(BC) Learn-to-Camp Overnight Event on Vancouver Island on July 11-12

Event Details

We love our allies, but due to limited space, this event is for BIPoC and biracial individuals and families only. Parents of biracial and BIPOC children are welcome to attend with their family (don’t need to be BIPOC).

This event is in collaboration with Parks Canada.

If you are new to “frontside” camping (meaning camping at drive-in campsites, with NO hiking/backpacking required), or would like to join a community learning, we have an exciting overnight event for those of you who are looking to go camping in a safe, fun and supportive environment! This includes the opportunity to learn more about camp cooking and discover the joys of a real camping experience with the CTT community, your family or group!

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We know that there is a lot of gear required for camping, so for this event Parks Canada will provide the following items:

• Tent
• Sleeping pad
• Two-burner stove and propane
• 2 dish washing containers
• Sponge and rubber gloves
• Lighter
• S’mores ingredients
• Multi-purpose soap

A tent fits up to 6 people. In our sign-up form you will be able to specify the size of your party (family or friends) and we will try to accommodate in the best way possible. But we will most likely need to mix parties of 1-3 people. We will definitely make sure to be mindful and respectful of your requests to be in a women-only tent. Please specify any requests in the form.

You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, appropriate apparel depending on the weather, meals (we’ll provide some recipe ideas), cutlery, plates, bowls, mugs, cooking pot/pan and utensils (if needed for your meals), garbage bags, paper towels, drying towel. Additional items that you need to bring will be sent out after registration.

The following items are not permitted at the Learn-to Camp event:

• Alcohol and cannabis
• Pets
• Drones
• Firearms or other weapons
• Illegal drugs.

This overnight camping event will take place at SMONEĆTEN campground on Vancouver Island. You’ll need to take the ferry from Tsawwassen Terminal to Swartz Bay. This campsite is accessible by car, bus, or by bike from Swartz Bay. We will have a shuttle option from Vancouver to Swartz Bay ferry (limited spots) and from Swartz Bay in Saanich and bring you to the campground.

Event Start: 12pm on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at SMONEĆTEN campground
Event End: ~11am on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at SMONEĆTEN campground
Cost: $42 per person. Children under 7yo free.

*Note: Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at this event.

Feel free to review a detailed information package:

https://colourthetrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SMONECTEN-2026-Overnight-Package.pdf

Please fill out this form if you are interested in participating in the event as an individual or as a group/family by Thursday, June 25 at 6PM PST. One point of contact can apply for a group but you’ll need to include any allergies and if there are any accessibility accommodations that will help.

As spots are limited, please make sure that you can attend this event and make sure that anyone else in your group (if applicable) is also able to attend. There will be no refunds for cancellations/changes made after the payments made due to the complexity of logistics for this event.

We’ll be in touch via email if you are eligible for a spot in the event. Please do not contact us to ask if there’s a spot. If you are selected, you’ll hear from us on Friday 26th. You’ll have a limited time to register for the event so please check your email (and spam, just in case) regularly.

Thank you!

Applications will close on Thursday, June 25 at 6PM PST.