We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about BC Young Women’s Camp August 5-9, 2025, at Camp Barnard and provided answers below. Have a question not listed below? Let us know at bcywcamp@gmail.com.
How Much Will Camp Cost?
Baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from British Columbia between the ages of 11 and 18 (born 2007-2014) will pay $100 to attend camp while the remaining costs will be covered by their Ward/Branch/Stake. Confirm with your local leaders if fundraising or alternate funding will offset this cost before paying. Non-baptized or out of province young women aged 11-18 may also register for camp with approval from the BC YW Camp Committee (bcywcamp@gmail.com). Please email with your interest before registering. Adult leaders will be working in multiple capacities at camp and will be paid for by their Unit/Stake. All adults in attendance must have approval from the BC YW Camp Committee and have an assignment or assignments.
How Do I Pay for Camp?
Individual camp expenses are payable to your branch or ward using a paper tithing slip and writing “BC Camp” in the “Other” category. Please consult with your Bishop or Branch President if funding is prohibitive to your camp attendance. We don’t want anyone to miss camp because they can’t cover these costs. If you’re from out-of-province, please bring a cheque to the registration desk at camp for your full amount addressed to Nanaimo Stake.
I’m an Adult Young Women’s Leader or Parent, How Can I Come to Camp?
The BC YW Camp Committee has worked with BC stake young women and priesthood leaders to assemble a team of adult leaders to support camp and its participants. If you would like to come to camp, please share your calling, strengths and Unit/Stake with the committee at bcywcamp@gmail.com. Please note, this is an intense, working camp and space for adult leadership is limited. Additionally, there is a cost for each adult leader attending. All leaders in attendance should have recently completed their Child and Youth Protection Training and are expected to foster a kind, loving and safe environment for all campers.
How Do I Register for Activities During Camp?
The BC YW Camp Committee has sent an activities sign-up link to the email you submitted at registration or it’s available here. Activities will be first come, first confirmed so sign up early to make sure you lock in your preferred activities. There are limited spaces and activity options will close are they fill up. The activities committee will randomly select activities for you based on available space if you don’t select your own options.
Can I Bring My Cell Phone to Camp?
No cell phones are allowed at BC Young Women’s Camp. While we will take every effort to ensure your belongings are kept safe, there are many variables that could result in lost or broken items and we don’t want that. Plus, we want everyone to be able to unplug and have a spiritual, fun and engaging week together in nature. Please keep other valuables at home. Disposable or inexpensive cameras may be advisable as well as paper copies of the scriptures. We will have two camp photographers/videographers on-site as well. If you must have your cell phone with you at camp, please discuss it with the BC YW Camp Committee at bcywcamp@gmail.com.
Will I Be Sleeping with My Friends at Camp?
We will make every effort to ensure friend requests are honoured at camp. We want everyone to feel comfortable and safe at camp and know this can mean having a trusted loved one nearby. Our youth camp leaders will determine how groups are divided so speak to the 16-18 year old young women in your Ward or Branch to let them know how you want camp to look.
What Should I Pack for Camp?
You can access the packing list here. Please note there is limited space so pack as lightly as possible! Each young woman and each adult volunteer may bring two pieces of luggage –> one standard size suitcase, duffle bag, or backpack with personal items/ clothing + one sleeping bag (include your pillow, foam or air mattress, and ground sheet inside the bag with your sleeping bag; or inside your luggage). Please be sure to label your gear.
Do I Have to Pay for Travel to Camp?
This will depend on where you’re coming from. Those travelling from the mainland/interior will have ferry tickets provided and a bus will transport them from the ferry to camp and back. Please see the below for more information on what’s covered by your camp payment and what’s not:
Nanaimo/Victoria Stakes: responsible for transportation to and from camp.
Abbotsford/Surrey/Vancouver Stakes: responsible for transportation to and from Tsawwassen Ferry. Responsible for meals during travel as needed. More information to come via your Stake Transportation Specialist.
Vernon Stake: Responsible for food/food costs for duration of travel (to and from Camp Barnard). Will be transported home by bus from Camp Barnard to Vernon Stake Centre and Merritt Chapel. More information to come via your Stake Transportation Specialist on potential bus to BC Ferries.
Other: Responsible for all costs to and from camp.
Do We Have to Fundraise for Camp?
This is at the discretion of your young women, ward and stake leaders in consultation with you and your families. Branch/Ward fundraising efforts will first offset the portion paid by your Ward/Branch. Your Bishop and Young Women’s President will determine how to use any excess funds raised. If camp costs are prohibitive, please let your local leaders know as soon as possible. We absolutely do not want costs to be the reason you don’t come to camp.
What Kinds of Fundraisers Can We Do?
As per Sections 20.6.2 and 20.6.5 of the General Handbook, one fundraiser event is permissible for annual camps as approved by Bishops/Branch Presidents/Stake Presidents. These must provide a meaningful value or service. Any involvement should be voluntary and nobody should feel obligated to contribute. Units should not sell goods or products door-to-door. Your Ward, Branch AND Stake can each have a fundraiser in support of camp.
Will There Be Special Guests at Camp?
We are so excited to welcome young women from across the province–our special guests. We will also be fortunate to hear from some speakers we usually only see at General Conference or other church broadcasts, including our wonderful General Young Women’s Second Counsellor Sister Andrea Spannaus. We can’t wait to share more about who else will be joining with us at camp this summer.
Can I Come and Go for Work or Other Activities During Camp?
We will have a strict check-in and check-out process for camp. If you absolutely must leave during camp, please ensure the Camp Security team and Chair are both aware well in advance. You must make your own travel arrangements and there is a low likelihood you will have space at camp to park a vehicle during camp.
Are We Sleeping in Tents or Cabins at Camp?
Both! We will have the majority of campers in bunkhouses with some tenting just outside the bunkhouse area. If you have a strong preference about sleeping accommodations, please advise a member of the BC Young Women’s Camp Committee at bcywcamp@gmail.com.
What if I Have Food Allergies?
We appreciate those who have shared food allergies through registration/pre-registration. We are working closely with our cooking team to ensure every precautionary measure is taken to prevent allergen exposure/cross-contamination. We’ll share our menu/plans and keep lines of communication open. Please email the BC Young Women’s Camp Committee with thoughts, questions and concerns anytime at bcywcamp@gmail.com.
What Will Be Available at the Camp Store?
We’d love to hear your suggestions and requests for food or keepsakes! Either share your thoughts with your unit’s youth camp leaders (young women aged 16-18) for them to share or email us your ideas at bcywcamp@gmail.com.
Are There Flush Toilets or Showers at Camp?
Yes! There are flush toilets and showers by both kitchens.
Where Can I Find the Permission and Medical Release Form?
You can download the permission and medical release form here. Please complete and return it to bcywcamp@gmail.com by August 1, 2025, or advise us (via the same email) if you will be bringing a completed paper copy to camp. Please note, the very first section is to be left blank and filled out at camp by us (the event leaders).