Summer Camps

About

The British Columbia Newcomers Association (BC Newcomers Association) is a Canadian registered charity that operates free programming for recently arrived refugee children and youth.

Our Summer Camp provides an immersive and engaging environment that prepares newly arrived refugee children with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their new home, by developing English skills through a variety of fun activities and sports.

The Summer Camp offers day-camp programming throughout the summer to support recently arrived refugee children. In the company of peers with common backgrounds and experiences, they are able to learn, grow and develop vital skills that will help them feel at home in Canada. Through sports, arts and crafts activities, and English language class, our Summer Camps support newcomer refugee children to build friendships, community, and confidence in the children. By teaching these skills, we equip the children with the tools needed to more easily make friends and successfully transition to the classroom when they enter the public school system. Our camp includes staff members that are fluent in a variety of languages, as well as members trained in specific sports and English language teachers.


Overview

  • Free summer camp program for newcomer refugee children

  • Programming will be delivered in-person this year at two locations in Surrey and Vancouver

  • Camp Facilitators are fluent in first languages of participants (Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Spanish, and Somali)

  • Camp curriculum includes comprehensive English language education, games, sports and creative activities to learn about Canada


Program Details

  • 8-week summer camp – starting on July 4 – August 25, 2023

  • Vancouver location – Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, 800 East Broadway, Vancouver

    • Sessions will take place twice a week on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

  • Surrey location – Oak Avenue Neighbourhood Hub Society 12740 102 Avenue, Surrey

    • Sessions will take place twice a week on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

  • Each child attends only two days in one city (either Surrey or Vancouver)

Eligibility

All participants must be:

  • Between the ages of 6 and 16 years old

  • Recently arrived refugees or newcomers

Priority is given to:

  • Children with low English language abilities

  • Children who have been in Canada for 2 years or less


Questions?

E-mail us at info@bcnewcomers.org or call (604) 363-1782

Sign Up!

  1. Download the registration form here

  2. Complete the form

  3. Email completed form to info@bcnewcomers.org

  4. Our team will connect with the family to provide information and next steps (in first language)