Mini Rox Day Camp Programs
Adventure Rox Day Camps have been providing children & youth with top-notch instruction in adventure based programs since 2004. Our goal is to expose campers to a variety of activities in a safe and structured environment and to encourage them to try new things and expand their skill base. Campers receive instruction in various activities which are designed to allow individuals to learn at their own rate while being part of a team environment.
In 2010 we introduced 2 weeks of Mini Rox Camp. It was a hit and we have decided to offer 5 sessions this summer. This camp is designed for first time campers who are interested in exposure to adventure programs in a supported environment.
Mini Rox Campers will be introduced to similar activities enjoyed by our older campers, but all programs will be designed around age appropriate themes to make them more fun for young participants.
Activities Include:
Rock Climbing Lessons: Campers begin the week with an introduction to our 30’ rock climbing wall by getting acquainted with the gear and swinging on the ropes in order to gain confidence in the harnesses and the belay system. A visit from puppet “Climber Cliff” will help the campers learn about safe climbing techniques. Later in the week campers will have 2 more opportunities to build confidence and skills while taking part in lessons and activities on the rock climbing wall. The lessons on the climbing wall will prepare the children for Friday, which is spent rock climbing on real rock at a location near Whitehorse.
Zip Line: A big hit at the Equinox Outdoor Climbing Wall is a 1000 foot 'zip line' which takes a rider from a platform at the top of the wall, to a landing area on the other side of the pond. During the rock climbing lessons, Campers may want to zoom down the zip line. It's a fun, exhilarating and safe ride that campers really enjoy. Mini Rox campers will be able to double with another camper or with a staff member to make them feel more comfortable on the ride.
Canoeing: Campers will learn new paddling techniques, and water safety rules in a lesson on the pond behind the climbing wall. They will then embark on a water based scavenger hunt, and put their new skills to the test.
Pond Adventures: Campers will enjoy an afternoon exploring the pond behind the climbing wall for signs of life, searching for animals, insects, fungi and small organisms! Using nets, containers, magnifying glasses and our large raft the campers are guaranteed a fun filled afternoon!
Outdoor Adventures: Campers will spend an afternoon learning about outdoor living and survival skills. They will learn how to build a safe campfire and then put their new skills to good use by cooking up some delicious treats! They will head into the forest for activities such as orienteering, shelter building, hiking and forest games.
Chadburn Lake Day Trip - June 27-July 1 & July 11-15: Campers will enjoy a trip to Chadburn Lake where they will build Pirate rafts and embark on a ‘sea adventure!’ To avoid sea-sickness, campers will take a mid-day break from the wavy waters to learn the skill of shelter building that would make even Robinson Crusoe proud!
Yukon River Day Trip - July 25-29, August 15-19, August 22-26: A highlight of the week is when campers build catamaran style rafts at a put in on the Yukon River by MacRae. Campers will enjoy a leisurely paddle, or even just a float, to Schwatka Lake. Along the way they will play games, learn some map & compass skills, identify birds and animals they see, and stop for a picnic lunch at a site along the way.
Horseback Riding: Session 9 will include all of our regular activities with the exception of one rock climbing lesson and the afternoon Outdoor Adventure program. Instead, campers will take part in a full day horseback riding lesson provided by Spirited Adventures Ltd. Jackie Dickson, owner / instructor, is a licensed Equine Canada Coach with a certificate in Equine Studies from the Saskatchewan Institute of Science and Technology as well as a masters degree specializing in leadership. Jackie offers a highly structured program that provides excellent training for those just learning to ride, while teaching the finer points of equitation and horsemanship to the experienced rider. All students learn how to behave and stay safe around horses. Beginner riders will work towards their Little Wrangler Level one. The price for “Climb’n’Ride” week is $365.
Other Activities at Camp: Depending on the interests of the campers each week, other activities we may offer at Mini-Rox Day Camp include: a guided tour of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, arts & craft projects during breaks, swimming in the Takhini Hot Springs, and many fun camp games played throughout the week.
We make sure that each session is slightly different to ensure variety for campers returning for more than one week. We guarantee that every week will be a safe, busy and a fun filled experience with the opportunity for campers to learn new skills in a variety of outdoor adventure programs.
Who we are...
Christopher Gishler and Ellen Thomas each have over 20 years of experience working in the camping and outdoor education field.
Christopher's background includes working for the Canadian Outward Bound Wilderness School and teaching adventure education on high ropes courses and climbing walls that he has built throughout North America.
Ellen's experience comes from the residential camping and outdoor education community of Ontario and British Columbia. She has worked as Program Director, Waterfront Director and Leadership Training Director at various camps across the country.
Christopher and Ellen dream of one day starting their own Camp & Outdoor Education Centre. They have put together a top-notch leadership training program and have built Yukon's only Outdoor Climbing Wall, Zip Line and Ice Towers which are all located at the Takhini Hot Springs.
All of members of the Adventure Rox Staff Team come with extensive experience working with children in outdoor adventure programs. All staff members have current First Aid and CPR and have completed our staff training.
Please complete and return one REGISTRATION FORM, HEALTH FORM and WAIVER per camper.