The Exploration Project (ages 18-21)
We are all unique individuals. Each one of us has a story to tell and each story is important. The Exploration Project (EXP) provides a chance for youth to come together in a group setting to explore themselves and gain tangible life skills. The goal of the EXP is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where youth can share their experiences and learn lifelong capabilities. Activities focus on self-reflection, self-empowerment and acquiring knowledge of activities that will help participants live healthy and happy lives as they enter the world of young adulthood.
We offer inclusive programming that is age and developmentally-appropriate and accommodate our activities for all ability levels, always free of charge.
Who this camp is for
- Youth from British Columbia or the Yukon ages 18 to 21 who have had cancer, siblings of those who have, or bereaved siblings.
- All participants must have their childhood immunizations up to date. COVID-19 vaccines are strongly recommended but not mandatory.
2025 session dates will be available in December and applications will open in mid January.
Camp life
The EXP program takes place at the Loon Lake Research and Education Centre in the heart of UBC’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge, BC. Loon Lake’s peaceful setting allows participants to enjoy all that nature has to offer, including a beautiful private waterfront and forested wilderness.
While at Loon Lake, EXP’s will sleep in the same dorm as all other participants. The beautiful modern dorm has rooms of various sizes that each fit a few campers and is equipped with electric lights, bunk beds, washrooms and showers.
Each day will provide the opportunity for EXP’s to take part in workshops that will equip them with skills that they can take outside of Camp into their everyday lives. Workshops include topics on goal getting and finding your passion, how to create a daily exercise or meditation routine, and even workshops on how to build a resume and prepare for a job interview. EXP’s will also get the opportunity each day to take part in traditional recreational camp activities such as swimming, ropes courses, and archery.
Transportation
Most of our participants arrive and depart from camp by car. When you arrive at camp you will have the opportunity to meet your cabin leader, medical team and other members of the staff team. For participants who are driving themselves to the EXP program, we will have parking available on site for the duration of the program.
We also offer air travel and reimbursement of travel expenses in certain circumstances. Please contact the camp office to find out more.