Vernon, the second largest city in British Columbia’s Okanagan region, offers a wide variety of indoor, outdoor and family-friendly activities all year-round for residents and visitors alike. It’s a great place for kids to grow up with a love for the outdoors and have exposure to fun and educational growth opportunities. Day camps, which are child-focused programs outside of school that operate during the day, give kids the opportunity for social development, hands-on learning, and outdoor adventure. Here is our overview of Vernon BC day camps. Read on, explore your options, and make plans for fun and learning!
Types of Day Camps Available in Vernon
There are a variety of day camp programs available in Vernon and the surrounding area. Here we will break them down into categories of interest.
STEM and Educational Camps:
Okanagan Science Centre (that’s us!): Explore our day camps with science-focused educational themes including robotics, chemistry, space, dinosaurs, insects–and more! These camps operate on Pro-D days throughout the school year, over Spring Break in March, and over the summer.
Camp OC (Okanagan College): Camp OC offers a variety of safe, educational and fun day camp programs for kids entering grades 1 - 9. Inspired and kid-friendly themes include lego robots, energy, mad scientist, and mysteries of the universe. At Camp OC, there’s a day camp for every kid!
Outdoor Adventure Camps:
Allan Brooks Nature Centre: This nature-focused nonprofit offers 4-day long day camps in July and August for a variety of age groups. Children will spend time outside and learn about nature, the local ecosystem and wildlife while also enjoying games and crafts.
City of Vernon - Vernon Recreation Centre and Lakers Clubhouse: The city’s parks and recreation division operates day camps for kids throughout the summer from the Vernon Recreation Centre and the Lakers Clubhouse (located close to Lakeshore Park and Beach). Kids will enjoy games, activities and crafts outdoors during the warm Vernon summer!
Sports and Recreation Camps:
The Rock Garden Climbing Centre: This local indoor climbing centre offers 3-day long camps that encourage kids to build their wall climbing skills with fun and engaging bouldering and top roping activities. The kids will burn their energy, build strength, and learn a new skill!
North Okanagan Sailing Association: Ahoy, Vernon kids! Learn how to sail on Kalamalka Lake! North Okanagan Sailing Association (NOSA) offers a variety of day camp programs from a 3-day introductory program for kids ages 7-10 to advanced sailing programs for teenage youth. Participants can advance their skills and even participate in a local regatta!
North Valley Gymnastics Society: Kids who love gymnastics will enjoy these camps, and parents will appreciate the option between half and full day programs. Children will develop their gymnastics skills, enjoy exciting games, and have a blast!
Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics Club: Rhythmic gymnastics is an Olympic sport that combines athleticism and elegance. This club offers three levels of camp from fun to competitive and elite. This well-established program has been operating in Vernon since 1997.
Sundance Martial Arts: This martial arts-focused program also includes other fun activities on the day camp program including team sports (soccer, basketball, flag football), dance and tumbling. There’s a little something for everyone at this fun summer camp program!
Arts and Creativity Camps:
SODANCE Vernon: SODANCE offers both a full and half day camp over Spring Break. Dance styles include hip hop, ballet, jazz, musical theatre, jazz, acro and modern. They hope to provide an opportunity for children to enjoy artistic expression.
Center Stage Performing Arts Society: For children who enjoy being on stage, check out the summer programming available at Center Stage! Past camp themes include Moana and Wicked. Your kids can embark on a musical journey this summer!
Vernon Community Arts Centre: Art Camps range from 1 to 5 days, offering kids of all ages a chance to explore various art forms like painting, drawing, sculpture, fibre art, and more. Located in Polson Park (right beside us), the camp also takes advantage of outdoor creativity when weather permits.
Choosing the Right Day Camp
Choosing the right day camp for your child involves considering their interests, needs, and comfort level. Start by identifying their passions—whether they enjoy sports, arts, science, or outdoor adventures—so you can find a camp that aligns with their enthusiasm. This will help ensure they have a memorable and life-enriching experience. Next, evaluate the camp’s structure, staff qualifications, and safety measures to ensure a well-supervised and safe experience for your child. Considering the location, schedule, and cost are also important factors, especially if convenience and affordability are priorities. Reading reviews, speaking with camp directors or other parents, and even visiting the facility can provide insight into the environment and programming. Ultimately, the best choice is a camp where your child feels excited, engaged, and supported to be their best selves.
Planning for a Great Camp Experience
So you explored your camp options, registered your child or children, and now it’s time to send them off for their time at camp! Knowing what to pack and how to prepare your child will go a long way toward helping make sure they have a great camp experience. As a follow-up to registration, you may have received a suggested list of what to bring to camp. Generally speaking, most day camps recommend appropriate clothing and sun protection for the weather (rain gear, a sun hat, sunscreen, etc.) as well as a nut-free lunch and water bottle. Hot tip: make sure everything (and we mean everything) is labelled! It might be worth talking to your kids about what to expect at the camp so they feel prepared for the experience. This might include what it’s like to meet new friends, what they should expect with the daily program, and the new skills they might learn. Reviewing safety and supervision considerations with your child will help them feel secure as the day unfolds. (For example, who to talk to if they’re having trouble or where they should go in an emergency.) For a great day camp experience, a little bit of planning goes a long way!
Now It’s Time to Go to Camp!
With such a wide variety of day camp programming available for kids in the Vernon area, there’s truly something for everyone! We strongly recommend exploring your options early and often to secure the spots you need and avoid disappointment. Many summer camp programs open their registration after Spring Break, so mark your calendars and plan ahead!
Be sure to check out our spring break, Pro-D and summer camp program options at Okanagan Science Centre!