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

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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

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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

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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 time

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Whether it's Tunstall Bay or Bowen Bay, campers enjoy visits to the beach to relax, explore tide pools, go ocean kayaking, sailing, look for wildlife or simply hang out at the raft with friends. 

Campfires

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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.

hikes

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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!

Canoeing

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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

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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

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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.

duties

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An integral part of camp for everyone is contributing to the cleaning of camp after meals. All campers and staff work together to clean the dishes, clear the dining tables, and clean the wash house. Duties cultivates the strong community campers feel at camp.

Kayaking

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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

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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

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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

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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 Out trips

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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

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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

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Skills week campers will have the opportunity to hone down 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.