Camp Descriptions: SUMMER 2026

Description: Girls* Rock is designed to facilitate learning and conversations about wellness, self-compassion, and empowerment. The goal is to help participants feel more confident and excited about leading fulfilling and balanced lifestyles. Campers will explore topics in a variety of ways, such as artistic activities, active games, team challenges, and reflection. Instructors should be prepared to create and uphold a safe and inclusive environment where campers can build their self-confidence and self-worth. 

*This camp was created for young girl campers but does welcome any young camper who is passionate about these topics.

Girls Rock will be alternating with JR Leadership. To maintain consistent scheduling, the Girls Rock staff team will also be the JR Leadership team so staff should be comfortable working with large age range. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: June 29-July 3 (no Camp on July 1st) | August 4-7 | August 24-28

Staff Qualities

• Passionate about self-compassion and building confidence in young people
• Prepared to facilitate age-appropriate discussions about self-confidence and healthy living

Description: Junior Camp is a recreation-based program centered around creative crafts and activities designed for our youngest campers. During a typical day, the campers alternate between the classroom, recreational spaces, and outdoors. Each week typically has a different theme, e.g. Insects and Bugs, Under the Sea, Fairytale, etc. and staff are encouraged to adapt activities and lessons to fit the themes and the interests of the campers.  

Time: Camp in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM 

Dates: June 29 - September 4, Monday-Friday (excluding Canada day on July 1st and BC Day on August 3rd)

Staff Qualities: 

• Creative and ready to adapt to each group's interests and abilities
• Comfortable working with Kindergarten age group 

Description: Mountain Madness is an introduction to outdoor and survival skills, and is intended to help campers develop an appreciation for the environment. There are two age groups for this camp which will alternate weeks throughout the summer, so staff should be comfortable working with campers aged 7-11. In the past, staff have incorporated topics they were passionate about, such as local wildlife and plant identification, basic orienteering, shelter building, etc. This camp is outdoors in all-weather so staff should come prepared with appropriate weather gear. This camp frequently does short hikes over to Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area and staff are encouraged to use that area to plan activities and games as well. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: June 29 - September 4, Monday-Friday (excluding Canada day on July 1st and BC Day on August 4th)

Staff Qualities: 

• Passionate about outdoor activities and the environment
• Basic knowledge about outdoor skills
• Comfortable leading short group hikes with up to 30 campers (with additional staff and volunteer support)

Description: Climbing Camp runs half-day programs throughout the summer. Climbing Camp staff are often also scheduled to work in Post-Care Climbing.

Rock N Rope (7-11yrs): This half-day camp is designed for new and young climbers, covering the fundamentals of climbing. Climbers will learn essential safety skills necessary for a secure and exciting climbing experience. This camp will familiarize climbers with knots and harnesses, and introduce footwork, body positioning, and balance techniques. These skills will serve as a solid foundation for new climbers, boosting confidence and encouraging climbers to tackle a wide variety of climbing routes! Program curriculum is designed to be repeatable for climbers who are too young or not quite ready to take the Beyond Belay camp.

Beyond Belay (9-12yrs): This half-day camp is ideal for climbers who have a foundation with climbing basics and are ready to take their climbing skills to the next level. Designed for climbers who have already completed the Rock N Rope camp, or have previous knowledge of knot and harness safety, this program is focused on teaching young climbers to belay. Under the supervision of experienced instructors, participants will learn to securely manage the ropes, provide a controlled descent, and become a trusted climbing partner. Additionally, lessons will continue to refine footwork, body positioning, and balance.

Times: Camps in session 12:30PM - 3:30PM. Possibility to extend shift until 5:15pm to cover Post Care Climbing. 

Dates: 

Rock N Rope: July 6-10 | July 13-17 | July 20-24 | July 27-31 | August 10-14 | August 24-28

Beyond Belay: July 20-24 | August 17-21

Staff Qualities:

• Minimum 1 year indoor/outdoor climbing experience
• Top-Rope Belay Certification
• Able to adapt activities and teaching methods for varying skill and confidence levels

Description: Multi Sport (previously Outdoor Sports) is a indoor and outdoor camp that includes a variety of traditional and non-traditional sports. There are two age groups for this camp which will alternate weeks throughout the summer, so staff should be comfortable working with campers aged 7-11. Activities and weekly lessons can include soccer, basketball, volleyball, and flag football. New for 2026, Multi Sport wll also have two Climbing Wall sessions during the week. The camp’s primary goal is to expose campers to a range of sports and activities, and foster an appreciation for physical activity, sportsmanship, and teamwork. A typical day includes warm-up exercises, sport and skill development, and various recreation games, such as Capture the Flag or Everybody’s It Tag.

Times: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: June 29 - August 28, Monday-Friday (excluding Canada day on July 1st and BC Day on August 4th)

Staff Qualities:

• Prepared to adapt activities to be more or less challenging in response to campers' skills and abilities
• Able to teach (or willing to learn and teach) the foundations to variety of sports
• Passionate about sports, movement, and active living

Description: Racquet Sports is an exciting new addition for Summer 2026! This camp aims to introduce campers to various racquet sports and the foundational knowledge and skills for each one. Possible sports included could be Badminton, Pickleball, Ping Pong and even a little bit of Tennis. A typical day will include warm up activities, skill development, skill practice, and recreational game. 

Racquet Sports AM & PM, will alternate most weeks with Tennis AM & PM. To maintain consistent scheduling, the Tennis staff team will also be the Racquet Sports team.

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 11:30AM | 12:30PM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM 

Dates: 
(AM) July 20-24 | July 27-31 | August 17-21

(PM) July 6-10 | July 13-17 | August 4-7 | August 10-14

Staff Qualities

• Prepared to adapt lessons to be more or less challenging in response to campers' skills and abilities
• Comfortable working with whole range of ages 
• Foundational understanding of some Racquet Sports and be able to participate in teaching and playing (coaching certification is an asset but not required)

Description: Tennis camp aims to introduce elements of Tennis and physical literacy to children and youth, and includes a variety of recreation-based activities and games. The primary sport is intended to be Tennis, however there is the possibility to include more racquet-sports, depending on Instructor and camper skill level. A typical day will include warm up activities, skill development, skill practice, and recreational games. This camp is not intended to act as complete tennis lessons for campers. 

Tennis AM & PM, will alternate most weeks with Racquet Sport AM & PM. To maintain consistent scheduling, the Tennis staff team will also be the Racquet Sports team.

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 11:30AM | 12:30PM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM 

Dates: 
(AM) July 6-10 | July 13-17 | August 4-7 | August 10-14 | August 24-28

(PM) June 29-July 3 | July 20 - 24 | July 27-31 | August 17-21 | August 24-28

(excluding Canada day on July 1st and BC Day on August 4th)

Staff Qualities

• Prepared to adapt lessons to be more or less challenging in response to campers' skills and abilities
• Comfortable working with whole range of ages 
• Foundational understanding of Tennis and be able to participate in teaching and playing (coaching certification is an asset but not required)

Description: Chemistry Camp will provide a dynamic learning experience for any young scientist. This camp is broken down into smaller age groups that rotate throughout the summer so you can expect to have a variety of group ages throughout the summer. Campers will be introduced to various chemical concepts such as forensic science, states of matter, chemical kinetics and enzymatic activity. Lessons are taught through dynamic lessons, guided experiments, and hands-on demonstrations.  Activities have included making slime, holding fire, custom-made lava lamps, and crime scene investigations. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: June 29 - August 28, Monday-Friday (excluding Canada day on July 1st and BC Day on August 3rd)

Staff Qualities: 

• Prepared to adapt lessons and activities to be more or less challenging in response to campers' knowledge and abilities
• Comfortable working with range of ages (7-12 years old)
• Foundational knowledge of Chemistry concepts 

Description: Dive into a week of language, culture, and fun at our Chinese Language Summer Camp! Kids explore beginner Mandarin through games and role play, then jump into hands-on cultural activities like dumpling making, Kung Fu, calligraphy, and traditional Chinese games. With sports, crafts, and a final showcase to celebrate their new skills, this immersive camp builds confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.

This camp is offered in partnership with SFU's Department of World Languages and Literature

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 6-10 (7-9YRS) | July 20-24 (10-12YRS)

Staff Qualities:

• Functional proficiency in the relevant language (Chinese)
• Knowledge of the traditional and contemporary culture of the target language

This camp is an introduction for ELL/ESL students to an English-speaking environment. Campers will be encouraged to practice English while engaging in language-orientated activities in the classroom, recreation time, and around SFU Burnaby Campus. Language activities can include daily journals, vocabulary practice, and conversational skits.

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 6-10 | July 13-17 | July 20-24 | July 27-31 | August 10-14 | August 17-21

Staff Qualities:

• Comfortable working with older campers and facilitating team environments
• Additional languages are an asset 
• Familiar with the SFU Burnaby campus 

Description: Engineering Camp will provide the building blocks for mini engineers. This camp is broken down into smaller age groups that will rotate throughout the summer. Therefore, Instructors should anticipate to scale-up and down their lessons according to the week's age group. Campers will be introduced to various facets of engineering through a fun and interactive activities, lessons, and challenges. Last year, popular activities included egg drops, bridge-building, and seismic lessons. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: June 29 - August 28, Monday-Friday (excluding Canada day on July 1st and BC Day on August 3rd)

Staff Qualities: 

• Prepared to adapt lessons and activities to be more or less challenging in response to campers' knowledge and abilities
• Comfortable working with range of ages (7-12 years old)
• Foundational engineering knowledge

Description: Inspired by children’s books from around the world, create your own forest story. Combining nature walking, storytelling, and book making, this camp will guide campers in writing and illustrating their own unique forest story. At the end of the week, campers will take home a book they made themselves as a keepsake. Physical activities and outdoor time such as hiking are included. This camp is offered in partnership with SFU's Department of World Languages and Literature

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 6-10 | July 27-31

Staff Qualities: 

• Prepared to adapt lessons and activities to be more or less challenging in response to campers' knowledge and abilities
• Background in literature-related fields, World Literature major/minors preferred
• Familiarity with children's literature across cultures, genres, and historical periods

Description: At our Japanese Language and Culture Camp, campers will start each day learning basic Japanese, including greetings, self-introductions, classroom phrases, and the first set of Hiragana letters. Afternoons are packed with playful cultural activities—from singing a traditional children’s greeting song and creating origami name tags, to playing the Hiragana card game and joining in energetic games like Don Jankenpon. Campers will also enjoy watching popular Japanese animations to see Japanese language and culture in action. This immersive camp makes language learning fun while introducing kids to Japanese traditions, creativity, and play! 

This camp is offered in partnership with SFU's Department of World Languages and Literature

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 27-31 (7-9YRS) | July 13-17 (10-12YRS)

Staff Qualities:

• Functional proficiency in the relevant language (Japanese)
• Knowledge of the traditional and contemporary culture of the target language

Description: JR Leadership will give pre-teen campers the opportunity to learn and practice problem solving, teamwork, and collaboration through games, challenges, and other fun-filled group activities. This is a great option for campers that are too young for our Leadership camp but passionate about developing their leadership skills. Head Instructors will plan activities that are fun and engaging that also incorporate components of Leadership. This camp is intended to be an introduction to leadership skills through hands-on learning and practice. 

JR Leadership is will be alternating with Girls Rock. To maintain consistent scheduling, the JR Leadership team will also be the Girls Rock team so staff should be comfortable working with large age range. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 6-10 | July 13-17 | July 20-24 | July 20-24 | July 27-31 | August 10-14 | August 17-21 

Staff Qualities

• Experience with Leadership theory and team building activities
• Comfortable working with and motivating campers 9 years old and up
• Familiar with the SFU Camps Volunteer Program 

Description: Leadership is one of our camps for older participants. Campers will focus on developing leadership fundamentals using a combination of discussion-based activities, games, and presentations. Campers will practice skills they may use in school and everyday experiences such as public speaking, communication, and teamwork. The Head Instructor may choose to structure lessons on leadership theory, communication, collaboration, public speaking, and sympathy/empathy. Leadership camps do have sectioned levels from week to week (Levels 1, 2 & 3), so Instructors may have to alter their lesson plans accordingly. Advanced-level leadership camps learn higher complexity lessons while also getting practical experience in teaching and leading recreational games and activities to other camp cohorts on campus.  Leadership Training Camp is popular with teenagers interested in becoming a future SFU Camps Volunteer or Instructor.

Time: Camps in session 9:00AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: June 29 - August 28, Monday-Friday (excluding Canada day on July 1st and BC Day on August 3rd)

Staff Qualities

• Experience with Leadership theory and team building activities
• Comfortable working with and motivating campers 12 years old and up
• Familiar with the SFU Camps Volunteer Program 

Description: Science JR was created for young campers interested in scientific phenomena. Junior scientists will learn components from our three science camps and have the chance to conduct experiments and challenges to apply and further learning. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 6  - August 28, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 3rd)

Staff Qualities: 

• Foundational knowledge about at least two of the science topics (Engineering, Chemistry, STEM)
• Creative and able to adapt activities to match interest and capabilities of campers
• Experience working with kindergarten age group is a benefit

Description: STEM camp is a multi-disciplinary camp intended to introduce campers to the wonderful expansive world of STEM! Lessons can cover components of Engineering but will also focus on Technology, Math, and Sciences. This camp offers flexibility to the Instructors to teach what they are passionate about, e.g. coding, biology, equations, etc. Campers will explore concepts and lessons in the classroom and then have time to apply the knowledge in activities and challenges around campus. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: June 29 - August 28, Monday-Friday (excluding Canada day on July 1st and BC Day on August 3rd)

Staff Qualities: 

• Prepared to adapt lessons and activities to be more or less challenging in response to campers' knowledge and abilities
• Comfortable working with range of ages (7-12 years old)
• Foundational knowledge in at least one STEM topic
• Strong communication skills to work with other science staff to reduce overlap in activities 

Description: The Spanish Language Summer Camp is a playful, immersive one-week program for children to explore the Spanish language through songs, art, and games. Each morning focuses on language learning through movement, music, and stories, while afternoons are dedicated to hands-on cultural projects inspired by Hispanic traditions—making piñatas, learning dances, and playing traditional games like Doña Blanca, Los quemados, and rayuela. Throughout the week, campers work in teams to build and decorate colorful piñatas, culminating on Friday in the joyful Fiesta Hispana, where families are invited to see their children perform and celebrate as the piñatas are broken.

This camp is offered in partnership with SFU's Department of World Languages and Literature.

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 13-17 (7-9YRS) | July 20-24 (10-12YRS)

Staff Qualities:

• Functional proficiency in the relevant language (Spanish)
• Knowledge of the traditional and contemporary culture of the target language

Description: Post Care is a service we offer to parents & caregivers who require a later pick-up time. Post Care is typically held in a gymnasium and the staff and volunteers facilitate recreational games, crafts, and other activities for the campers. Post Care staff assist other camps or the programming team at the beginning of their shift and then move to Post Care after general camps sign-out.  

Time: Camps in session 3:30-5:30PM, typical staff shift 10:00AM - 6:00PM OR 2:00-6:00PM

Dates: June 29 - August 28, Monday-Friday (excluding Canada day on July 1st and BC Day on August 3rd)

Staff Qualities: 

• Able to commit to later start and end time
• Flexible and comfortable moving between different age groups, camps, and staff
• Demostrates initiative and is able to ask for tasks and/or help when needed