Alava Bate 2025

We’re going to have a summer camp on the island this year – camp will be based in the Mt Alava-Mt Bate area, approximately 13km SE of Tahsis and 30km west of Gold River.

This range of rugged snow-capped mountains was accessed only about 30 years ago, as mountaineers had yet to penetrate the thick bush and steep cliffs that surround the massif on all sides. From the summit of Mt. Alava, one looks down on a series of glaciated valleys and green/blue lakes surrounded by the massive barren red rock walls of several major peaks.

As usual, the exact location of base camp is determined when the first group flies in. However, ACCVI was at the same location in 2016, so we expect to set up our base-camp camp near ‘Shangri-La’ Lake at about 49°53’40″N 126°28’42″W (approximately 1000m elevation).

We anticipate beautiful alpine terrain for hikers, scramblers, climbers, botanizers and photographers and lots of snow slopes for those who want fun on the snow and ice. The area includes many hiking routes and objectives, and several peaks to climb, including Mount Bate at 1,688 m and Mount Alava at 1,621m.

When:

Week 1: August 3-10, Max: 15 people
Week 2: August 10-17, Max: 15 people

What:

There are two weeks of summer camp, with registration open to all ACCVI members 19 years+.

Minors 17-18 years of age accompanied by a parent or guardian may be considered at the discretion of the Summer Camp Committee. For insurance reasons, unaccompanied minors are not permitted on ACC trips.

Cost:

$800 per person.

Summer Camp fees includes helicopter flights in and out, full use of the camp facilities, and group consumables.

See the Summer Camp General Information Guide 2025 for details about camp fees.

Rendezvous Spot:

We will stage on Conuma Main FSR for the helicopter trip into the camp site; this involves approximately 15 km drive up the Forest Service Road. Travel directions to the staging area will be provided at a later date.

Registration and Payment:

Registrants are required to confirm that they have read the 2025 Summer Camp Information Guide when they register for summer camp. It has many updates since 2022, so BE SURE TO READ IT, even if you are a repeat attendee! Important policies and instructions have changed.

Beginning in 2023, we have adopted an online registration form (a Google form). The online registration form is not accessible until registration is open.

Priority registration is available to those who fulfill a key role in summer camp organization and operations, or who otherwise volunteer in a significant capacity for the section. Please see ACCVI Summer Camp General Information Guide 2025’ for details.

Initial registration is limited to local ACCVI affiliate members – that is, ACCVI members with home addresses and postal codes on Vancouver Island and adjacent islands.

By assigning this priority we acknowledge that our local members contribute to and manage a host of local programs, whereas more distant, affiliated members are not usually in a position to contribute to these many club activities.
A wait list will be created if required.

Those who do not live on the island will be placed on a waitlist in order of application until May 20. On May 21 they will be added to the main waitlist and offered an available space (if any) in the order of registration. We extend these priorities because our local members contribute to and manage a host of local programs, whereas more distant, affiliated members are not usually in a position to participate in and contribute to these many club activities and programs.

Camp registrants who have not attended summer camp and/or are not known to the Summer Camp Committee, will be required to complete a Questionnaire as part of their registration package. An interview may also be required to help determine the registrant’s suitability for the event.

Please refer to the Summer Camp General Information Guide 2025 for more details on camp registration and refund policies, and how to register.

Volunteer!

Camp Managers:

Each week of the summer camp requires a Camp Manager and an Assistant Camp Manager. If you have an interest in building your leadership skills and working with the camp participants to ensure a successful experience for all, please read the updated 2025 Camp Managers’ Duties document and contact if interested.

Gear Haulers:

In order to get the camp equipment and gear to the staging site and back, we need a volunteer from Week 1 to haul a rental trailer from Cobble Hill to the staging site and a volunteer from Week 2 to drive it back and return it. Gas expense is covered.

Inventory Managers:

Manage our inventory of camp gear. Contributions include: checking gear and erecting tents beforehand, cleaning items as needed, making an inventory, listing items that need to be purchased, repaired and/or replaced, and post camp inventory and maintenance. Ideally, 1-2 people from week 1 and 1-2 people from week two. Some should be familiar with the club gear.

Assess staging sites on Conuma Main. If you live up island or plan to be in Tahsis or Gold River sometime in the next 2-3 months, we would love to have someone check the proposed staging site(s) for suitability, room for parking, etc.

Please contact Rachel if interested in volunteering for any of these roles.