It's more than a camp - it's a place to connect, to learn, and to become who you are meant to be.
Since 1930, Camp Chief Hector YMCA has been one of the most influential summer camps in Alberta. With over nine decades of experience, friendships, and memories made, we know it will be a life-changing event in your child's life.
Looking to register for Summer Camp? Create a free online YMCA Calgary account or log into your existing account—click the link below.
See a full list of prices and session dates by clicking here.
Looking for something to do at Camp now? Check out our Family & Group experiences.
Sac Dene and LIT programs Applications
Applications for the Sac Dene and LIT programs at Camp Chief Hector are now open for summer 2026! Please forward your resume and cover letter to camp@ymcacalgary.org with the subject line “2026 Sac Dene Application for [your name]”, “2026 LIT Application for [your name]”, or “2026 *NEW PROGRAM* Application for [your name]”.
The deadline to submit your application for these programs is January 30th, at 5:00 pm MST. The Camp Chief Hector team will be holding in-person interviews during the week of Feb.9-13th, 2026 in Calgary and placements will be made by the end of February. We look forward to reviewing your application!
Summer Camp Registration for 2026 will open in January!
Returning Campers: January 13th at 9:30 am MST
New Campers: January 15th at 9:30 am MST
Family & Weekend Programming: January 15th at 9:30 am MST
Please note: returning camper status is given automatically to unique registrants from the 2025 season. It does not apply to siblings of 2025 participants. If your camper has attended before but missed the 2025 season, please email us to receive Returning Camper status
Financial Assistance
If you require financial assistance to register for a program at Camp Chief Hector YMCA, please send us an email to set up your account before registering.
You can contact us here.
Important Documents:
Packing Lists
Packing Lists for 2026 programs will be available after registration.
Packing Lists for 2026 programs will be available after registration.
Packing Lists for 2026 programs will be available after registration.
Packing Lists for 2026 programs will be available after registration.
Program Descriptions
Bowfort Programs
7-9 years, 6 Day Program
Accommodation: Tipi or Cabin
The Junior program is based out of Bowfort Lodge. Junior campers come for 6 days, 5 nights and stay in either a tipi or cabin, to be selected at time of registration. Campers will experience many camp activities that include archery, rock climbing, canoeing, classic camp games and get to visit the horses. All campers have the option to try an onsite overnight camping experience with their group. All Junior campers will develop their teamwork skills, experience new challenges and meet new friends.
Campers must turn this age by December 31st, 2026.
6-10 years, 5 day program
Day Camp sessions run 5 days, Monday to Friday including running on holidays including Canada Day and the August Civic Holiday. Campers receive a lunch in Bowfort Lodge alongside our Junior campers to fuel them as they participate in a fun-filled day! Day camp programs include archery, canoeing, classic camp games, rock climbing, and a visit to our horses. Day campers work as a team to experience new activities and face challenges with the guidance of their camp counsellor.
Bussing is available from CANMORE and EXSHAW at no additional cost. Our site is in the Bow Valley, approximately 55 minutes west of Calgary.
Campers must turn this age by December 31st, 2026.
6 Day Programs
10 – 11 years, 6 Day Program
Accommodation: Yurts based at Hector Lodge
Mistaya camp offers time for learning, making friends, working as a team and having fun outdoors! During this 6-day program, campers will participate in activities such as hiking on our trails, arts and crafts, rock climbing, archery and classic camp games! All 6-day Mistaya campers have the option to participate in an onsite one night overnight camping experience. All Mistaya camps run out of Hector Lodge and campers will stay in yurts.
This program is an introductory level program for those campers new to camp between the ages of 10-11 years.
Campers must turn this age by December 31st, 2026.
12 – 13 years, 6 Day Program
Accommodation: Yurts based at Hector Lodge
Kananaskin camp offers a time for learning, making friends, working as a team, and having fun outdoors! In this 6-day program, campers will participate in activities such as hiking on our trails, arts and crafts, high ropes, archery, and classic camp games! All 6-day Kananaskin campers have the option to participate in an onsite one night overnight camping experience. All Kananaskin camps are run out of Hector Lodge and campers will stay in yurts.
This program is an introductory level program for those campers new to camp between the ages of 12-13 years.
Campers must turn this age by December 31st, 2026.
14-15 years, 6 Day Program
Accommodation: Yurts based at Hector Lodge
Pioneer Camp offers a time for learning, making friends, working as a team, and having fun outdoors! During their 6 days here, Pioneer campers will participate in activities such as a day hike, high ropes, archery, classic camp games, and canoeing! All Pioneer 6D campers will participate in a one night onsite overnight camping experience. All Pioneer camps are run out of Hector Lodge and the campers will stay in yurts in Midcamp with other Pioneer programs.
This program is an introductory level program for those campers new to camp between the ages of 14-15 years.
Campers must turn this age by December 31st, 2026.
13 Day Programs
10-11 years, 13 Day Program
Accommodation: Yurts based at Hector Lodge
Mistaya campers come to camp for a 13-day session and live in yurts near Hector Lodge. Campers will participate in various traditional camp activities including archery, rock climbing, arts and crafts and canoeing all while developing their teamwork and self-confidence. Each camper will get the opportunity to visit the barn and learn about the horses.
Each 13-day Mistaya camper will experience a 3-day overnight hike at a local campsite. During this adventure, campers will help pack and carry their gear and food, help set up their campsite and work as a team to learn and have fun in the outdoors!
Campers must turn this age by December 31st, 2026.
10-11 years, 13 Day Program
Accommodation: Yurts based at Hector Lodge
Kananaskin campers come to camp for a 13-day session and live in yurts near Hector Lodge. Campers participate in various traditional camp activities including archery, rock climbing, and arts and crafts while building their team, and developing their personal skills. Each camper will have the opportunity to visit the horses and learn introductory horsemanship and riding skills.
These campers will prepare for their 4-day overnight trip by first doing skill building onsite either hiking or canoeing (river based). During the overnight expedition adventures, campers will help pack and carry their gear and food, help set up their campsite and work as a team to learn and have fun.
Overnight trips for the Kananaskin program have “focuses” that are selected at the time of registration. When registering, your camper will choose to participate in either a 4-day trip hiking trip or a 4-day canoeing trip.
Campers must turn this age by December 31st, 2026.
10-11 years, 13 Day Program
Accommodation: Yurts based in Midcamp, Program out of Hector Lodge
Pioneer hike campers come to camp for a 13-day session and stay in yurts near Deer Lodge (Mid-camp). Campers will learn about teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and develop personal strengths and self-confidence. Campers will participate in a variety of camp activities such as games, arts and crafts, archery, climbing and more.
These campers will participate in 8 days (total) of hiking. These 8 days are broken down into a day trip, and the longer backcountry expedition. These experiences give opportunities for campers to focus on developing leadership and outdoor living skills, as well as backcountry travel.
Campers must turn this age by December 31st, 2026.
10-11 years, 13 Day Program
Accommodation: Yurts based in Midcamp, Program out of Hector Lodge
Pioneer canoe campers come to camp for a 13-day session and stay in yurts near Deer Lodge (Mid-camp). Campers will learn about teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and develop personal strengths and self-confidence. Campers will participate in a variety of camp activities such as games, arts and crafts, archery, climbing and more.
These campers will participate in 8 days (total) of canoeing. These 8 days are broken down into a day trip, and the longer backcountry expedition. These experiences give opportunities for campers to focus on developing leadership and outdoor living skills, as well as backcountry travel.
Campers must turn this age by December 31st, 2026.
10-11 years, 13 Day Program
Accommodation: Yurts based in Midcamp, Program out of Hector Lodge
Our Wrangler in Training Program is an equine and leadership focused program. In this two week program, campers will spend the majority of their time involved in activities at the barn where they will gain a rich experience with horses involving developing horsemanship and horseback riding skills. Campers will also participate in camp activities, a day hike, and classic camp games!
They will experience daily life at the barn and have leadership opportunities with the younger groups on site. Wranglers in Training is suitable for all levels of experience.
Campers must turn this age by December 31st, 2026.