploring all that these lakes have to offer; waterfalls, mountain views, old growth forests, and crystal clear swimming spots. The itinerary and route of this trip is slightly different each time and is designed that way so that participants can create a trip that suits their goals best along with learning how to become self-sufficient in the backcountry. Throughout the trip, campers will learn leadership skills and have the opportunity to lead the group.
Experiential learning is at the core of all WYLD camps. Join us for a fun 8 days and walk away with life long skills and the feeling of accomplishment.
Ages: 14–16
Price: $1510
Camp 1: June 30 – July 7, 2024
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Camp 2: August 3-10, 2024
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WYLD Backcountry Classic
This expedition into the wild Strathcona alpine is our most challenging camp. And it’s worth it.
Backcountry Classic is a 12-day, multi-sport expedition. While physically demanding, this trip allows participants to explore some of the most remote areas on Vancouver Island, with the beautiful snow-capped peaks of Strathcona Park as a backdrop. Campers will spend the first part of their expedition paddling from the Lodge to Phillips Creek on Buttle Lake, where they will solidify their backcountry camping skills before heading into the mountain for 6 days. The trail up to Marble Meadows climbs steadily and passes through old growth forests. Once up in Marble Meadows, campers will spend the next 5 days exploring, Wheaton hut, Limestone cap, Morrison Spire and, the highlight, the summit of Mount McBride. Throughout the trip, campers will take on a leadership roles and responsibilities.
Experiential learning is at the core of all WYLD camps. Join us for a fun 12 days and walk away with life long skills and the feeling of accomplishment.
Ages: 15–17
Price: $2100
Camp 1: July 31 – August 11, 2024
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Camp 2: August 17-28, 2024
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WYLD Rock Camp
Come discover outdoor rock climbing at our WYLD Rock Camp at Crest Creek Crags.
Whether campers have rock climbing experience or not, there is something for everyone at Crest Creek Crags. Campers will learn about the equipment and techniques required to climb safely. They will also learn to take responsibility for each other’s safety, improve their climbing skills daily, expand their comfort zones and confidence levels as well as rappel down a 20 meter rock face. Additionally, they will learn camp crafts and group camping experiences.
Experiential learning is at the core of all WYLD camps. Join us for a fun 5 days and walk away with lifelong skills and the feeling of accomplishment.
Ages: 12-17
Dates & Pricing available by request for a group of 6-10 youth!
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Custom WYLD Summer Camps
We are happy to work with you to design custom youth programs for groups of 6-10 based around your dates, objectives and activity choices.
Custom camps are a great option for youth groups, international student programs or groups of friends or family ready for an adventure.
Ages: 12–17
Price: Activity Dependent
Dates: July – August
Inquire: Email programs@strathconaparklodge.com about custom camp dates & options.
My highlights from WYLD were meeting new people, laughing, and being up in the alpine. The instructors are awesome and I learned so much from them. This trip really made me love being away from the city!
– WYLD Camper, Backcountry Classic, August 2019
Ripple Effect of Summer Camp
For teens, summer is a time of new adventure, freedom, and possibility. It is during these years that we develop a sense of identity, and our experiences during the summer months are fundamental to this exploration.
Camp allows teens to break away from their daily lives and everything that comes along with that. It offers the opportunity to see the world around them with a fresh set of eyes, to pause, live in the moment, have fun, and create lifelong friends.
A place to be yourself leads to a blossoming sense of confidence. New opportunities unlock newfound accomplishment. And taking on challenges and overcoming fears opens an eagerness to take on the world. These are our mountain top moments – they cultivate the feeling of being closer to oneself, while connecting with something bigger.
Camp doesn’t just answer the question “who am I?” but gives us the autonomy to decide who we want to be.
Guiding Principles
WYLD camps have different itineraries and destinations, but all teach life-long skills.
SELF-RESPECT
By setting and achieving goals, students are able to build a healthy confidence that will foster a greater respect for themselves and the people around them.
SELF-RELIANCE
Instilling the added responsibility involved in wilderness travel helps people to work for themselves. This can help create a sense of independence and personal accomplishment.
COMPASSION
In working with others and sharing in their hardships and triumphs, one learns compassion and empathy.
APPRECIATION AND AWARENESS FOR THE WORLD AROUND US
Our classroom takes people away from the convenience of their everyday lives and requires them to live in balance with their surroundings.
Registration Policies & Enrollment
A 25% non refundable deposit is required at time of booking to secure your WYLD spot. The remaining balance is due thirty days prior to the start of the camp.
Enrollment
Call 250-286-3122 or email info@strathconaparklodge.com if you have any questions about enrollment.
*We do accept applicants for our waitlist.
Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel your spot in a WYLD camp with 30 or more days notice, the 25% deposit will be retained by Strathcona Park Lodge. If you must cancel your WYLD camp with less than 30 days notice the full amount is non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, we ask that you contact us as soon as you know so that we can provide the spot to another participant on our waitlist.
Travel Information
We ask that WYLD campers arrive at SPL between 1:00-2:00pm for their WYLD program and be picked up between 11:00am-12:00pm on the last day of camp.
*Explore Camp participants will need to be picked up at 4:00pm on last day of camp.
What travel options are available?
- Parent/Guardian drop off and pick up at Strathcona Park Lodge
- Island Link Bus Pick up/Drop off in Campbell River for an additional cost of $50 (one way).
Participants that choose to travel via the Island Link bus will be shuttled to and from Campbell River and the Lodge via an SPL staff member.
Lunch is not provided on the arrival or departure day, please plan accordingly.
Travel to SPL
Strathcona Park Lodge (41040 Gold River Hwy, Campbell River, BC V9W 5C5) is located:
- 40 minutes outside of Campbell River.
- 2 hours outside of Nanaimo.
- 5 hours outside of Victoria.
Accommodation
Parents/Guardians of WYLD participants are welcome to enjoy their own stay at the Lodge, for a discounted rate. Please call our office and speak to one of our friendly staff if you are interested in this option.
Health & Safety
Strathcona Park Lodge is an accredited member of the BC Camps Association (BCCA). The accreditation process ensures that our policies, procedures, facilities, employee screening practices, and training meet or exceed industry standards.
Our COVID-19 Safety Plan has been developed in accordance with WorkSafe BC and related industry guidance for camps, restaurants, hotels, and the tourism industry. SPL was directly involved in the development of the BCCA overnight children and youth camp guidelines and the BC Outdoor Sector wilderness expedition guidelines. In consultation with our local public health officer, we will continue to review and update our safety plan as necessary.
Run WYLD Scholarship
Run WYLD is a fundraising initiative started in 2020 by Sophie O’Brien to create more accessible outdoor opportunities for underserved youth living in remote communities. Funds directly support youth from School District 84 (Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos, and Kyuquot) in attending 5-12 day Wilderness Youth Leadership Development Programs at SPL.
The instructors were encouraging, told us great stories, taught us important core values, and let us explore both ourselves and our surroundings. They showed us what we have you offer!
– WYLD Camper, Backcountry Beginnings, August 2019