Summer Day Camps in Richmond, BC for Kids K-Grade 6: SSOCC 2026 Camp Guide
Summer in Richmond is short, busy, and full of options for school-aged children. If you have a kid in Kindergarten through Grade 6, you have probably already started asking the question every Richmond parent asks in May: What am I doing with them for nine weeks?
SSOCC runs themed summer day camps from our Heron and Sandpiper sites for children K-Grade 6. Below is everything you need to know — themes, hours, fees, field trips, and how to register for summer 2026.
Who can attend SSOCC summer day camps?
Our summer day camps are open to children who have already attended Kindergarten through Grade 6 — that means anyone entering Grade 1 in September through anyone entering Grade 7 in September. The camps are not just for children already enrolled in our school-aged programs. Families new to SSOCC are welcome to register.
Camp locations: Heron and Sandpiper
Camp weeks run out of two SSOCC sites in Richmond. Both offer the same themes and curriculum — they mainly differ by drop-off and pick-up location:
- Heron summer camps — based at 12091 Cambie Road at Mitchell Elementary
- Sandpiper summer camps — based at 10111 Fourth Ave at Manoah Steves Elementary
Pick the one closer to your home or your existing routine.
Camp hours and what a typical day looks like
Camp days run 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A typical day includes a morning circle and theme-based investigation, an outdoor block at the local park or playground, lunch (children bring their own), an afternoon project or field trip, and a closing reflection. Children should arrive with weather-appropriate clothing, water bottle, sun hat, sunscreen, and a packed lunch and snacks.
What themes will SSOCC camps run in summer 2026?
Each week of camp has a theme that shapes activities, field trips, and projects. Themes for 2026 include:
- Park Rangers — getting to know Richmond's parks, trails, and natural spaces up close
- Adrenaline — high-energy, physical challenges and games
- Culinary Creators — hands-on cooking and food exploration
- Horticulturalists — gardens, plants, soil, and seeds
- Digital Creators / Influencer — exploring digital storytelling, photography, and creative tech
- Additional themed weeks with field trips to Watermania, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Richmond Nature Park, Kidtropolis, firehall and RCMP tours, and more
Children travel to camp field trips using public transit or on foot, depending on the destination.
What summer day camps cost in Richmond at SSOCC
Fees vary by week, depending on the number of camp days:
- Typical full week: $300/week
- August 4-7, 2026 (short week): $240
Payment is by e-transfer only. 50% is due at registration, and the remaining 50% is due by June 1, 2026. We also accept the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) for eligible families — let us know during registration if you want to apply it.
Refund policy
Withdrawals submitted before June 1, 2026 receive a 50% refund. Withdrawals submitted after June 1 are not refundable. This policy helps us secure staffing and field trip bookings.
Why SSOCC's summer camps are different
Many summer programs in Richmond run on a recreation-and-fill-the-day model. That has its place — but it is not what we offer. SSOCC camps are run by our school-aged care team using the same relational, child-led, project-rich approach we use during the school year. That means:
- Smaller, consistent groups: campers stay with the same group and educators across the week, rather than rotating through stations.
- Real investigations, not just activities: a week of "Horticulturalists" actually means digging into how plants grow, not making leaf rubbings.
- Mixed-age peer relationships: K-Grade 6 children work together with thoughtful pairing.
- Reggio-influenced approach: educators document children's thinking and follow their curiosity.
- Strong outdoor time: parks, beaches, pools, and Richmond's network of green space.
How to register for SSOCC summer camps in Richmond
1. Decide which weeks you want. Look at the camp calendar and pick themes and dates that match your family's plans.
2. Choose Heron or Sandpiper as your drop-off site.
3. Submit your registration. Email registration@ssocc.ca to register or to ask which weeks still have space.
4. Send your e-transfer. 50% deposit at registration secures your child's spot.
5. Pay the balance by June 1, 2026.
6. Apply ACCB if you qualify. Let our registrar know during registration.
Tips for a great summer camp experience in Richmond
- Pack a real lunch. Camp days are active. Children need protein, fruit, and enough water to make it through a hot afternoon at the park.
- Label everything. Water bottles, hats, sweatshirts, lunch bags — labels save lost-and-found visits.
- Sun protection from home. Apply sunscreen before drop-off and pack extra for re-application.
- Talk through field trip days. Some children find new environments intimidating. Looking at photos of the destination ahead of time helps.
- Plan rest days at home. Children come home tired from camp. A quieter weekend between camp weeks helps everyone recover.
Frequently asked questions about Richmond summer day camps
Do you have to be enrolled in SSOCC year-round to do summer camp?
No. Camps are open to all children K-Grade 6 in the Richmond and Vancouver area.
What ages are the SSOCC summer camps for?
Children who have completed Kindergarten through Grade 6. Most campers are between 5 and 10 years old.
Are professional development days during the school year also offered?
Yes. SSOCC offers professional development days, winter camps, and spring camps for school-aged children, with hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and a fee of $50/day for pro-D days. These require separate registration from regular school-aged care; registration is available on our website at the start of the school year.
Can my child do only one or two weeks?
Yes. You can register for as many or as few weeks as fit your summer plans, subject to availability.
What if my child has allergies or medical needs?
Let us know during registration. Medical care plans and medication forms are required before attendance for any relevant needs, and we will work with you to make sure your child is safe.
Register for SSOCC summer day camps in Richmond
Spots fill quickly, especially for the most popular weeks. Email registration@ssocc.ca to check availability, ask questions, or register. We look forward to seeing your child this summer.
