July 15th-19th, 2024: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, ages 7-12 and Leadership Development (14-17)
Join us in Integria this summer. This archipelago nation in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle makes its appearance but once a year! The magic guilds of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water need your creativity and imagination to address the problems that reach into the far corners of the world. Spend a week exploring social justice issues through the avenue of role play, theatre, ritual, nature magic, and fun!
Our guiding value is Radical Inclusivity with love at the centre. Children are honoured here from the gender creative to the neurospicy to families of all backgrounds and identities. We support every child to thrive, be themselves, show up and participate in the way that works for them. Magical camp at Vancouver Unitarians has been running since 2018 making magic for children and adults alike.
Testimonials
“My children have attended this camp since it started. They were happy to go each day and I was struck by their enthusiasm from start to finish. So many other camps are over-structured and rule-based – this is not one of them! Magical mayhem is inclusive, child-led, and creates space for play and emergent creativity.”
Jenny
“My kids have been to multiple iterations of the Vancouver Unitarians’ summer camp over the years, and they have all been brilliant: children help shape the camp as it goes, and they can geek out with like-minded, marvellous, quirky people (among whom I include the adults). My eldest loved Magic Camp so much that at 16, she is now looking forward to being one of its leaders!”
Tanya
“A summer camp like no other, best described as a ‘live action role play, social justice theatre camp with a pagan renaissance faire atmosphere’.”
parent of camper since 2018
“I asked [my non-binary child] if they have ever felt safe to be fully themself in any school or extracurricular setting and they said ‘Magic Camp’.”
parent of camper 2020-2022
Details
Dates, age section descriptions, code of conduct
When: July 15-19, 2024, 9:00am–4:00pm (optional after-care until 5:30 pm)
Where: Vancouver Unitarian Campus: 949 West 49th Ave, Vancouver, the corner of 49th and Oak
Mythical Creators–ages 10-12
Register for Mythical Creators to focus on creating a theatrical story adventure to share with families at the end of the week–presenting a solution to a problem. The entire campus, buildings, gardens, and grounds are waiting for your magical touch. The week culminates with a Faire and Festival for family and friends.
Magical Explorers–ages 7-10
Register for Magical Explorers to focus on creating a magical character through improv, working together to solve a problem, crafting and exploring a world of magic and mystery. Bring your character to life in a story to share at our family faire at the end of the week.
Camper Code of Conduct
We have three simple rules that everyone from the Director to new students are expected to follow. These rules are created in the spirit of our 8 Unitarian Universalist Principles and are:
- We make sure every living being is cared for, respected, and safe.
- We respect the work of others.
- We take care of our space and what we use.
The Camp Director reserves the right to remove a camper from activities out of concern for safety and respect. If a camper cannot return to right relations with the group, a parent/guardian may be asked to remove them from camp.
Camp Fees and Policies
Sliding Scale fee description, cancellation policy
Camp fee: sliding scale $100–$410
About Sliding Scale Pricing:
We follow the Canadian Unitarian Council’s lead on making our program as financially accessible as possible. Sliding scale fees are designed to allow participants to choose how much they are able to pay for registration. If you are unsure how much you should be paying, here are a few words about sliding scale to think about:
“When I pay more, I know that I am helping others to access the event. When I pay in the middle, I know I am helping the organizers cover costs. And when I pay at the bottom, I know I am letting my community hold me and support me. All of these are wonderful and acceptable ways of participating.”
“Please be mindful that if you purchase a price at the lowest end of the scale when you can truthfully afford the higher ticket prices, you are limiting access to those who truly need the gift of financial flexibility. Being honest with yourself and your financial situation when engaging with sliding scale practices grows strong and sustainable communities.” (Source: Sliding Scale Why, How, and Sorting Out Who)
Cancellation and Refund Policy
All requests for refunds must be submitted to the Program Director, by email (dlfd@vanu.ca). Requests for refunds receive a full refund less a 15% administrative fee per registrant. If less than one week’s notice is given 50% of the fee will be refunded. If notice is given on or after the start date of the program, no refund will be given. Late cancellation before the start of camp due to personal infectious illness will be refunded 75%. In the event of a closure by provincial order or natural disaster, full or pro-rated refunds will be issued.
