Wild School Summer Camp
Welcome to Wild School's Adventure Camp
NOW WITH BUS SERVICE FROM COLLINGWOOD, CRAIGLEITH AND CLARKSBURG!
Wild School's Adventure Camp is the Gateway for Young Explorers
Wild School's Adventure Camp is the gateway for young explorers to immerse themselves in nature, fostering a love for the outdoors while developing self confidence.
Beyond a typical day camp, we cultivate skills, forge lasting friendships, and inspire leadership in every camper.
Join us for a journey where curiosity knows no bounds, and exploration is the compass through an extraordinary wilderness experience.
Let the adventure begin!
Wild Camp blends Fun with Learning, Challenge and Growth
We want our students to learn, to explore, to experience new things and push themselves beyond their comfort levels in a safe environment led by expert OE’s (Outdoor Educators).
This is a demanding program at times. We believe strongly that this is how you develop confidence and resilience, as well as a love for the natural world and adventure.
We operate in the rain, in the heat, and in buggy forests.
We go for long hikes and bike rides that can be quite exhausting, we portage over beaver dams through swamps and mud, and we paddle up rivers.
We also sing, play games and learn how to persevere.
The Great Outdoors
Amidst the forests, fields, and rivers of the Blue Mountains, we encourage campers to run wild, fostering happiness, self-confidence, and skill development.
BM Wild School’s Adventure Camp is all about creating an exhilarating, yet safe 'wild' environment where fun takes center stage.
Led by experienced outdoor educators and instructors, our intimate small group sizes focus on a variety of core adventures, skill-building, and leadership development.
A Variety of Core Adventures
Amidst the forests, fields, and rivers of the Blue Mountains, and built on the foundation of our renowned W.I.L.D. School leadership program, this dynamic curriculum seamlessly blends essential hard skills with crucial soft skills.
The result? A diverse range of engaging problem-solving activities, skills development and tasks that are both challenging and rewarding.
Wide Range of Activities
From canoeing and mountain biking to shelter-building and orienteering, we embrace a spectrum of activities.
Joy & Personal Development
We encourage campers to run wild, fostering happiness, self-confidence, and skill development.
Empowering our Future Leaders
Emerging evidence & research strongly suggests that experiences in nature not only boost academic learning, but enhance personal development, and environmental stewardship.
Positive shifts in the following leadership qualities have all been linked to learning in a natural environment:
Perseverance, Resilience, and Grit
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
Teamwork and Social Skills
Adventure Skills and Self-Confidence
Built on the foundation of our renowned W.I.L.D. School leadership program, this dynamic curriculum seamlessly blends essential hard skills with crucial soft skills.
The result? A diverse range of engaging problem-solving activities, skills development and tasks that are both challenging and rewarding.
From canoeing and mountain biking to shelter-building and orienteering, we embrace a spectrum of activities.
If you have a young adventurer eager for a summer filled with fun, productivity, and engagement, then this camp is the perfect fit!
What Activities Do We Do at Wild Camp?
Core Activities
- Problem Solving Activities and Challenges
- Mountain Biking - for 9 and up (must supply your own bike)
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Swimming (only with life jackets)
- Bushcraft
- Birding
- Tracking
- Orienteering
- Arts and Crafts
- Caving
Key Features
- Multi destination DAY CAMP (across the Blue Mountains)
- Small Group Sizes
- Led by experienced instructors
- Teaching core wilderness skills and environmental stewardship
- With an integrated leadership curriculum
- Merit based badge system to work on skills progression
NEW! Merit Badge System
New to the summer of 2023 and with rave reviews was our merit badge program. This is a dynamic level-based program designed to inspire and reward our campers as they journey through a multitude of exciting skills.
Our badge system is a testament to our commitment to individual growth, allowing campers to progress through different levels in various skills, showcasing their accomplishments and fostering a sense of achievement.
Whether mastering outdoor survival techniques, honing artistic talents, or developing leadership skills, each badge earned represents a step forward in a camper's personal and collective adventure.
This system not only encourages continuous improvement but also instills a sense of pride and motivation in our young explorers, making their Wild Camp experience even more rewarding and memorable.
EARN THESE MERIT BADGES:
- WILD Bushcraft - Level 1 to 3
- WILD Canoeing - Level 1 to 4
- WILD Wilderness First Aid - Level 1 to 3
- WILD Fire Building - Level 1 to 3
- WILD Shelter Building - Level 1 to 2
- WILD Knots - Level 1 to 3
- WILD Arts & Crafts - Level 1 to 2
- WILD Orienteering - Level 1 to 3
- WILD Plant an Animal ID - Level 1 to 3
- WILD Mountain Biking - Level 1 to 3
Wild Bus Service Available
Parents have the option to either drive their children to our destinations (the farthest of which is 25 minutes from Collingwood and 20 minutes from Thornbury) or take advantage of our Wild Bus!
We have our own dedicated school bus service which has convenient pickup / drop off locations in Collingwood, Craigleith and Clarksburg.
We send out an itinerary, with program locations before Friday of the following week start date. We do ask that parents to remain connected with us to learn what is happening in the event of a plan change due to weather or unseen events.
Equipment & Gear
This is a backcountry program and ensuring your kids have the proper gear will make their experience more enjoyable.
You don’t need to break the bank, they will be travelling, so think about keeping the weight of their packs as low as possible and that they fit well with plenty of padding.
Dear Adventurer,
We would be thrilled to have you to join us for some fun filled summer adventures in the Blue Mountains!!
We have a fun and enriching program designed for you. This program is led by some really amazing instructors; you’ll love them!
Our aim is to teach you how to adventure.
We want to give you the skills to travel and be comfortable in the wilderness in all scenarios.
Some of the activities we'll do this summer are:
- bike (for the older ones)
- hike and canoe in the backcountry (this means natural and wild places away from roads, houses and towns)
- teach you how to navigate in the forest and on rivers
- build fires
- make shelter
- track animals
- learn about wilderness medicine, animals, trees and plants and all the while having a ton of fun!
This summer we want you to get in touch with your inner wildness! At Wild School we like to travel, explore and learn. We cover a lot of ground to take you to some really cool places. Sometimes it’s hard work, but that only makes getting to the destination that much better.
We hope you will bring a sense of adventure and openness to learn and try new things and meet new people. We’re so excited to meet you and have a very excellent adventure!
what's wild camp like?
Challenging & Fun!
Experience a Sense of Accomplishment
Completing this program is meant to be challenging. If it is your child's first time, you should frame this before they arrive – they will complete each day with a sense of accomplishment.
Kids Love Our Program
The vast majority of kids absolutely love our program! And, to put it bluntly, the ones that don't are the ones that stand to benefit from it the most. By the end of the week they'll be amazed at what they've achieved.
Wild Camp as an Extension of Wild School
Wild Camp is a valuable addition to Wild School, addressing the issue of learning regression during longer summer breaks. In September, we witness firsthand the impact of this regression. Wild Camp not only helps bridge this gap, but also offers a wide range of activities not possible during the school year.
Our camp focuses on fun while ensuring learning new skills and providing opportunities to apply them in a safe and engaging environment.
Playing with these skills not only aids retention, but also fosters lasting friendships.
Supporting Wild Camp means supporting Wild School
A significant part of our revenue comes from the summer months. This money is reinvested into infrastructure development, such as new yurt classrooms, computers, a new soccer field, and many other aspects of the long list of dreams that we have for our school. By enrolling your child in Wild Camp, you're directly contributing to the enhancement of your school.
Familiarity breeds Confidence & Inspires Growth
Your children are already comfortable with our property, which provides a fantastic platform to try new skills and challenge themselves further. This connection to place fosters a sense of belonging, personal growth and confidence.
Experience our Property at its Zenith
In the summer, our property is truly at its best: the pump track is dry, forests and meadows are in bloom, and rivers and creeks are warm. This also allows us to enjoy activities that are not possible in the Spring and Fall, such as paddling in Georgian Bay.
Register for Wild School Summer Adventure Camp
An unforgettable journey for the young adventurer
Registration Details
AGES: 4 to 12
LOCATION: Though we primarily operate out of Blue Mountain Wild School, we do not limit ourselves to one location but take advantage of the incredible locations that our backyard has to offer. We choose our destinations based on the theme and activity that we are engaging in as well as the daily weather. Parents also have the option of school bus service via our dedicated Wild Bus.
COST: $395.00 / week
*NOTE - additional weeks are offered at a 5% discount
*NOTE - all programs are 5 days - we do not take time off for holidays on Canada Day or August Long Weekend
Times & Dates
DATES: Our program curriculum runs in two week blocks throughout JULY 1st 2024 - AUGUST 23rd 2024:
- July 1 - July 12
- July 15 - July 26
- July 29 - August 9
- August 12 - August 23
We encourage families to sign up for two consecutive weeks (but this is not mandatory)
TIMES: Monday to Friday 9:00am* to 4:00pm**
*Before care available - 8:30am to 9:00am.
**After Care available - 4:00pm to 4:30pm.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Our cancellation policy allows for a full refund if notified prior to June 1st, 2024. Failure to notify will result in no refund. After June 1st we require 15 or more days prior to the program start date in order to be entitled to a refund. We are unable to offer any refunds or credits if notice is given 15 days or less prior to the program start date or once the program has begun. All cancellations after June 1st 2024 will result in a $100.00 cancellation fee.
FAQs
Curious about Wild School and our programs? Contact us anytime and we'll be happy to walk you through our programs, our approach, and answer any questions you might have.
How Do I Register For Wild School Summer Camp?
Registration for Wild Camp can be completed online through our website. Early registration is recommended as spaces fill up quickly.
Can I Visit Wild Adventure Camp Before Registering?
Yes, we encourage prospective campers and their families to schedule a visit to Wild School to meet our staff, explore the facilities, and learn more about our programs and philosophy.
What Happens If My Child Doesn't Like It?
It is extremely rare for a child not to enjoy their experience at Wild Camp. While some campers may initially struggle with the transition to spending extended time outdoors or being physically active throughout the day, our experienced staff are skilled at helping them adjust and feel comfortable. We find that once campers settle into the rhythm of camp activities and immerse themselves in the adventure, they typically have a fantastic day filled with fun and new experiences. Our supportive environment and engaging programs are designed to encourage participation, build confidence, and foster a love for outdoor exploration in every child.
Does My Child Need To Know How To Swim?
No, previous swimming experience is not required for participation in our water-based activities at Wild Camp. The safety of our campers is our top priority, and all water activities are supervised by trained staff members. Additionally, all participants are required to wear a certified Personal Flotation Device (PFD) during water-based activities to ensure an extra layer of safety and support in the water.
What Safety Measures Are In Place At Wild Camp?
At Wild Adventure Camp, the safety and well-being of our campers are paramount. We take comprehensive measures to ensure a secure and supportive environment for all participants. Our dedicated staff members undergo extensive training in first aid, CPR, and wilderness safety protocols, with several team members certified as Wilderness First Responders. This specialized training equips our staff to handle medical emergencies, minor injuries, and potential hazards that may arise during outdoor activities.
In addition to our highly trained staff, we adhere to strict safety protocols that include regular equipment checks, thorough risk assessments of our activity areas, and emergency response plans tailored to various scenarios and locations. Our campers are always under supervision during all activities, with a low camper-to-counsellor ratio to ensure personalized attention and swift assistance when needed.
We believe that proactive safety measures, ongoing staff training, and clear communication with campers and their families are essential components of a successful and enjoyable outdoor experience. By prioritizing safety at every level, we aim to instill confidence in our campers, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the adventure and learning opportunities that Wild Camp has to offer.
What Is The Camper-To-Counsellor Ratio At Wild Camp?
We maintain small group sizes and a low camper-to-counselor ratio to ensure personalized attention, safety, and a positive learning environment for all campers.
Is Transportation Provided To And From Wild Camp?
Yes, we offer the Wild Bus service for convenient transportation to and from Wild Camp. This service ensures safe and hassle-free travel for campers, allowing them to focus on enjoying their outdoor adventures.
What Are The Camp Hours?
Wild Camp operates from Monday to Friday, 9 to 4 with drop-off and pick-up times specified in the camp schedule. Extended care options are available for an additional fee.
Is Wild Camp A Peanut-Free Environment?
Yes, Wild Camp is a peanut-free environment to ensure the safety and well-being of all students with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Are Meals Provided At Wild Camp?
No, we do not offer a lunch and snack program at Wild Camp. Students are required to pack their own lunches, and it is essential that these meals are substantial and of high quality to support their nutritional needs throughout the day. We encourage families to prioritize healthy and balanced meals that align with our holistic approach to well-being and learning.
What Should Campers Bring To Wild Camp?
Campers should bring appropriate clothing for outdoor activities, including sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, and a backpack. A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration.
Is Previous Outdoor Experience Required To Attend Wild Camp?
No, previous outdoor experience is not required. Our knowledgeable and friendly camp counsellors provide instruction and support to help campers of all skill levels feel comfortable and confident participating in outdoor activities.
What Activities Are Offered At Wild Camp?
Wild Camp offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, canoeing, orienteering, camping skills, wilderness survival, nature exploration, team-building games, and hands-on projects. Each day is packed with exciting adventures and opportunities to learn and grow.
Who Can Attend Wild Camp?
Wild Adventure Camp is designed for children aged 4-12 who are eager to explore nature, learn new outdoor skills, and make lasting memories with friends. Our programs cater to various skill levels, from beginners to more experienced campers. We also offer an LIT program for teens between 13 and 17.
What Is Wild Camp?
Wild Camp is a dynamic outdoor summer camp experience offered by Wild School. It combines outdoor exploration, skill-building activities, and character development in a fun and supportive environment.