British Columbia
Outdoor Discovery on Vancouver Island With Your Grandchild
Program No. 2677RJ
Kayak, canoe, zipline, rock climb and camp your way through the wooded forests of Vancouver Island with your grandchild, learning all kinds of new skills along the way.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6B 5L 6D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Campbell River, BC
2
Outdoor Adventures, Canoeing, Swimming
Campbell River, BC
3
High Ropes, Zipline, Kayaking, Orienteering
Campbell River, BC
4
Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Canoe Field Trip Prep
Campbell River, BC
5
Nature Walk, Overnight Canoe Field Trip, Camping
Campbell River, BC
6
Canoeing, Outdoor Activities
Campbell River, BC
7
Program Concludes
Campbell River, BC
At a Glance
Bring your junior explorers on an active adventure in the mossy forests of Vancouver Island. Together you’ll learn new skills as you play kayak soccer, navigate with a compass and head out on an overnight canoe trip. Climb a rock bluff, rappel from a cliff, swing like Tarzan on a zip line and learn about teamwork on a log and cable ropes course suspended high above the ground. Swim on the sandy beach, tell campfire stories and learn all about the plants and animals of Vancouver Island on a nature walk with an expert. This fresh air adventure will bring you closer together — and closer to nature!
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain.
What You'll Learn
- Learn survival techniques, camping basics, outdoor cooking, orienteering and wilderness etiquette throughout the week, including during a camping trip (optional) to Rainbow Island.
- Climb a rock bluff, rappel from a cliff, swing from a zip line and navigate a ropes course under expert supervision and with a harness.
- Explore a sphagnum bog, home of the carnivorous sundew plant, and spend time on the water kayaking and canoeing.
General Notes
Program is for grandchildren ages 9-14. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices will be unavailable.
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Outdoor Discovery on Vancouver Island With Your Grandchild
Program Number: 2677
Great Bear Wild
A colorful photographic journey through the Great Bear Rainforest that follows the coast from Vancouver Island to southern Alaska; McAllister captures the spectacular landscapes and wildlife, including wolves, whales and bears.
Moon Vancouver and Victoria, Including Whistler and Vancouver Island
A no-nonsense practical guide in the Moon series, jam-packed not only with travel necessities (hotels, restaurants, sights), but also with a good overview of history, flora and fauna and geology.
Vancouver Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species
This pocket-sized reference for the bird enthusiast includes illustrations of over 120 species and a map of local birdwatching hotspots.
Vancouver Island Map
A colorful paper travel map of the island, at a scale of 1:250,000.
Hatchet
In the first of Paulsen's wilderness adventure novels, 13-year-old Brian must fend for himself after his plane crashes in the Canadian woods.
The Last Great Sea, A Voyage Through the Human and Natural History of the North Pacific Ocean
A wide-ranging conservation history of British Columbia and the North Pacific Ocean. Glavin lives in the Gulf Islands, where he writes frequently about fisheries and environmental issues facing the region.
Touching Spirit Bear
This young adult novel follows Cole, an abused and abusive teen, who chooses banishment to an Alaskan island over incarceration. But for Cole to reform, it takes an encounter with the white Spirit Bear of First Nation legends.
Grass Beyond the Mountains, Discovering the Last Great Cattle Frontier on the North American Continent
Hobson's classic memoir of his cross-country trek and pioneering days as a rancher in British Columbia's undiscovered remote north.
I Heard the Owl Call My Name
In this brief novel, a young vicar comes to live with the Kwakiutl Indians of the town of Kingcome in the Pacific Northwest. Written for teens but worthwhile for adults.
The Raven Steals the Light
A classic collection of 10 Haida myths and legends with accompanying black and white etchings by Vancouver artist Bill Reid. These stories capture the storytelling traditions of the Haida.
Myths and Legends of the Pacific Northwest
Presented here with 52 photographs, these traditional stories, first collected in 1910, reveal myths and traditions of creation, alongside noted geographical features of the territory.
There's an Owl in the Shower
In this novel for ages 8-12, Newbery Award-winning author and illustrator Jean Craighead George tells the story of how one unusual spotted owl makes his way into the home -- and hearts -- of a family of loggers in the Pacific Northwest.
British Columbia Seashore Life
A fold-up, laminated card featuring color drawings and short descriptions of common marine plants, echinoderms, mollusks, crustaceans, nearshore fish, birds and mammals of British Columbia.
Vancouver Map
A laminated, folded map of Vancouver, British Columbia at a scale of 1:15,000.
A Traveller's History of Canada
A readable and admirably concise march through Canadian history from prehistory to today, including a timeline.
The West Beyond the West, A History of British Columbia
A fascinating history of the Canadian province from the 18th century to the mid-1990s. The author weaves portraits of major personalities and events into a readable overview of the cultural and social influences that have shaped the region.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest
A compact photographic guide to the wildflowers, trees, mosses, butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals of the Pacific Northwest.
Following the Last Wild Wolves
McAllister shares his experiences and inferences from studying two undisturbed wolf packs after 20 years of observing them while living on the coast of British Columbia. Check out McAllister's collection of photographs as well (CND288).
Must-See Birds of the Pacific Northwest
A practical, "blissfully unscientific" guide to the feathered friends of the Pacific Northwest. The 85 birds common to Oregon and Washington are profiled with color photographs and explanatory text that tells readers where to see and how to find each animal. Ideal for a long weekend birding trip!
The Island Within
A beautifully written tribute to the Pacific Northwest. Drawn from the author's journals, this is an account of the natural and cultural history of an island in the waters of Haida Strait, with emphasis on the relationship between people and the land.
Bachelor Brothers' Bed and Breakfast
Lake Woebegone goes British Columbian in this humorous slip of a novel about an unconventional Vancouver B&B, which features twin bookworm brothers, a talking parrot and a motley crew of hotel guests.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6 B 5 L 6 D
Activity Note
Lodge check-in from 4:00 p.m. Strathcona Park Lodge is on a hill where trails and paths are gravel and dirt.
Afternoon:
After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. There will be some time to unpack, unwind, relax, and informally meet fellow Road Scholars in the chalet building.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
Orientation. Welcome to Strathcona Park Lodge and Outdoor Education Centre, where we are committed to helping children and adults of all ages appreciate the wilderness and learn more about themselves and others. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Educational content will be provided by our knowledge outdoor instructors. Meals at Strathcona are hearty and nutritious and reflect our commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Strathcona is a center for outdoor adventure and experiential education. Activities are selected to challenge, inspire, encourage creativity and reflection while having fun. Next, we will have a presentation on the history of Strathcona and the area, then explore the lodge. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of canoes; paddling. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; uneven, steep terrain. All equipment provided for canoeing.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
We’ll take part in fun activities for grandchildren and grandparents to promote group development, trust, problem-solving initiatives, and challenges. We’ll also introduce the “Challenge by Choice” philosophy.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
We’ll walk to the lake and learn about canoe and paddle strokes as well as safety and comfort in the water.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to go for a swim along the sandy beach, enjoy spending time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.
Activity Note
Participating in high ropes and zipline activities. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; uneven, steep terrain.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
We’ll continue developing our skills together on the high ropes and zipline. These are powerful and challenging activities, built from logs, cables, and ropes suspended above ground up to a height of forty feet. Participants will be secured at all times with harnesses and wear helmets. Good communication and support is central in these activities.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
Next, it’s kayak soccer, a unique way to get comfortable in the boats while having fun. Play soccer like never before!
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
Orienteering is navigating. We’ll learn master map and compass skills and map reading while navigating the Strathcona orienteering course.
Activity Note
Engaging in kayaking activities. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; uneven, steep terrain.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
At the lodge lake, we’ll learn the basics of kayaking including forward, reverse, sweep strokes, and maybe some more games.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
We will learn the basics of climbing and gain opportunities for personal growth and change. Instructors will start us off on the rock wall. We’ll then head up to one of our climbing bluffs. Climbing can be a significant mental challenge for many participants as it requires a great deal of trust in themselves. Success shows that perceived limitations are often self-imposed.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
We’ll pack and prepare for our overnight canoe field trip tomorrow, focusing on food, gear, and personal/group items. Note: Camping out overnight is an elective choice. Those who prefer to return to the lodge to sleep tomorrow night are welcome to do so.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of canoes; paddling about 5 miles approximately 6 hours throughout the day (approximately 3 hours each way). Walking up to 2 miles; uneven beach terrain. For camping outdoors, bring warm under-clothing, personal water bottles.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
We’ll set out on a nature walk to the Sundew Bog and learn about the flora and fauna of coastal British Columbia, especially the species unique to Vancouver Island. We’ll gain an increased appreciate for nature, environmental education, and play some games before returning to the lodge.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
We will get into canoes and paddle to Rainbow Island for an overnight field trip that will provide an enjoyable wilderness experience with focus on group strength. It will also offer a great bonding experience for grandparents and kids. We’ll have expert instruction on minimum impact camping, natural history, navigation, outdoor cooking, and other skills. Experienced instructors will provide supervision of kids and adults who camp outside. Equipment will be provided by the lodge: sleeping bags (ensolite or Therm-a-rest); unbreakable cups, bowls, and spoons; water bottles; ziploc bags/garbage bags for waterproofing; water-resistant paddling jacket. Those who wish can bring their own gear.
Dinner:
At overnight campsite, cooking over campfire.
Evening:
We’ll take part in team-building activities and games. Note: Camping out overnight is an elective choice. Those who prefer to return to the lodge to sleep tomorrow are welcome to do so (paddling canoes or motorboat driven by staff).
Activity Note
Those who chose to sleep at the lodge the night before will return to the campsite (paddling canoes or via motorboat driven by our staff). Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; uneven, steep terrain.
Breakfast:
At the campsite.
Morning:
We will paddle our canoes back to the lodge, unpack, and enjoy hot showers.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
We’ll set out to develop our wilderness skills and enjoy group games for both grandparents and kids. Challenges will include group problem solving while we play.
Dinner:
At the lodge. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We’ll gather around a campfire (weather permitting) for closing ceremonies on the final evening with our grandkids/grandparents and new friends. Feel free to bring musical instruments, talents, stories, jokes, and games to share with everyone. Prepare for departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Lodge check-out 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the lodge. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!