The Maritime Centre is host to many different children’s events and activities, including our popular ‘Len Mayea Boatbuilding Booth’, Junior Captain Camps, Field Trips and more! No matter the time of year their is always fun to be had at the Maritime Centre.

The Mission of the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society is to preserve for present and future generations the Maritime Heritage and Culture of Wooden Boats and canoes. By introducing Nautical Skills to the next generation of budding boat builders, sea farers, woodworkers, fishermen and mariners we are passing on a love and appreciation of Maritime heritage and culture and keeping alive the Culture of Wooden Boats and Maritime Heritage!

100% of people surveyed would recommend our Children’s Programming to others in our community! Sign up your child and see what all the fun is about!

Contact cwbs@classicboats.org to inquire about any of our children’s programs .


Sign up for Spring Break 2026 half day camps is Open! Find registration details below! limited spaces available

Our half day spring break camps are a great intro to all the Maritime Centre and Cow Bay has to offer for kids! build a project in the woodworking shop, spend time at the beach and estuary, try out crabbing, play some fun games and crafts and more! Camps run 9:00-12:30 (we are not able to accommodate early drop off/late pickup) Camps are $180/week. We can only accept full week registration (no partial weeks/drop in days) See Poster below for information on dates/times/etc.

Email cwbs@classicboats.org with any questions you may have.

Ready to join the fun?! To register you kiddo(s) for camp complete the following

  1. Download the registration forum HERE and email the filled out forum to CWBS@classicboats.org or drop it off to us at the centre

  2. Full payment is due at time of registration. Payment can be made';

    • via e-transfer to cwbs@classicboats.org. Please note child’s name, and week(s) registering for in the memo

    • In person at 1761 Cowichan Bay Rd

    • Or pay with a credit card over the phone 250.746.4955. Please call and ask for Daphne.

DATES FOR 2026 Summer Camps to Be Announced - Join our email list to be notified before the public.

Join us for a week of summer fun at the Cowichan Bay Seaside! Campers will be immersed in a week of nautical fun and education! Enjoy beach adventures, crabbing, boating in our wooden rowing boats and in the Cowichan Search and Rescue Boat, Learn some basic woodworking skills, play lots of fun nautical themed games and get crafty. We always have so much fun during our summer camps and look forward to sharing that fun with your kiddos!

All Summer Camps run 9AM-4PM daily (we are not able to accommodate early drop off/late pickup) Camps are $275/week with family/sibling discounts available. We can only accept full week registration (no partial weeks/drop in days) See Poster below for information on dates/times/etc.

*please note that 5 year-olds must have completed one year of kindergarten to be eligible for camp

Ready to join the fun?! To register you kiddo(s) for camp complete the following

  1. Download the registration forum HERE and email the filled out forum to CWBS@classicboats.org or drop it off to us at the centre

  2. Full payment is due at time of registration. Payment can be made';

    • via e-transfer to cwbs@classicboats.org. Please note child’s name, and week(s) registering for in the memo

    • In person at 1761 Cowichan Bay Rd

    • Or pay with a credit card over the phone 250.746.4955. Please call and ask for Daphne.

what people are saying

‘It is the only camp out of a few that she repeatedly wants to come back to! You guys get outside, are active and walk to the beach, explore, crab, and it is very educational as well. she is telling me random sea/boat facts for weeks afterwards!’

‘It is a fun camp for active little ones. The aspect of being near the shore and being around or in the boats is a unique experience that my kids really enjoyed.’

‘She really enjoyed herself and she's actually coming back. Good job people thank you so much for taking care of my girl and teaching her some new skills that will also that will last her lifetime’

‘Small camp size that was easy to get into and had lots of outside time.’'

‘Always has a great time and learns new things or gets a new interest’

‘For us, its nice to close at home and our child loved it. Lovely mix of activities with indoor and outdoor time. Love the exposure to the ocean.’

‘Welcoming and adaptable camp leaders’

‘The staff were super positive and chill and really made a good camp great. Both kids had the best time.’

‘Lots of new educational activities that some children may not have had the chance to experience prior to the camp’

‘I would recommend the camp for the facilitator and the wide range of fun experiences the kids had’

‘She had a lot of fun there and she didn’t just stay inside the whole time. They got out and saw a lot of new things. I especially liked that. A lot of the activities were relevant to being at the maritime center! Like crab fishing search and rescue boats that kind of thing. It’s a really cool new Experience for somebody who did not grow up around the water or the ocean. It is a great way to expand their knowledge of the natural world that’s right down the road from us.’

‘He has loved this camp. He has been 2 spring breaks and this is his second summer. We are so excited to have our youngest there next summer when he is 5. He comes home super happy with great info to share about his day. I love that the kids get to learn about the ocean and boats. We are an out doorsy nature loving family and this camp feels like such a good fit for that. I am always recommending this camp!’

‘Cost, length of camp, and variety of activities through the day are all great’

‘My kids loved the camp. I was going to pick them up early one day but they didn't want to miss anything! That's an amazing sign. The staff was friendly.’

‘We are so grateful for all the love and care you gave to the children this summer. They had so much fun and came home actually telling us what they did instead of keeping it all inside like they do at school!!!’

‘She had the best time. We will sign up for more programs in the future.’

‘Wonderful camp. Lovely and friendly staff who genuinely care about the kids. I’m happy that it’s a good mix of indoor and outdoor activity - it’s too hard for kids to be in the sun all day.’

‘Thank you for a great week. We'll be back next year!’

‘Great staff, amazing experience/opportunity for kids to get to participate in water/maritime and woodworking activities’

‘We, the grownups, are very happy with the content and methods you use. We love the activities you choose and overall how you run this program. We see all kids feeling happy and loving it too. Great job!!’

‘Amazing educator! She was engaging, kind and educational. I loved how many different learning opportunities my daughter had.’

‘Daphne has an excellent way with children. I loved her incorporation of storytime into the program, and her loving and accepting way with the children.’

‘So talked a lot about catching crabs and being out around the ocean. She had never caught crabs and she was excited that others touched them. The first day she excitedly told us “everyone is so brave I think they’ll help me be more brave!”

‘Elliot had a wonderful time. Days were well planned and small group format worked for him.’

‘We thought it was great - counsellors great and broad variety of activities’

‘I'd recommend for the attentive/mindful staff’

‘Maddison had a blast and she is looking forward to visiting again next week!’

‘Staff are absolutely lovely.’

‘We really love your programs, thank you!’

‘Excellent staff’

‘Highly valued programs that we're thankful for.’

‘Robert loved this program. Lots of fun activities. We will be back again next summer.’

‘Great leaders, inclusive environment, very chill vibe’

‘Ben loves all of it, no complaints’

‘She always had a great time and the crafts/activities are great!’

‘Great job camp leaders you made my daughter feel special you are her kind of people’