Walking with the Squamish
Since 2015, the David Suzuki Foundation, Ayes Menmen, the Squamish Nation and Camp Fircom have worked together to offer camps on beautiful Chá7elkwnech (Gambier Island) in British Columbia’s Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound). Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech is a nature-based summer camp that combines coastal protection training and First Nations education. Regardless of your age, it offers a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect to nature.
Along with teaching from members of the Squamish nation — including the famed Canoe Family — Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech: Walking with the Squamish will feature seminars from David Suzuki Foundation staff and other skilled educators.
You can now attend professional development camps led by members of the Squamish Nation. On April 10-11 we are offering our second professional development session for post-secondary educators and faculty.
Register for the post-secondary pro-d session now.
We also host a fall session for primary and secondary educators looking to incorporate Squamish teachings and methods to fulfil provincial curriculum in October (date TBD).
If you would like to learn more about the camps and retreats please contact camp@davidsuzuki.org.
Adventure awaits
Adult camps
July 28 – Aug 1 2025
October 25-26, 2025 (Registration for primary and secondary educators opens August 27)
The adult retreat brings together Squamish Nation history, practice, culture, stories and stewardship in a welcoming and encouraging outdoor education setting. With seminars in ethnobotany, Squamish history, language and culture, canoeing, ecosystem mapping and more, you’ll leave the camp with a deeply enriched understanding of this place.
Note: Teachers can apply for pro-d funds to help offset camp fees. Contact your district pro-d officer for details.
Kids and youth camps
July 29 – Aug 1 2025, ages 8-14
The kids’ camps include all the summer fun and adventure a kid could hope for, combined with rich cultural teachings from the Squamish First Nation. Your kids will make new friends during this week of joyful exploration, with activities including canoeing, Squamish language, singing and dancing with educators from the Squamish Nation.
The experience of a lifetime
The teachings of the Squamish people, paddling together in the canoe, stories by the fire, ethnobotany, language, storytelling, and so many candid conversations over meals or in down time opened my eyes even wider to a diversity of opinions, experiences and cultural histories. I take these new insights into my everyday life, sharing my experiences with my friends and family.
Fonda, Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech participant
