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As the warm embrace of summer wraps around North Vancouver, parents find themselves asking a familiar question: How can I fill the days when school is out for the summer? The long, sunny days promise fun and adventure, but the reality is often a scramble to find engaging and enriching activities. One answer to your summer dilemma lies in the enchanting world of Wonderstruck Day Camp in North Vancouver. This isn’t just any camp—each week, your children will dive into a new fantasy story, experiencing the magic and excitement of a different plot with twists and turns that unfold as campers complete activities, games and challenges. Wonderstruck is a new and unique take on kids’ summer activities in North Vancouver. 


Why Summer Break Can Be Stressful for Parents


When school’s out for summer, parents often face the daunting task of planning activities that keep their children happy and occupied without relying (too much!) on screens. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 31% of parents report that summer vacation is a significant source of stress. The main challenges include finding structured activities, managing increased childcare responsibilities, and creating memorable summer experiences.


Additionally, research from the Harvard Graduate School of Education highlights the “summer slide,” where children’s academic skills can regress during the break. This adds to the pressure on parents to find activities that are both fun and educational.


Wonderstruck Day Camp: A Unique Day Camp in North Vancouver


Wonderstruck Day Camp is a haven for children and a lifesaver for parents seeking kids activities for summer. Located in the Parkgate Area of North Vancouver, Wonderstruck Camp transforms the traditional day camp experience into a fantastical journey where a new story unfolds each week. From battling rogue fairies to discovering hidden treasures alongside a water-phobic pirate to helping an elf locate the dreams he lost, Wonderstruck Camp offers a magical, screen-free escape that keeps kids engaged and entertained for weeks.

According to the American Camp Association, summer camps like Wonderstruck provide invaluable benefits, including social skill development, increased self-confidence, and resilience. At Wonderstruck, your child won’t just participate in activities—they’ll become part of a living story that sparks imagination and fosters creativity. Wonderstruck builds creative community, which is important for building confidence, life and social skills as kids grow. 


Why Choose Wonderstruck Day Camp When Considering Kids’ Activities in North Vancouver?


Wonderstruck Camp is more than just a summer camp; it’s a gateway to a world of adventure, creativity, and new friendships. Here’s why Wonderstruck is the ultimate choice for day camp North Vancouver:


1. Experience a New Fantasy Story Every Week

Each week at Wonderstruck Camp is a new chapter in an ongoing adventure. Children step into a fantasy world where they solve challenges, riddles and play games to help solve magical problems. Professor Lorekeeper, magical expert and decorated scholar of woodland myths, guides campers through these experiences. These themed weeks provide a dynamic and immersive experience that keeps kids excited and engaged. According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, participation in creative storytelling enhances children’s cognitive and social skills.


2. Screen-Free Fun and Outdoor Adventures

Wonderstruck Camp prioritizes outdoor play and creativity over screen time. Kids will explore North Vancouver’s beautiful natural landscapes, participate in treasure hunts and searches for evidence of magical creatures, and enjoy a variety of physical activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that reducing screen time promotes better physical health and social interactions. At Wonderstruck, your child will enjoy a screen-free summer full of outdoor excitement.


3. Embrace Nature in North Vancouver

Nestled in the scenic beauty of North Vancouver, Wonderstruck Camp offers a unique opportunity for children to connect with nature. They’ll wander through lush forests, play in open fields, and discover the wonders of the natural world. Time spent in nature has been shown by the University of Illinois to enhance cognitive functioning and overall well-being. Wonderstruck provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and creative play.


4. Creative Activities for Every Interest

Wonderstruck Camp offers a rich variety of creative activities, from crafting and painting to drama and storytelling. Each activity is designed to complement the week’s fantasy theme, allowing kids to express themselves and develop their artistic skills. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, arts education is crucial for academic success and social development. At Wonderstruck, every child can find an activity that ignites their passion. Various physical and creative indoor and outdoor activities provide ample opportunities for kids to express themselves, build confidence, try new things – and ultimately find new sources of joy while building skills.


5. Building Friendships Through Shared Adventures

Wonderstruck Camp fosters a sense of community where children form lasting friendships. The immersive fantasy themes encourage teamwork and collaboration, helping kids to bond over shared experiences and adventures. Research from the University of Illinois highlights the importance of social interaction for children’s emotional and cognitive development. Wonderstruck Camp is a place where friendships are born and memories are made.


6. A Safe and Nurturing Environment

At Wonderstruck Camp, safety is our top priority. Our dedicated staff provide a secure and supportive environment where every child feels valued. The American Camp Association notes that camps provide a unique opportunity for children to take safe risks and build resilience. At Wonderstruck, your child will have the freedom to explore and grow in a safe and nurturing setting.


A Day at Wonderstruck Day Camp: Where Every Day is an Adventure

Picture your child starting their day in the magical “Enchanted Forest,” embarking on a quest to uncover hidden treasures or decode ancient riddles. After a morning filled with adventure, they join a creative workshop to craft their own magic wand or construct a house for fairies – or a magical musical instrument. Following lunch, it’s time for outdoor games and quests to secure magical objects, or complete challenges to advance the plot of the central story. Each day begins and ends in Professor Lorekeeper’s Lab, where campers reflect on the events of their day and consult the Wise Wizards’ Guide to Magic to practice spells or learn more about magical creatures. 


Every week at Wonderstruck Camp brings a new story and new adventures, ensuring that your child remains engaged and excited throughout the summer. They’ll come home each day with tales to tell, new friends, and a heart full of joy.


Join the Magic: Register for Wonderstruck Day Camp Today!


Are you looking for ways to stretch and challenge your kids this summer? Look no further than Wonderstruck Day Camp in North Vancouver. This camp offers a great option for kids’ activities North Vancouver, providing a magical, screen-free experience that your child will cherish. Say goodbye to the stress of summer planning and hello to a season of adventure, creativity, and fun.


Enrollment for Wonderstruck Day Camp is now open, and spots are filling up fast. Don’t miss the chance to give your child a summer they’ll never forget. Visit the Wonderstruck website or call us today to secure your spot in the most whimsical, wonderful camp of the season. Let’s make this summer an adventure to remember!




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Unlock a World of Enchantment for Your Kids This Summer at Wonderstruck Summer Day Camp: July 22 - August 23, 2024

Wonderstruck’s Summer Day Camp is back for an unforgettable adventure from July 22 to August 23, 2024! Dive into a magical realm filled with enchanting storylines, immersive activities, and captivating encounters with elves, fairies, mermaids, and more. This summer, give your children the gift of imagination and outdoor fun while they explore the enchanted woods of North Vancouver.


Why Wonderstruck Summer Camp is a Great Choice

As the school year draws to a close, many parents face a mix of excitement and apprehension about the long summer break ahead. A study reveals that many parents wish summer vacation would end after just two weeks! Whether you’re eager to provide your kids with a screen-free adventure in nature or simply need a breather, Wonderstruck Camp offers an ideal solution. Here, your children can embark on magical quests, learn about mythical creatures, and enjoy the great outdoors.


A Unique and Magical Camp Experience: What Awaits Your Children

Wonderstruck stands out from the typical summer camp experience by immersing children in a rich fantasy world where every week tells a new story. Set in the lush, enchanted woods of North Vancouver, Wonderstruck’s Summer Day Camp promises a unique blend of fun, learning, and magic.


The Enchanted World of Wonderstruck

At Wonderstruck, the magic never ends. Each week, campers delve into an ongoing fantasy saga filled with whimsical characters like fairies, giants, wizards, and elves. The adventure begins at Professor Lorekeeper’s Lab, the heart of magical discovery and exploration. Campers act as assistants to Professor Lorekeeper, an expert in myth and magic who has dedicated years to studying the world’s magical creatures.


In the Wonderstruck world, campers learn spells, explore mystical realms, and discover secrets of the enchanted forest, guided by the Wise Wizards’ Guide to Magic. Older campers even get the chance to create their own spells, which must be approved by a Wizard First Class. With red hats indicating their status, these wizards symbolize the pinnacle of magical knowledge and practice, leading young adventurers through a journey of wonder and discovery.


A Typical Day at Wonderstruck



Morning Routine: Soft Start to a Magical Day Campers arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 AM for a ‘soft start’ at Professor Lorekeeper’s Lab. A soft start helps ease children into the day, boosting their social and emotional skills and encouraging creative thinking. Activities during this time include coloring, wand repair, puzzles, and exploring a magical library with books like Harry Potter, The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies, and Gnomes.


First Quest of the Day At 9:00 AM, the adventure begins with a recap of the previous day’s plot developments. Campers then embark on their first magical quest of the day. This might involve deciphering mythical languages, solving riddles, or discovering hidden clues left by fairies. The Wise Wizards’ Guide plays a crucial role in these quests, helping campers perform spells to uncover secrets and ensure their safety.



Mid-Morning Break and Activities After completing the morning quest, campers enjoy a snack break before diving into another engaging activity that advances the storyline. Activities might include solving puzzles, planting fairy-attracting plants, or creating tributes for Sage the Wizard. These tasks are designed to be accessible for children of all ages, with additional challenges for older kids and extra support for younger ones.


Lunchtime and Afternoon Adventures Following lunch, the excitement continues with a major plot development. This might involve rescuing stranded mermaids or crafting musical instruments for wizard tributes. One of the most thrilling parts of the day is when campers gather evidence of magical creatures in the forest surrounding the Lab. From finding tiny teacups left by fairies to using instant cameras to capture magical moments, afternoons at Wonderstruck are filled with discovery and creativity.


End of the Day: Reflection and Fun The day concludes with campers writing in their Guidebooks, practicing spells, and engaging in wand games like ‘wizard, mermaid, flying fairy,’ a magical twist on ‘rock, paper, scissors.’ These activities not only reinforce the day’s learning but also provide a fun and memorable end to the magical adventures.




Outdoor Adventures and Magical Exploration

Wonderstruck prioritizes outdoor activities, with children spending a significant portion of their time in nature. The camp’s enchanted setting offers the perfect backdrop for magical quests and exploration. Here’s a glimpse of the outdoor activities campers can expect:

  • Treasure Hunts: Campers search for hidden boxes and clues near fairy houses, fostering a sense of adventure and discovery.

  • Rescuing Mermaids: With hydration wagons and bubble-blowing fun, children transport stranded mermaids back to safety.

  • Magical Music: Crafting instruments and composing songs for wizards teaches creativity and teamwork.

  • Gathering Evidence: From tiny teacups to magical artifacts, campers collect evidence of the enchanted world around them.

  • Games and Free Play: Traditional games like ‘capture the flag’ and ‘freeze tag’ are given a magical twist, ensuring fun for all ages.


Indoor Magical Activities

While outdoor adventures are a highlight, Wonderstruck also offers a range of indoor activities that advance the storyline and immerse campers in the magical world:

  • Crafting and Puzzles: Campers create magical tributes, solve puzzles, and build musical instruments, enhancing their problem-solving and creative skills.

  • Spell Practice: Learning and practicing spells from Professor Lorekeeper’s Guidebook helps campers delve deeper into the world of magic.

  • Potion Play: Experimenting with potions allows children to explore the magical properties of various ingredients in a safe and fun environment.


Engaging Storylines: What’s in Store This Summer?


Wonderstruck’s storylines are designed to captivate and inspire. Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the adventures awaiting your children this summer:


The Elf and Lost Dreams: Eberwin Elf, the guardian of human dreams, has lost some of the dreams in his care. With the help of campers, Eberwin must retrieve these dreams, emphasizing the importance of believing in the power of dreams to shape a better future.


The Garden Fairy’s Quest for Peace: In the WING Alliance, various fairy factions are at odds, each claiming superiority. A young Garden Fairy needs campers’ help to prevent a fairy war and forge peace among the factions. This storyline teaches the value of diplomacy and teamwork.


The Mystery of the GlimmerHorn A highly magical and dangerous artifact, the GlimmerHorn, has gone missing from Professor Lorekeeper’s Lab. The wizards blame the fairies, the fairies blame the elves, and the elves blame the mermaids. Campers must work together, across teams of elves, wizards, mermaids, and fairies, to recover the artifact and restore harmony.


Why Wonderstruck is the Ultimate Summer Camp Choice

Wonderstruck’s Summer Day Camp offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, creative learning, and magical fun. With a focus on immersive storytelling and hands-on activities, it provides an enriching experience that goes beyond traditional summer camps. Here are a few reasons why Wonderstruck is the perfect choice for your child this summer:

  • Imaginative Storytelling: Each week features a new, captivating storyline that engages children’s imaginations and encourages creative thinking.

  • Outdoor Exploration: The camp’s emphasis on outdoor activities fosters a love of nature and adventure.

  • Hands-On Learning: From crafting magical tributes to practicing spells, Wonderstruck offers a range of hands-on activities that enhance learning and development.

  • Inclusive Fun: Activities are designed to be accessible for all ages, with extra challenges for older campers and support for younger ones. Wonderstruck is a safe place for creative souls to explore and discover their confidence.

  • Social Skills Development: The camp’s emphasis on teamwork, communication, and social interaction helps children build important social skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Register Now for a Magical Summer Experience

Don’t miss out on the enchantment and adventure! Register your child for Wonderstruck’s Summer Day Camp from July 22 to August 23, 2024. Each week offers a new storyline and a fresh set of magical quests. Visit wonderstruck.ca/registration to secure your spot today. Wonderstruck is also looking for enthusiastic counselors and actors—apply at wonderstruck.ca/volunteer to join the magic and make a difference this summer!


Final Thoughts: Create Lasting Memories at Wonderstruck

Wonderstruck’s Summer Day Camp provides a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the magic of fantasy with the joy of outdoor play. Whether your child is crafting spells, rescuing mermaids, or exploring the enchanted forest, they will create lasting memories and friendships. Give your children the gift of a magical summer—register now and let the adventure begin!


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What role do our volunteer staff play at Wonderstruck? Why do our volunteer staff love participating?

Are you a high school student (or parent of a student) who knows that you need volunteer hours to graduate? Or maybe you’re in college or university, early in your career, or contemplating a career switch. Maybe you just want to give back and plug into a community or find a creative outlet. Whatever the case, volunteering can be the bridge between where you stand now, and a more successful future. How does volunteering help you attain success? 


quote from Wonderstruck staff

Volunteers build skills, including soft skills and leadership skills. Soft skills are very important for future career and educational success. What are soft skills? Soft skills are what help us interact successfully with other people


85% of job success is related to soft skills, according to Harvard Business Review. Whereas you can go to school to learn technical skills, a lot of soft skills have to be learned practically. They only come from experience. If you really want to develop these, volunteering can be a great way to start. Volunteering offers the opportunity to practice soft skills in a safe and nurturing environment.


On top of all these benefits for your career and skills, there are emotional, social and mental benefits to volunteering. Volunteers get to feel like they are a part of something greater than themselves. There is a sense of community and belonging that comes from putting together a program or fulfilling a goal with a team of people. Volunteering builds hope in the future and increases satisfaction in the present


Keep reading to see what Wonderstruck volunteer staff had to say about our March Break day camp. Volunteer Staff love the immersive story approach at Wonderstruck.


What makes Wonderstruck unique? 


Check out what happens at Wonderstruck for a description of how our activities are woven into the fantasy story of each week. Wonderstruck Camp is a Summer Day Camp in North Vancouver where campers (and staff!) live each week inside of an immersive fantasy story. That means there are actors dressed as fairies, elves, wizards and mermaids that guide campers through various activities, from arts and crafts to wide games to forest exploration hikes. Each session can have a few or many characters, depending on the storyline. Some characters are invisible to the kids. For example, Giants leave the campers notes to interpret and campers hear the sound of Giants’ footsteps via bluetooth speaker. Campers only ‘see’ Giants when they look at the trees, which Giants can transform into. What makes Wonderstruck unique is this story-led approach to summer day camp. Campers are encouraged to use their imaginations and think creatively throughout each day of camp.


Why volunteer at Wonderstruck?

What are some of the benefits of volunteering at Wonderstruck Camp? 


Wonderstruck volunteers get many of the same benefits as Wonderstruck campers. These benefit align with Wonderstruck’s core values. Wonderstruck exists to nurture the power of dreams in the next generation. Community, creativity and play are three values that support this bigger vision. When you volunteer at Wonderstruck, community, creativity and play are also some of the benefits that you will experience. 


Community: How does volunteering at Wonderstruck build community? 

Living inside of a story together is the ultimate way to combat loneliness and social isolation. When we have shared experiences, we experience connections that can last a lifetime. When we share our stories with one another, we are connecting and building empathy. These are crucial building blocks in making community. 


Psychology scholar Joshua Gowin, PhD explains this in Psychology Today: When you listen to stories and understand them, you experience the exact same brain pattern as the person telling the story.” 


Volunteers at Wonderstruck spend time getting to know one another and campers. This builds relationships through shared experiences and storytelling that inevitably happens over lunch breaks or while hanging out in the forest together. The fact that Wonderstruck is all about living inside a shared story gives volunteers a sense of common ground right from the start.


Creativity and imagination: Why is creativity so important and how does this apply to volunteers at Wonderstruck?

Here’s what one of our staff during March Break had to say about volunteering at Wonderstruck: "The joy of imagination carried us on a magical journey through the week... There were Faeries, Giants, Mermaids and Centicorns all in a story of mystery with clues and puzzles for the kids to solve." 


Creativity is core to building a better future for ourselves and our communities. It is also essential for human expression. The ability to look at problems in different ways, find inspiration and innovate is core to being human. Imagining is the first step in making change or in achieving anything. Every great thing that exists in the world started with a dream. Wonderstruck exists to cultivate this dreaming ability. Volunteers experience the ability to let go of some of their inhibitions and have new experiences in a creative context when they help make magic at Wonderstruck. Just as importantly, they help cultivate imagination and creativity in the next generation through interactions with campers. 


Play: Why is play beneficial?


Play is not just something kids do. Adults need to play just like kids do, and we often forget this. Research shows that people who are satisfied in life do things that are just purely enjoyable, without a productive output. According to Stuart Brown, a medical doctor and researcher: “Play -- doing things just because they're fun and not because they'll help achieve a goal -- is vital to human development.” The ability to solve big problems also requires us to take breaks and allow our brains and bodies to recuperate. It is important to include play in your life on purpose - and Wonderstruck offers a great opportunity to do just that. 


What do volunteers do at Wonderstruck?


There are various ways to volunteer at Wonderstruck. Actors dress as fairies, elves, wizards, mermaids and other characters for the campers to interact with. When you volunteer as an actor, you need to understand the Wonderstruck world and the storyline, but you can make up your own dialogues and get creative with exactly how you play your character. You can get a better idea of the various characters at Wonderstruck on our Staff and Volunteers page


There are also volunteer counselling positions. These positions are for people who want to guide the campers through the program and lead activities. Counsellors are responsible for camper safety and thriving throughout the camp. Counsellors can also play acting roles, depending on the session and storyline. You don’t have to dress up to take part in the magic. As one volunteer counsellor put it: "Working with camp wonderstruck was a new and unforgettable experience for me. We went outside as much as possible, kids had all sorts of tasks and games they should do, and it was nice to see how kids liked all the magical characters and were eager to learn more about them and spend time with them, they even started to invent their own spells at one point!"


Wonderstruck also has the opportunity to volunteer in a supporting role. This can mean being a camp photographer, doing administrative tasks, or even meeting with leaders and founders to improve the marketing of Wonderstruck. Supporting roles are open year-round at Wonderstruck, and are a great way to gain experience for a future career, or explore a new area of interest. Wonderstruck supports internships for college and university students. 


Whatever your motivations for volunteering, Wonderstruck has great options for you. You don’t have to dress up and play a character (but you can!) You can gain skills and experience necessary for work or simply engage in the joy of play and creativity. Regardless of how you participate, Wonderstruck offers a chance to feel connected while trying something new and building community. 




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