Question 1

Why go to The YES Camp?

Accepted Answer

The YES is a truly unique summer camp. We focus on developing a transformational community, strong friendships, and our staff and volunteers are passionate and dedicated role models for the youth who attend.

In addition to the many activities you may expect from other summer camps, such as a campfire, field games, canoeing and swimming, we also offer entertaining and engaging workshops focused on themes such as communication, self-awareness, and leadership. The Youth Excellence Society is focused on bringing out the best in everyone, and creating a safe and inclusive environment that empowers youth from all over BC.

Click here (https://www.theyes.ca/summer-camp)for more information on programming, and testimonials.(https://www.theyes.ca/testimonials)

Question 2

How much is The YES Camp?

Accepted Answer

The cost of the program in 2026 is $1,100.00 for one week. This fee is already subsidized by funding from BC’s Credit Unions. 
 
For more information on payments, please see our Camp Policies.(https://www.theyes.ca/camp-policies)

Question 3

Can my child sign up for more than one camp in a summer?

Accepted Answer

Please do not sign your child up for more than one week in a summer. If you do sign up for multiple weeks, we will be in touch to support the cancellation of one.

The reason why we do not accept multiple week registrations is to ensure that we leave space in our programs so as many other BC youth can attend. Secondly, when you leave one of our camps, a really strong community is formed and it may be challenging to step into an unformed group for another week. For these reasons, we kindly ask that you sign up for one camp/summer.

Question 4

Are there subsidies or sponsorships available?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have many sponsors from around BC who send youth from their membership or communities to camp each summer. To see a list of our sponsors, click here.(https://www.theyes.ca/finding-sponsorship) Each sponsor has a different process for selecting participants, so please get in touch with sponsors in your community to find out more.

The YES also offers subsidies to participants who require additional support due to financial hardship. In order to access partial subsidies, please fill out the form here.(https://www.theyes.ca/request-for-subsidy-form-1)

Question 5

My child is currently 13 years old.  Can they come to camp?

Accepted Answer

We accept 13 year old participants if they have finished Grade 8. If they are just finishing Grade 7, they will need to wait another year.

Question 6

Are you an accredited member of British Columbia Camping Association?

Accepted Answer

The YES is a volunteer based organization and as such is not eligible for BCCA accreditation. However, we do closely monitor BCCA standards and adhere to their policies wherever possible.

Question 7

What is the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to our Camp Policies (https://www.theyes.ca/camp-policies)for refunds. Please note that all camp cancellations are subject to a $75.00 non-refundable fee.

Question 8

How do I get a receipt for my payment?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t receive a copy of your receipt, please contact the office (javascript:void(0))to have one sent. The office can be reached by calling us at 604.960.1377 or e-mailing info@theyes.ca

Question 9

Where is the camp located?

Accepted Answer

The YES summer camp program currently operates out of the CLEC (Cowichan Lake Education Centre) located on Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island (for a map, click here)(https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Cowichan+Lake+Education+Centre/@48.8231457,-124.0986247,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x548f34b9dd9cd9e9:0x25eaed72a9694e76!8m2!3d48.8231422!4d-124.096436?shorturl=1). Learn about this location's beauty and benefits here.(https://www.theyes.ca/post/lake-cowichan) Our fall Reunion program is currently located at Loon Lake Lodge and Retreat Centre in Maple Ridge (for a map, click here)(https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Loon+Lake+Lodge+%26+Retreat+Centre/@49.3035097,-122.5901695,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x54842b170108fa39:0x85c64ea780b8e534!8m2!3d49.3035062!4d-122.5879809?shorturl=1).

Question 10

We live outside of British Columbia, can my child still come to The YES Camp?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We welcome youth from all provinces to join us.

Question 11

How should we best prepare for camp?

Accepted Answer

Take time to review all information concerning the week of camp including the typical day (https://www.theyes.ca/typical-day-at-the-yes)at camp and the camper code of conduct.(https://www.theyes.ca/camper-code-of-conduct) Feel free to browse our website and our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/YES.leadership.camp/)or check out this camp-inspired video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2EKkI7rBzo)by a past participant. If you would benefit from a conversation with a volunteer staff member or current participant, let us know (https://www.theyes.ca/contact)and we’d be happy to set something up. We also have a great blog post on home-sickness and camp preperation here.(https://www.theyes.ca/post/prepare-for-summer-camp)

Question 12

How many youth will be attending camp?

Accepted Answer

Week-long camps typically have between 50-70 youth with 15 staff members.

Question 13

How do you deal with homesickness?

Accepted Answer

Any participant experiencing homesickness will receive support and guidance from one of our skilled staff members. We also encourage that guardians prepare your child as much as possible for camp and take the steps to ease any concerns. Our experience is that if your child is having a good time and feeling secure, they will not need to call home during the week. It is helpful when parents and guardians don’t require that participants call home as it can sometimes encourage homesickness. You can learn more about how to support home-sickness here.(https://www.theyes.ca/post/prepare-for-summer-camp) 
 
Please refer to our Camp Policies (https://www.theyes.ca/camp-policies)for more information.

Question 14

Is this camp for particular types of youths?

Accepted Answer

The YES welcomes all youth to attend our programs. We receive youth from all types of backgrounds and from over 90 communities throughout BC. If you have particular needs or barriers, please be in touch, we’d love to talk to you about how to best include you in our programs.

The Youth Excellence Society

Below are answers to many of our frequently asked questions about The YES Camps. Please feel free to contact our office at 604-960-1377 or info@theyes.ca if you have further questions.