The Fun Awaits!
There’s no end to the fun and exciting activities we do here at Camp Bow-Isle. Most are right here at camp, but sometimes we go elsewhere on the island, or even take the ferry off the island for senior outtrips.
Rock Climbing
Our rock wall was just refinished and is set to accommodate climbing and rappelling for campers of all abilities and ages. Our older Junior campers will have the option to go rappelling on Gardener during the out trip, and Senior campers will have the opportunity to climb the granite faces of Shepherd’s rock, just a short hike from camp.
High Ropes Course
At Camp Bow-Isle, we have low ropes course elements, or initiatives, built all over camp for all ages. In addition, we have a high ropes course for older Junior, and Senior campers. Our ropes course enables campers to practice trusting each other and God as they strive to do their very best.
Archery
Available during all of our sessions, archery enables campers to practice accuracy, consistency and discipline. Once everyone has learned the proper way to use a bow and arrow, we offer archery during lake time most afternoons for those who want to practice their skills.
Beach Day
Everyone heads down to Tunstall Bay once a session for a day filled with sand, surf, and plenty of fun! It’s a great opportunity to relax and soak up the sun, explore tide pools, go ocean kayaking, or try your hand at sailing.
Campfires
Held once or twice each session, campfires include singing, games (aka challenges), being silly, and of course s’mores. Campfire night is something we all look forward to enjoying together.
Caveman Cookout
A highlight of our Junior sessions are caveman and cavewoman cookout! Everyone dons swimsuits and dresses up in ferns, moss and dirt from the forest floor ~ this is what summer camp is all about! Following an outdoor barbecue, we play silly games and take turns on the slip-and-slide.
Canoeing
Whether paddling on our lake, at Killarney (right down the road), or plying the salty waters of Howe Sound in the Big Red Canoe (room for 16!), campers will learn proper paddling strokes and boating safety throughout the session.
Crafts
This is the campers’ time to get creative painting rocks, weaving friendship bracelets, decorating cookies, or making nature prints. This is a great opportunity for them to make a personal souvenir or a special gift for a family member.
Group Games
Pirates & Cargo, Three Sticks, Kayak Polo, Lake Ball Spy-Catcher, Fugitive, Gaga ~ These are just a few of the games we play here at Camp Bow-Isle, and they are fun! We love playing games in the forest all over our property and on the great field by the lake.
Hikes
Can you picture a perfect Pacific NorthWest trail, surrounded by ferns, white alders, hemlocks, and huge cedars? Then you’re likely picturing one of our trails here on Bowen! Campers will participate in many age appropriate hikes during their time at camp, and we might even holler back and forth to one another from opposite peaks!
Kayaking
Camp Bow-Isle has a fleet of kayaks that are a terrific complement to the canoes on the camp lake. Campers learn kayaking skills individually, and then apply these skills during lake time, exciting games of Kayak Polo, and at Tunstall Bay on Beach Day.
Knot-Tying
Our progression of knots prepares campers for climbing activities (always checked by counsellors) and setting up a taut line on the out trip. Whether setting up a laundry line, or securing a load on a vehicle, knot tying is a great skill that campers can use in daily life.
Swimming
There’s nothing as refreshing as a dip in the lake on a hot afternoon! At the start of a session, campers are encouraged to take our swim test. Those who don’t pass, or choose not to participate, can still swim while wearing a lifejacket. Staff also wear lifejackets to encourage safety, and a certified lifeguard is always on duty.
STEM Activities
Each camper will participate in one to two age appropriate STEM challenges per session. They’ll learn fundamental physics principles while building water rockets, completing an egg drop challenge, or launching catapults on the field.
Junior Outtrips
Junior campers participate in a one-night backpacking trip on Bowen Island in close proximity to camp. They learn how and what to pack and leave no trace principles. They’ll cook dinner and breakfast on a camp stove and play games at their location. The next day they’ll participate in a longer age appropriate hike or get to try their hand at rappelling on real rock!
Senior Outtrips
Senior campers take their outtrips away from Bowen Island to explore more of BC. Seniors spend two or three days backpacking or ocean kayaking, and then one day doing a specialized activity such as zip-lining, horseback riding, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, or even surfing!
Skill Activities
Skills week campers will have the opportunity to the week honing two different skills that are paired together, such as cooking and mountain biking, crafting and climbing, woodworking and horseback riding, surfing and photography. Skills change yearly and are partially dependent upon the staff that apply.
