About The Urban Camp

OUR STORY

The Beginning

Founded in August 2019, The Urban Camp was launched as an innovative education program offering immersive summer camps for youth. We set out to revolutionize how young people learn by creating experiences that go beyond traditional classrooms.

Global Expansion

When the pandemic hit, we quickly pivoted to deliver highly successful online summer camps for two years. This transition allowed us to expand our reach internationally, serving students from Canada, the US, Venezuela, Mexico, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, and Chile.

Continued Growth

Building on our success, we continue to offer diverse online workshops for schools and independent learners worldwide, constantly evolving our programs to meet the changing needs of global youth education.

OUR PROGRAMS AND METHODOLOGY

1

Learn by Doing

100% hands-on learning experiences that engage students in real-world applications and practical skills development
2

Beyond Classroom

90% of learning happens outside traditional classroom settings through experiential and adventure-based education
3

English Immersion

All programs are delivered 100% in English, providing natural language learning through engaging activities

The Urban Camp's Mission

Our Vision

To be the leading force in redefining youth education by bridging innovation, culture, and personal growth—preparing the next generation to thrive as creators, innovators, leaders, and conscious global citizens.

Our Mission

The Urban Camp empowers youth through immersive, hands-on learning and programs combining innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, English, leadership, environmental sustainability, life and survival skills, outdoor education, and adventure. By fostering a spirit of curiosity, inclusion, and real-world readiness, we equip young minds from different parts of the world to live, learn, and lead with purpose in today’s fast-evolving world.

Our Mentality

Based on education, awareness and a “think outside the box” approach, we constantly encourage students to develop their creativity, share their ideas and turn them into reality. We believe that students connect and engage better with hands-on courses and a learning setting that differs from the typically structured school environment.

Our Values

The Urban Camp is diverse and inclusive. Everyone is welcome to participate in our camps, innovation summits and masterclasses. We are committed to providing a supportive and collaborative environment where all ideas and points of view are respected. Our goal is to define the future of education.

The Urban Camp's Team

Edna

Founder & CEO

Languages: English, Spanish

Edna’s first “abroad” experience was at nine years old. Edna is an entrepreneur passionate about innovative and technology-driven education. With over 30 years of experience in the international education industry, she has worked for companies such as Four Seasons Hotels and renowned English language schools in Canada. Today, Edna leads The Urban Camp.

Edna and a small team hosted her first online camp during the pandemic despite the challenges and remained steadfast in her mission. The rest is still being written for history.

Edna was invited to moderate a panel at the Women in Tech Regatta 2024 and speak at Google Development Group Burnaby at Northeaster University Campus. Edna will also be part of the third season podcast “Asi Emprendi” with Alex Rocha, a Mexican entrepreneur, and looks forward to continue delivering conferences to parents and schools on the importance of introducing the new generations to innovation and technology.

Paloma

Chief Innovation Officer

Languages: English, Spanish

Paloma is a dynamic professional with over 6 years of experience in technical training, documentation management, and driving operational excellence in client satisfaction. Former Technical and Customer Service Trainer at PayPal, Paloma is a valuable asset to our team, developing curriculum and implementing all technical and innovation aspects behind our Innovation Summits. Paloma is great at fostering team development, delivering value-driven solutions and is a fantastic UX Design instructor.

Paloma loves her dog, Jasper.

Madeline

Program Director & Marketing Director

Languages: French, English, Spanish

Madeline is a Digital Marketing Specialist with many years of experience in Project Management, Digital Media and Leadership.

Madeline has been responsible for designing The Urban Camp’s branding and marketing efforts and has been part of the team since its inception. Madeline is always on top of the latest in the tech industry and creating magic to deliver a one-of-a-kind event within our Innovation Summits. From creating templates and visuals to teaching, planning, recruiting, and executing, you will see Madeline orchestrating the team in English and/or French, while ensuring everything runs smoothly, and everyone is having a fantastic time.

Adrian

Director of Photography and Videography. Director of Team Attachés 

Languages: French, English, Spanish

Adrian lives and works in Vancouver. He is an animal lover and has been on the team since 2023. Our students love him. He is active and very creative. Adrian is always on the move, filming, coordinating interviews, and coordinating the Team Attachés, as well as creating a unique experience for all of them.

Adrian loves animals. You will see him attending all networking events in the city.

Christian

CFO. Finance Instructor & Director of First Impressions

Languages: German, English

Christian lives and works in Vancouver. He has a German background and loves animals. He is passionate about nature and the outdoors and is a great speaker. Christian is also a consultant, advocate for the elderly, and a financial consultant. Christian is on the operations team at our Innovation Summits and Easter and Summer camps, ensuring that all Group Leaders and Chaperones are well cared for and overseeing relationships among the team, Group Leaders, and Chaperones. Christian is a Voice Lead and Relations Maestro!

Mariana

Entrepreneur & Silent CEO

Languages: English, Spanish

Mariana’s story is about overcoming obstacles and pursuing happiness. From bouncing back after a failed marriage, raising her daughter alone, and opening several companies to uprooting her life to move from Uruguay to Canada to be with her true love, Mariana’s story is bound to inspire and captivate.

After selling her accessories company in 2015, Mariana retired and journeyed to Barcelona to write a book of her memoirs. After three years of a nomadic lifestyle, Mariana and her husband decided to settle down in beautiful Vancouver in April 2018.

Mariana loves to teach our students from time to time, sharing all the wisdom and showing them the tools to succeed in life. Mariana brings high-valued expertise and insight to The Urban Camp.

Tomoko

VR coding Instructor & CEO of Codeca Educational Technology and Services Inc.

Languages: English, Japanese

Tomoko is passionate about making an introduction to coding engaging, addressing gender equality in the tech industry and creating new and innovative solutions to make coding accessible.

She is a resourceful, committed, and friendly leader, educator, scrum master, and developer with a passion for education and experience in program management and web and mobile development.

She co-founded Codeca Educational Technology and Services Inc., a web VR coding platform that makes coding introductions exciting and engaging. The platform is also used by teachers to help them teach coding for the first time or make coding lessons engaging.
With the C3D platform, students can learn to code while creating their own VR worlds and, with one click, explore their creation with a mobile phone and cardboard VR headsets.

Tomoko has been an instructor at The Urban Camp since its beginnings. Students love her and feel accomplished with their VR creations.

Jessie

Wellness Coach

Experienced arts administrator and dance artist with a demonstrated history of working in the art and film industry. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) focused in Food Nutrition and Health from The University of British Columbia.

Jessie joined The Urban Camp in 2023, providing wellness and mindfulness workshops at The Urban Camp. Jessie’s goal is to make sure students recognize and honour what they feel and help them stay grounded and connected with themselves and each other while they are away from home, feeling slightly deregulated. Jessie also focuses on giving them and guiding them through different creative outlets.

JP Millan

English Instructor

Languages: English

JP has been at The Urban Camp since its beginning. He is our certified English Instructor (TESOL, CELTA, and IELTS examiner) and also a Digital Art instructor; he is an artist himself. (passion found during the Pandemic). During the Innovation Summits, JP joins the team as an instructor, PR and MC.

Who The Urban Camp Works With