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The first time I ever went to Camp Artaban, I brought a group of youth from St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Burnaby for a weekend retreat in 2021.

On the final morning, the sky was so clear and the ocean so blue‑green and transparent that I remember posting on social media that I was “in Greece.” Of course, I was joking—it was British Columbia. But Camp Artaban truly is a stunning piece of property. From the woodland chapel to the beaches, the rocks, the hikes, the main buildings, and the wharf, I fell in love immediately.

Coming from the UK, we have retreat centres, but we don’t have summer camps in the same way they exist in Canada. In the summer of 2010, I volunteered at Camp Columbia on Thetis Island, meeting friends who remain close to me today. When Camp Columbia closed, like many summer camps in Canada, it was heartbreaking for those who had attended for years and for those of us who had grown to love it.

When I arrived at Camp Artaban—just as we were emerging from the pandemic and things as I understood were looking financially a little tighter for the camp—I knew I had a mission: to get the word out to youth in the diocese about how incredible this place is. Camp Artaban is one of those “thin places,” where you can feel God the Creator meeting you in that sacred space between heaven and earth.

Through the dedication of incredible Camp Artaban leaders who became regular DYM youth leaders, we began building a stronger relationship. This allowed youth from the diocese to attend an annual retreat at Artaban—a tradition we’ve now continued for almost five years.

We are thrilled that this passion for Camp Artaban has grown and now we are hoping that youth from the diocese will attend not only the retreat weekend, but also the full summer camp programs.

Summer camp can be expensive, even though Camp Artaban remains a fantastic deal:

  • $775 for Junior Co‑ed
  • $850 for Senior Co‑ed
  • $475 for LIT (Leaders in Training)

For many families, especially in today’s financial climate, this is still a high cost. Thanks to support from the Diocesan Youth Movement budget, Archbishop John Stephens, and generous funding from the ACW (Anglican Church Women), we are grateful to offer a 50% bursary for up to 20 children and youth (Grades 4–12) to attend Junior Co‑ed, Senior Co‑ed, or LIT at Camp Artaban this summer.

These camps offer meaningful opportunities for youth to connect with both nature and community—through kayaking and canoeing, hiking and beachcombing, archery, volleyball, basketball, rock climbing, sharing meals, and sleeping in cabins under the stars. And truly, I have never seen stars like the ones at

Camp Artaban. I’ve spent evenings lying in the field, camera in hand, looking up at a sky so clear and wide it feels holy.

If attending camp has been financially challenging in the past, we warmly invite you to consider this opportunity. Many DYM youth have already experienced the beauty and sacredness of this place—so close to home on Gambier Island—and we hope even more young people will be able to share in it.

Camp Artaban may not be “luxurious,” but what it offers is far richer: a caring community, space for faith to grow, a breathtaking setting, and dedicated staff who make each week unforgettable.

Bursary Eligibility & Application

To qualify, youth must be in Grades 4–12, attend an Anglican church in the Diocese of New Westminster, and be planning to attend Junior Co‑ed, Senior Co‑ed, or LIT camp. For more info on camps click here.

To apply, simply email inquire@campartaban.com, and the Camp Artaban team will guide you through receiving a 50% bursary. Funding is first‑come, first‑served, with up to 20 bursaries available across the three eligible camps.

DYM Artaban Summer Retreat 2026

We also invite youth in Grades 8–12 to register for the DYM Summer Retreat Away at Camp Artaban, taking place August 28–30 “Until all are fed.” - for more information click here.

For more information about this or other youth ministry opportunities in the diocese, please contact me, Lauren Odile Pinkney, at youth@vancouver.anglican.ca.