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| PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: |
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The Metchosin Camp is situated on 98 acres of green space. We have forest trails, two large ponds, agricultural fields as well as ecologically sensitive stands of Garry Oak and Arbutus trees. We offer a challenge course, a 4-sided climbing tower, canoes, multi-use cabins, tenting area as well as a kitchen and washroom facilities. Highly skilled and dedicated staff offer custom-designed programs for schools, community and corporate groups. |
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| PROGRAM INFORMATION: |
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HISTORY OF METCHOSIN CAMP AND OUR PLAN FOR THE FUTURE |
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Since 1984 the Metchosin Camp has been home to many innovative Boys & Girls Clubs programs. The property had long been held for the Provincial Government by the BC Buildings Corporation and in 2003 it was designated as 'excess to need'. BCBC offered Boys & Girls Clubs first right of refusal to purchase the property and it was with some sense of urgency that this opportunity was brought to the Boards of both our Foundation and Boys & Girls Club Services. Members of both Boards decided to seize the opportunity and the sale finally closed at the end of March 2004. At long last we could call the camp ours, opening a world of opportunity for Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria.
We are now exploring new programming possibilities ranging from recreational adventure-based programs to educational and cultural retreats, therapeutic and respite services, organic agricultural opportunities, environmental stewardship activities, and much more! The Metchosin Camp means that Boys & Girls Clubs has another way to realize its own potential in helping children, youth and families succeed.
It also provides services to a wide spectrum of other community organizations. Some of the groups that have already benefited include schools both private and public, post-secondary institutions and organizations and programs like Springboard, Spectrum Youth Project, Power to Be Adventure Therapy, Scouts Canada, Wildkids (Home Schoolers), Pathways, James Bay Community Centre, Junior Youth Empowerment, St. John the Divine, Metchosin Trade School, and Pearson College as well as the Wilderness Contractors of BC and corporate groups. It has the potential to be used even more extensively by the agency and the wider community.
Many of our current programs operate from camp, or benefit from use of the camp on an ongoing basis. These include programs from each of our service areas: Social, Educational and Recreational; Youth and Family Support and Youth Justice. |
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
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Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria uses ecologically sound operating policies to govern the activities at the Camp and programs operate from a no-trace or ‘minimal impact’ philosophy. We continue to uphold this principle as we plan for the future use of the property.
Currently, only a small portion of the 98 acre site is used for programming. The division of the full property site into 8 separate activity zones, defined by existing natural features, allows us to accommodate groups with varying program requirements to operate simultaneously. For example, the younger summer camp kids can enjoy their traditional activities without being displaced by participants in the Coastline Challenge Camp youth justice program who require more intensive supervision.
One of these “zones” is approximately 40 acres in size, and primarily comprised of forested areas, including ecologically sensitive stands of Garry Oak and Arbutus trees. In addition, this zone is a staging ground for migrating turkey vultures returning across the Juan de Fuca Strait. A full inventory of flora and fauna is undevelopment. Preserving this mini-ecological reserve is one of our priorities.
Improvements in this zone will be minimal and ecologically sound practices will continue to be followed as we work to enhance it with a network of pathways, interpretive trails and viewing blinds to help protect the natural environment while still allowing some access |
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ZONE MAP (PDF) |
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Please click here for a Zone Map |
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FEES, RESERVATIONS AND INQUIRIES
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Intentional Programming Fees
Programming fees are based on the profile of your group:
- School groups $32 / hour
- Community groups $51 / hour
- Corporate, business or individual groups $85 / hour
A 1:10 staff/ participant ratio must be maintained. Additional staff must be included for groups over 10 and this may also be dependent on the activity.
- Additional staff rate: $23/hour
Site Fee: All groups will pay a site fee in addition to programming fees:
- $200 half day
- $320 full day
Off-Site programs can be delivered at a cost of:
- $250 / day per staff – staff ratios may be higher for maximum supervision and safety
- Equipment fees
- Gear rental: $9 / day per participant
- Boat rental: $20 / day per boat
- Transportation fees are additional
Facility Rental Fees:
Subject to availability, groups or individuals may rent specific areas to facilitate their own intentional programming. These areas include:
- Backwoods cabin - 750 sq ft on one level rustic log cabin for a truly “backwoods” experience. Open floor area, wood stove, solar lighting, wireless internet, and large covered porch looking out to our back pond.
- Ocean View cabin - 750 sq ft log cabin with sleeping loft (maximum 4 upstairs and 4 downstairs); wood stove, kitchenette, washroom (no shower but there are shower facilities available at family camp ground), wireless internet, large covered porch looking out to Juan de Fuca straits and Olympic Mountains. Perfect for meetings (max 12 people) and retreats.
- Family Campground - 670 sq ft cover log picnic shelter, access to washrooms (2) and outdoor shower (1); hot/cold water and outside wash sink available. Many prime tenting spots available.
- Multipurpose building - approximately 1000 sq ft of open activity space, wood stove. Excellent for group activities or classroom style configuration, wireless internet.
- Kitchen - small kitchen is available for self catered functions
- Welcome Hut - 300 sq ft meeting space (6-8 people), phone line, wireless internet, fax machine.
Fees: Each facility rents for:
- $11.50/hour or $80.50 / day (7 hours to 24 hours)
- Non-refundable cleaning fee of $25 for each facility
- Refundable damage deposit $150
All facilities are smoke and alcohol free.
All groups must provide proof of insurance and/or sign individual waiver agreements.
All program and facility inquiries can be made through the main Administration office. |
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CONTACT US
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Access to the site is by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange a tour or inquire about programming.
Mailing Address:
Metchosin Camp
Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria
Administration Office
1240 Yates Street
Victoria, BC V8V 3N3
Phone: (250) 384-9133
Fax: (250) 384-9136
E-mail: admin@bgcvic.org
Web: http://www.bgcvic.org
Administration Office Hours:
8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Thursday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm Friday
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DIRECTIONS FROM DOWNTOWN VICTORIA |
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Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria - Metchosin Outdoor Learning Centre
3900 Metchosin Road
- Take Highway Number 1 (Douglas Street) north 9 km
- Take the HWY 14 exit, EXIT 10, west toward HWY 1A/Colwood/Sooke/ Port Renfrew
- Follow along as the road turns into “Sooke Road/ Highway 14” 5.6 km
- Turn left onto Metchosin Road 4 km
- Turn right into parking lot at 3900 Metchosin Road
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
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Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria are committed to ensuring that diverse groups are able to access our high quality programs. Our subsidy program has been established to support individuals, groups or organizations that would normally be unable to afford our rental or program rates.
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VOLUNTEERS
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We are always looking for people to join us in our activities and be role models for our kids and those with a special interest in environmental stewardship. For more information on volunteering please contact Sarah Hancock at 250-384-9133 ext. 215, or email shancock@bgcvic.org |
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