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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

YMCA Camp Elphinstone

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Gibsons, BC
YMCA Camp Elphinstone

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YMCA Camp Elphinstone offers a broad range of programs, including overnight and day camps, outdoor e

08/14/2026

Why Are They Swimming?

Because some of their best camp memories started on the water.

The camp waterfront was a place of adventure, friendship, challenge, and discovery.

Years later, a group of camp alumni—including Paralympic medalist Donovan Tildesley—are returning to the water to help other children experience those same opportunities.

Because when barriers are removed, children discover confidence, belonging, and potential they can carry for life.

🌊 Swim today. 🌲 Camp this summer. ✨ Impact for a lifetime.

Donate today at https://anqacffe.donorsupport.co/page/FUNQARNHDXE

08/12/2026

Years ago, three campers spent their summers swimming, paddling, and making memories at camp. This weekend, they're swimming across the Thornbrough Channel, from Gambier Island to Camp Elphinstone, to help send more kids to camp through the Alumni Swim Challenge.

Among the swimmers is Donovan Tildesley—Paralympic medalist, former Canadian Paralympic flag bearer, and world-record-holding swimmer. But before those achievements, he was a camper building confidence, connection, and a love of the water.

Now, he and a group of camp alumni are making waves so more children can discover what's possible.

💙 Help remove barriers. Help send a kid to camp. Donate today at https://anqacffe.donorsupport.co/page/FUNQARNHDXE

07/22/2026

National Drowning Prevention Week is taking place July 19-25, and this year's theme is Prepare and Prevent. Creating a safe environment for campers to learn, grow and play in and on the water under the supervision of certified leaders is a top priority for us here at YMCA Camp Elphinstone.

If you’ve been to camp, you may remember jumping into cold water on the first day. This experience, known as the Day One Swim Test, has always been about safety. Though the test has evolved over the years, today we follow the Canadian Swim to Survive® Standard, which requires swimmers to demonstrate their ability to orient themselves on the water surface after an unexpected entry, tread water for one minute and swim 50 metres in any method.

“Learning to be safe in and on water supports personal development in meaningful ways: it helps young people make sound decisions, understand risk, and develop a sense of responsibility for themselves and others,” said Lenea Grace, Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon Executive Director and a former Camp Director here at Camp Elphinstone.

Read more about the history and importance of swim safety in our latest issue of the YMCA Camp Alumni Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/bc/summer-2026-ymca-camp-alumni-newsletter?e=3045779ca1

05/08/2026

Make summer memories with us at YMCA Camp Elphinstone! Kids gain confidence, build friendships and have a blast with all of the exciting activities our oceanside camp has to offer. Spaces are still available in our Overnight Camp programs for ages 5 to 16 in July and August—visit ymcabc.ca/camps to learn more and sign up today!

04/24/2026

You’re invited to our Open House on Sunday, May 3! YMCA Camp Elphinstone is welcoming all families to come take a free tour of our 144-acre camp property, see all of the activities we have to offer and enjoy a couple of snacks from our kitchen. It’s a great way for first-time campers to get a feel for the camp setting before they arrive this summer, for returning campers to show off their favourite parts of camp, or for families to decide which camp program suits their camper best before registering!

Tours will take place at 11:00 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. on May 3, timed to coincide with ferry sailings. Please RSVP in advance by clicking here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/rxfhHjPR4N

04/23/2026

All of us at YMCA Camp Elphinstone would like to express our appreciation to the Sunshine Coast Foundation for its continued support of our camp programming! This year, the Foundation provided a generous grant from the YMCA Camp Elphinstone Youth Development Fund that will allow our team to upgrade or obtain new climbing equipment. This endowment, kindly established by the late Mary Gordon, exists to provide campers with leadership and skill-building opportunities, and we’re grateful to receive this grant that will immediately enhance their experience on our climbing wall.

Thank you, Sunshine Coast Foundation!

Address

1760 YMCA Road
Gibsons, BC
V0N1V6

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16048862025

Website

https://www.ymcabc.ca/camps

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