Camp FAQs

Camps use a variety of spaces at the Richmond Olympic Oval, including the ice, courts, track, climbing wall, ROX, beach courts, studios, nearby fields, and Dover Park. 

Some specialty camps—like Skateboard Camps or Bike Camps—may run at specific offsite locations. These will always be listed in the camps description. 

Check your camp’s description for the exact daily location. 

Each camp is supervised by trained leaders, and your child will always be with at least one leader during all activity and transition times—including moving between spaces, washroom breaks, and snack/lunch periods. 

Leader-to-camper ratios may vary by camp type and age group, but supervision is always continuous. 

Each camp varies based on age and activity. We try our best to accommodate all interested participants and sometimes adjust registration numbers and staffing as we go. We aim to provide maximum safety, effective supervision, and excellent coaching. If a camp is full, please continue to monitor the website for spots opening up. 

No! Oval Camps are open to both non-members and members.  

No, lunch is not provided. Please send your child with a peanut-free lunch and snacks each day. Campers do not have access to refrigerators or microwaves, so pack items that can stay fresh without cooling or heating.

Parents may bring their child food during designated mealtimes. For planning purposes, please notify camp staff in advance. If you drop off food outside of designated mealtimes, please leave it with the Front Desk along with your child’s information.

The Oval is a very big place and items can be misplaced at any time. If you notice your child is missing something, please speak with your camp leader for assistance. Found items are placed in the Oval’s Lost and Found, located at the Front Desk. If the lost item is not there, please check back again as sometimes it may take time to find. The best way to prevent your child from losing something is by labeling everything. If we find something with a name, we will do our best to contact the owner.

• Summer Camps: Registration opens May 1st
• Winter Break Camps: Registration opens November 1st
• Spring Break Camps: Registration opens January 1st 

You can see all current summer camps options near the end of April on the Richmond Olympic Oval Website at: Oval Summer Camps

After selecting your desired camp on our website, click the “Register” link to access our secure online registration portal. 

*If you’re registering for multiple camps, you can add them to your cart by searching for each camp’s course ID.

Follow the onscreen prompts to complete your registration, including the required online consent and waiver form. 

Unfortunately, we do not offer waitlists. However, we strongly encourage parents to check the registration portal regularly, as spots may open when families update or change their plans in the months leading up to summer.

Yes, your child may attend fewer than five days; however, camp fees are charged for the full week, and we do not offer prorated pricing.

If your child will be away on certain days, please inform your camp leader so they are aware of the planned absences.

You will pay for your child’s camp upon registration and completion of the online consent and waiver form.

• Morning Extra Supervision: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Lunch Extra Supervision: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Afternoon Extra Supervision: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Yes. Leaders will automatically transition your child from their morning camp to their afternoon camp. Your child is also automatically enrolled in Lunch Supervision, so you do not need to register separately. 

You can, but please note you must pay for the full week. We do not offer prorated fees.

• Oval camp refunds, withdrawals and changes policies can be found here.
• All refund, withdrawal and changes must be made in writing to camps@richmondoval.ca

• For camps taking place at the Richmond Olympic Oval, 15-minute free parking is available in the Oval’s underground parkade. 

• Entrance to the parkade is located on the west side of the building.

• After the 15-minute free parking expires, parking rates are $2.75 an hour + applicable taxes and transaction fees.

• Parking information can be found here.

• For camps taking place at the Richmond Olympic Oval, sign-in and sign-out will take place on the Fields, which can be accessed from the south side of the parking lot and off of the lobby.

• Additionally, green signs marked with arrows will direct you to the sign-in/sign-out areas for your convenience.

• For camps taking offsite from the Oval, a designated sign-in/sign-out area will be marked. Parents will be provided with a location and map for reference via email.

• Camp start and end times are clearly stated on your camp registration.

• Parents may sign-in up to 10 minutes before camp start time.

• Please be respectful of our camp start and end times. If these times are not respected, additional charges may apply for extra supervision. Repeated incidents may result in dismissal from future camp participation.

• If your child is between the ages of 4yrs to 12 yrs old, a parent or guardian MUST accompany the child to the camp sign-in and sign-out each of camp. There will be no exceptions.

• If your child is above the age of 12yrs, a parent or guardian MUST accompany the child to the first day of camp and inform their leader in person that the child has the authorization to sign-in and out themselves. Without the parent’s confirmation to the leader, the child may not sign in or out alone.

• Email us at camps@richmondoval.ca to provide written authorization for sign-in/sign-out.

• On the first day of camp, a parent must let the camp leader know the name and relationship of each adult that is authorized to pick up the child. If the child plans to leave with a friend, the parent/guardian must inform the camp leader that another parent/guardian will be signing their child in or out.

• A piece of photo government issued-ID may be requested at sign-in or sign-out.

We prioritize the health and safety of all participants. Camp leaders inspect all activity areas before each session to ensure they are safe for use.

Yes. All Richmond Olympic Oval sport camp leaders are certified in first aid and are committed to maintaining a safe environment for every participant. Staff receive training in our emergency procedures and review them regularly.

The Oval has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. The Richmond Olympic Oval reserves the right to suspend participation for anyone acting in a manner that is inappropriate or unsafe.

In the event of a medical emergency during camp, staff will follow established emergency procedures to respond appropriately. A parent, guardian, or designated emergency contact will be notified as soon as possible by Oval staff.

Sun safety is important! We ask that all campers apply sunscreen before coming to camp, and pack extra for re-application throughout the day. Oval Camps may have extra sunscreen on hand for participants who have forgotten theirs. Camp leaders will not apply sunscreen without prior parent permission for health and safety reasons.

If a participant is sick and contagious, please be respectful of other participants and keep germs away! It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify camp staff if their child is going to be absent for any portion of their camp. A request for a refund can be submitted to camps@richmondoval.ca with the inclusion of a doctor’s note. All refunds are at the discretion of the Camp Programmer. 

If a child becomes sick during camp, they will be separated from the group, and a parent, guardian, or designated emergency contact will be asked to pick them up as soon as possible.

• If a participant requires medication during camp hours, a parent or guardian must inform camp staff. All medication must be securely stored in a location known to staff. 

•  Please note that Richmond Olympic Oval staff cannot administer medication under any circumstances. 

We ask parents and guardians to do their best to send nutfree snacks and lunches to camp. While we cannot guarantee a nutfree environment, we encourage regular handwashing and follow an ‘eat, wash hands, then play’ approach when nut products are brought to camp.

Participants under 12: 

• Are escorted to the washroom by a staff member and one additional person (either another camper or staff). 

• Camp leaders will either escort campers into a multistall washroom or ensure the space is free of other adults before participants enter. 

 Participants aged 12 and older: 

• May use the washroom independently, with camp leader permission and while using the buddy system. 

Additional Guidelines: 

• Camp leaders are not permitted inside washroom stalls. Participants must be able to use the washroom independently.  

• A step stool is available for campers who may need assistance reaching the toilet or sink.
  
• In emergencies: If deemed necessary by the Camp Programmer, two staff members of the same gender as the child may enter a stall to provide medical or safety assistance. 

Whenever possible, participants will use single-stall changeroom facilities. When this is not feasible due to facility layout or a high number of participants, campers will use gender specific changeroom spaces. 

Additional guidelines: 

• Staff and volunteers do not change in front of campers and must always use private changeroom spaces. 

• Participants under 12 are never left unattended in any changeroom area. As with our washroom policy, the buddy system is always in place. 

• Children must be able to change independently. If assistance is required, two staff members will be present and will encourage the participants to be as independent as possible. 

• If your child has additional changeroom or washroom needs, please email camps@richmondoval.ca before your camp start date so we can determine if accommodations are possible. 
• We reserve the right to withdraw a participant from camp if their needs cannot be accommodated within our established supervision ratios. 

Each camp and each day may look a little different, as schedules vary by program. A detailed schedule of activities will be posted on our website at least one week before camp begins. 

What should my child bring to camp each day? 

General Items: 

• A nutfree, healthy, non-microwavable lunch and snack

• A filled reusable water bottle

• Weather and activity appropriate clothing and footwear

• Emergency medication (if applicable)

• Sunscreen

Sport-Specific Items: 

• A list of any additional equipment required will be sent by email prior to camp.

• Multi-sport camps include a mix of activities to give participants a bit of everything. Please check your camp’s schedule for specific activities and ensure your child brings any required gear—for example, skating days require warm clothing and gloves.

• Sport-specific camps typically run for three hours per day and focus on developing skills in one primary sport. However, to keep things fun and engaging, a variety of complementary activities are also incorporated.

• Only professional skaters, such as NHL players wear skates for that amount of time, and even they need to take breaks! 

• A typical skating lesson is 30 minutes in length and sometimes longer for older or more experienced skaters. Oval camp leaders will take the participants through various off-ice training routines each day to build fundamental movement skills required for ice sports. Each session will be designed to be fun and engaging, while fitting the appropriate age and skill level.

Maybe! Weather permitting, camp leaders often make use of our outdoor spaces, including the front fields, outdoor basketball courts, and the North Plaza. 

• Camps may also take short, supervised walks to Dover Park, located a brief distance down the dyke. 

• Biking and adventure camps regularly visit various offsite locations across Richmond and the Lower Mainland. 

• If your child is registered in a camp based at the Skateboard Park, they will spend the full camp session at that location.

Please check your camp description for exact locations and planned offsite activities.

The Richmond Olympic Oval strives to create an accessible and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We are committed to ensuring all participants can enjoy sports safely and successfully, with support in place whenever possible. 

We aim to: 

• Advocate for individuals with disabilities and ensure their needs are considered in our programs.
• Assist participants in accessing programs that meet their interests and abilities.
• Educate staff and the community about accessibility and inclusive practices. 

If your child requires specific accommodation or support, please contact us before camp begins at camps@richmondoval.ca  so we can work with you to determine how best to support their participation.

Yes! We welcome participants of all abilities. 

To help us ensure a safe, positive, and inclusive experience, we ask parents/guardians to email us in advance at camps@richmondoval.ca to discuss your child’s needs, support requirements, and any important information that will help us prepare. 

This information allows our camp leaders to be informed and make appropriate programming adjustments, so every participant feels included. Support workers are welcome to attend camp with participants who require 1-on-1 assistance. 

Please note that advance notice is required, and in some situations, capacity limits may affect our ability to accommodate specific support needs.

Yes. The Richmond Olympic Oval has two washrooms with toilets that are smaller and lower for participants and families who require them. These single-stall bathrooms provide a private and inclusive space for smaller children to use. 

Camp leaders will direct participants to the appropriate washroom based on age and supervision needs, following our established washroom policies to always ensure safety. 

If your child requires access to a smaller toilet or has specific privacy needs, please let our camp staff know so we can support them appropriately.

Yes. The Richmond Olympic Oval offers gender neutral washroom options for participants and families who prefer them. These single-stall bathrooms provide a private and inclusive space for anyone to use, regardless of gender identity. 

Camp leaders will direct participants to the appropriate washroom based on age and supervision needs, following our established washroom policies to always ensure safety. 

If your child requires access to a gender neutral washroom or has specific privacy needs, please let our camp staff know so we can support them appropriately.

For safety reasons, participants must be able to understand and communicate key English vocabulary, especially words related to instruction and direction. Some camps, such as Adventure and Biking camps, are not suitable for participants who are not fluent in English. If your child is still learning English, we recommend registering for camps that take place at the Oval.

Yes. Support workers are welcome to attend camp with participants who require 1‑on‑1 assistance. 

To help us prepare and ensure a safe, inclusive experience, we ask parents/guardians to email us in advance at camps@richmondoval.ca with details about the participant’s support needs. Advance notice also helps us plan for capacity and ensure the environment is appropriate for both the child and the support worker.

The Richmond Olympic Oval is a dynamic, high‑traffic facility with varying noise levels throughout the day. If your child has sensory sensitivities, we encourage families to visit the facility in advance to help determine their comfort level with the environment.

Participants are welcome to bring personal sensory support tools that help them feel regulated throughout the day. The Oval also offers a limited supply of noise‑reducing headphones upon request. In addition, quieter spaces, including private washrooms, are available for participants who may benefit from a reduced‑stimulus environment.

For additional information or to discuss support options, please email camps@richmondoval.ca.

Yes. All Richmond Olympic Oval camp leaders are certified in First Aid and receive thorough training in our emergency procedures. Our staff is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for every participant. 

All Oval camp leaders receive comprehensive training before working with participants. This includes:

• First Aid Certification – All leaders must hold valid First Aid certification. 

• Safe Sport Training – Leaders complete mandatory Safe Sport education, including Understanding the Rule of Two, and Commit to Kids. 

• NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills – Every leader completes this nationally recognized coaching course to support quality sport instruction. 

• Oval Staff Training – Leaders participate in on-site training covering safety policies, emergency procedures, camp activities, instruction techniques, and overall camp conduct.
  
• Autism Awareness Training – All Oval camp leaders attend an Autism Awareness training conducted by the Canucks Autism Network either in-person or online. 

• Leaders are not permitted to use their phones for personal reasons while working with participants. However, they are required to have their phones accessible so they can receive important messages and notifications related to day camp operations, safety updates, and scheduling.

• If you ever have concerns about cell phone use, our camp administration team welcomes your questions and feedback at any time.

• Skateboard
• Helmet  
• Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards  
• Closed toed shoes  

Please ensure your child has the following equipment:   

• Long pants
• Sweater and jacket
• Gloves
• Socks
• Optional: Skates, knee pads, elbow pads, helmets  

Helmets and skates are provided at no additional cost.  

Your child needs to attend camp with FULL HOCKEY GEAR and hockey stick.  

Full hockey gear includes:  

• CSA approved helmet with full face shield
• Neck guard
• Shoulder pads
• Elbow pads
• Hockey pants
• Shin pads
• Shorts with jock/jill
• Hockey socks and jersey
• Hockey skates
• Hockey gloves
• Hockey stick 

Oval Camps are available for children aged 4 to 15. 

Possibly — but permission is required. 

Because the developmental gap between a 5½ year old and an older participant (for example, a 9 year old) can be significant, we review age exceptions on a case-by-case basis. 

To request approval, please email camps@richmondoval.ca and include: 

• Your child’s age
• Relevant experience in sports or extracurricular activities 
• Any additional information that may help us determine if the camp will be a good fit 

Our team will happily review and advise you on the best placement for your child. 

If your child is eligible for two age groups, you are welcome to register them in the camp they feel most comfortable participating in. Ultimately, it is the parent or guardian’s decision to choose the age bracket they believe will offer the best experience for their child.

No. We understand you may wish to take pictures of your child’s participation in camp, however, for privacy reasons, you may be asked by camp leaders to kindly delete photos or videos that include other campers. Social media and streaming tools are not permitted at camp at any time. 

NOTE: Oval photographers may come to your child’s camp to take photographs for marketing and promotional purposes. Before doing so, our staff confirm which campers do/do not have photo consent which is completed by you at time of registration.