Vancouver Island Equipment Lists
Regular Program
Equipment:
- small backpack, water bottle, swimsuit, towel, hat, snack
- sunscreen, insect repellent
- sleeping bag and foamy if planning to sleep out on Tuesday night
- For children in the older groups (children who completed grade 5 or 6 prior to camp), a mountain bike in good working order is needed. Younger children may also want to bring their bike although it will not be part of their program. Helmets are required by law in British Columbia and are also required at camp. We strongly recommend that parents have bikes serviced in a bike shop, making sure that the brakes, gears, and tires are in good working order and have a spare tube and a repair kit. If your equipment does not appear safe, you will need to rent equipment or miss out on scheduled out-trips. Participants need to be familiar and comfortable with their bike.
Aventurier and Coureurs des Bois Programs
The following list is essential and should be considered a minimum. Please go through it with your child. They could be very uncomfortable if they forget any items. Programs are in the process of being developed and this list will be updated and confirmed in the spring.
Equipment:
- Mountain bike in good working order and capable of a 20 km or more bike trip. We strongly recommend that parents have bikes serviced in a bike shop, making sure that the brakes, gears, and tires are in good working order and have a spare tube and a repair kit. If your equipment does not appear safe, you will need to rent equipment or miss out on scheduled out-trips. Participants need to be familiar and comfortable with their bike, as the ride is long and sometimes hilly.
- Bike helmet
- Sleeping bag — good quality, warm but lightweight (nights are chilly along the water)
- Foam sleeping pad (comfort, but also an insulator between you and the cold ground)
- Small flashlight with extra batteries or a crank light
- Water bottle, unbreakable cup, bowl, plate, knife, fork, spoon
- Hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, sunglasses
- A backpack to pack gear in — large enough to hold all of your belongings
- Waterproof kayak bags (ie. Dry bags, NOT plastic bags, please buy or borrow, it’s just not fun if things like sleeping bags are wet when the kids get to camp)
- Life jacket (optional but if you have your own you may bring it if it is in good shape and approved)
Clothing:
- Rain gear or poncho — light weight and waterproof
- Long pants and shorts (1-2 pairs each)
- Swimsuit
- T-shirt, long sleeved sweater, fleece
- Wind breaker, toque, hat, mitts or gloves (yes! in case the weather gets very cool)
- Socks — at least 3 pair (wool*)
Footwear:
- Sturdy, well fitting runners or hiking shoes — broken in
- Sandals or watershoes for the water
Toiletries:
- Soap, shampoo, toothbrush / toothpaste, lip salve, small towel or facecloth, kleenex or toilet paper (remember — no fashion shows here, keep it simple)
- Medication, if needed
Other:
- Snacks, bandaids, juice boxes (nice to have but not essential)
* Wool is a natural insulator, and will keep you warm in an emergency, even when wet, so is a good choice for sweaters and socks. The option of layering up or down is something to keep in mind. Also kids, it isn’t a fashion show — opt for comfort and protection from the elements when hiking and kayaking. Listen to your mamas!
Les Créatifs
Teens in Les Créatifs may be off site for a one-night sleep-out. The following list contains some of the potential equipment needed when off-site and should be considered a minimum.
Equipment:
- Large backpack and/or waterproof boat bag, garbage bags to pack gear in (the gear is transported to the campsites for the kids)
- Warm sleeping bag and waterproof sleeping pad
- Water bottle, unbreakable cup, bowl, plate, knife, fork, spoon
- Small flashlight
- Waterproof kayak bags (ie. Dry bags, NOT plastic bags, please buy or borrow, it’s just not fun if things like sleeping bags are wet when the kids get to camp)
Footwear:
- Good quality running shoes or hiking boots, broken in
- Water shoes or old runners for in the water
- Socks, at least 2 pairs
Clothing:
- Rain gear or poncho — light weight and waterproof
- 1-2 pairs of long pants, shorts, 2 t-shirts, sweatshirt or fleece, bathing suit, towel, sun hat, toque and mitts or gloves (in case it gets rainy or cool)
Toiletries:
- Small towel, wash cloth
- Medication
- Personal toiletry items, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, lip salve, bug spray, Kleenex or toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet-ones
- Band aids, juice boxes, snacks (nice to have but not essential)
When Les Créatifs are on site, the following will be required daily:
- small backpack, water bottle, swimsuit, towel, hat, snack
- sunscreen, insect repellent
Program specific materials information will be sent out with registration materials.