British Columbia has endless camping and recreational activities available in pristine natural settings that provide countless learning opportunities.

Fireside campers are guided through western Canada’s most scenic areas, from hiking along wild Pacific coastal shores, biking through Galiano Island, walking amongst massive old growth forests and discovering secret waterfalls.

Fireside Adventures offers programs with varying levels of intensity and duration:

Quest Leadership (ages 13-17): The Quest Leadership programs are designed for international and Canadian youth wanting a more intensive outdoor and environmental leadership experience. Quest Leadership programs are 21 day expeditions composed of community stewardship projects, canoeing, hiking, intensive leadership training and personal and outdoor skills development. This year, campers will be exploring Whistler, Gambier Island, Tofino, Galiano Island, and Victoria.

Explorer (ages 12-15): Our Explorer programs are 7-day adventures designed to provide an introduction of leadership and outdoor recreational skills development. The Explorer programs are a perfect, however not necessary, prerequisite for the Quest Leadership programs. This year, Explorer programs will encompass hiking trip through Manning Provincial Park and a canoeing program on Gambier Island.

FireFly (ages 8-12): FireFly is for children who are seeking outdoor adventure and an introduction to camping. FireFly programs are the perfect choice for children who are looking for their first outdoor experience. FireFly campers have a choice of joining our propular camp program at Golden ears Provincial Park, or our bike adventure on Galiano Island.

Special – SAVE 20% if registered before December 31, 2011

International Leadership Expedition (21 days)

Dates: July 8 - 28, 2012 OR July 29 - August 18, 2012

Age: 14 to 17 years old (co-ed)

Price: $2,999 CDN + 12% HST (includes instruction, food, accommodation, some camping gear, camping fees, and transportation during the trip. Does not include flight and some optional activities.)

Canadian and international youth are welcomed to participate in a unique 21-day integrated leadership program and be immersed in an outdoor recreation expedition. Participants will focus on environmental awareness, interpersonal growth and developing the skills to be competent international leaders. Campers will explore some of BC's most beautiful and significant locations, including: Whistler, Tofino, Gambier Island, Juan De Fuca Park and Victoria.

Explorer - Big Canoe (Gambier Island)

Date: July 15 - 21, 2012

Age: 12 to 14 years old (co-ed)

Price: $875 CDN + HST (includes all transportation while on trip, camping equipment, lodging and food)

Gambier Island is one of Howe Sound's best kept secrets for those seeking a paddle expedition adventures, sense of gulf island life and to be surrounded by nature. The youth leadership group will spend 4 out of 6 nights sleeping by the campfire after paddling the shorelines discovering sea life, pristine forests and secret coves for swimming. Participants will learn ocean canoeing, hiking skills, shelter building and the skills to safely journey by boat.

Explorer - Big Mountain (Manning Park)

Date: August 19 - 25, 2012

Age: 12 to 14 years old (co-ed)

Price: $875 CDN + HST (includes all transportation while on trip, camping equipment, lodging and food)

Manning Provincial Park offers young explorers the opportunity to hike along Canada’s spectacular mountain ranges and witness the alpine flowers come out in bloom right before their eyes. The youth leadership group will spend 4 out of 6 nights trying to touch the stars as they reside on their mountain top campgrounds. Participants will learn mountain orienteering, hiking skills, shelter building and the skills to safely journey from the bottom to the top of a mountain.

Firefly Golden Ears

Date: July 16 - 20, 2012

Age: 8 to 12 years old (co-ed)

Price: $325 CDN + 12% HST (includes all food, transportation while on trip and most camping gear)

FireFly Golden Ears is an opportunity for children to have their first overnight camp experience and introduction to outdoor recreation, while staying at the famous Golden Ears Provincial Park. Campers participate on daily hikes, visit some incredible waterfalls, learn to build tee pees, swim at Alouette Lake, and sing camp songs by the campfire each night. FireFly kids also learn the basics of camping such as setting up tents, knots, setting up forest shelters, making the perfect SMORE and how to make lasting friendships.

Firefly Galiano Island Bike Trip

Date: August 6 - 10, 2012

Age: 8 to 12 years old (co-ed)

Price: $385 CDN + 12% HST (includes all food, transportation while on trip and most camping gear)

Bike touring and camping is an awesome way for kids to spend a week on Galiano Island.  Each day campers will explore Galiano’s endless wonders by bike, hike up Galiano Mountain, go crab fishing, pick bucket loads of wild berries, play forest games, and most importantly, just having fun being kids.  Campers will be staying at Montague Harbour Provincial Park and will learn about bike maintenance, road safety, basic camping and more. The Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is drop off and pick up location. All camping gear, food and the campers’ personal belongings will be carried by truck from the ferry terminal to the campsite. All campers must have their own bike and helmet to enroll in the Galiano Island Bike Trip.