Description
About
Our Camps run for two and three weeks in Vancouver. The curriculum includes English Language Immersion Experiences, Innovation, STEM education, Digital Skills and an introduction to Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Environmental Sustainability.
THE WELLNESS LAB
Healing and transformation can only happen when we bring together the mind, body and spirit. The Urban Camp created THE WELLNESS LAB, workshops designed to provide urban campers with the latest techniques in mindfulness, such as meditation, breath therapy, laugh therapy, fitness and overall well-being habits to achieve optimum health and wellness.
These wellness workshops occur in the morning or evening in a safe and caring environment where everyone feels understood, seen and heard. Our body remembers what our mind can’t so let’s relax, laugh, breathe and Ommm together. We are all a work in progress. Let’s make sure we create a better version of ourselves daily.
ENGLISH IMMERSIVE
The Urban Camp goes the extra mile and leaves the classic classroom environment to learn and practice English in real-life scenarios. From life and survival skills to immersing in an Olympic spirit and getting to know the history of Canada and Vancouver firsthand, The Urban Camp offers a week full of fun, hands-on activities and development projects to force Urban Campers to speak and communicate with local people and fellow Urban Campers.
- Conversation Hub: Canadian Lifestyle and relevant affairs happening in Canada. We oversee topics in the tech industry (think video games, Vloggers, Bloggers and YouTubers) and sports, fashion, movies, Youth, + Self Esteem.
- Survival and Life Skills
- Learn by Doing: Practice English while going on field trips in the city and nature. Urban Campers will be able to identify and understand accents and utilize the correct sentences for every occasion.
- Field Trips: Our field trips have included visits to top companies such as Microsoft, Walt Disney Studios, and EA (Electronic Arts). This innovative English Immersion program includes public speaking, storytelling, and pitch presentations.
THE URBAN HACKATHON
Urban Campers participate in the exhilarating Urban Hackathon – an all-day event where students engage in workshops and entrepreneurial sessions and pitch a real or fictional “secret and undisclosed” problem to a jury.
This program is designed to create a memorable and extraordinary experience and encourage our Urban Campers to grow and cultivate their entrepreneurial mindset while being introduced to the inescapable world of technology and innovation.
TECH LABS
We take our Urban Campers on a journey to learn exciting science, digital and technical skills. The Urban Camp offers hands-on workshops to introduce Urban Campers to the fast-growing Technology industry, providing different topics to choose from: understanding and creating Virtual Reality Worlds, animation, Digital Art, Google Suite + Intro to Design, 3D Design + 3D Printing, Electronics using Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI Prompt Engineering and introduction to UX Design and Data Visualization.
CAMP ORGANIZATION
Living like a local means enjoying the city and its surroundings, rain or shine. So get ready to explore the city, hiking trails, rivers, lakes, parks, suspension bridges, farms, beaches, local neighbourhoods, and everything in between.
During their stay in Vancouver, Urban Campers will support small businesses, stroll hidden streets to find the best shops, and order food from food trucks. Why not?
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
7:00 AM Wake up and get ready for boot camp
7:45 AM Power breakfast
8:15 AM Get ready for the day ahead
9:00 AM Learning Experience 1
10: 00 AM Learning Experience 2
Break
11:00 AM Learning Experience 3
12:30 PM Lunch Break
1:30 PM Wellness Break
3:00 PM Explore the city and surroundings
6:00 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Evening activities in the city / on campus
9:00 PM Evening notes and relaxation time
10:00 PM Lights out, good night
DURATION
2 – 3 weeks
AGE / LEVEL
- 9-12 (Juniors)
- 13-15 (Teens)
- 16 (Young Adults)
A2+ English Level Minimum
CAMP FORMAT
13 Days Academic program in Vancouver
09-10 AM – Learning Experience 1
10-11 AM – Learning Experience 2
11-12 PM – Learning Experience 3
12:30-1:30 PM – Lunch
2-6 PM – Activities, Sports, Challenges, Field Trips
6-7 PM – Dinner
7-9 PM – Evening Activities
9-10 PM – Relaxation time and lights out
10 PM – Good Night!
ACCOMMODATION
→Vancouver: UBC Campus
Who we work with
At The Urban Camp, we work with professionals who are experts in their field/industry. Most importantly, they are active and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, wisdom, and expertise.
We are also happy to introduce you to some of the unique local businesses that we partner with:
How do we introduce our partners?
Let’s take EVIVE (a smoothie company) and Straws N’ Stuff as examples. Both are Canadian companies that we introduce during the Wellness Lab. We use their stories and mission to educate our Urban Campers on the power of creating a product that answers people’s needs. The best part? Urban Campers will be able to try their products!
We’re always looking for new partners that share our values, so we expect the list of local businesses we collaborate with to continue to grow!
ACCOMODATION
In Vancouver: The Urban Camp Residence is at The University of British Columbia (UBC).
Urban Campers stay in single rooms and share the bathroom with same-gender Urban Campers.
ADDITIONAL INFO
Safety is our priority!
We have a minimum of 2 adults for every 10 Urban Campers. Senior Team, camp security at UBC and Whistler staff. We are trained and Certified in First Aid & CPR and have a criminal and background check.
Check-in + Check out
Check-in is at 3 PM on a Sunday. Our programs start on Sundays.
Check-out time for departures is at 11 AM on a Saturday. If arrival or departure happens a day before or after the start or end of the program, please request an extra night request form (applicable fees for the extra night, meals, activities and Activity Team Crew).
Laundry
We will teach and help urban campers do their laundry as part of our Life Skills workshop. However, camp fees do not include laundry loads.
Electronic Devices
Cell phones are essential for program success, providing access to schedules, class and workshop info, emails and camp updates. Sufficient data is crucial as WiFi around the city can be inconsistent. Video Games are not allowed, but electronic readers, music players and cameras are permitted and encouraged during the stay in Vancouver. Urban Campers can contact their parents and friends anytime during their free time using their phones. Parents can also contact The Urban Camp Staff; we are available 24/7. However, avoiding making non-emergency calls between 10 PM and 7 AM Vancouver time is advised. Our Team needs to rest to be 100% ready for our Urban Campers.
Before the Trip to Canada
We will provide a digital presentation closer to arrival with a guideline for what is needed for Vancouver and the Whistler excursion and other important information.
We understand that making the right decision for your child’s well-being is important to you. Our Directors personally connect with you to understand your needs and address any concerns. With over 25 years of experience, we value the trust you place in us to care for your children, working closely with parents, schools and students.
After the initial conversation or virtual cafecito, we communicate via WhatsApp and/or email. If you choose to join our programs, we ensure ongoing communication leading up to the program’s start. You will receive newsletters and occasional videos via WhatsApp, where our Virtual Team AI Members will provide all the necessary information about the trip to Canada. We aim to keep you informed and prepared well in advance.
What we include
Our Summer Program Include:
- Personalized e-mail account
- Pre-camp, camp, and post-camp communication
- Notarized Custodianship Letters
- Medical Insurance while at camp
- 2 weeks of camp. Starting on a Sunday and finishing on a Saturday morning.
- Transfer from Vancouver airport (YVR) to accommodation and from your accommodation back to YVR airport
- Transfer from accommodation to Whistler and back to accommodation
- Accommodation at UBC Residences
- 3 meals per day (except on arrival and departure days)
- The Urban Camp Daily News
- Local transportation
- The Urban Camp Swag Bag
- Opening Ceremony
- Lessons + Workshops + Guest Speakers + The Urban Hackathon
- All activities during the camp
- 24-hour support by The Urban Camp Team
- All-day excursion to Whistler
- All-day excursion to Bowen Island
- Gratitude and Certificate Ceremony
- Farewell Dinner
What we do NOT include ... but could arrange
- Extra nights fees (could be arranged for a maximum of 3 nights)
- Unaccompanied Minor (UM) charged by airline pick-up/drop-off fee
- Off-hours transfer fee (1-way if landed between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am or if leaving between 8 PM and 12 midnight)
- Courier for notary letters
- Airplane ticket
- Personal expenses
- Extra “super plus activities”
- The Urban Camp Insurance (example: lost suitcase, lost transit pass, daily incidentals)
- Laptops, tablets or smartphones
- Last-minute bookings (1 -30 days before camps start)
FAQs
What's the deadline for registration and payment?
To ensure that all administrative efforts will run smoothly, all camps must be paid in full by June 11th, 2025 latest or a $200 late payment charge will be apply to your outstanding balance.
What happens if I signed up but won't be able to attend?
$300 registration fees are non-refundable.
Full refunds (less $300 registration fee) for cancellations before April 11, 2025
Cancellations on or after April 11, 2025 may receive a 30% reimbursement (less $300 registration fee)
Cancellations after June 16, 2025 NO REFUND
All requests for changes or cancellations must be initiated by the parent/guardian and must be made in writing by email to info@theurbancamp.com. No WhatsApp or phone conversations will be considered for changes and/or cancellations.
All refunds will be made thirty (30) days after the end of our summer programs and with prior written notification by parents/guardians.
The Urban Camp is a Canadian Institution and Startup registered and incorporated in British Columbia. We work in collaboration and partnership with Canadian companies with clear and straightforward policies regarding not offering exceptions or refunds due to cancellations or late payments. As such, The Urban Camp is obliged to cover all costs charged by third parties working with us, so we cannot accept any late payments or last-minute cancellations. Furthermore, due to ethical and fairness-related reasons, we will not apply the payment of any camper to cover another camper’s balance due. No exceptions. The Urban Camp reserves the right to withdraw a student from any of the programs for late payments, negligence, dismissals due to disciplinary actions, alcohol or drug intake, bullying, physical or verbal harassment, and mistreatment of any of fellow campers and/or Team members. NO REFUND will be made. NO REFUND will be made for any of our programs’ late arrivals or early departures.
I don't think my English is good enough to attend this camp. Can I still join?
We would love to have you in our camp. Let’s have a virtual interview and see your English level.
You can always take a minimum of 20 lessons of English pre-camp with our instructors online. These lessons are live from Canada and are delivered in a safe and low-key environment, so you can feel free to learn until you feel confident and comfortable joining this unique experience. Don’t worry; we will ensure you reach an A2 level and prepare you for the camp in Canada!
What makes you different from the other ESL camps?
We have the WOW Factor.
We understand how school and classic classrooms can make you feel. In Canada, you are on holiday. We want you to feel relaxed and enjoy your time while on vacation. Therefore practicing English in an immersive way is not only fun, but you will see more positive results than studying from a book in a classroom. Plus hey! You want to attend our Tech, Entrepreneurship and Wellness Labs! No matter how old you are.
Are my children going to be able to mingle with students from the other camp?
Yes! And this is also where the magic happens. We ensure each camper gets two know two campers from other programs daily. Plus, your children can mingle with Asian, European, Central and South American students and Canadian and American students during our time on campus, during meals at the cafeteria and in Whistler! There are many chances to meet other campers!
Can students take this camp during winter or any other season?
Yes! But only students coming in groups of a minimum of 10 from any part of the world. If you are a teacher or school owner, please contact us at edna@theurbancamp.com, and we will tailor a program according to your needs.
I am a mom, and I am interested in sending my three children to your camps. Do we get a family discount?
Yes. If you buy the camps directly with us, we can make that happen.
We have family discounts of 5% off the second or more campers. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
I would like to sell your camps to my children's friends. Do you have any affiliation programs?
Yes, we do! You can make up to $200 CAD per registered friend. The more, the merrier! Please get in touch with us for more details.
Where do the students stay while in Vancouver?
We live in a student residence (dorms) at the University of British Columbia during the summer. This is an excellent opportunity to live in a luxurious dorm where thousands of Canadian and international students study while they prepare for their careers.
I heard you do a culinary tour for dinner. What does this mean?
We do have some dinners on campus so our Urban Campers can mingle with students from other nationalities; however, we also go out and take our students to try different cuisines. We have visited Hawaiian, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Ukrainian and Greek restaurants. Our Urban Campers love them all!
For overnight campers, do they share rooms and toilets?
All the rooms at our dorm are single. Bathrooms are shared on each floor, but they are NOT co-ed. Boys have their bathroom, and girls have their bathroom.
Will the rooms be supervised?
We have team members supervising the halls at night, and 24-hour people supervise the building, dorm entrance and exit, along with multiple security cameras and people around the UBC campus. We make sure adult supervisors are available at all times.
Are towels, bedding and pillows provided or do we need to bring our own?
Inside each room, bedding and pillows are provided. We ask each family to have their child bring two towels and all toiletries. We recommend that all campers bring special shoes and robes to use from room to bathroom since other campers from other camps might be sharing bathrooms with them.
Will my children need money for extra activities?
Not really. Whether your child is a day or overnight camper, everything is included. However, pocket money for ice cream and other personal items is recommended.
Will the children have a locked place to keep valuables?
UBC dorms are very safe, and rooms must always remain locked when we are not around. However, children can leave valuables with staff too.
Tablets and phones are ok to bring?
Yes. Smart Phones are mandatory due to the logistics of a STEM and digitalized program. Tablets are okay but might be “confiscated” at bedtime.
Is medical insurance included?
Medical insurance is mandatory for all campers, and it is included for international students. Insurance confirmation must be provided by parents and sent to us one (1) month before the start of the program. The Urban Camp reserves the right to deny access to the camp. Please make this a priority.
Are there any hospitals near UBC? How are emergencies treated?
We have a first-class hospital inside UBC and several walking clinics near our dorms. UBC Hospital, Koerner Pavilion, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5. If an emergency happens while not on campus, we will visit the closest hospital around the city.
How are emergencies treated?
The Urban Camp staff are First Aid certified and always have medical kits on them. We also have a medical kit at our residence. We won’t provide any medication to any of our campers (anything taken); however, we will provide band-aids and any other non-taken medication.
How many councellors per children?
We have a minimum of 2 counselors per 10 campers. All counselors have experience working with children and teens, have worked in other camps locally and internationally, and have First Aid certifications and background checks. Some of them are returning counselors, and we know and trust them well.
Can special food be provided if my child has allergies? What about vegan?
UBC has a delicious menu prepared for over 1000 students from all over the world. If your child has special food needs, they always offer vegan and gluten-free food. Besides, the menu is vast! We always have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options through our bakery if we cater the menu.
Do you have different groups or activities according to the different ages?
Yes, we do, but it also depends on the number of students we host. Most of our activities, workshops and projects are designed to be inclusive and diverse because that is where the magic happens! Within a particular activity, we can always separate by age, but it all depends on the type of project/activity.
In case my child wants to leave the camp early (cannot adapt) what do we do?
The first 3 days of the program are the most difficult for children aged 9-12. We do our best to make our campers feel welcomed and included. In a case like this, when the child and parents decide to leave the program, you must contact our camp director, and approval must be given by both parties.
Is there any refund if my child doesn't adapt and wants to leave the camp early?
Unfortunately not. We have everything organized and ready one month before the program starts, and therefore, there are no refunds 34 days before the program starts or when a camper leaves. Thank you for understanding.
At the end of the program, will campers get a certification of completion or something?
Yes! Everyone is awarded whether your child participates only for 3 days with us or one or more weeks! We want the certificate of completion to be part of their portfolio for future endeavours.