Kids’ Guide to Summer 2026

Kids have it made when it comes to spending summer in Fernie. The options available are impressive and grow with each year – from tennis to golfing lessons, gymnastics to river exploration, drama camps to book clubs… it can be overwhelming when it comes time to make a decision! 

Which is exactly why we pull together this overview, to help you and your children figure out what best suits them (and your family’s) schedules this July and August. There are also one-time events happening regularly, and weekly opportunities. Stay on top of what’s coming up by visiting our events calendar online and/or picking up the monthly issues of the Fix!

ARTS
Art Afternoons with Brina Schenk
Mixed media artist Brina Schenk is hosting Art Afternoons Tuesdays and Thursdays all summer for ages 9-13 from 1-3pm. Each week there is a new project! Email @email to register once or regularly!

The Arts Stations - Club Cre8
Mondays this summer kids can get creative with different summer art activities. It runs mornings 9:30am-12pm or afternoons 12:30-3pm. Available for kids K to Grade 5. Everyone is welcome for activities indoors and outdoors at the Arts Station, supplies included. 

The Arts Station - Sewing Camp
Over three days, budding fashionistas ages 8-11 will learn the art of crafting stylish summer essentials. All materials and equipment included, bring your own sewing machine if possible. July 14-16, 10am-12:30pm.

The Arts Station – Shine Theatre Workshop 
Join Sadie and Rachel at the Fernie Arts Station for this workshop aimed at kids ages 7-12 intrigued with drama. The workshop includes singing, acting, poetry and movement with a performance to follow. Running July 21-23 and August 4-6, 9:30am -3:30pm. 

Check out theartsstation.com for more camps and events as they are constantly adding creative opportunities for all ages including visual arts, sculpture and sewing. 

Fernie Heritage Library Reading Club and Activities
Every year, the Fernie Heritage Library hosts a reading club for youth ages 7-10 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2:30pm, and on Thursdays for Tweens from 3-4:30pm. Additional programming includes Storytime for all ages on Wednesdays from 1-2pm and Wednesdays in the Garden from 2-4pm with lemonade and games. fernie.bc.libraries.coop

ATHLETICS
Gymnastics
Spend the summer with Elk Valley Gymnastics. Their weekly camps are filled with gymnastics, ninja, circus, crafts and out trips. Camps are half or full days and run in July and August. Visit their website elkvalleygymnastics.com for details and to register.

BIKING
Fernie Alpine Resort – Kids and Youth Freeride Mountain Bike Camps
FAR's Kids’ & Youth Freeride Mountain Bike Camps are designed to teach riders ages 8–16 how to ride hard, ride safe, and build confidence on the trails. With small group sizes and professional coaching, participants get focused, skill-based instruction tailored to their age and ability level. Visit skifernie.com for details.

Fernie Alpine Resort – Downhill Development MTB Race Series 
Learn to race at FAR’s Downhill Development Series, happening Tuesday evenings all summer long! This series is designed for ages 8+ (parents and adults can participate!) and all skill levels, focusing on personal improvement without the pressure of bigger races. Each week, race a different beginner or intermediate trail, with the chance to tackle each course twice over the summer to track your progress. Plus, there are fun draw prizes at each race! skifernie.com 

Ride Theory 
Ride Theory offers several kids camps throughout the summer for ages 4-14 led by a team of dedicated PMBIA-certified coaches. For our future shredders these 3–5-day camps are the perfect base of bike development. Ride Theory also holds weekly youth lessons and enduro-specific training days to encourage progression and nurture passion. ridetheory.ca 

OUTDOOR AND ADVENTURE
City of Fernie - Summer Camps
Discover endless summer fun at City of Fernie Summer Camps running six weeks from July 6 to August 21 with themes full of engaging activities, adventures, and creative experiences for kids aged 5-11. Camps run Monday to Friday from 9am –4pm out of the Max Turyk Multipurpose room. Book for the week or for an individual day. fernie.ca 

Elk River Alliance - Elk River Discovery Camps
Discover the wonders of the Elk River in an unforgettable day-camp packed with adventure and environmental exploration. Campers dive into the beauty of our watershed as they raft the Elk River, swim, fish, hike, paddle and learn from the Ktunaxa knowledge holders. Along the way, they’ll connect with the natural world, learning about local wildlife, river ecology, forest ecosystems, and the importance of protecting our environment. There are camp weeks for ages 7-10 in July and 11-14 in August, with an optional overnight for older campers. elkriveralliance.ca

Fernie Alpine Resort – Lizard Rangers Summer Camps
FAR’s Lizard Rangers Summer Camps offer fun, nature-based learning in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Designed for ages 6–12, these camps are based on the WildSafe BC Junior Ranger Program, combining wildlife education, hiking safety, and hands-on adventure activities on the scenic trails of Fernie Alpine Resort. 3-day and 5-day camps are offered in July and August. Camps run 9am-3:30pm. Visit skifernie.com for details.

Outdoor Connections - Forest School Summer Camps
Forest School summer camp is for children ages 3-5 for half days and or 5-8 for full days, July 20-24 and July 27-31 at James White Parks. These are nature-based, child-directed and experiential. They are excited to provide children with time and space to develop their interests, skills and understanding through valuable unstructured play.  connectoutdoors.ca 

Fernie School Aged Care - Summer Camp
In its 16th year of running licensed programs, Fernie School Aged Care runs eight weeks of summer camp from 8:30am-5:30pm, with each week filled with outdoor activities, field trips, water games, crafts and sciences led by qualified and experienced educators. Camps are available for children in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Visit fernieschoolagedcare.org to register.  

Love it Leave It Ranch - Horse Camps
Love it or Leave it Ranch hosts four-day camps throughout the summer, for ages 4-14 running from 9am-1pm. Dates are from the end of June through to mid-August. If your child loves horses, getting dirty, all animals, and learning how to help out on a farm, this one is for them. Visit @LoveItOrLeaveItRanch on Facebook or email @email for details.

UPLIFT - Inclusive Summer Camp
Join UPLIFT for days packed full of play, creativity and adventure. From July 6 - August 21 UPLIFT runs weekly camps from 8:30am-3:30pm for ages 6-11. UPLIFT offers inclusive spaces for kids to connect, collaborate, and grow. They love exploring Fernie’s backyard and taking advantage of all the East Kootenays has to offer! They can't wait to meet you! Email @email to register. 

Volleyball
The Fernie Volleyball Club hosts a variety of activities during the summer months. The Youth Beach Ladder - a solo sign-up program with weekly 2 v 2 competition for kids with some school/club volleyball experience (ages 11+). Flexible weekly program every Tuesday or Thursday starting May 19 until mid-July.

Summer FUNdamentals - A six-week program for younger/beginning volleyball players supporting kids in Grades 2-5. Session one is Mondays from 4-5pm starting May 25. Session 2 Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30am starting July 8.

Youth Beach Tournaments - Register with a friend/partner to compete in a full day 2 v 2 beach tournament on Saturday or Sunday of each of these three weekends - June 6/7, June 27/28 and July 18/19.

FVC Summer Camp - Immersive four-day indoor/outdoor volleyball Summer Camp with 4+ hours of training per day. Available for players headed into Grades 6-12 in September. Camp will be held Tuesday, July 28 to Friday July 31.

For more information and to register follow the Fernie Volleyball Club on Facebook or Instagram. To be added to their email list, send an email to @email.

Wild at Heart Forest School - Summer Camp
A hands-on, nature-based summer camp for children ages 3-12. Rooted in the forest school philosophy, these camps are child-directed outdoor programs where children explore nature, build confidence, develop wilderness skills, and connect with the natural world through play, creativity and adventure. Kids will enjoy play in the forest, river/creek time, gardening, foraging, mindfulness, nature arts and crafts.  Running August 4-7 and 17-20 from 9am-3pm, email @email to register. 

SOCCER
Soccer Quest Youth Soccer Camp
This July 6-10 kids have the opportunity to learn from professional coaches, participate in fun games and activities, play in the Soccer Quest World Cup, get a camp shirt and soccer ball, and to make new friends. Camps are from 9am-4pm or 9am-12pm daily for ages 6-12. soccerquest.ca. 

Elk Valley Dolphins – Swim Camps
Join the Dolphins’ coaches for five days of fun, games, and skills in and around the Aquatic Centre – snacks and activities are included. Just bring your lunch, towels, hat, sunscreen, swim cap, goggles and a kick board! Camp 1: Pups/Green Pods for ages 7-9 runs June 29-July 3. Camp 2: Green/Red Pods for ages 8-11 runs July 13-17. Camp 3 Pups/Green pods Ages 7-9 July 20-24. Camp 4: Green/Red Pods for ages 8-11 runs August 10-14. evdsc.com

Fernie Aquatic Centre - Swim Lessons
Dive into aquatic fun with Fernie Aquatic Centre! Whether you're looking to improve your skills or simply splash around with the family, they've got you covered. Join swim lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels or quality time together during family swim sessions. fernie.ca/recreation

H2O School – Wakesurf Kids and Teens Camp
Give your kids an unforgettable summer on the water with H2O School’s Wakesurf Kids and Teens Camp. This unique camp introduces youth to the exciting sport of wakesurfing in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment. Participants enjoy two coached surf sessions with a professional instructor, helping beginners learn the basics and experienced riders build confidence and improve skills. Campers also learn important boating knowledge. Instruction, fuel, and all equipment included. Visit h2oschoolbc.com for more information or contact Caroline at 250-278-7873.

Fernie Sports Co -  Tennis and Disc Golf Camps
Fernie Sports Co. hosts popular and fun Tennis summer camps running Monday to Thursday, 9:30am-12:30pm, for 8 weeks starting July 6 with an early drop-off option at 8:30am and late pick up / supervised lunch to 1:30pm. No experience necessary, for ages 6-16. Enjoy a friendly competition on the final camp day weekly. ferniesportsco.com

Rocky Mountain Learning Collective - Summer Camps
Rocky Mountain Learning Collective (RMLC) is hosting themed camps in July and August. The Young Entrepreneur Adventure camp teaches kids real-world business skills where they get to create and sell their products at the Fernie Mountain Market. RMLC is also collaborating with Creative Bridges Music School to offer music performance camps in July. RMLC is hosting three French camps for the francophone community in July and August. For more information visit rockymountainlearning.ca, facebook. com/rockymountainlearning, or email @email.

Outside of camps, there are weekly activities such as Little Sprouts running out of the EcoGarden on Tuesdays in July and August, Parent and Tot Fun Times, Kindergym, weekly programs at the Fernie Heritage Library, and more. Stay in the loop through our events calendar on FernieFix.com. 

Krista Turcasso is a mother of two beautiful girls who have sampled a plethora of summer camps and activities over the years. Her advice? Let them choose what they love – it’s where the magic happens.