Junior Camp - Walking with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh

PARTICIPANTS: Ages 8-10 - campers who have completed Grade 3 or 4 in the 2024/2025 school year

Camp Chá7elkwnech (pronounced cha-ULK-nach) is offered in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation, Ayes Men Men, and the Squamish Nation. Along with Junior age campers, there will be Seniors, Teens and Adult programs as a part of this incredible week of camp.

This will be an incredible week at camp! Come and get to know Gambier Island/Chá7elkwnech while immersed in Squamish/Skwxwù7mesh culture. Indigenous and non-indigenous campers, camp counsellors, and facilitators will walk together through this week of joyful play and exploration. Junior Campers will be part of a focus activity that they will work on throughout the week. They will be guided in this project by Squamish leaders - both elders and youth ambassadors. For example, campers may make their own drum, weave cedar, or create their own salve to get rid of mosquito bites!

Campers will also have the special and unique opportunity to share and learn the Skwxwù7mesh language, drumming, and dance. By the end of the week everyone will have new friends, awesome memories, and a deepening connection with the Skwxwù7mesh people’s culture and land they have cared for over countless generations.

Note: For Camp Cha7elkwnech, all kids and teens are in gendered cabins/sibley tents.