Summer Camp FAQ

How do I get to Sasamat Outdoor Centre?

Full directions on getting to Sasamat Outdoor Centre by car or public transit are included on our Contact Us page.

What time do I drop off and pick my camper up?

Your camper’s drop off and pick up times will depend on which program they are registered for. Please visit the the corresponding page for your registered program to find out when drop off and pick up is.

Can my camper be in the same group as their friend?

At Sasamat Outdoor Centre we believe going to camp is all about meeting new people and making lasting friendships. To create equal opportunities for everyone to do so, we group our campers entirely based on their age. We understand that you may be signing up for camp hoping to be grouped with a friend. While our camper groups get plenty of opportunities to play and spend time together, please note that we do not take friend requests into consideration when grouping our campers. For extenuating, documented medical circumstances, such as mental health, special needs or mobility support where a friend will make a significant difference in your camper's success, management will have a conversation with your family. If your camper's friend request needs to be considered for any of these reasons, please contact our office.

What do I pack for camp?

Your camper’s packing list will depend on which camp program they are registered for. For a complete packing list and other important information to help you prepare for your summer camp experience. A packing list will be sent to you 1 week before your program starts.

Can I contact my child while they are at camp?

Urgent or important communications with your child while they are at camp can be made through our office. To avoid sparking feelings of missing home, we discourage parents from speaking directly with their camper on the phone.

What happens if there is an emergency at camp?

Sasamat Outdoor Centre has robust policies and procedures in place to respond to an emergency that all staff are highly trained on. On the first day of camp your camper will learn about our emergency procedures, which include recognizing what to do and where to go when the emergency air-horn is sounded.

How do you ensure my camper is safe?

Sasamat Outdoor Centre has robust emergency response policies and procedures, and highly-trained staff. Sasamat Outdoor Centre is an accredited member camp of the British Columbia Camps Association. This means that we follow and comply with a strict, industry-wide set of standards that covers everything from equipment inspection and use, program facilitation, maintenance of the facility, first aid practices, waterfront rules and supervision, and much more. For more information on accreditation, visit the BC Camps Association website.

At Sasamat we know that safety means more than just physical safety. Emotional safety is incredibly important for a positive camp experience. All Sasamat Outdoor Centre staff are trained on inclusiveness, bullying recognition and strategies to resolve bullying, managing group dynamics, and age-appropriate programming. At Sasamat we also practice a “Challenge by Choice” philosophy in all the activities we do- this means that our staff will always provide leadership, instruction and encouragement to empower campers to participate, but the level of involvement in the activity is always up to the camper.

What if my overnight camper is missing home?

Overnight campers may experience feelings of missing home, especially if it is their first time being away from home for an extended time period. Our goal is always to help a camper overcome these feelings. Our kind and caring overnight camp staff are trained in several methods of helping a camper who is missing home. If you know your child is prone to missing home, we encourage you call our office ahead of time to discuss and outline a specific strategy that will help them have a positive camp experience.

How do I know if my child is ready for overnight camp?

If your child has reached the age for overnight camp, you may be wondering if they are ready to attend. There is no single way to tell if a child is ready. We know sleeping away from home can be a daunting next step for the whole family, we often find once a camper tries it, they can’t wait to return! If you are concerned or have questions about an overnight camp experience, we encourage you call our office and speak with the team.

Where will my overnight camper sleep?

Youth overnight campers will sleep in one of our Cottages or Yurts. Teen overnight campers will sleep in one of our Cabins. Every camper will have their own bed and personal area, and all cabins are heated and have electricity. 

How do you supervise campers at night?

Nighttime supervision is important. In addition to nighttime trail patrols by our staff, campers are always near their counsellor at night. Campers in the youngest age groups will sleep in the same cabin as their counsellor and one other staff member. Campers in the older age groups will sleep in a room adjacent to their counsellor’s room.

What will they eat and can you accommodate allergies or picky eaters?

Overnight Campers will enjoy full food service meals prepared by Sasamat’s awesome in-house chefs. With a focus on nutrition and nourishment, menus are selected to provide variety and great taste. Each day, campers will enjoy three full meals, afternoon snack, and evening snack.

Menus are planned to appeal to wide variety of palettes and appetites. If your child is a picky eater and is having a hard time eating what has been prepared, our wonderful chefs will always find something for them to eat. If your child is picky and you are concerned, we encourage you to phone the office in advance to discuss possible solutions. If your camper has a dietary restriction or allergy, our kitchen is usually able accommodate special diets. For campers with serious dietary restrictions, families should call the office in advance to discuss special requirements.

Can I call my camper while they are at overnight camp?

While your camper is always a phone call away if something comes up, we discourage parents from calling to check in on their camper. Why? Because often a simple phone call in the middle of the week can spark feelings of missing home, which in many cases can negatively impact the camper experience. If you are wanting an update on how your camper is doing, we advise calling our office and our staff will be happy to walk you through how their week is going!

How do I register for summer camp?

Registration for camp programs can be done entirely online through our registration portal. Once you are in the registration portal you will need to make an account if you have never registered with us before, or sign in to your account if you have registered with us before. Once you are signed in you will be able to register for any of our programs under the Start a New Registration section.

What are the summer camp fees?

The most up to date summer camp fees are listed on each summer camp program page.

I am on the waiting list, when will I find out if there is a space for my child?

Waitlist spaces are filled on a rolling basis. As soon as a space becomes available we contact the family at the top of the waiting list for that session. This means that a space in your waitlisted week could be offered to you at any time before the session starts.

Do you offer financial assistance?

Sasamat Outdoor Centre offers financial assistance to families through our Send a Kid Camp campaign. Families who need financial assistance are able to apply for one campership per child per summer. For more information, or to apply, visit our Financial Assistance page.

How do I cancel my registration?

For information on our cancellation policy, visit our Cancellation Policy page. If you would like to cancel your camp registration, contact our office.

When do we arrive at Family Camp?

Family camp arrival is Saturday morning at 9:30AM. If you are taking our bus transportation, your pickup time will vary, visit our transportation page for more information.

What will we do at Family Camp?

After check in on arrival day, you will be given a schedule for the two days of family camp with an array of exciting camp activities, including programs like canoeing, kayaking, swimming, the climbing wall and archery! There will be family time and large group games as well.

Can we share a cabin with friends?

You can share a cabin with your friends, please email our office to request this ahead of your Family Camp session. The cottages are split into 2 units (like a duplex), which you may be assigned beside another family.

Can I have a visitor come for just the day?

Yes you can! Please call our office in advance if you would like to arrange having a day visitor. A day visitor fee will apply.

What do we pack?

-Clothes for two days/1 night
-Swimsuit + towel
-Bedding (sleeping bags or blankets) + pillows 
-Toiletries 
-Warm clothes for evening time 
-Rain gear (if rain is in the forecast)
-Quiet/down time activities (books

What to leave at home:
-Electronics 
-Valuables 
-Axes, hatchets and pocket knives
-Foods that contain nut products
-Alcohol or illicit drugs 

Where will we sleep?

Your household will be assigned to one of our cabins, cottages or yurts. Only members of your household will be in your accommodations. If you have special requests to make for your accommodations (ex. being close to the washrooms), please call our office in advance of your arrival.