THE BRITISH COLUMBIA SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Our mission: To protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.

BC SPCA Summer Camps FAQs

Find answers to common questions about BC SPCA Summer Camps.

Q - What is the ratio of counselors to campers at BC SPCA summer camps?

BC SPCA Summer Camps for Kids follow the BC Camping Association Guidelines and ensure there is a maximum of eight campers per available counselor.

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Q - What form of payment is accepted for BC SPCA summer camp?

BC SPCA Summer Camp registration payments can be made with VISA, MasterCard and American Express credit cards or by money order or cheque. Registration will be confirmed only once payment is received. Please note that we do not accept cash or debit payments for Summer Camps.

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Q - What experience and qualifications do counsellors have for working with children at BC SPCA Summer Camps?

BC SPCA Summer Camp counselors are carefully screened.

We hire only the most qualified individuals. We look for students that have experience working with children, are pursuing careers working with children, have a clear criminal record, first aid training and have excellent references. The counselors are under the supervision of the camp supervisor and coordinator.

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Q - My son/daughter is attending a BC SPCA summer camp. Will he/she be around sick or dangerous animals?

No. Only dogs that are familiar to us and have passed a canine screening test to be around children will be allowed at BC SPCA summer camp.

Every effort is made to ensure the small animals that are handled by the children are well socialized. Children will only interact with animals when supervised.

Sick animals are kept in isolation and, for their safety as well as ours, will not be handled.

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Q - Is lunch or snack provided for kids at BC SPCA Summer Camps?

No, kids attending BC SPCA Summer Camps must bring their own lunch and snack.

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Q - How quickly should I register my child for BC SPCA Summer Camp?

BC SPCA summer camps do fill up quickly. The easiest, quickest and most secure way to register is online.

Visit the BC SPCA Summer Camp page for instructions on how and when to register online. Our registration system will be updated daily as camps become full.

Lower Mainland and Victoria camp registration begin on Monday, April 1 online. Registration for Penticton and other select locations will open May 1. For all other locations, please contact your local shelter.

*Please note that messages on the summer camp line, 604-709-4679, will be checked periodically and your call will be returned as soon as possible. You can also email the BC SPCA Summer Camp team with any questions.

For all other locations, please contact your local shelter.

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Q - How much time will my child spend directly with the animals at BC SPCA summer camp?

Our camps are focused on learning about animals. The amount of time spent directly with animals will vary from day to day and even from location to location but will average approximately 1 hour/day. We provide opportunities every day to interact with animals. The kind of animals will depend on what is available at the shelter. Please keep in mind that we are first and foremost a shelter for animals and their needs and well-being are our top priority.

Q - How long has the BC SPCA offered summer camps for kids?

The BC SPCA has offered Summer Camps for Kids for more than 17 years. Summer Camps began in 1993 and were based out of the BC SPCA Vancouver Branch.

Today, the BC SPCA holds week-long Summer Camps for Kids at locations throughout British Columbia.

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Q - Does the BC SPCA offer child care before and after Summer Camps?

Generally, the BC SPCA is not able to provide additional care before or after regular Summer Camp hours. Camp times also vary depending on location.

In the Lower Mainland and Victoria, BC SPCA Summer Camps for Kids run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Children can be dropped off no earlier than 9:00 am and picked up no later than 4:00 pm.

For all other BC SPCA Summer Camp locations, please check with your local BC SPCA branch. In most cases, campers should be dropped off no earlier than 9:15 am and picked up no later than 3:45 pm.

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Q - Can BC SPCA summer camps accommodate children with special needs?

BC SPCA Summer Camps for Kids welcome children of all abilities. However, each child with special needs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on the size of the camp and the special requirements needed.

If your child has an assistant at school for behavioural issues or special needs which would make it difficult for your child to attend camp on their own, we would ask that you send a qualified person to attend with your child as our staff do not have expertise in dealing with special need requirements.

Learn more about BC SPCA Summer Camps for Kids.

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BC SPCA Summer Camps FAQs