2026 Summer Camp Changes
We have exciting changes coming to some of our Summer Camp Offerings in 2026!
Please read below to learn more about what you and your campers can expect this summer.
Walking with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh:
Over the past 10 years, we have been walking alongside members of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) on the journey of reconciliation, first through our annual Camp Chá7elkwnech offering, and over the past few years, in our Walking with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Pro-D Retreat for Educators. In order to continue to grow our relationship with members of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw in a meaningful and authentic way, we are thrilled to announce that we will be inviting Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Knowledge Carriers and Elders to share their history, culture, traditions, stories and unique gifts during every camp session, so that all of our campers, staff and volunteers have the privilege of being introduced to Indigenous ways of knowing and being, as well as learning about the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Peoples and their majestic ancestral land that includes Chá7elkwnech (Gambier Island), where Camp Fircom is located.
Our camps will still include all of the awesome activities that our campers are accustomed to, and our programming will be enhanced in a beautiful way with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh cultural teachings and activities woven into our camp schedule. At every camp, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Knowledge Carriers or Elders will share some songs or stories at meals and/or campfires. During Scamper, Kids, and Teen Camp, campers can expect one Sḵwx̱wú7mesh programming block during the week. During Dad & Kids Camp and Family Camp, campers can expect Sḵwx̱wú7mesh programming as one of the options during Family Choice activity blocks. During Mom, Kids and Teen Camps, there will be a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh programming option during the morning activity block for moms, as well as an option during the afternoon Family Choice activity block.
Three weeks of Scampers, Kids & Teen Camps in 2026
Please note that our decision to grow our relationship with members of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw during the 2026 camp season means that we will no longer be offering Camp Chá7elkwnech as a distinct session. We will instead offer three weeks of Kids and Teen Camp, as well as three Scamper Camps. All dates are on our camp calendar HERE.
Teen Camp - ages 12-15:
In previous years, our teen camp has been one group of 32 teens with four counselors and a Teen Coordinator. This has limited how much the staff team can connect with each teen. In an effort to increase opportunities for connection and relationship-building, for the 2026 camp season our teen campers will be pre-sectioned into Teen A and Teen B prior to arrival (rather than doing so once they are already at camp). Each group will have two Teen Counsellors assigned to them. We believe this change will augment the camper experience and allow for closer connections to be formed.
There will still be time for all 32 teens to do activities together but our plan is to transition the program to be more similar to the Junior and Senior Programs where the campers are pre-sectioned into their own cabins/ groups.
Because the groupings will be pre-made, please make sure to use the “friend request” feature on your Amilia registration form if your teen has friends they’d like to be in a group with. We will do our best to accommodate these wishes.
There may be the opportunity for some changes to be made at camp but that isn’t guaranteed as it may be impossible to accommodate everyone’s preferences. We appreciate your understanding.
Finally, in the past, teen campers have had the opportunity to pick their tent groups independently; however, we found that this introduced unnecessary social conflicts and stressors for new campers. As a result, we will be pre-assigning tents for the campers just like how other age groups are organized into cabins. It is expected, and explained to the campers, that the only time they will be in their tents is at night. We also ask that campers use the changing tents provided or change in the washrooms to avoid changing in their Bell Tents. We do understand that some campers may have limitations with who they are comfortable sharing with, and if that is the case, we will work with them to find an appropriate alternative sleeping arrangement.
Polaris Adventure Camp - Ages 13-16:
We will once again be having three weeks of Polaris Adventure Camp this summer. The first two programs (for teens ages 13-16) will take place in tandem with Mom, Kids, and Teens Camp, as usual. The third and final week will take place from August 16-21, 2026, during Improv Camp—an independent group that rents our site. Since no other Camp Fircom programs will be running that week, this Polaris Adventure group will spend an extra day on their out trip and take part in more challenging hikes and activities. This session is ideal for older teens and campers who have already participated in Polaris Adventure and are ready for a more adventurous week than before! The age restriction for Polaris 3 is ages 15-16 yrs.
We understand that not having another Fircom program on site will change the experience for some campers, but we will ensure all our campers will still get to experience all the classic Camp Fircom moments, including campfires and Operation Firefly!
Junior and Senior Counsellor-in-Training Programs:
Our 2026 CIT programs will look similar to 2025 with a few logistical changes.
Eligibility for the CIT programs are as follows:
JUNIOR CIT: 15 years old as of July 11th, 2026
SENIOR CIT: 16 years old as of July 11th, 2026
The Junior CIT program registration will open with the rest of the Summer Camps but all potential Junior CIT campers will still have to participate in an application process. This may look like completing a questionnaire, providing a resume, or a virtual interview with the Camp Directors, depending on how many applicants there are.
There will only be six spots available for the Junior CIT program and we want to be certain that all the participants understand what they are signing up for, to ensure that the best applicants are accepted into the program.
Our Senior CIT program will once again be by invitation only. In November and early December, we will be sending invitation emails to families of the campers we believe would be a great fit for the Senior CIT program. If you have a camper who is interested and want to ensure they are considered, please email laura@fircom.ca with their name so she can pass the information along. Please note there will only be six spots available in the Senior CIT program.
Questions? info@fircom.ca