Clare Lakes, our Lions Area Camp Advisor, is happiest when she is cooking over a campfire, hiking, kayaking, cycling and camping. She is here to support you as you develop the skills and confidence to go camping and have fun with your Unit in the great outdoors.
While developing your skills with camping, consider participating in the OAL (Outdoor Activity Leadership) program. This is a great opportunity to improve your camping skills while connecting with other Guiders in a fun environment geared towards your needs.
This year (2023/2024), in support of the OAL program, Lions Area is offering a series of short 60 – 90 minute camp skills training sessions throughout the year for both adults and Ranger aged girls. See this training calendar for these upcoming sessions
Other events/trainings to add to your calendar
If you need help with anything from where to camp, how to prepare for and set up an indoor or outdoor camp, ideas for activities, menus, the OAL program, etc., please contact Clare at lionsareatraining@gmail.com
How to create a successful camp
Camp Bednight Subsidy
Lions Area will subsidize the bednight cost for Units/Districts who are camping at GG facilities with the intent to help offset the increased bednight cost and to encourage the use of our GG facilities.
This applies to all GGC properties and is not restricted to those in Lions Area.
Camp/Event Subsidy
Camp or Event subsidy for a family with financial needs.
Available equipment
Need some additional camping gear? The following items are available to borrow.
Contact Clare at lionsareatraining@gmail.com
- 32 x A10 Suunto Compasses with base plates
- 4 x Lightweight backpacking tents
- 9 x Four season winter tents (for snow camping only)
- Snow pegs for the winter tents
- Coffee cans for buddy burners
- Wax for fire starters, burlap wrap etc. (you can keep the wax!)
- Pot for melting wax
- 6 x GPS Units
- 2 x briquette BBQ’s on stands.
- First Aid items for practice: 10 x tensor bandages and 4 triangular slings
- Large white tarp 20 x 15 feet.
- Broom handles. Enough to make 5 – 6 Balistas (large catapults)
- Lots of PR materials i.e. GG banners, sandwich boards etc.
- 4 x Pop up shelters.
Note: if you need instruction on how to use/play games related to the GPS units, compasses or build a balista or make a burlap wrap don’t hesitate to contact the training team at lionsareatraining@gmail.com .Our roving training team can visit your Unit meeting.
Campsites
Girl Guide campsites and other sites that have been tried and enjoyed by Girl Guides in the Lions Area and surrounding areas.
Camp Olave
Located on the Sunshine Coast, Camp Olave offers 16 wonderful campsites and cottages on 56 hectares of forest and wilderness, all situated around beautiful ocean beaches
Phyll Mundy House
Located in Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver, the Phyl Munday Nature House offers a rustic setting for one night sleepovers and perfect for the first time Sparks Mother/daughter sleepover.
The Nature House offers a small hands-on nature display about the Park in the Nature Room, a large meeting hall that can accommodate 36 for sleepovers on the floor (no beds or bedding provided), a small leaders’ room and a well equipped kitchen.
Woodwards Landing
Located on the dyke near Steveston in Richmond, Woodwards Landing offers picnic tables, a friendship circle, cooking shelter, and washrooms.
There are 5 group tent camp sites accommodating approximately 5 – 6 tents per group site. It is around $3.00 per girl per night.
Richmond Guide House
Located in Richmond, BC. Richmond Guide Houses offers indoor camping for up to 34 people and outdoor camping for up to 4 tents. It is close to many popular tourist attractions in Richmond.
Camp McLanlin
Located in the Sumas Mountain area east of Abbotsford, Camp McLanlin is a 30-acre Girl Guide camp that offers two buildings for indoor camping, a site with 6 cabins, a site with 6 platform tents, and a semi-wilderness site with gravel tent pads and a shelter. There are multiple trails and on-site activities.
Camp Kanaka
Located in Maple Ridge, Camp Kanaka is situated on 5.7 acres of land and offers 2 large indoor camping cabins, an outdoor camp site with canvas ridgepole tents on wooden platforms that accommodate up to 50 campers and also a wilderness campsite. There are also an environment pond, a large playing field and nature trails.
Hollyburn Cabin
Located on Cypress Mountain, Hollyburn Cabin is a rustic log cabin with electricity or running water. You must hike everything in and hike everything out. It takes about 40 to 60 minutes to hike in with girls and gear. It is very popular in the Winter and can be challenging to reserve the dates you want. Volunteering in the annual work party increases your opportunity to reserve.
Raven’s Nest Group Campsite
Located in Tynehead Regional Park, Surrey, this group site offers outdoor tent camping for up to 40 people. There are 9 tent pads, a covered picnic shelter, an outdoor fire ring, water, a playfield and pit toilets.
Fort Camping Group Campsite
Located on Brae Island close to Fort Langley, this group campsite offers a large, covered, picnic area with limited power, a sink with cold-water, a stainless-steel countertop and picnic tables with seating for 65. There is 1 group fire pit, parking for up to 10 vehicles, and a large grassy area to host activities and pitch tents (tents not included). It is close to a bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities and adjacent to a 2km walking trail, historic Fort Langley, and other activities.
Muskrat Meadows Group Campsite
Located on Deas Island Regional Park. Richmond, this group site can accommodate up to 40 people. It has 10 tent pads, outdoor fire ring (restrictions may apply), fireplace/grill, picnic shelter, playfield, Potable water (water turned off in winter), pit toilets, parking for up to 10 vehicles
Camp Coyote Group Campsite
Located in Campbell Valley Regional Park, Langley, this group site can accommodate up to 40 people. There are 2 large gravel tent pads, picnic shelter with fireplace, outdoor fire ring (restrictions may apply), Playfield pit toilets, parking for up to 8 vehicles, a network of walking and cycling trails.
There is NO drinking water on site.
Camp Capilano
Located in Capilano Regional Park, this indoor camp can accommodate up to 44 people. There are 2 heated dorms with bunk beds (20 campers per dorm), 2 rooms with twin beds for the leaders (2 beds per room), shower and washroom facilities, large furnished common room with fireplace, internet (WiFi), digital projector and screen, gas barbecue, fully equipped kitchen with dishes, cutlery and cooking utensils, clothes dryer, small playing field with basketball hoop and space for volleyball net, campfire circle, heated outdoor swimming pool (open Apr. 1 to Sep. 30) Supervision by a certified and insured lifeguard required (lifeguard services available upon request)
*the camp can be expensive.
Visit camping.bcparks.ca to book these campsites
Alice Lake
Located north of Squamish
Westside Group Campsite A and B
Located in Cultus Lake
Cambie Creek and Lone Duck Campsites
Located in E.C. Manning Park
Alouette group site
Located in Golden Ears (11 km north of Maple Ridge)
Hicks Lake Group Campsite
Located in Sasquatch Park (north of Harrison Hot Springs)
Mount Seymour Group Campsite
Located in North Vancouver
Not available to rent at this time
Camp Bow Isle
Located in Bowen Island, Camp Bow Isle is available for rent from September through May. There are over 200 acres of trees and trails, a high ropes course, rock climbing tower, various lodging facilities, a large field for tent camping and a small lake for canoeing. Canoes may be available to rent.
Camp Summit
Located in Squamish, Camp Summit is available to rent between May and October. It offers 12 bunk cabins for indoor camping as well as an area for outdoor camping, a bouldering wall, low ropes course, high ropes course, large playing field, archery range, a GPS and orienteering course, two campfire pits, mountain bike trails, interpretive hiking trails and beach volleyball.
Camp Jubilee
An indoor camp located on Indian Arm, Camp Jubilee can only be accessed by boat (boat is provided by the camp). This camp offers low ropes, orienteering, canoeing and more. Catering can be tailored to your group needs.
Evans Lake Camp
Located in Brackendale, 15 km north of Squamish, Evans Lake is an indoor camp and is available to rent year round. Multiple outdoor activities and catering can be tailored to your group needs.
Granite Falls
Located on the north end of the Indian Arm, Granite Falls is a 18 km (approx. 5-6 hr) leisurely paddle from Deep Cove. The campsite is an open grassy area close to the spectacular Granite Falls. There are bear caches and pit toilets. Water is available from the falls (needs to be treated).
The campsite is free (no reservations needed). No campfires allowed. There is no cell service.
Rentals, guides and more information is available from Deep Cove Kayak
Bergs Landing
Located on the north end of the Indian Arm, Bergs Landings, is a 15.25 km (approx. 4-5 hr) leisurely paddle to from Deep Cove. The campsite is an open grassy area. There are bear caches and pit toilets. Water is available from the creek (needs to be treated).
The campsite is free (no reservations needed). No campfires allowed. There is no cell service.
Rentals, guides and more information is available from Deep Cove Kayak
Twin Islands
Located in the Indian Arm, Twin Islands is a 5.5 km (appox. 1-2 hr) leisurely paddle from Deep Cove. The campsite has a wooden platforms distributed across the larger north island (no camping allowed on the smaller island). Access to the island is via a dock and there is a compost toilet. Cell service is available.
The campsite is free (no reservations needed). However, the camp can get very busy on weekends. There is no water available (bring your own).
Widgeon Creek Campsite
Located in Pinecone Burke Park, this campsite is accessed via Widgeon Slough starting at Grant Narrow on Pitt Lake near Pitt Meadows. The slough is 8 km in length and is tidal (at low tide you may be walking and pulling your kayak or canoe in some spots). There are 10 camping spots on a grassy area. There is a pit toilet available but no other facilities.
The campsite is free (no reservations needed). Check with BC Parks for any changes to this situation. Campers can hike for about 45 minutes to Widgeon Falls, a series of waterfalls that offer a great place to relax on the rocks in the sunshine.
Sechelt Inlet
Located on Sunshine Coast, Sechelt Inlet has nine free marine only access campsites. These are wilderness campsites with pit toilets. Some have bear caches and some have fresh water access.
Rentals, guides and more information is available from Pedals and Paddles.
Camp Burley
Located on Mixal Lake in the Pender Harbour Area of the Sunshine Coast (1 hr 15 min drive from the Langdale Ferry Terminal). There are four rustic cabins, and a couple of shelters, space for 5 – 6 tents, an open playing field. Canoes are available to use on the lake.
It is $5.00 per girl per night. There is no electricity or drinking water available on site(drinking water is available from the Petrocan in Garden Bay, 7 km from camp).
Camp McLean
Located by Campbell Valley Regional Park in Langley, Camp Mclean offers indoor and outdoor camping plus many outdoor activities.
Remember that wilderness first aid is required if EMS time is over 4 hours. If you are out of cell phone range you will need to carry a communication device (eg. a satellite phone). In addition to a paper map, consider downloading a digital map such as AllTrails. At least one leader in the group needs to be familiar with the trail.
Buckhorn Campsite
Located in a sub-alpine meadows at the 5km mark on the Heather Trail in E.C. Manning Parks, Buckhorn Campsite is a reasonably level 1-1.5 hr hike from the trailhead. There are 24 tent pads, a bear cache, outhouses, and a day-use shelter. Buckhorn can also be used as a basecamp for day hiking in the area. The views further up the Heather trail are spectacular.
Reservations are required for this site. There is limited water during the dry season (in the summer).
Strike Lake Campsite
Located at the western end of Strike Lake in E.C. Manning Parks, which is the third of four lakes on the Lightning Lake Chain Trail, this campground a relatively easy 90-minutes hike from the trailhead. The trail meanders alongside the three lakes – Lightening, Flash and Strike. There is room for eight tents, pit toilets, a bear cache, and a fire pit. This is a very popular campsite because it is one of the most accessible and the first to be free of snow.
A back country permit is required from BC Parks.
Cheakamus Lake Campsite
Located in Garibaldi Park, near Whistler, Cheakamus Lake campsite is a 3 km hike from the parking lot along a relatively flat trail. There is 8 tenting areas, a pit toilet and pulley system to hang food. Food should be stored (and hung) in a hard cased container and no food in the tents (because of the active mice in the area). The camp can be used as a base camp to explore many spectacular trails in the area.
Water is available from the lake (needs to be treated).
The site must be reserved through BC Parks.
Klein Lake Recreation Site
Located in Egmont, Sunshine Coast, this campsite is a 4.5 km hike with a 236 m elevation gain from the trailhead. There are 25 tenting sites, public toilets and a day use picnic area. The camp can also be accessed by road (it is recommended that someone drives up and claims a site for you if it is a busy time).
No reservations needed.
Semaphore Lakes Trail
Located north of Pemberton, this campsite is a 3 km hike with a 408 m elevation gain from the trailhead.. This is a challenging but relatively short hike into an alpine area that offers stunning views and lakeside camping. There are pit toilets and water is available from the lake (needs to be treated).
No reservations required.
Rangers, Link and older Trex (14 years and above) are invited to take part in senior youth camps with members of Scouting. Groups can go with as few or as many people as they wish, as long as they are good for ratio. Groups bring their own camping and patrol gear. You are responsible for your own food and cooking throughout the weekend. The camp will provide the activities and fun.
Rovent
A Winter camp in February and usually located at Cambie Creek in Manning Park
Skeeter
Camp Skeeter is held annually on the May long weekend in Nanaimo. It is a weekend full of fun outdoor activities.
Mardi Gras
A Fall event often held at Camp Byng. You can expect a movie night, trivia contest, field games, eating contest, karaoke, a dance, and much more!
The annual NiteHike for Scouts and Girl Guides will be held on April 6/7, 2024 in the Pacific Spirit Park.
The NiteHike is an overnight event where small groups (4 – 7) plus a Leader hike through the park and visit challenge stations along the route. Challenges can include knot tying, rope throw, orienteering, tent set up, First Aid, fire lighting etc.
Visit www.nitehike.org for more information.
Join us at Camp-Along 2025, our exciting new BC camping events
Bring along your besties to Camp-Along 2025. This new BC summer camping opportunity offers a two-night Spark/Ember experience followed by a five-night Guide/Pathfinder/Ranger experience, powered by Guiders and Core Volunteers.
Choose from concurrent camping events to be hosted at six locations in July 2025:
- Coastal Camp-Along – Camp Olave, Sechelt
- Ridge Camp-Along – Camp Kanaka, Maple Ridge
- Valley Camp-Along – Camp McLanlin, Abbotsford
- Northern Camp-Along – Camp Hughes, Prince George
- Island Camp-Along – Camp Creina, Duncan
- Okanagan Camp-Along – Camp Arbuckle, Lake Country
Learn more. Adult applications are now open to bring girls you know, accompany independent girls or be a Core Volunteer. Apply today.