As the flowers start to bloom at Cumberland Lake Park and Campground, staff at Lake Park Society, a local non-profit organization, are gearing up for an exciting and expanded season of youth programming. With additional camp spaces and new activities planned for 2025, the park continues to be a hub for outdoor adventure and community connection.
Lake Park Society鈥檚 new Program Manager, Jillian Roberts, shared her excitement about the continued summer support, 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen a fantastic response from the community. Many campers are returning again this year, and generous grants allow us to keep these programs accessible for families.鈥�
Youth camps are at the heart of Lake Park Society鈥檚 mission to foster a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. Among the many offerings, the popular Scamper and Rambler Camps for 6 to 12-year-olds are returning for their fourth consecutive year. Throughout the action-packed week campers discover hidden waterfalls, explore secret caves, test their aim in archery, and paddle in a huge voyageur canoe.
鈥淭his year we also introduced the Scrambler Camp, combining the Scamper and Rambler in one, and it sold out immediately. Others are filling up fast so for anyone wanting to join us at the lake this summer I鈥檇 recommend registering soon.鈥�
Designed for younger campers aged 5 and 6, Wriggler Camp will be back this year due to popular demand, after a wildly successful first year in 2024. 鈥漌riggler Camp allows our youngest explorers to foster their love of the outdoors and make new friends, while connecting with nature in a safe space.鈥� Throughout this two day camp the young adventurers also explore the lakeshore and forest floor in small groups, and craft, play and paddle like the older groups.
Always a highlight of summer at Cumberland Lake Park, Camp Kin is also returning for a week in August. Camp Kin supports and celebrates LGBTQIA2S+ youth. It is such a well-loved program that campers travel from across Vancouver Island to have fun with friends in a supportive, fun and empowering environment, connecting over shared experiences while enjoying all the outdoor activities that summer camps are best known for. With the help of generous funding from Wachaiy and Path Forward, Lake Park Society is able to offer subsidies for participants who may otherwise face financial barriers.
This year the Land-Care / Self-Care camp will also run for a week in August. Land Care / Self Care is aimed at teens aged 13 to 15 and focuses on mental health, self-care practices, and outdoor adventure. With generous support from Island Health, this week-long camp is only $10 for participants and includes guest speakers and learning important skills for a happy and healthy life.
Adults and families can come together for our guided canoe tours where you paddle together in our 29-foot voyageur-style canoe, while exploring past, present and emerging stories of the Comox Lake Watershed. You can make new connections by booking individually into our Community Watershed Canoe tour, or BYO friends and book a guided Big Canoe Charter. Our guided charters can accommodate 8 to 26 paddlers and are also perfect for community groups and family reunions.
Registration for all of Lake Park Society鈥檚 2025 summer programs are now open. For more details and to register, visit . In addition to the summer camps and guided canoe charters, Lake Park Society will continue to offer free and subsidised programs, such as kids鈥� park ranger workshops, movie and music nights, and more. The campground, sleeping barrel accommodations, and watersport rentals are also open for reservations. As of this year our sleeping barrels all have heat pumps!
Cumberland Lake Park and Campground is located 5 km west of Cumberland, on the shores of the stunning Comox Lake. The park is owned by the Village of Cumberland and operated by the not-for-profit Lake Park Society.
