Summer Camp Guide

 Dear Parents/Guardians,

We look forward to welcoming your child at Wildwood Ecoforest. Wildwood is a unique demonstration ecoforest within the traditional territories of the Stz’uminus, Snuneymuxw and Snaw-Naw-As Coast Salish First Nations. It is cared for by the Ecoforestry Institute (EIS), and the day camp will be facilitated by naturalists from EIS. Our camps are inclusive and safe for all genders and identities.

Prepare for Your Visit

Before Your Day Camp

  • Review the Summer Camp Etiquette with your child:

    • Please stay on designated trails. It’s easy to get lost if you haven’t been to Wildwood before.

    • Do not pick or collect any plant material unless directed by naturalists to do so.

    • Please leave sticks, logs, and other natural materials as you find them. 

    • Pack out what you pack in - do not leave litter behind after your visit! That includes apple cores and other organics.

    • Listen to instructions from the naturalists - they know the plan for the day and how to keep everyone safe.

    • Treat your fellow campers with kindness! We are all here to have fun.

  • Get excited!

The Day of Your Day Camp

  • Ensure your child has sufficient food and water and appropriate clothing and footwear. More on this below.

  • Please arrive no earlier than 8:50. Naturalists use time before camps to get set up and are not able to watch your child any earlier than 8:50.

  • Communicate to the naturalist doing sign-in who will be picking your child up, and if it needs to be earlier than 2:00.

  • Running early late? Please text or call a naturalist if your arrival time changes.

Safety and Supervision

Behavior

Our naturalists are experienced in working with children and are prepared to help with a variety of needs. Please let us know when registering if your child has additional needs or accommodations so that we can make sure they have the best camp experience possible.

Wildwood camps are inclusive and welcoming of all identities, and bullying will not be tolerated. If bullying continues after a one-on-one discussion with a naturalist, calls will be made to parents/guardians to pick up their child.

First Aid

The Education Team is trained in basic first aid and has access to a first aid kit. Groups will carry Primary Parent/Guardian and Emergency Contact info while the camp is running.

What to Bring

Weather and Safety

Our programs are designed to be an immersive outdoor experience and will proceed in rain or cold weather. We ask that all children come prepared and dressed for the elements. Our team is expert at keeping children engaged and active, regardless of the weather!

Please apply sunscreen to your child before drop off and supply them with a tube so that they can reapply throughout the day. Bug spray is recommended, but optional.

Clothing and Footwear

Students should dress in layers appropriate for the weather, including rain gear and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and running outdoors. Hiking boots or running shoes are ideal. It is always a few degrees cooler in the forest than in the city. Please note that we will be outdoors for the entire field trip.

Water and Food

Students must bring a water bottle and a pocket snack, and lunches should be packed so that students can carry them in a backpack.

Note: There is no running water on site. Children must come to camp with a full water bottle.

Our Facilities

Restrooms

There are two outhouses, including one that is wheelchair accessible.

Cellphone Service

Please note that there is very spotty cell service and no Wi-Fi on-site or in the surrounding area.

Accessibility

We want all students to be able to participate fully in our programs. Our camp involves walking a 1km forest trail with two steep hills.

Please let us know in advance if there is anything we should be aware of to support your students. For more information, visit our our Accessibility page.

How to Get Here

Wildwood is located at 2929 Crane Rd, Ladysmith, BC.

Drive through the entry gate and park in the small gravel parking area just inside the gate. Continue on foot towards the Visitor Centre and Education Platform where the naturalists will be waiting for you.

Questions?

Feel free to reach out at education@ecoforestry.ca. We are looking forward to fun summer days with your child!