Give Your Child an Unforgettable Summer
Summer Camp and Leader In Training Programs
Explore Part Time Programs
Make this Summer Unforgettable!
Get ready for an epic summer camp for ages 4-11 that combines experiential learning with outdoor adventure through canoeing, hiking, bushcraft, teambuilding, journaling, and mentorship.
About Summer Camp and Leader In Training Programs
What is the WILDE Yukon Summer Camp?
Imagine an outdoor summer camp that mixes boatloads of fun with experiential learning and adventure activities!
In small groups led by enthusiastic instructors, we focus on skills and leadership development through outdoor adventures.
We cultivate the next generation of changemakers who lead with empathy, courage, and ecological awareness.
For Campers Ages 4 - 11
We are an outdoor school that runs a camp, so staying true to our nature means our camp is a place for growth and development in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Our core activities include hiking, canoeing, leadership, team building, literacy and bushcraft.
We run wild in the forests, mountains and lakes, developing happy, self-confident and skilled adventurers.
*Note: 4-year-old campers must be entering Kindergarten in September
For Leaders in Training Ages 12 - 15
The Leader In Training program is ideal for young aspiring leaders looking to immerse themselves in an environment where they can gain foundational leadership skills in a summer camp setting.
Youth need challenging opportunities to develop confidence and responsibility. These programs help them become more confident and comfortable outdoors and prepare LITs to be leaders in school, community, and the world.
How does WILDE Camp Work?
Structure:
- 9 Weeks of Camp
- Each week alternates between two distinct themes
- Weeks 1-3-5-7-9 Wetland Wanderers
- Weeks 2-4-6-8 Eco-Trekkers
Wetland Wanderers
Make new discoveries in a Yukon wetland and become inspired to learn more. Wetland Wanders week delves deep into pond studies. Included in this week are WILDE Camp’s favourite forest games, canoeing, art, bushcraft, journals, Camper Awards and much more.
Eco-Trekkers
Are you ready for a forest adventure? Eco-Trekkers week lands campers squarely in the pristine boreal forest, where kids belong, and inspires them to deepen their knowledge of the plants and animals that call it home. Included in this week are WILDE Camp’s favourite forest games, canoeing, art, bushcraft, journals, Camper Awards and much more
Dates:
- Week 1 June 22-26 Wetland Wanderers
- Week 2 June 29-July 3 Eco-Trekkers
- Week 3 July 6-10 Wetland Wanderers
- Week 4 July 13-17 Eco-Trekkers
- Week 5 July 20-24 Wetland Wanderers
- Week 6 July 27-31 Eco-Trekkers
- Week 7 August 3-7 Wetland Wanderers
- Week 8 August 10-14 Eco-Trekkers
- Week 9 August 17-21 Wetland Wanderers
- WILDE Camp is open 5 days/week every week, **including on statutory holidays. **
Location:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays: 18 Metropolit Lane, Whitehorse, Yukon
- Wednesdays: Chadburn Lake Canoeing, Whitehorse, Yukon
Drop-off & Pick-Up Times
- **AM 8:45-9:00 **
- PM 4:00-4:15
Leader in Training Program Details
The LIT program is made up of two components: the LIT Training Week and a minimum 2-week commitment of LIT experience with WILDE Camp.
This program is designed to provide LITs with the skills and experience that they need to succeed and grow as young leaders. Not only are they exposed to extensive skills and professional resources, but they are also allowed to practice and hone these skills while being mentored by leading professionals in the field.
This is a great program for youth with an interest in guiding, teaching or working with children. LITs may sign up for a maximum of 4 weeks.
Dates:
- Mandatory training days: June 14-19
- + minimum of 2 weeks of LIT Service throughout the summer
LIT Price:
$559.00 for the whole program
LIT Training Week
What to expect:
- RCABC Lakewater Leader Certification
- First Aid experience
- Outdoor group leadership training
- Wilderness survival skills (navigation, fire lighting, knot tying, shelters)
- Risk management 101
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) training
LIT 2+ Week Service
What to expect:
- Valuable, real-life experience leading groups
- Mentorship from a variety of leading professionals
- Skill practice and development
- Canoeing and wilderness experience
- Teaching practice in a group youth setting
- Bridge the experience gap and help your child prepare for a summer job
- Great references on your resume
Being Prepared
Gearing up for summer camp is a lot like gearing up for a school field trip. Dress for the weather, and pack a full water bottle, a healthy snack and lunch.
You will receive an email prior to your week of camp with a reminder about your registration and more specific information about what to pack.
All canoe gear, including PFDs and paddles, are provided.
Please send your camper with the following gear each day:
- Child-sized backpack
- Full water bottle (we have more water on site for refills)
- Lunch and snacks for an active day
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- Raincoat and rain pants as the forecast dictates
- Warm layer (fleece sweater) for chilly mornings
- Running or hiking shoes (no open-toed shoes or crocs please)
ADDITIONAL GEAR FOR COLD/RAINY DAYS: toque, mitts, neck warmer, additional warm layers.
A warm and dry camper is a happy camper! Please set your child up for success at camp by sending them with the appropriate clothing based on the weather.
FAQs about Summer Camp and Leader In Training Programs
A lot of young people this age are starting to think about their first job. It's a massive step to go from being a camper or simply taking the summers off to taking on a summer job and having expectations as a paid employee! The LIT program is the ultimate bridge program. LITs learn vital leadership skills such as communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, facilitation and more. All under the gentle guidance of the camp director and camp staff. LITs get feedback through the program, and mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. LITs often form new friendships with other like-minded young leaders in a healthy, screen-free environment.
This program is for aspiring leaders, so no previous leadership experience is necessary. You can assess if your child is ready for this by asking them a few key questions such as; Do they enjoy working with younger kids? Do they like being outside during the summer break? Did they like summer camp when they were campers? Do they see themselves working at a summer camp someday? Do they enjoy being physically active and doing things that are sometimes physically challenging? If they answered yes to most of these questions, then it's probably a good fit for them.
WILDE School of Yukon's summer camp is inspired by research and based on decades of experience possessed by our staff. After a week of summer camp your child will walk away with new skills, a deeper connection to and understanding of nature, and inspired for more. We approach summer camp as an opportunity to learn and grow and not merely a week of childcare because school is on break. Once your child turns 12 they can transition from a camper to LIT and potentially even summer camp instructor and have a paying summer job. There is an opportunity for growth within the WILDE School family of programs.
No. What they need is similar to what they would pack for a school field trip. A backpack, water bottle, lunch, hat, raincoat etc.
Our summer camp director is a certified teacher and canoe instructor with over a decade of summer camp experience.
Summer camp staff have a passion for the great outdoors and are gifted at getting children equally stoked. All staff have canoe certification, first aid training and an RCMP vulnerable sector check.
Our staff are trained specifically for these situations and are experts at helping young children feel comfortable, participate in activities, and make new friends.
- Hike
- Canoe
- Teambuilding activities
- Nature-based activities
- Journaling
- Art activities
"I love canoe days the best. Our leaders make everything feel exciting, and I'm not scared of trying new things anymore."
Adam
Student
Experience Summer Camp and Leader In Training Programs
Give Your Child an Unforgettable Summer