With our Parent and Guardian's Handbook, we've gathered information and helpful tips about summer day camps in one place.
- Choosing a day camp
- Registering for a day camp
- Camp charges, refunds, and financial assistance
- Inclusion support services
- What to expect
- Camp supervisor contact list
- Going to day camp: what to know
Choosing a Summer Day Camp in Saanich
Saanich offers hundreds of summer day camp options to help your campers create lasting summer memories, build friendships, and grow their skills, confidence, and abilities. Here’s what you need to know about our different camps:
- Saanich Neighbourhood Playground Program (SNPP) camps are our most affordable option. SNPP camps are offered at multiple convenient park locations throughout Saanich and operate outdoors, rain or shine. They offer professional, engaging supervision by Saanich staff and include many opportunities for imaginative, unstructured play. SNPP camps offer a payment plan option at the time of registration.
- Saanich Camps offer engaging programming in our recreation centres, local middle schools, and other Saanich spaces. Developed and facilitated by Saanich staff, these camps often use specialty facilities such as gymnasiums, pools, art studios, and more.
- Partner Camps are run by professional contracted operators at various Saanich locations, including our recreation centres. These camps often focus on skill-building and learning while also incorporating outdoor and indoor play and social time. Many of these camps have full and half-day options.
All SNPP and Saanich day camps observe the two summer statutory holidays, Canada Day, July 1, and BC Day, August 3. Some partner camps may still run operate on stat holidays. Please check the camp descriptions and dates.
Registering for Summer Day Camps
Remember, registration for summer day camps opens on April 8 at 6am.
#1 Tip: Before you register
Before registration day, complete the 2026 Summer Camp Participant Information Form, using barcode 159100.
Completing this form in advance will save you valuable time as it auto-populates for each camp you are registering for ensuring a quicker smoother process.
Tip: Create a wishlist
Use Saanich RecOnline’s wish list feature to make registration easier and faster. When you find a camp you’re interested in, click the heart icon to add it to your wish list. On registration day, your wish-listed camps will be in one place and ready to add to your cart!
Tip: Always join the waitlist!
Registration day will be busy, and some programs will fill quickly. If one of your camps is full, don’t be discouraged! Join the waitlist. Spaces often open before camp starts. You can also contact the camp supervisor for more specific information about any waitlists you’ve joined.
Tip: Ensure we have your correct phone number
We’ll call you if a waitlist space becomes available, so make sure your contact details are up to date in Saanich RecOnline (or call customer service at any Saanich recreation centre). Consider adding Saanich recreation centre phone numbers to your contacts so you don’t miss our call. In most cases, you will be given a deadline to respond.
Camp charges, refunds, and financial assistance
Understanding camp fees
Camp fees vary based on specialty themes, amenities and instruction. SNPP camps are our most affordable and offer a payment plan option. Costs of camps may also vary for shortened weeks due to statutory holidays.
Saanich Camps and Partner Camps are charged in full at the time of registration.
SNPP camps are charged in full unless the payment plan option is selected at the time of registration. Selecting this option splits the charges into three payments: one upon registration, one in May, and one in June.
Understanding our refund policy
We know that your plans can change. Refunds will be issued for withdrawal requests received and processed by Saanich recreation centre customer service (reception) staff no later than 12 noon, five calendar days prior to the camp start date.
Example: if camp starts on the following Monday, the deadline for withdrawal is 12 noon on the Wednesday prior.
Withdrawals after this deadline are accepted without a refund in accordance with our refund policy. Please contact customer service (not camp supervisors) with all withdrawal requests.
Financial assistance options
If financial assistance would help you cover program fees, please visit our website or email us at financialassistance@saanich.ca to learn more about options available to those who qualify.
The Saanich L.I.F.E. program assists individuals and families living on a low income in accessing recreation services and programs. Qualified clients receive two free weeks (every two years) of SNPP or Breakout Adventures camp for each child in their household. Children 5-18 also receive a $120 credit toward registration in any Saanich Recreation registered program (including camps).
Inclusion services for Summer Day Camps
Inclusion support for Summer Day Camps
At Saanich, we are proud to offer inclusion support in our summer day camps, ensuring all campers feel welcome, safe, and supported. Inclusion support helps children with developmental delays, disabilities, or behavioral challenges build confidence, form connections with others, and fully enjoy the summer camp experience.
Through the Spring and Summer Inclusion Grant from Island Health’s Supported Child Development Program, Inclusion Leaders support campers’ self-regulation, transitions, and participation through adaptations, accommodations, or with basic adaptive equipment. Support may be provided individually, in small groups, or shared.
Registration process
When registration opens, enrolling guardians may register for up to 4 weeks per camper using the inclusion barcodes listed below. We encourage you to join the waitlist if spaces are full. Inclusion spaces are limited; we recommend using the ‘Wishlist Feature’ on your RecOnline account and marking your calendars for April 8 at 6am to avoid disappointment.
Please note: We provide the most effective inclusion support when caregivers share all relevant information openly and collaborate with our team. For this reason, it is essential that caregivers provide accurate and complete details regarding health, behavior, and safety considerations.
| Inclusion Registration Barcodes | |
| Inclusion Week: | Barcode |
| Week 1: June 29-July 3* | 159996 |
| Week 2: July 6-10 | 159997 |
| Week 3: July 13-17 | 159998 |
| Week 4: July 20-24 | 159999 |
| Week 5: July 27-31 | 160000 |
| Week 6: August 4-7* | 160001 |
| Week 7: August 10-14 | 160002 |
| Week 8: August 17-21 | 160003 |
| Week 9: August 24-28 | 160004 |
| Week 10: August 24-September 4 | 160005 |
Note: Camp weeks containing * are 4 day weeks due to Stat Holidays of Canada Day July 1 and Civic Holiday August 3.
For more information, please contact inclusion support services by emailing inclusion@saanich.ca or by calling 250-475-5473.
Campers with significant allergies
Before camp begins, parents and guardians are asked to complete an Anaphylaxis Action Plan form for campers with allergies and an EpiPen. Campers with anaphylactic allergies must carry a non-expired EpiPen.
What to expect from Saanich Summer Day Camps
Enthusiastic, friendly, professional leaders
Our day camps feature leaders who are approachable, professional, and fun! Their mission is to help your camper have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
All Saanich staff, partners, and volunteers have undergone a Police Information Check, hold a current emergency first-aid certificate, and have received training on the District’s Child Protection Policy.
In SNPP and Saanich Camps, your camper will be greeted by and interact with uniformed Saanich staff (look for purple and orange t-shirts).
In Partner Camps, your camper will be greeted by and interact with employees of partnering contractors, whether at a Saanich recreation centre, a local middle school, or a private facility.
Tip: Share any unique needs
We want your camper to have the best week possible! To better prepare us, please share any unique needs or limitations your camper might have with the camp supervisor (see contact information). If your child needs 1-1 support, please see the inclusion services section.
Respectful behaviour expectations and the Camper Code of Conduct
While participating in summer day camp programs, we expect all campers to abide by our camp rules and expectations. These are based on the guiding principles of making smart, healthy choices for the well-being of all camp participants, and are founded on the three R’s:
- Respect yourself
- Respect others
- Respect the environment and the equipment
In the event of extreme behaviour that poses a risk to the safety and well-being of participants or staff, the public, or property, immediate action will be taken.
For more information regarding behaviour expectations and the Camper Code of Conduct, please contact your camp supervisor.
Inclement or extreme weather
Our summer day camp programming may be subject to change during inclement or extreme weather.
SNPP camps operate outdoors rain or shine – so plan and pack accordingly! In the event of extreme heat, poor air quality, or other extreme weather, our staff will consult weather advisories and adapt programming as needed to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience.
Saanich staff-led camps that offer outdoor play may limit time outdoors when necessary.
Swimming with your camp?
If your child will be swimming with their camp, here is what you need to know:
Campers 7yrs and under:
Campers 7yrs and under regardless of swim ability must wear a PFD and will swim in small groups.
Campers 8yrs and older:
Campers 8yrs and older that wish to swim without a PDF must complete a swim test.
Please contact your camp supervisor should you require further information regarding swim tests at camps as each pool facility has differing operational needs and requirements.
Day camp supervisor contact information
| CAMPS | SUPERVISOR |
| Saanich Neighbourhood Playground Program (SNPP) | Tyler Smith 250-475-5462 TylerA.Smith@Saanich.ca |
| WYLD Leadership Program Breakout Adventures |
Maddie Parks 250-475-7624 |
| Gordon Head Breakout Adventures | Shannon Phelps 250-475-7111 Shannon.Phelps@saanich.ca |
| Inclusion Support |
Loryn Anderson |
| Saanich Commonwealth Place Falcon Gymnastics Elk and Beaver Lake |
Paige McKinlay 250-475-7610 Paige.McKinlay@saanich.ca |
| Cedar Hill Recreation Centre |
Nathan Bailey (racquet camps)
Jessie Demers (arts camps)
Ceramics camps |
| Gordon Head Recreation Centre Gordon Head Middle School |
Jen Pero 250-475-7107 Jennifer.Pero@saanich.ca |
| G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre Colquitz Middle School Layritz Park |
G.R. Pearkes Reception |
| Big Dig Volleyball Royal Oak Middle School Claremont Secondary School |
Heather Galey 250-475-7618 Heather.Galey@saanich.ca |
| Greek Church Victoria Rowing Club |
Rob Phillips 250-475-7609 Rob.Phillips@saanich.ca |
| Lambrick Park Lambrick Park Secondary School Tyndall Park |
Dan Atagi 250-475-7106 Dan.Atagi@saanich.ca |
Going to camp: what to know
What to bring
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
- Running shoes (or other closed-toed shoes)
- Sunscreen
- Bathing suit and towel (if needed)
- Backpack with change of clothes
- Healthy lunch and two snacks (ideally nut-free)
Please clearly label all belongings.
Depending on the program, campers may be asked to bring additional items.
What NOT to bring
Please leave all electronic devices and toys at home. Thank you for helping us promote a personal-technology-free zone.
On the first day of camp
Please allow a few extra minutes at camper drop-off on the first day of camp. Once you’ve arrived and found the drop-off location, check in with the camp leader and be prepared to review your child’s emergency contact information.
Campers who may sign themselves out
Parents or guardians of campers 10-16yrs may authorize them to sign out of camp by themselves by completing the Parental Permission for Child (10-16) Sign In/Out Form. Campers 11yrs+ may also be authorized to sign-out a sibling under 11yrs.
All persons authorized to pick up your camper must be specified at the time of registration or added to your camper’s file by contacting your camp supervisor.
Photo ID is required at pick-up
Photo identification is required for camper pick-up. For safe and smooth experience, please ensure that all authorized persons carry government-issued photo ID, and that the name(s) you specify at the time of registration match the name on their ID.