Summer Independence Camps

Camp Bowen is a summer camp for blind, low vision, and Deafblind individuals. It is located on beautiful Bowen Island, a quick twenty minute ferry ride off the coast of British Columbia. Established in 1963, the camp is now operated by the Camp Bowen Division of the Canadian Organization of the Blind and Deafblind, in partnership with the Canadian Council of the Blind’s Bowen island Chapter. Our team works tirelessly to ensure Camp Bowen continues for generations to come.

Young Leaders

NEW THIS YEAR!!!

Please note: The Young Leaders program is not in our general camp promotional material.

Designed with input from youth in our community, the Camp Bowen Young Leaders Program for youth ages 16-30 is an exciting new opportunity for Blind, DeafBlind, and low vision youth who are ready to grow their confidence, leadership, and independence while becoming part of the next generation of camp leaders. Beginning with an immersive week-long training experience, participants will build practical leadership, communication, teamwork, and mentoring skills in a supportive and inclusive environment rooted in the Camp Bowen community. Following the training, participants will have the opportunity to work one or more weeks during the summer as Camp Counsellors in Training (CITs), gaining real-world experience helping to create unforgettable camp experiences for younger campers. For youth who are unable to attend the June 11-17, 2026 in-person session, virtual leadership opportunities will also be offered throughout the summer, ensuring that more young people can connect, learn, and take part in this exciting new program.

To find out more about the Young Leaders program, please contact us or register today!

Children and Teens

Linda Evans Memorial Music Camp
Alex Jurgensen and Matthew Alvernaz stand, facing the camera. Matthew is holding his Saxophone with Alex in the background.
From left to right: Alex Jurgensen (16) and Matthew Alvernaz (13), two friends who met at Camp Bowen. Photo by Stuart Davis for the Vancouver Sun
Ages
8-18
Next Session
August 12-18, 2025

Learn more about the
Linda Evans Memorial
Music Camp

Community Exploration Camp
The picture shows the hands of a young person reading a Braille book. The ends of white sleeves are visible as the hands, which have medium-dark skin, rest on the book which is placed on a black table.
Ages
8-12
Next Session
July 8-14, 2025

Learn more about the
Community Exploration Camp

Foundations of Independence Camp (Teen Edition)
Kadija, who has dark curly hair and beautiful dark skin smiles at the camera while holding a package of butter. She is wearing a military green shirt with a white apron. Kadija is standing in front of a stainless steel kitchen counter, where a white and red bowl and a red stand mixer are visible in the background.
Photo by Araceli Jurgensen for Camp Bowen
Ages
13-19
Next Session
July 30, August 5, 2025

Learn more about the
Foundations of Independence Camp
(Teen Edition)

Families

Family Camp
Jocelyn, who has light brown hair pulled back in a ponytail sits on a dark blue couch. She is wearing a dark blue sweater and has a blind cane under her right armpit. Sitting on her lap is Eva, wearing glasses and a pink short-sleeve shirt. Eva is using her fingers to trace a Braille book that both of them are reading. They are both light-skinned and blue-eyed.
Jocelyn and Eva reading a print/Braille story.. Photo by Araceli Jurgensen and Victor Mendez for Camp Bowen
Ages
Families with children ages 0-12
Next Session
August 27-September 1, 2025 (August 26 available upon request)

Learn more about the
Family Camp

Charlie Crane Memorial Camp for People Who Are Deafblind
A black and white photograph of Charles (Charlie) Crane standing outside, near the corner of a building. Charlie is wearing an old-fashioned suit and is smiling at the camera, hands clasped together.
Charles (Charlie) Crane pictured in The Ubyssey (January 29, 1932). Photo credit: University of British Columbia
Ages
Famailies (All Ages)
Next Session
August 20-26, 2025

Learn more about the
Charlie Crane Memorial Camp for People Who Are Deafblind

Adults

Adult Retreat
All campers from the 2016 adult retreat on the patio of the Bowen Island Lodge with Deep Bay in the background.
All Campers from the 2016 adult retreat. Photo credit: Lorraine Ashdown.
Ages
19+
Next Session
September 30-October 5, 2025

Learn more about the
Adult Retreat

Music Lovers Camp
Sky and Alex, two young blind men, sharing a piano bench at a grand piano with its lid open. Sky is to the left. He is slightly bald, wearing learning shades and holding a travel mug. To his right, Alex is looking down while playing during a concert. Both have light skin and dark brown hair, and they are both wearing dark blue shirts. In the background, the sun bathes the trees of a nearby mountain on a sunny day.
Photo by Camp Bowen
Ages
19-29
Next Session
August 12-18, 2025

Learn more about the
Music Lovers Camp