Gambier Island - Camps

Camps

Camp Artaban is an Anglican camp, serving children, youth and adults. Sailing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, volleyball, crafts, camp fires, music, games and much more is offered. Worship is held in an outdoor chapel, and all programs include components for spiritual growth. Camps are offered on a weekly basis during the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Programs include girls camp, junior and senior coed camp, family camp, single parents camp,sailing camp, and a fine arts camp. During the spring and fall seasons, the facility is available for use by outside groups. Camp Artaban was named after Artaban, the main character in Henry Van Dyke's book "The Other Wise Man". Across the bay (Port Graves), Mount Artaban was named by Reverend A.T.F. Holmes, Vicar of Lulu Island, for the camp. An older name for Camp Artaban was Long Bay. The camp was established in 1924 by Reverend J.N. Brachner.

Camp Fircom, a United Church summer camp for children, youth and families, is located on the island's south-eastern edge near Halkett Bay. During the summer it offers camping experiences and programs, a tradition that began in 1923. During the fall to spring months the remote site is offered for rental by user groups of all shapes and sizes. Camp Fircom has undergone major renovation in 2011 and accommodates up to 190 people with many facilities.

Camp Latona is an outdoor education center and youth summer camp on the north end of Gambier Island. Camp Latona was originally a Sea Cadet Naval Base during WW2 and became a summer camp in the early 1950s. Thousands of children have spent their summers hiking the trails of Gambier Island or paddled the waters of Howe Sound from Latona. The Camp is a favourite rental location for schools and private groups to learn about environmental sustainability, alternative energies, diverse ecosystems and First Nations studies. Many groups use the camp for corporate retreats and leadership team building on the newly installed Zip Lines and High Ropes Courses. Camp Latona also has undergone considerable revitalization recently with new cabins, boats, activity areas and the building of a massive Tipi Village.