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YMCA Camp Elphinstone
YMCA Camp Elphinstone is located in British Columbia's beautiful sunshine coast, on the shores of Howe Sound. Our 144 acres of ocean front property provides unique opportunities to explore new ideas, new environments, and new people.
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Camp Introduction
Surrounded by natural rainforest, quiet creeks and rocky shoreline, group members can participate in numerous Outdoor activities. YMCA Camp Elphinstone has served as a destination point since 1907 and continues to be a meeting place many schools and groups. Our philosophy is to provide an environment to learn new skills and develop positive personal relationships. We strive to help create an experience for your group that will meet your goals.
Accommodation
Our facility can accommodate up to 400 people in residence with 2 types of lodging offered. Our cabins house 12 people and have a separate centrally located washroom facility; our lodges sleep 20-32 people, and have bathroom and shower facilities located within. All buildings are equipped with heat and electricity.
Food Services
YMCA Camp Elphinstone’s food services staff prepare appetizing, well-balanced and
nutritious meals. Meals are served family-style with a complete salad bar at both lunch and
dinner. Vegetarian (and other common dietary preferences/restrictions) options are always
available, and we are happy to accommodate any dietary needs.

Regular Meals at Camp Elphinstone include:

Breakfast
French Toast
Scrambled Eggs & Toast
Pancakes & Sausage		 Lunch
Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
Macaroni & Cheese
Chicken Caesar Pitas		 Dinner
Baked Chicken & Potatoes
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Lasagna

Special Dietary Needs:
We have experience in preparing food for most dietary restrictions (ie. Diabetes, celiac). Please let us know how we can help.
Health Care and First Aid
YMCA Staff are certified in Standard First Aid and CPR-C to handle first aid situations that
may arise. We have a health centre on site to accommodate any first aid needs. The school
has primary responsibility in dispensing medication to students who require medication during
their stay. Medical care is available at the Gibsons Medical Clinic or St. Mary’s Hospital in
near by Sechelt. Safety is stressed from the beginning to the end of your camp stay. In cases
of emergency, the parent or guardian will be notified as soon as the primary emergency
measures have been taken.
Outdoor Education Programs
Animal Game
This physically active simulation games helps students to understand environmental niches,
animal adaptations, and predator-prey relationships by role-playing the life of a herbivore,
omnivore, or carnivore. Students can view dramatically the dependence of an animal at the
top of the food pyramid on the lower-level animals, and how people and limiting factors, such
as disease, impact on natural ecosystems.

Archery
Our archery program focuses on skill development and personal accomplishment. Students
learn proper handling of equipment, technique and goal setting.

Art
A hands on art experience, focusing on major artists and their techniques. Students will gain
insight into the artists lives, and discuss key elements of the artist’s work. Students will then
mimic the art style portrayed by those studied. A variety of mediums are available and suited
to the artist of the day.

Canoeing
Students learn the basic parts and operations of a canoe with an emphasis on safety. Students
will be able to use their new found skills in the canoeing area, playing games and using new
strokes.

Discovery Hike
An interpretive and recreational hike of 1 to 6 km, the hike can be designed specifically to
meet your group’s objectives and needs. A focus may be on sensory awareness and
exploration of the outdoor environment. The hike also includes cooperative group challenges,
games, and interesting phenomena to capture the students interests the whole way.

Forest Study
An interpretive and recreational hike of 1 to 6 km, the hike can be designed specifically to
meet your group’s objectives and needs. The hike can also include cooperative group
challenges, initiative tasks and games.

High Ropes Course
The course involves 6 elements suspended 20-30 feet in the air and secured into poles in the
forest. The elements are designed to pose a variety of climbing and personal challenges.
Participants work at meeting personal goals and encouraging others to do the same.
Participants are secured in a climbing harness and belay system, which is in complete control
of the instructor. This activity takes 2 program blocks and requires a 1:10 ratio.

Kayaking
In beginner ocean kayaks, students learn the strokes necessary to maneuver their kayak.
Teamwork and safety are emphasized in this activity. Students will be able to use their
newfound skills on a short trip to a nearby island or around the cove.

Leadership Training
An interactive program designed to meet the needs of your group, focused on building teams
and friendships. Your group will participate in a number of group initiative tasks and thought
provoking exercises. Students will find themselves in new and challenging situations and learn
valuable skills in leadership.

Low Ropes Course
The Low Ropes course is a series of group problem solving activities focused on team
challenge and group dynamics. As they work toward a common goal, students learn the
importance of cooperation, communication, leadership, initiative and trust.

Outdoor Living Skills
Through exciting simulation experiences, participants will learn basic skills in the following
areas: fire lighting, shelter building, outdoor cooking, campsite selection, campsite
management, knots, wilderness safety and travel. The depth and extent to which these topics
are explored is dependent upon grade level and length of session.

Marine Beach Study
A study of marine wildlife in the sunshine coast area with a look at tidal zones, will give
students exploratory time for them to see and touch the creatures living in this community.
Students will play an interactive game while finding different creatures located on the beaches
of Elphinstone.

Taking a new Bearing (Orienteering/Compass Use)
Students will learn the necessary concepts of distance and direction. This hands-on
experience teaches students how to use a compass, including bearings, and interpreting maps. Students will have a chance to navigate from point to point along a specially designed course.

Team Building
Students will be engaged in cooperative, challenge activities that build confidence, teamwork,
and trust. Working together students increase their decision-making and problem-solving
skills, and heighten their abilities in conflict resolution, and communication.

Other Activities
Swimming, tennis, field sports, volleyball, basketball, fishing, capture the flag.

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