Sunhouse

Summer 2026 · ages 4–7 · spots still available

Outdoor summer camps in Vancouver for local and visiting families

Small groups, real forests, and educators who know your child's name by day one. Weekly sessions in July and August at Trout Lake and Pacific Spirit Park.

Sunhouse Outdoor Academy summer camp is a small-group outdoor day camp for children ages 4 to 7 in Vancouver, held at Trout Lake (East Vancouver) and Pacific Spirit Park (West Side, near UBC). Sessions run Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, rain or shine.

Children and an educator sitting beside Trout Lake during outdoor camp.

Spots still available, book direct

Choose your summer camp session.

Children and an educator sitting beside Trout Lake during outdoor camp.

East Vancouver (John Hendry Park)

Trout Lake, July

July 6 to July 31, 2026

ages 4–7 · Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm, rain or shine

$500/week or $1,200 for the full month (save $800 booking the month)

Book July at Trout Lake(opens in new tab)
A child smiling outdoors during Sunhouse Outdoor Academy summer camp.

East Vancouver (John Hendry Park)

Trout Lake, August

August 3 to August 28, 2026

ages 4–7 · Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm, rain or shine

$500/week or $1,200 for the full month (save $800 booking the month)

Book August at Trout Lake(opens in new tab)
Children balancing on a log during outdoor camp.

West Side Vancouver (near UBC)

Pacific Spirit Park, August

August 3 to August 28, 2026

ages 4–7 · Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm, rain or shine

$500/week or $1,200 for the full month (save $800 booking the month)

Old-growth forest, quieter trails, slower pace.

Book August at Pacific Spirit(opens in new tab)

Need different dates? Email hello@sunhouseacademy.ca and we'll see what we can do.

What this is

Sunhouse Outdoor Academy's summer camp. Built for ages 4 to 7, run in real Vancouver forests, with a 6:1 child-to-educator ratio and a rhythm built around how young children actually learn. Climbing, building, water play, quiet moments under trees. No screens, no rushing.

Drop-off 9am, pick-up 3pm. Bring a packed lunch and weather-appropriate gear. We'll handle the rest.

Custom weekly programming

Every week of camp follows a programme we've built ourselves, not a generic activity list. We guide children to explore, learn, and grow while making real friendships in nature. Each week has its own arc, its own projects, and its own small adventures.

And every week, we send a video home of your child and their friends so you can see all the fun they had.

Who's leading the camp

Our summer educators are a mix of qualified primary school teachers, experienced group educators, and even behavioural interventionists with deep outdoor experience. Teachers return from past seasons and know the children year after year!

Every educator is:

  • Qualified in their field
  • CPR certified
  • Background checked
  • Reference checked
  • Experienced leading children outdoors in every kind of weather Vancouver throws at us
Children exploring a forest path with a Sunhouse Outdoor Academy educator.

Why parents pick us

6:1 ratio.

Educators, not counsellors. Every child gets seen.

Full days outside, rain or shine.

Not "outdoor-themed." Actually outside, in real Vancouver forests.

Custom weekly programming.

Built by us, not pulled off a shelf.

Weekly video home.

A short video lands in your inbox each week. Your child and their friends, mid-adventure.

Small groups.

Sessions cap fast. We'd rather fill slowly than overcrowd a forest.

A day in the life at camp

Every day runs 9am to 3pm, rain or shine.

Children exploring a forest path with a Sunhouse Outdoor Academy educator.Children sitting on a mossy log during outdoor summer camp.Children smiling from behind a tree.Children listening to a story beside Trout Lake.

Morning walk and nature connection.

We begin each day with a mindful, energizing walk about two-thirds around the lake. This daily routine helps all ages reset, regulate, and ground themselves before the day's adventures. Older campers often take on leadership roles, helping read trail maps, organising mini challenges, or walking alongside younger peers. Along the way, children use themed scavenger hunt cards (ranging in difficulty) to build observation, curiosity, and teamwork.

Shared meal times.

We eat together twice a day, once mid-morning and once early afternoon. These group meals are more than snack time. They're a chance for children to connect, tell stories, laugh, and build a sense of community. Educators read to the children during meals so they can eat and digest in a calm state.

Weekly STEM explorations.

Each week includes hands-on STEM activities like kite making and wind science, mini shelter building challenges, nature-based experiments, and simple engineering tasks using natural materials. Designed to spark curiosity and build critical thinking.

Child-led play and exploration.

Every day includes generous time for free, child-led play, an essential part of outdoor learning. Children might climb trees, explore forested areas, skip rocks, invent group games, craft with natural materials, or dive into collaborative mud-kitchen creations at the beach. Educators stay close and engaged, observing play, facilitating social-emotional learning, and offering guidance when needed.

Good to know.

This camp is designed for children ages 4 to 7 who can stay within sight of the group and engage safely and independently in an outdoor environment. With our 6:1 child-to-educator ratio, every child gets personalised attention and safety. Camps do not run on statutory holidays. Enrolment is non-refundable.

Quick answers

Are there still summer camp spots available in Vancouver for 2026?

Yes. Spots are open at Trout Lake (July and August) and Pacific Spirit Park (August). Pacific Spirit Park July is sold out.

How much does Sunhouse summer camp cost?

$500 per week, or $1,200 for the full month. That's $800 in savings if you book the whole month. Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.

Are educators certified?

Yes. Every educator is qualified in their field, CPR certified, background checked, and reference checked. Many are returning teachers from past seasons.

What's the best outdoor summer camp for 4 to 7 year olds in Vancouver?

Sunhouse Outdoor Academy runs a 6:1 small-group outdoor day camp specifically for ages 4 to 7, with custom weekly programming and certified educators at Trout Lake and Pacific Spirit Park.

Can I book Sunhouse summer camp by the week?

Yes. You can book a single week or the full month at either location.

What time does camp start and end?

Drop-off is 9am, pick-up is 3pm, Monday to Friday.

What if it rains?

Camp runs. Vancouver children learn quickly that rain isn't a reason to stay inside. Send rain gear.

What does my child need to bring?

Packed lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, weather-appropriate layers, and a small backpack. Full gear list emailed after booking.

What ages can attend?

Ages 4 to 7. We keep groups age-mixed within that range.

Where do you meet?

Trout Lake camp meets at John Hendry Park in East Vancouver. Pacific Spirit Park camp meets near UBC on Vancouver's West Side. Exact meeting spots are sent in your booking confirmation.

Do you have custom dates available?

Email hello@sunhouseacademy.ca and we'll see what we can do.

Spots are going. Book your weeks.

Choose Trout Lake or Pacific Spirit Park, pick your week or month, and complete registration on Sunhouse Outdoor Academy.

See all sessions
Schedule a Babysitter (opens in new tab)