outdoor centre activities

Our tailored outdoor education programs provide immersive, hands-on experiences that foster community, teamwork, personal growth, and a meaningful connection to nature. Designed to align with school curricula and adaptable for group specific needs, our programs accommodate participants of all ages, abilities and grade levels.

Whether your group’s goal is to strengthen team dynamics, celebrate milestones, or achieve specific learning objectives, our team will collaborate with you to customize a visit that aligns with your goals.

Learning through outdoor experiences can feel like uncovering a whole new world. Each of us holds immense potential for growth and discovery, but unlocking it requires effort and stepping out of our comfort zones. Even if you’ve never taken on an adventure of this scale before, don’t worry—we’re here to ensure it’s not only achievable but truly rewarding!

Archery

Our two outdoor archery ranges provide students with an opportunity to experience long-bow archery at our elevated & covered archery ranges.  Under the careful supervision of a trained instructor, archery challenges students to gain incite and knowledge from previous attempts to hone their aiming and technical abilities. Students of all sizes and athletic ability can easily be involved in the many fun archery games and achieve high success.

Bouldering + Slackline

At the Camp Summit Bouldering Wall, students get all the physical benefits of rock climbing without the height! This is a form of “traverse” style climbing that is very low to the ground using “spotters” instead of harnesses and ropes. The top of our wall is only 8 feet high, and students can learn climbing techniques through fun games and challenges.  Slacklining refers to the act of walking and balancing along a suspended length of flat webbing that is tensioned between two trees, like slack ropes or tightrope walking.  

Climbing Wall

We offer climbers from beginner to advanced a chance to climb on our outdoor artificial climbing tower.  It sits 35 feet high offering 2 routes of varying difficulty. All students receive instructions and safety measures by certified instructors before climbing. Climbing Wall sessions include climbing techniques and route management a great combination of physical and mental challenges. This is a great introduction to rock climbing, offered right on the Summit property. Our rock wall will allow students to become comfortable with the gear, procedures and tricks of climbing.

drama + theatre games

A progression of activities that can easily mold to each age group and grade.  Activities aim to teach blocking, expression, creativity and public speaking.  When possible, a skit may be presented for an end of day performance. 

explore

Through guided exploration of our temperate rainforest, Explore is an activity block with a slower pace that invites students to become aware of the details in the surrounding nature. Students experience a series of activities that put them in a predator/prey perspective, developing a sense of place in the forest, and connecting with the natural world around them.

Sports Court + Games

Our playing fields and sport court host a variety of activities, including soccer, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, ultimate frisbee, and bocce ball. Camp-wide games like Capture the Flag and Survival unite everyone in friendly competition, while special events like the “Summit Olympics” and our 18-hole frisbee golf course add even more excitement.

 

fire building

This activity teaches students about fire safety. This includes the fire triangle (oxygen, ignition, and fuel) and various options for fuel (logs, kindling, tinder). This activity allows student to gain experience using knifes and hatches safely as a tool to create supplies. This session may end with a marshmallow treat or a fire building competition!

Front/Backcountry Camping Skills

Also affectionately known as Gear-a-thon— this activity introduces basic and intermediate camping skills including: camping stoves, food management, hygiene, tent sent up and care, leave no trace principles, bear safety and awareness, how and what to pack on a trip, knot tying and bear hangs. This is a highly recommended program for spring groups as camping season is around the corner!

geocaching

Using GPS units, campers learn navigation skills as they track down hidden caches, adding a high-tech treasure hunt element to their outdoor adventure.

 

high ropes

The Giants Ladder, Vertical Playground and Leap of Faith are only a few of the elements that you will find at our High Ropes course. This program allows campers to push the boundaries of their comfort zone while practicing trust and teamwork skills with their classmates. With many High Ropes elements to choose from students can participate at the level that best challenges them! 

 

group initiatives

Initiatives ignite students to work as a team through challenges to solve unusual problems. It is a fantastic way to practice and learn about creativity, communication, support and leadership all while having fun!  Think of it like an Escape Room!

 

knife carving

A fun and exciting program  designed to make you feel comfortable using knifes to create functional art in the woods. Carving is a celebrated tradition from all corners of the globe and camp is a great starting point for learning the basics of safe carving practices. 

 

leadership workshops

A custom built workshop for your groups needs (i.e true colors workshop, personal exploration, group awareness and interaction, leadership growth, etc). 

 

low ropes

This activity area is a series of wood, ropes and cables that tests one’s agility, balance and creativity while also incorporating an element of trust by having teammates act as “spotters”. Hanging only a few feet above the ground, students will be challenged in ways they never have before, all while learning valuable communication and problem-solving skills.

 

biking

Summit’s biking experience is suitable for all individual ability levels from first timers to experienced trail riders. Students are supplied with a quality front suspension bike, helmet, leg pads and gloves. The lesson will cover basic techniques and safety while riders practice on fields, single track forested trails, small rolling jumps and beginner level “trials features” (low to the ground, man-made stunts such as skinny planks, ladders and teeter-totters).

 

art in nature

Using inspiration from artist Andy Goldsworthy, this activity includes multiple activities that invites students to become aware of the colours, textures, and beauty in the forest around them. After their minds are primed and open to the artistic possibilities, students work together to create a work of art from natural resources.

 

nature walk

A short hike or walk that can include but are not limited to the following topics:  identifications tools for flora, fauna, and tracking; activities and discussion about ecosystems; and hiking etiquette. 

 

orienteering + navigation

Campers learn basic skills on how to use a compass, read a map, how to take a bearing and apply these skills to one of three courses we have around camp.

 

shelter building

Campers are brought into the forest and challenges to create a unique shelter of their choosing. Prepped with multiple structure styles/shapes, student get to add their creative flare and present their creation to the group.

 

off-site experiences

Given our unique location in the heart of the Sea to Sky Corridor, Camp Summit is pleased to provide an exceptional range of off-site activities and experiences for our campers.

Our team of experienced guides ensures that every off-site excursion is not only safe but also tailored to each group’s interests and abilities, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and adventure opportunities that surround us.

Transportation to off-site activities is organized and operated by Camp Summit. Please note that school and retreat groups visiting during the spring or fall may incur an additional transportation fee for these experiences.

Anderson Beach

Just minutes from Camp, Anderson Beach sits along the banks of the Squamish River. This protected spot is perfect for creative cabin activities, salmon habitat exploration, and cozy beach fires. It’s a welcoming environment where campers can learn about local ecology and immerse themselves in the natural world around them.

canoeing

Canoeing provides a tranquil way to experience nature from the water. In our half-day workshops, campers learn proper strokes, essential safety measures, and gain the confidence to navigate open water. Please note that Camp Summit is not situated on a lake—paddling lessons take place at Alice Lake or Brohm Lake, both about 20 minutes from Camp.

local day hikes

Located in the heart of the Sea to Sky Corridor, Camp Summit is surrounded by some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes and world-class hiking trails. With a variety of routes—some only minutes from Camp—our experienced guides prioritize safety while selecting hikes that match each cabin group’s skill level and desired challenge.

off-site mountain biking

Squamish’s vast network of mountain biking trails beckons our more experienced riders. Our instructors lead small groups to popular spots like the Ray Peters Trail in Brackendale and trails near Alice Lake, ensuring a safe and thrilling ride!

geocaching at alice lake

Campers can put their navigation skills to work by hunting for Camp Summit Geocaches hidden throughout Alice Lake Provincial Park. This adventure teaches them how to use GPS technology, follow coordinates, and enjoy the excitement of uncovering a surprise at each cache location.