Outdoor Education

A natural setting for growth

At Capernwray Harbour, we believe everyone has so much to learn, and so much to offer. We encourage our outdoor education guests to explore beyond their comfort zones to challenge body, mind and spirit through new experiences that impact perspective and encourage beneficial responses within real life contexts. Surrounded by Capernwray Harbour’s natural peace and beauty, participants explore our coastal environment with fun activities that encourage new friendships and build exciting new skills.

The Capernwray Harbour programmes are designed to give groups of all types an opportunity to grow into a functioning team through focus on:

  • Team Building
  • Communication Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Marine Biology
  • Forestry Studies

Who are they geared towards:

  • Academic Institutions
  • Youth Organizations
  • Professional Development

The Goal

Personal growth through the process of discovery and application.

In order to facilitate this process, the Outdoor Education team at Capernwray Harbour will provide full programming and qualified instruction, making use of a variety of innovative facilities and equipment. One of our objectives is to assist any group of willing individuals to gain a hands-on understanding of what it takes to recognize unity and develop the harmony required of a working/functioning team.

The Capernwray Harbour programmes are based on discovery and application (Its “Hands ON experiential learning!”) and intended to inspire personal growth.  We believe everyone has a lot to learn and a lot to offer.  The mind, body and spirit will be challenged. Individuals will be encouraged to step out of their “comfort zone” (in a safe environment) and to engage in experiences that will impact perspective and lend to productive/beneficial responses in real life contexts.  Participants will have a tonne of fun learning new things, making friends and soaking up the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings of Capernwray Harbour.

Capernwray Harbour will work together with your group to customize every aspect of the programme, taking into consideration your specific dynamics, goals, and needs.  Our programmes are built on timeless and relevant “life principles” focussing on community, teambuilding, communication, leadership, and problem solving (amongst other things!). These life principles directly apply to every context in life one might find themselves in (family, school, the workplace etc.) and benefits are immeasurable.” There is something for everyone!!

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“Outdoor Education Testimonials

Capernwray Harbour Bible Center is easily one of the most beautiful locations you can visit near Vancouver Island. Located on Thetis island a short 25 minute ferry ride from Chemainus, and roughly 1 hour north of Victoria BC. I have to be honest, I am not a religious person. I visited Capernwray with each of my children on their grade seven year end field trips. Our school district uses Capernwray for their beautiful location, clean cabins, excellent food, safe and exciting events, amazing activities, and their stellar staff. The property boasts over 100 acres of forest, fields, and gardens. It has a large private dock, power boats, kayaks, paddle boards and canoes. At the top of the property there is a large barn converted to a gym, a climbing wall, and more. The kids loved the evening bonfire and walks on the beach. They especially loved the small candy shop that feels like it transports you back to a simpler time. It serves ice cream and treats, but it’s only open for a short time each day. At Capernwray they teach team building, leadership, patience, and respect for yourself and others. The staff were always kind and thoughtful. I never felt out of place even though I don’t share the same convictions. I understand that they run a bible college in the Fall and Winter months, and school and group events like I attend with my kids in the Spring and Summer. This is truly a place you will never forget.

-  Bryon,  Chaperone, Outdoor Education Guest

We had a great time and hope to come back soon! Here we reached goals, made new friends, and pushed ourselves to reach new heights!

-  Guests,  School Group

Capernwray has been a gift from God to our public school for over 20 years and there are approximately 1500 students, 650 parents and about 35 different Parkland teachers that have been blessed by the amazing Capernwray staff.  Typical of that is a young man in about his mid-30s that I ran into at Costco a couple years ago.  He said hello to me and asked me if I remembered him.  I said I did, and after he apologized for his behaviour as a 12 year old, he asked if we were still going to Thetis Island.  When I answered that we were, he said that that was the most memorable and important thing he did in elementary school.  He was a changed kid after 3 days at Capernwray.  He said he would have been thrilled to do it year after year through the rest of his school years.

-  Graham,  Teacher, Outdoor Education Guest

We had an absolutely fantastic time. The staff at Camp Capernwray went above and beyond to create an amazing experience for our kids. We were all blown away by the risks students took with the different activities as they really stepped out of their comfort zone. It was also great to see the connections kids made with other kids they didn't really know before, and also with our parent volunteers and camp staff. You all created a memorable and positive experience for our classes that we will always remember.  I've been to quite a few camps over my teaching career, and by far Camp Capernwray is on another level of its own.

-  Eric,  Teacher, Outdoor Education Guest

As a teacher, I found the program excellent. The facilities, staff, food, program, and beauty of the surroundings contributed to a great week. We look forward to returning next year.

-  Jodi,  Teacher, Outdoor Education Guest