About our Programs
What programs do you offer?
Our core offering is our summer youth programming for ages 8 to 17. We run three sessions each summer during July and August, with campers grouped by age and skill level.
- Juniors, ages 8 to 10: 6-day program based in our main camp, with a one-night overnight hike
- Intermediates, ages 10-12: 10-day program based in our main camp, with a two-night overnight trip
- Wilderness Skills (WS), ages 12-14: 10-day program learning wilderness survival skills, followed by putting these skills to use on an out-trip away from main camp
- Wilderness Out-Tripping Skills (WOTS), ages 13-16: 10-day program with a 7 day hike
- Canoe Out-Tripping Skills (COTS), ages 14-16: 10-day program with a 7 day canoe trip
- Adventure Leadership Experience (ALE), ages 15-17: our premiere camping program spanning 24 days, with 18 to 20 days spent hiking and canoeing in the northern wilderness
See our Summer Youth Programs page for more information on each program, including dates and fees.
For adults interested in a wilderness adventure, we offer one adult canoe trip each year in mid to late August. See our Adult Programs page for more information.
Outside of our standard summer camping programs, we also accept group bookings from schools, community groups, and individuals for custom-tailored group camping experiences. See our Group Programs page for more information or contact our office for special requests.
Which age groups do you serve?
Our core offering is our summer youth programming for ages 8 to 17. We use participant age as of July 1 for our program age cutoffs. See our Summer Youth Programs page for more information on each program, including dates and fees.
For adults (18+) interested in a wilderness adventure, we offer one adult canoe trip each year in mid to late August. See our Adult Programs page for more information.
What does a typical day look like at Bosco?
Daily activities will vary depending on the program. Junior and Intermediate campers spend most of their time in main camp, where a typical day could be as follows:
| 8:00 am Rise & Shine 8:30 am Breakfast and dishes 9:00 am Activity 10:30 am Activity 12:00 noon Lunch and dishes 1:00 pm Quiet time 1:30 pm Activity 3:00 pm Canteen |
3:30 pm Free Swim 4:30 pm Activity 6:00 pm Supper and dishes 7:00 pm Activity 8:30 pm Discovery 9:00 pm Campfire 10:00 pm Cocoa 10:30 pm Lights Out |
In-camp activities vary depending on weather and group skill level, and include swim beach, archery, orienteering, sports and group games, canoeing, wilderness crafts, and more!
Wilderness Skills (WS), Canoe Out-Tripping Skills (COTS), Wilderness Out-Tripping Skills (WOTS), and Adventure Leadership Experience (ALE) start and end their programs in main camp, but while away from main camp on out-trips, the daily activities vary. Campers will be hiking or canoeing between campsites during the day and pitching tents or preparing meals by evening.
Where do campers sleep while at Bosco?
While in our main camp at Zeden Lake, campers sleep in prospector tents with other campers from their group. While away from the main camp on their out-trip, campers sleep in backpacking tents. Tents are divided by gender.
Group leaders sleep nearby in the same tenting area, but are in their own tent.
What measures are in place to keep campers safe in the wilderness?
Safety of our campers and staff is our top priority in everything we do. We voluntarily carry Saskatchewan Camps Association (SCA) Accredited Camp status, meaning we meet 100% of mandatory standards and at least 80% of desirable standards for youth camps. The full SCA accreditation manual can be reviewed here: SCA Accreditation Manual
All campers start their program in our main camp, where they learn or polish their hiking, canoeing, and wilderness survival skills within the safety of our core grounds. This prepares groups for the overnight out-trip portion of their specific program.
Group leaders participate in leadership and wilderness survival training before the camping season begins, which includes review of emergency procedures and training for camper supervision both inside and outside our main camp.
The following staffing guidelines are maintained during all trips away from camp, in accordance with SCA guidelines:
- A staff-to-camper ratio of 1 staff to 5 campers, and at minimum 2 staff per trip
- At least one group leader is 18 years of age or older, with prior experience for the specific out-trip
- At least one group leader possess a First Aid certificate and CPR-C or equivalent certification
- On water out-trips, at least one group leader is a trained and qualified life saver
We file out-trip plans with Narrow Hills Fire Cache and the Saskatchewan Safety Fire Cache that covers the area with which we canoe prior to departure. We work directly with relevant park and provincial authorities on emergencies and all matters of safety.
Groups are equipped with two-way satellite communication devices while away from main camp, allowing for regular check-ins with leaders as they reach pre-determined checkpoints. In the event of an injury or other emergency, groups are able to communicate the problem and their current location to our office and immediate support can be dispatched.
If a trip to a doctor or the hospital is necessary, a staff member will accompany your camper, and the camp office will contact you. If your child requires any prescription drugs, other medications, or treatment not covered by your medical plan, Bosco will pay the hospital or clinic and bill you.
What type of religious exposure can campers expect? Is Bosco a bible camp?
Our camp has historical roots with the Roman Catholic church, having been founded by the Knights of Columbus and previously managed by priests during our early years. While today we are fully independent, we remain a culturally Catholic institution. We are named after St. John Bosco, the Catholic patron saint of young people, in reflection of our mission to help youth grow as individuals and in groups.
We are not a bible camp and welcome participants of all faiths and backgrounds, including those who are non-religious. There is no bible study or religious teaching component of our programs. Our programming focuses on wilderness survival skills and building appreciation for nature. We believe these core pillars of our program go hand-in-hand with spirituality, and we value nature’s calming role in spiritual reflection.
When coming to Bosco, campers can expect some exposure to Christian teachings and traditions, such as prayer before meals, singing Christian songs, and evening reflections. On Sundays, if a priest is available, Junior and Intermediate campers are invited to participate in Catholic mass if this is part of their family tradition. All other camper groups are away on their out-trip on Sundays.
For parents seeking camps with a greater focus on religious education, we recommend other SCA-accredited camps in the province: List of SCA Member Camps
After Registration
How do I submit payment for camp?
Complete your registration form online, then we accept several methods of payment:
- Interac eTransfer: send payments to payments@johnboscocamp.com and specify your camper’s name in the comments section. Your payment will be auto-deposited.
- Cheque: make payable to St. John Bosco Camp and mail to PO Box 3002, Saskatoon SK, S7K 3S9.
During registration, you can also ask for fees to be invoiced to a third party, such as to a social services office. Please allow at least 5 business days for our office to process your registration and send an invoice.
Credit and debit card payments are not typically accepted due to the high transaction fees they carry. Please contact our office at info@johnboscocamp.com if other methods of payment are needed.
Can I reserve a spot for my camper?
Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve a spot, first submit your camper’s registration online, then either pay camp fees in full or pay a $200 deposit per camper. Your camper’s spot is not reserved until payment is received.
All registrations are manually reviewed by our office to ensure the selected programs are suitable for your child. You will be contacted if we have any follow-up questions about your registration.
How does the early-bird discount work?
An early-bird discount will be automatically applied to all registrations submitted and fully paid prior to April 30 each year. Registrations made after April 30 will be subject to full pricing.
You will not be eligible for early bird pricing if you have not paid camping fees in full on or before April 30.
Are there any subsidy or sponsorship programs available to help with camper fees?
We maintain a small camper sponsorship fund funded by individual and group donations. The number of sponsored spots each year varies based on the size of this fund and the success of grant applications. Certain grants require that sponsored campers be from a specific geographical area.
If cost is a barrier for your camper to participate in our programs, please inquire with our office at info@johnboscocamp.com about the availability of sponsorship funds.
How do I cancel my camper’s registration?
To make registration changes or a cancellation after submitting registration forms or making payment, please contact our camp office at info@johnboscocamp.com.
Cancellation must be received at least 28 days prior to the start of the registered camp session. Cancellations received on or before the deadline will be given a full refund, minus a $200 processing fee. Memberships and donations are not refundable. No refunds will be issued after the cancellation deadline.
What is canteen and how does it work?
During camp, we operate a concession stand for campers known as canteen. An assortment of drinks, chips, candies and ice cream are available for your child to purchase during camp.
A canteen account will be opened and credited with the amount of money you specify during registration. As your child purchases items, their purchases are subtracted from their canteen deposit. Any money not spent by the end of camp will be refunded at the end of August.
Unless otherwise requested, balances under $20.00 will be automatically transferred to our camper sponsorship fund rather than being refunded.
What is the camp membership fee?
St. John Bosco Camp Association is incorporated under the Non-Profits Corporation Act and is a registered charity. Anyone may become a member of our association, and an active membership is required to register your child for camp. An annual membership fee of $10 per family is automatically added to your registration. This membership fee only needs to be paid once per family if you are registering multiple people.
Family membership entitles you to attend and vote at our association Annual General Meeting typically held in November each year. Contact our office for more information about your membership.
Preparing for Camp
What should my camper bring to camp?
Packing proper clothing and equipment is an important part of your camper’s experience. A well-prepared camper is a successful camper.
Our office emails out a suggested packing list specific for your camper’s program once your registration has been processed and payment received.
You can also download the packing list for your camper’s program on our website. Visit our Summer Youth Programs page or Adult Programs page and look for the Packing List button next to your camper’s program.
What time should campers arrive on Opening Day?
Registration is at the Camp Administration Building between 1:30pm and 3:00pm. We are not able to have campers arrive early.
Upon arrival to camp, please follow the signs and park in the playing field. Once parked, please register at the Administration Office.
Medications are handed into the first aid person during registration. All medications (including over-the-counter medications) will be labeled and handed into the first Aid person. Once registered, your camper will be shown to their group and introduced to their Group Leaders. Group Leaders will instruct campers to retrieve their luggage and bring it to the group meeting area. Dishes, toiletries, snacks, swimsuits, and towels will be separated from the luggage and left at the main camp. The group will then go to their tenting area to set up tents.
Opening ceremonies take place by the flagpole at the Administration Building at 3:00pm.
What time should I arrive on Closing Day for camper pickup?
Caregivers are responsible for picking up campers on the last day of camp or for making other arrangements to ensure their child has a safe ride home. Please indicate who will be picking up your camper. Closing ceremonies start at 11:00am. Group songs and skits are performed. Camp is officially over following the closing ceremonies (approx. 12:00 noon).
Everyone is invited to join the camp staff for lunch following the closing ceremonies. Hamburgers will be on sale at the canteen as a camp fundraiser. Also available are the normal canteen items: drinks, chips, candy bars and ice cream products.
Transportation
Where is your camp located and how do I get there?
Bosco is located along Highway 106 at Zeden Lake in Narrow Hills Provincial Park, approximately 150km northeast of Prince Albert.
If coming from Prince Albert, we recommend travelling along highway 55 until Smeaton, then taking Highway 106 (Hanson Lake Rd) for approx. 67km. Both highways are paved, single-lane roads. See route on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wyWkxPw7U9UsX3SW6
Note: some GPS devices will direct you to turn at Highway 120 via Candle Lake, however we caution that this is a gravel road and very slippery during wet weather. We recommend using Highway 106.
Approximate travel times are 1.5 hours from Prince Albert and 3 hours from Saskatoon.
How do I get my camper to camp and back home?
Transportation to and from camp is the responsibility of each camper’s parent or guardian, however, we do offer a bus service from Saskatoon via Prince Albert for an added fee. The bus service must be booked and paid for during registration at least three weeks before the start date of camp and costs $240 +GST for a round trip ($120 for one-way). For junior program campers, the bus is only available for trips home – as junior camps start on a different day than other programs.
Note: A minimum of 8 campers is required for this service to be available. If the bus service is canceled, caregivers will be notified at least three weeks before the start date of camp and the bus fees will be refunded.
Where and when does the Bus to/from Bosco pick up and drop off campers?
Pick-up Before Camp on Opening Day:
Bus leaves promptly at times shown. Please have your camper at the pick-up point at least 20 minutes early in order to pack their gear. Campers will arrive at camp around 1:30 pm.
**Please send a bag lunch or lunch money with your camper as a lunch / bathroom stop will be made en-route.**
- Saskatoon campers: Preston Crossing (Burger King parking lot) at 9:30am
- Prince Albert campers: McDonalds (2nd Ave W and Marquis Rd W parking lot) at 11:30am
Drop-off After Camp on Closing Day:
On closing day, the bus will be leaving camp at approximately 1:00 pm for the ride home. Please make arrangements to meet your child at the drop off locations at the designated times:
- Prince Albert campers: McDonalds (2nd Ave W and Marquis Rd W parking lot) at 3:00pm
- Saskatoon campers: Preston Crossing (Burger King parking lot) at 5:00pm
Who drives the bus to Bosco?
We typically use our 15-passenger van for our bus service, with a capacity of 13 campers. It will be driven by an adult volunteer (a member of the camp Board of Directors, a staff member, or a volunteer known to camp) with a valid class 4 Saskatchewan driver’s license.