Our Camp
Camp St. Basil’s was established by the Basilian Fathers in 1950 on the shores of Pigeon Lake.
Since then, spending the first two weeks of July at our camp has become a cherished summer tradition for thousands of children across the province.
From its earliest foundations to the present day, campers have returned for the same enduring reasons: to grow in the Ukrainian-Catholic faith, foster their Ukrainian-Canadian culture, form lifelong friendships, and simply have fun!
Of course, none of this would have been possible without support from our parents, volunteers, priests, nuns, parishioners, and donors. They have provided thousands of children with the opportunity to connect with God, nature, and their community. Through their continued support, may we have many years of faith, friendship, and fun to come!
ACTIVITIES
Over the past 70 + years, Camp St. Basil’s has offered a wide range of activities. These have included, but are certainly not limited to:
Sports
Canoeing, volleyball, soccer, field hockey, swimming, baseball, kickball, obstacle courses, track and field, dance, parachute games and more!
Arts and Crafts
Activities range from pysanka writing and water gun painting to beading, sculpting, drawing, tie-dye, rosary-making and beyond.
Our Traditions: Daily Divine Liturgy, candy canteen, beach day, nightly campfires, water balloon fight, theme days, and a dance formal.
In addition to our longstanding traditions at camp, new activities like mini-Olympics, talent shows, archery, fireworks and more are always being added to the mix, quickly becoming favourites in their own right.
Please scroll down to read the “Frequently Asked Questions”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in my child’s registration?
Registration secures your child’s spot at camp from Sunday to Saturday of the selected week. It includes overnight accommodations, full access to all programs and activities, three meals per day with healthy snacks provided between meals, one camp T-shirt, and supervision by trained and certified staff.
What does a typical day at camp look like?
Campers receive three meals a day in our modern dining hall. Before each meal, they gather in the courtyard for prayer and song. After breakfast, campers take part in a short period of dorm clean-up, which helps build independence and cooperation skills. The morning continues with catechism lessons offered in both English and Ukrainian, followed by Divine Liturgy. After lunch, campers participate in afternoon activity rotations such as arts and crafts, sports, beach time, dance, candy canteen, and other recreational activities. There is also indoor free time to provide a break from the sun. In the evening, campers enjoy supper followed by a camp-wide activity such as a counsellor scavenger hunt, water balloon fight, capture the flag, or other themed games before our night time campfire.
What is candy canteen?
Candy canteen is a long-standing tradition at Camp St. Basil’s where campers have the opportunity to purchase treats once per day. While all meals and nutritious snacks are included in the camp fee, families who wish their child to participate should bring $10 cash at drop-off. This money is held by staff and distributed as a $2 daily credit, which campers can use to purchase items such as a chocolate bar, chips, or a beverage.
Should I send snacks with my child?
No, please do not send snacks with your child. Campers are provided with three meals per day, as well as regular snacks and access to candy canteen. To maintain cleanliness and prevent pests in the dorms, outside food is not permitted. Any snacks brought to camp will be collected and returned at the end of the session.
What should we pack?
A detailed packing list will be provided closer to the start of camp.
How will my child get to camp?
While we have offered bussing services in the past, this is not available this year. Families are responsible for arranging transportation to and from camp, which is approximately a one-hour drive from the city. If you are unable to drive your child, you may arrange for another parent or guardian to do so. In this case, both families must complete and sign an Alternate Drop-Off/Pick-Up Authorization Form prior to arrival at camp. If you cannot bring your child during the scheduled drop-off and pick-up times, you must contact the Director.
Am I allowed to call my child during the week?
Camp operates with a no phone access policy, meaning campers are not permitted to use personal devices during the week. If devices are brought to camp, they will be collected by counsellors and safely stored until the end of the session, when they will be returned. We have procedures in place to support campers who may experience homesickness. In cases where a child is significantly homesick, staff will contact parents and facilitate a phone call if needed. If there is a family emergency and a parent needs to reach their child, this can be done by contacting Fr. Thomas, who oversees camp communications during the duration of camp. His phone number will be provided to families at drop-off.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Campers stay in a newly renovated U-shaped dormitory. Boys and girls are housed on separate sides of the building and do not cross into each other’s areas. Campers sleep in bunk beds in shared rooms that accommodate approximately eight to ten children. Each camper is provided with a space to store their belongings, and they may choose their sleeping area upon arrival, which allows them to stay with friends. Washroom facilities are located within the dorm building but not inside individual rooms. Counsellors stay in the same building in designated staff rooms, and a nurse and night watch are available overnight to assist campers if needed.
Are staff trained?
Yes, all counsellors complete camp-specific training to prepare them to lead activities, supervise campers, and respond to situations that may arise. All staff also complete Safe Environment training and undergo Police Background Checks. Many counsellors are certified in CPR and first aid. A professional nurse is on site throughout camp, overnight supervision is provided by staff and a night watch, and clergy are present at all times.
What if my child doesn’t speak English? What if my child doesn’t speak Ukrainian?
That is not a problem. While most programming is conducted in English, many staff members are bilingual and translation is always available. Campers can also choose to attend catechism in either English or Ukrainian so they can fully participate and feel comfortable.
How is faith integrated into camp life?
Camp St. Basil’s is a Ukrainian Catholic camp operated by the Basilian Fathers, and we welcome children of all faith backgrounds. Ukrainian Orthodox and Roman Catholic campers will find many elements of catechism and Divine Liturgy familiar. Daily life includes morning and evening prayer, as well as prayer before meals. Campers attend Divine Liturgy each day and may also participate in additional services such as Vespers or Moleben. Each year, camp is centered around a spiritual theme, which campers explore during daily catechism through Bible stories, discussions, crafts, games, and other activities. Catechism is offered in both English and Ukrainian.
