When I look back at my childhood here in the Fraser Valley, a big highlight was always attending summer day camps with my little brother.

Since mom worked full-time and was our sole caregiver, we spent a lot of time at different home-based daycares. Some were great, others on the questionable side of the spectrum, but day camp was always a welcome relief for all three of us when summer rolled around.

This was a chance for us to make new friends, swim, get creative with arts and crafts, play games and burn off lots of energy outdoors.

Now that I’m a mom with two wee Valley girls of my own, I’m always on the lookout for great programs and camps that my daughters might enjoy that aren’t far from home.

Choosing the right summer camp can be tough. With so many camps out here in the Fraser Valley, parents have to really dig through the s’moregasbord of options to find the best one for their family.

Camp types, activities, hours, cost, transportation, credibility of provider…oh my! These are just a few factors to consider.

Having worked at the Tong Louie Family YMCA before I became a mom, I know first-hand that they offer a wonderful selection of programs and camps that always fill up fast.

What I didn’t realize was that the YMCA of Greater Vancouver  has more than 20 day camp locations throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Sunshine Coast, as well as an overnight camp on the Sunshine Coast.

For my fellow Fraser Valley families, there are two excellent options worth considering close to home, including day camp at the Tong Louie Family YMCA and Outdoor Adventure Day Camp at Camp Southwind, which runs out of Camp McLean.

Here’s everything you need to know about these two local camps.

© Trevor Meier for YMCA of Greater Vancouver

1.Tong Louie Family YMCA Day Camp

Campers ages 5-12 spend fun-filled days doing activities like swimming, arts & crafts, sports and games. Campers also enjoy global education, literacy programming, hands-on science workshops and Play it Fair games that promote respect and cooperation. Find out more info HERE.

© The Apartment for YMCA of Greater Vancouver

2. Outdoor Adventure Day Camp at Camp Southwind (Camp McLean)

This action-packed camp provides kids ages 5-12 with a range of outdoor land and water-based programming that gets kids moving in the natural world. Activities include archery, forest games, canoeing, swimming and more. This camp is best suited to kids who love to try new things, challenge themselves, and for those who just can’t keep still! Campers have the option to stay overnight at camp one day of the week—they’ll enjoy a delicious dinner, traditional evening camp programming and games, along with a nutritious breakfast.

These two locations also offer complimentary before and after camp care (8-9am and 4-5pm) to help families who need a bit more time. Click HERE for more info.

Note: The YMCA offer some transportation routes.

Worried that camp is too costly? The YMCA of Greater Vancouver wants to make sure every kid can get to camp this summer by offering extended payment plans and a YMCA Financial Assistance program.

There’s also a promotion being offered for all camps. Register with a friend to save 10% on camp fees! 

The YMCA of Greater Vancouver has been offering camps to kids since 1907 and is committed to helping children and families reach their full potential by promoting healthy living and fostering belonging and connection.

Kids are active in these programs and encouraged to build connections and friendships with other campers.

For more information: gv.ymca.ca/camps

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are 100% my own. VM has the right to refuse reviews on products we don’t feel are a good fit for the blog or products and services we wouldn’t 100% recommend to our closest friends and family. We value the trust of our readership xo

Valley Mom