VanDusen Nature Camps
VanDusen’s camps are immensely popular and sell out quickly. Our carefully crafted blend of science, exploration, games and crafts gives children the opportunity to learn and play throughout the beauty of VanDusen Botanical Garden, while fostering positive stewardship of the environment. Days are spent almost entirely outdoors with access to indoor and covered spaces available in extreme weather.
Our outdoor camps create a unique learning experience tailored for children ages 5-10. Please note that all campers must be at least 5 years old and have completed or currently be attending kindergarten.
Pro-D Camps
Pro-D Camp Fees:
| VBGA Members | $65.70 per day |
| Non-Members | $73 per day |
Pro-D Camps at VanDusen Botanical Garden take place entirely outdoors and require children attending to be at least 5 years of age on the date of the program and have completed or currently be attending kindergarten.
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+-September 22nd: Awesome Artists SOLD OUT
Date: Friday, September 22nd
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pmFrom bright colours and clever patterns to unique structures and art that changes with time, campers will find art in hidden in nature, express themselves through a take-home nature craft, and explore the Artists for Conservation exhibitors visiting that day!
SOLD OUT
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+-October 20th: Darling Decomposers SOLD OUT
Date: Friday, October 20th
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pmDiscover the tiny world under our feet – decomposers, detritivores, and micro-organisms oh my! Campers will search out some of the Garden’s most popular decomposers and their role in local food webs. End the day by indulging in a tasty “dirt” treat as you dig into how healthy soil is made.
SOLD OUT
Join the waitlist -
+-November 24th: Nature's Navigators SOLD OUT
Date: Friday, November 24th
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pmVanDusen is teeming with surprises and riddles around every corner, and only you can help! Campers will solve a scavenger hunt, learn basic navigation skills, and create their own map to a mysterious treasure – whether they’re discovering the Garden for the first time or know all of its twists and turns, they are in for an adventure!
SOLD OUT
Health & Safety Measures
Our Camps follow any current guidelines and recommendations from the BCCDC, Vancouver Coastal Health, WorkSafeBC, and the BC Ministry of Health.
Current Measures:
- Staff and volunteers may wear masks at their own discretion and will welcome any campers and families who choose to wear one. Disposable masks are available upon request.
- Tabletops and similar surfaces in camp spaces are cleaned and disinfected daily and as needed.
- Our planning approach ensures that games, crafts, and activities can all be done outdoors, as camps operate rain-or-shine; this means campers will be asked to carry backpacks out in the Garden for up to 15 minutes at a time.
- Campers will have access to and be encouraged to use outdoor porta-potties and handwashing stations to decrease congestion around shared indoor washrooms (though still available).
- We are unable to provide 1-to-1 care for campers; please contact us to discuss further details if your child requires concentrated support or an aide.
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+-Adaptations
- Masks are no longer mandatory in all indoor public spaces in alignment with updates to the public health orders issued by the Provincial government. You are welcome to keep wearing masks, depending on your level of comfort.
- Masks are highly recommended for staff and volunteers working directly with participants.
- Camp planning ensures that games, crafts, and activities can all be done outdoors as Camps take place almost entirely outdoors as it is the safest place to be; this means campers will be asked to carry backpacks for up to 10 minutes at a time.
- Increased emphasis on hand hygiene and physical distancing; reduction of shared materials.
- Increased cleaning and sanitation in camp spaces and of camp materials in accordance with the VGBA’s COVID-19 Health, Safety and Sanitation Policy.
- Campers will have access to outdoor porta-potties and handwashing stations to decrease use of shared indoor washrooms (still available but limited).
- We are unable to provide 1-on-1 support for participants at this time due to the current program format – please contact us for more information.
Please consider these changes when determining if our programs are the right fit for your child.
Cancellation Policy
If you would like to cancel your registration, please provide a written request at least three weeks (21 days) in advance of the start of the program(s) to nfriedmann@vandusen.org. If we receive the request with the required notice and are able to fill the spot, we will provide a refund minus a $15 administrative fee. If we receive the request with the required notice and are unable to fill the spot, we will provide an equivalent credit to be used in future programs, valid for 365 days.
No refunds or credits (either complete or partial) will be issued for the following:
- Requests made with less than three weeks’ (21 days’) notice.
- Requests made over the phone, by voicemail, or in person.
- Expulsion due to disruptive/unsafe behaviour or inappropriate fit for program, or similar.
- Absence from a program due to illness or COVID-19 symptoms, family matters, injury, travel, or similar.
- Individual COVID-19 regulations, as mandated by the Federal and Provincial governments
Program cancellation by the VBGA due to Public Health Restrictions will result in education program credit equivalent to the value lost.
Camp Bursaries
The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association is pleased to provide bursaries for families in financial need.
Bursaries are available on a limited basis for all camps programs. Please indicate which date/theme/cohort you would like covered under the bursary when you submit the application form by email.
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+-Applications
The VBGA’s mission is to connect people with plants and we believe all children should have the opportunity to experience nature-based camps regardless of family circumstance or income.
Apply for a bursary here or contact nfriedmann@vandusen.org or 604-257-8443 for more information.
Here's what parents have to say about our camps!
“Excellent protocols, best of any camp of school we attended.”
“This summer it was wonderful for him to have time to socialize and play with other kids – he has some good social distance games he can now share with friends.”
“This camp has ignited a spark – that it’s cool to be interested in nature, and all that’s in it.”
“My child gained an appreciation for plants, nature, and relationships humans have with nature.”
“The leaders were enthusiastic, professional and caring, and got to know my child really quickly.”
Contact Us
For camp-related inquiries, please contact Natasha Friedmann (Youth Programs Assistant Manager) at nfriedmann@vandusen.org or call 604-257-8443.