Camps & Clubs / AquaCamps

Incredible camp

experiences

Filled with hands-on activities, animal observations, crafts and time to run around outside to fully engage your children.

Camp info

AquaCamps

Fun, educational experiences for ages 4-12

YELP

Youth Environmental Leaders Program (YELP) for ages 13-16

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about AquaCamps

Register

Register your child now for a camp experience.

AquaCamps

AquaCamps offer your children 4 to 12 years of age a fun and educational experience of a lifetime.

Our camps are filled with hands-on activities, animal observations, crafts and time to run around outside to fully engage your children in an environment that encourages active learning. Children will learn about local and exotic animals, life cycles, food webs, adaptations, ecosystems and sustainability.

Drop-off begins at 8:45 a.m. and the program runs from 9:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. with the option to purchase extended pre camp hours (7:30 am to 9 a.m.) and after camp hours (3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) when you register. Once registered, you will recieve a confirmation email.

registration open

Pro-D Day AquaCamps

For the 2019 - 2020 school year, one day programs are available on: September 20, 23, & 30, October 25, November 8, 12, 18 & 22, January 20, 24, & 27, February 7, 14 & 21, April 9, & 27, May 1, 4, 15, & 25, June 5.

registration open

Spring AquaCamps

Week long camp programs over spring break. The 2020 dates are March 16 to 20 and March 23 to 27.

registration open

Summer AquaCamps

Week long camp programs offered every week of the summer. The 2019 dates are July 2nd (4 Days), 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th. August 6th (4 Days), 12th, 19th and 26th.

registration open

Winter AquaCamps

One day programs available over the winter holiday. Our Winter Camp are available on the following dates: December 23, 27, & 30, 2019 And January 2 & 3, 2020

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One day pro-d day & winter camps

  • General Rate (age 4-8 & 8-12) $70
  • Member's Rate (age 4-8 & 8-12) $56
  • Pre Camp 7:30-9 a.m. (age 4-8 & 8-12) $10
  • After Camp 3-5:30 p.m. (age 4-8 & 8-12) $15
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Four/five day spring & summer camps

  • General Rate (age 4-8) 4 days: $300 / 5 days: $375
  • General Rate (age 8-12) 4 days: $332 / 5 days: $415
  • Member's Rate (age 4-8) 4 days: $240 / 5 days: $300
  • Member's Rate (age 8-12) 4 days: $266 / 5 days: $332
  • Pre Camp 7:30-9 a.m. (age 4-8 & 8-12) 4 & 5 days: $25
  • After Camp 3-5:30 p.m. (age 4-8 & 8-12) 4 & 5 days: $40

YELP

Youth Environmental Leaders Program

Youth Environmental Leaders Program (YELP) is available for youth 13 to 16 years of age. It provides youth with the opportunity to take action in the conservation of aquatic life. Participants will be fully immersed in conservation and sustainability workshops led by our educators, experts and scientists. A variety of daily topics, hands-on experiments and guest speakers will allow youth to explore the effects of their everyday behaviour on the environment and those we share it with. YELP is available during 2019 Spring Break starting March 18th, 2019 and in the Summer starting July 8th, 2019.

01

Five day spring & summer YELP camp

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

We have created a list of frequently asked questions about AquaCamps, please see information below. Click each item to expand. 

What does a typical day at camp look like?

Download a copy of our example schedule.



Please note:




  • Frequency of activities involving live animals are subject to animal welfare.

  • Behind the scenes tours are subject to trainer and researcher availability.


What Type Of Clothing Should My Child Wear?

AquaCamp Campers are required to wear their camp t-shirts every day during summer camp programs. This allows us to recognize campers easily when we are out in the galleries with the throngs of summer visitors. Each child receives one camp t-shirt with each weeks' registration. If you are registered for more than one week you will receive one t-shirt on the first day of each week.




  • Shorts and pants are recommended - skirts and dresses are not advised. Campers will get dirty!

  • Labels -  Please label all of your child's belongings. We end up with lots of unclaimed items every summer.

  • Raingear - Since camp runs daily, rain or shine, please make sure your child comes prepared each day for inclement weather.  We still like to get outside even when it's wet!

  • Footwear ‑ please make sure your child wears closed-toe shoes. No flip flops as they make it hard for running and lots of walking (children with open toes also will not be invited behind the scenes). Waterproof boots and a change of socks are a good idea in case of bad weather and days at the beach!



Note: All unclaimed items will be turned in to general lost and found at the end of each week.


What Food & Drink Should My Child Bring?


  • What to bring: All campers will need a healthy lunch, snacks and reusable water bottle. Please label their lunch bag, tupperware and bottle. When packing snacks and lunches for campers, we would also appreciate your sending snacks that will fill them up and give them energy to get through the day. Sugar snacks drain their energy quickly. Some healthy lunch ideas are available on this website. 




  • Nut-free AquaCamp: Our fish don’t eat nuts and neither do our AquaCampers! Please help us ensure the safety of all campers by not packing nuts for your child’s lunch.




  • No spending money: We ask that campers do not bring money for food/vending machines or use in the gift shop. All concessions and snack machines will be off limits during camp. Campers and parents are welcome to shop at the Gift Shop after camp is over for the day. 


When and Where Do I Drop Off My Child?

Drop Off



Meet your camp leaders from 8:45 to 9:00 am on the large field at the North end of the Aquarium, adjacent to the parking lot.  Our camp staff will direct you to your child's camp leader.  The first day is very busy so please give yourself extra time to sign in.



Parking



Parking is tight even on slow days at the Aquarium. Please give yourself ample time to find parking or better yet, walk, bike or take the #19 bus into Stanley Park. Please visit our location information page for maps of nearby lots that are not as impacted with visitors.



Late Arrivals



If you are late for Camps, please enter the Aquaquest entrance and check in with the Receptionist who will contact the Camps Team to arrange for the camper to join their group. If you realize you will be late, please call us at (604) 659-3493.



Before Care Pre-Camp Hours



Pre-Camp runs from 7:30 to 9:00 AM and we ask that children be dropped off by 7:45 am. For all multi-day camp programs you may purchase Weekly Extended Pre Camp for an additional flat fee when you register. The single day rate is only available for Pro-D and Winter Day Camp programs.

Note: Our reception is closed until 9:00 am so if you are unable to drop off your child before 7:45 am please e-mail or call the camp team one day prior to let us know. This allows us to take the other campers inside to start our day and keep watch for when you do arrive.


When and Where Do I Pick Up My Child?

Pick Up



At 3:00 pm we will bring your camper out to the large field at the North end of the Aquarium for pick-up.  Now that your child is geared up in our brightly colored camp shirt, we like to continue playing games on the field until you come pick him or her up. Please remember your ID, as we will not allow any child to leave with an adult that is not authorized or does not have ID with a name that matches our sign out form.



Parking



Parking is tight even on slow days at the Aquarium. Please give yourself ample time to find parking or better yet, walk, bike or take the #19 bus into Stanley Park. Please visit our location information page for maps of nearby lots that are not as impacted with visitors.



Late For Pick-Up



Please make sure you are on time to pick-up your child. If you realize you will be late to pick-up your child, please call us immediately at (604) 659-3493.



Late Fees



We love caring for your kids, but our staff also have families to get home to and other duties. Please respect their time. If you are late to pick up campers you will be subject to a $15 late fee. 



After Care Post-Camp Hours



Post-Camp runs from 3:00 to 5:30 PM.  For all multi-day camp programs you may purchase weekly Extended Pre Camp for an additional flat fee when you register. The single day rate is only available for Pro-D and Winter Day Camp Programs. If you would like to pick up your child early, please inform your child's educator so they can meet you.

Note: Our Reception office closes at 5:00. We will do our best to be out on the field ready for pick up between 5:00 - 5:30. If you do not see us when you arrive, please wait for us near the sign out location; we will most likely be finishing up an activity or collecting our belongings inside the Aquarium.


How do I Request for Campers to be in the Same Camp Group?

Please submit requests for friends and family to be grouped together when you register by entering your request in our medical notes section. If you have already registered, you can send your request to camps@ocean.org at least one week prior to the start of camp.



Note: Our camp groups are organized based on the campers’ ages. We cannot accommodate requests when the campers differ in age by two or more years. This is to ensure all campers have the best and most appropriate experience while at camp. Children in different groups are able to spend lunch together and will be together for large camp games.


Cancellation Policy

Cancellations within 7 days of the program date will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Rescheduling within 7 days of the program date will result in a 25% rebooking fee. Missed programs will not be refunded nor rescheduled. The Vancouver Aquarium reserves the right to cancel any program due to low registration


Questions about camps? email us for more information.

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