Saltspring Island is a recreational paradise and people from all around the world choose to spend their summers on the island. With regular ferry service to Victoria, Vancouver and Vancouver Island, it is easy to get to Saltspring Island. The ferry terminal from Victoria to Saltspring Island is only 10 minutes away from the Victoria International Airport.

A large part of the Gulf Islands has been designated as the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and the Islands Trust. The protection of the environment and ecosystems is a shared concern throughout the islands.

Perhaps it is not surprising then, that the Gulf Islands International Program has partnered with the Fulford Community Nature School and the Gulf Islands Centre for Ecological Learning to jointly offer one of the most unique summer camps in Canada.

The Ecological Explorations and Outdoor Education Summer Camp offers a combination of ESL, arts and recreation, field trips to regional points of interest, and a week long ecological studies program with local Canadian students.

The Ecological Explorations and Outdoor Education Summer Camp 2007

The Ecological Explorations and Outdoor Education 2007 Program is unique and offers students an opportunity to learn English as they learn about ecology and the environment; develop their leadership skills; and participate in challenging, yet fun, outdoor education and activities. This program is also one of the few summer programs that brings Canadian and International students together to work in teams on ecological and environmental projects.

This year’s program is scheduled to run from August 4 to August 25 and is designed for students between the ages of 13 and 17.

The Ecological Explorations and Outdoor Education 2007 Program combines two weeks of ESL, recreation, art activities, and regional field trips, with the five day Ecological Explorations program, which is offered during the second week.

The Ecological Explorations curriculum is an integrated package combining the knowledge and understanding of marine, forest and freshwater ecosystems, food growing and local First Nations knowledge. Different learning methods are used, including natural science, multi-sensory experiences, art, theatre, story telling, music and play. Saltspring Island is an environmentally protected area and supports field studies and hands on exploration of forests, streams, wetlands, and the seashore.

The ESL program is taught by a highly qualified teacher of English as a Second Language. Students will receive a minimum of 20 hours of formal instruction along with many opportunities to build vocabulary and practice their English as they participate in the team projects.

The Outdoor Education activities and field trips are based on the anticipated learning that will take place during the Ecological Studies program. A wide variety of activities, including the visual arts and recreational activities such as kayaking and climbing, are sure to make the camp an enriching experience.

Field trips include visits to Chemainus, the City of Murals; the Native Cultural Center in Duncan; the Marine Ecology Center in Saanich; and the Royal Provincial Museum in Victoria. The students will also take part in an overnight kayaking and camping adventure and a whale watching trip.

Our international students will have additional opportunities to practice their English skills and learn more about Canadian culture by living with local homestay families, who have been selected for quality and safety.

The total cost of this program, including airport pickup at the Victoria International Airport, tuition, field trips, homestay and medical insurance is $2,400 CAD.

Applications can be downloaded from this website. Deadline for registration is June 1, 2007. We are sorry, but we only accept group applications (minimum of 5 students).

Click for Proposed schedule for Summer 2007.

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