Q&A
General Questions
MTO is a week-long, hands-on environmental science program for youth, ages 13 to 15, that takes place in B.C.’s Mainland/Southwest region. Following the journey from alpine peaks to ocean shoreline participants explore ecosystems, gaining knowledge and ideas through STEM learning, Indigenous knowledge sharing, and real-world conservation action. Activities provide a whole-system experience that keeps youth engaged while developing transferable skills, like collaboration, critical thinking, and science communication.
Yes, this camp does have a $450 fee; that will include all admissions, facilitators, camp staffing fees. etc. There are also opportunities to apply for bursaries to offset camp costs or receive camp for free to those who may benefit.
Once accepted and confirmed, you will be emailed your next steps for payment. Through this email, we will also indicate if you have recieved a bursary or not, based on your expression of needs (if applicable).
Through the application process, you’ll have the opportunity to indicate whether you’d like to apply for a bursary. We will connect with you for further information and next steps. We offer a variety of bursaries that can pay for partial and full programs, but they are limited.
Camps Overview
Camps are offered throughout July and August and run for one week, Monday to Friday; Camps will run approximately from 9-5 daily.
We aim to keep all camp weeks consistent in terms of core activities, themes, and overall experience. However, some factors including weather and vendor availability may result in minor changes week to week. .
Registration is now open! Please apply here on our website and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
The deadline to register is June 1st 2026
Safety
We will send out a "what to expect" document with all of the information about our excursions so youth can be fully prepared.
All staff are required to obtain a clean criminal record check and vulnerable sector check. All staff are certified in Standard First Aid & CPR-C. Youth will be trained by Ocean Wise staff who have years of facilitation experience. Upper management helps prepare excursions and have Outdoor Risk Management Training.
If your youth is anaphylactic, we will let campers know so they can pack appropriately. Due to the prevalence of nut allergies, we ensure we are a nut-free camp.
You can opt in to have lunch provided for you / your child for $100 for the week.
What weeks are camp running?
Camps run Monday – Friday throughout the summer months. Please note that camps are not offered over weeks that include Statutory holidays (i.e. long weekends).
Week 1- July 6th – July 10th
Week 2- July 13th-17th
Week 3- July 20-July 24th
Week 4- July 27th-July 31st
Week 5- August 10th-14th
Week 6- August 17th-21st
Week 7- August 24th-August 28th
What does camp include & not include?
Camps include:
- admission fees for all excursions & facilitated programming
- Bus to and from Squamish to Vancouver’s Downtown core (should specify for one of the days – we aren’t going to squamish every day!)
essentials like sunscreen, bug spray - Snacks
- Ocean Wise staff with participants at all times
Camps does not include:
- Transportation to and from the meeting points (although we aim to have everything on a bus route)
- Unless you opt into the $20 a day lunch program, lunch is not covered
Date Confirmations and Cancellations
Yes, once accepted you can cancel camp for you or your child. We ask that you cancel 4-weeks in advance for a full refund. There will be a $25 processing admin fee.
Yes, most activities can be modified to ensure that youth are still experiencing the most out of their day despite changing weather. Staff will be reviewing and modifying weather conditions daily to ensure everyone's safety.
Although we will try our best to ensure everyone's selected week is granted, it is not guaranteed. Factors such as camp sign dates will impact the weeks, we are able to provide for youth. Youth and guardians will confirm what camp week they are selected for before payment is requested.
