Welcome to Sunhouse Outdoor Academy Camps

Our outdoor camps combine adventure-based learning, team-building, creative exploration, STEM activities, and nature play. With a 6:1 child-to-educator ratio, children thrive in a calm, supportive environment that nurtures resilience, independence, collaboration, and a meaningful connection to the natural world.

Outdoor Classes at Trout Lake & Pacific Spirit Park

Our seasonal classes are fully outdoors and thoughtfully designed for small groups of children. At Trout Lake (East Vancouver), programs are designed for children ages 4–7. At the Camosun Park entrance.

Both locations offer Monday–Friday programming (9:00am–3:00pm) with consistent routines, meaningful outdoor learning, and strong educator relationships, all grounded in a supportive, nature-rich environment.

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Before you Book

What is Sunhouse Academy?

Sunhouse Academy is an outdoor nature camp program in Vancouver, BC, run by the founders of Sunhouse Babysitting Agency. We offer seasonal day camps for children ages 4–7 at two Vancouver locations: Trout Lake in East Vancouver and Pacific Spirit Park. Our camps blend adventure-based learning, nature play, STEM activities, team-building, and creative exploration in a small-group setting.

What ages do you accept?

Sunhouse Academy camps are designed for children ages 4 to 7. Our programming is intentionally tailored to this developmental stage, supporting confidence, emotional regulation, independence, and social connection through nature-based play and guided exploration.

Where do camps take place?

We run at two locations in Vancouver: Trout Lake in East Vancouver and Pacific Spirit Park at the Camosun Park entrance. Both are fully outdoor settings, and children are outside for the entire camp day, rain or shine.

What seasons and sessions do you offer?

We offer March Break camps and Summer camps in July and August. March Break camps run from $400 CAD. Summer sessions at both locations run from $500 CAD per week. All sessions run Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Sign up to our email list to be notified when new sessions open, as spots fill quickly.

What makes Sunhouse Academy different from other Vancouver camps?

Sunhouse Academy is fully outdoor every day, not partially outdoor or gym-based with nature breaks. Our 6:1 child-to-educator ratio, child-led learning philosophy, and focus on emotional development set us apart from activity-focused or sports camps. We also send parents a weekly video recap of their child’s week, which few camps offer.

Is this right for my child if they’ve never done outdoor camp before?

Yes. Many of our campers are first-timers. Our educators are experienced in supporting children who are shy, hesitant, or new to this kind of environment. The small group size and consistent daily routine help children feel settled quickly. Families regularly tell us their child was nervous on day one and asking to come back on day two.

Does Sunhouse Academy have franchise opportunities?

Yes. We offer franchise opportunities for educators and entrepreneurs who want to bring nature-based outdoor camp programming to their own communities. Visit the Franchise Opportunities page for more information.

How is Sunhouse Academy connected to Sunhouse Babysitting Agency?

Both are founded and run by sisters Nicole and April Hughes, the team behind Sunhouse Babysitting Agency in Vancouver. Sunhouse Academy is a natural extension of the Sunhouse philosophy: exceptional, thoughtful childcare applied to an outdoor education setting. Families who use Sunhouse for babysitting or nanny placement often enroll their children in Academy camps as well.

Welcome from the Founders Nicole & April

A day in the life at Sunhouse

Our daily routine is carefully designed to balance structured and unstructured learning.

Children might observe weather patterns, measure and count using natural materials, or experiment with simple engineering projects such as mini shelter building, all experiences that spark curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Each child’s journey is thoughtfully guided by experienced educators who emphasize confidence, empathy, independence, and emotional regulation. Children are encouraged to lead, collaborate, create, and connect deeply with the natural world, building the skills they need to thrive both outdoors and beyond.

Program Considerations

What does my child do each day?

Each day at Sunhouse Outdoor Academy blends play, exploration, and hands-on learning in nature. Children move around the park, engage in physical activities, pause for nature-inspired exercises and snack breaks, and enjoy child-led play that fosters collaboration, creativity, and connection. Quiet moments of curiosity balance the day, allowing each child to thrive at their own pace while immersed in the beauty of the outdoors.

Weekly Child Progress & Highlights

Each week, parents receive a video recap of their child’s week at camp, giving you a chance to see all the adventures, activities, and special moments your child experienced. These updates showcase their exploration, social connections, creativity, and growth at Sunhouse Outdoor Academy.

What should I pack each day?

Each child needs a size-appropriate backpack to carry all their essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable day. This includes a lunchbox with enough food for two snack breaks, with a sturdy, reusable water bottle. Don’t forget a spare pair of pants or underwear for accidents, as well as seasonal items like mittens and a warm hat for winter or sunscreen for summer. With these items, your child will be ready for a full day of outdoor exploration and fun!

The Benefits of Outdoor Education

  • Enhanced Physical Development

    Nature-based activities like climbing, running, and balancing help children build strength, coordination, and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills are nurtured through hands-on experiences such as collecting natural objects, drawing in the dirt, or planting seeds.

  • Boosted Cognitive and Emotional Growth

    Exploring the outdoors sparks curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Nature provides a calming environment that reduces stress and promotes emotional resilience, helping children learn to regulate their feelings and develop a strong sense of self.

  • Improved Social Skills

    Collaborative play in natural settings encourages teamwork, communication, and empathy. Children learn to work together, resolve conflicts, and develop meaningful relationships, all while having fun and exploring their surroundings.

  • A Lifelong Connection to the Environment

    Early exposure to nature fosters a love and respect for the environment. Through hands-on experiences, children develop an understanding of sustainability, biodiversity, and natural cycles, laying the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of the world around them

Mud Kitchens: Learning Through Play

How our families feel

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I can’t say enough great things about Sunhouse’s outdoor program for children ages 3-5. My 4-year-old son absolutely thrives here, and every day he comes home beaming with excitement, ready to share his adventures. From the moment we enrolled, I knew this was the perfect fit for our family. The instructors are warm, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about fostering a love of nature in the kids. They create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel empowered to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world. My son has gained so much confidence and independence through this program. Whether it’s building stick forts, identifying bugs, or splashing in muddy puddles, he’s constantly learning through hands-on experiences. He’s developed incredible problem-solving skills, creativity, and an understanding of teamwork all while having the time of his life."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"We’ve had the most wonderful experience with Sunhouse Outdoor Academy for both of our children, our 3-year-old and our 5-year-old. What’s truly incredible about this program is how well it fits both of their unique personalities, despite having very different interests. Our 5-year-old loves exploring and getting her hands dirty, while our 3-year-old is more reserved and enjoys quieter, imaginative play. Sunhouse has found the perfect balance for both of them. The outdoor setting allows them to connect with nature in their own ways, and the variety of activities keeps them both engaged and excited to come back every day. We’ve seen such a positive shift in their overall demeanor. They’re much calmer and happier children since starting at Sunhouse, and getting them up and ready in the morning has become so much easier! It’s clear that the program has brought out the best in them. They wake up excited to go, and their excitement only grows when they share what they’ve learned and done at the end of each day."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Sunhouse Outdoor Academy has been an absolute dream for our family and our 5-year-old daughter. Operating out of the beautiful Trout Lake area, this outdoor program is the perfect combination of adventure, learning, and fun for kids ages 3-5. From day one, our daughter fell in love with everything about this program, the incredible instructors, the engaging activities, and, of course, the magical outdoor setting. She’s constantly telling us stories about building forts, playing with her friends she adores, playing imaginative games, and learning all about the natural world around her. The only challenge we’ve had is getting her to leave at the end of the day! She loves it so much that we’ve actually requested longer hours because she never wants the fun to end. It’s such a joy to see her coming home tired but happy, covered in mud and full of excitement about what she’s learned and explored that day."

What to Expect

What does a typical day look like?

Each day balances structured and unstructured time in nature. Children might observe weather patterns, measure and count using natural materials, build mini shelters, explore bugs and plants, or play in the mud kitchen. The daily routine is designed to nurture curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork while giving children space to explore at their own pace. Two snack breaks and a lunch period are built into every day.

What should my child wear and bring?

Dress your child for active outdoor play in all weather — clothing you're comfortable seeing get muddy. Pack a size-appropriate backpack with a lunchbox for two snack breaks, a sturdy reusable water bottle, and a spare pair of pants or underwear. For cooler months add mittens and a warm hat. For warmer months apply sunscreen before drop-off and pack an extra layer. Muddy days are a regular and celebrated part of camp life.

What if it rains?

Camp runs rain or shine. Learning to be comfortable outdoors in all conditions is part of the experience. We ask that all children come prepared with waterproof layers and rain boots on wetter days. Our educators are trained to keep programming engaging and safe in all typical Vancouver weather.

What is the child-to-educator ratio?

We maintain a 6:1 child-to-educator ratio at every session. This ensures every child receives meaningful attention, their individual pace is respected, and educators can build genuine relationships with the children in their care. It also creates a calmer, more supportive environment than larger camp programs.

How will I know what my child did at camp?

Every week parents receive a video recap of their child's time at camp. These weekly highlights showcase your child's exploration, social connections, creative activities, and growth moments — a window into their week and a way to start conversations at home about what they experienced.

What will my child actually learn?

Sunhouse Academy builds skills in four areas. Physical development through climbing, building, and nature exploration. Cognitive growth through curiosity, problem-solving, and STEM activities. Emotional resilience through self-regulation, confidence, and empathy nurtured by consistent educators. And social skills through teamwork, communication, and collaborative outdoor play. These are foundational skills children carry well beyond camp.

How do I register?

Registration is directly through sunhouseacademy.ca. Browse sessions by location and month, select your week, and complete enrollment online. Spots are limited by design — sign up to our email list to be notified first when new sessions open.