Summer Camp 2026
Join Us for a Week of Creative Exploration and Excitement! We Offer Enrichment in Puppet Making, Art, Improvisation, and More! Ages 5 to 12 years.
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily
EARLY BIRD $425 until April 30th
AFTER May 1st $445
Week 1 July 6th-10th 4 spots left
Week 2 July 13th - 17th 1 spot left
Kids must be entering grade 1 Sept 2026
Trout Lake, Vancouver BC
Choose Your Camp
July 6th - 10th, 2025
Puppet/Uke Camp
This will be our 7th year of Puppet Camp! The space comes alive as children design and build delightfully unique puppets with movable mouths and arms—each one bursting with personality.
From the very first day, we’re in motion—exploring voices, movement, and improv games as puppets begin to speak, play, and interact. Stories unfold quickly, full of humor, surprise, and imagination, as we build toward lively, laugh-out-loud performances at the end of the week.
We gather daily for joyful ukulele playing and singing, adding rhythm and connection to the creative flow. In between, there’s multimedia art, games, free play, and water play to keep things fresh, playful, and alive.
Energy builds, friendships deepen, and something truly special begins to take shape—a vibrant, creative community where kids feel free to express, connect, and shine.
✨Includes:
Puppet and Stage Creations
Puppetry Improve Games and Skills
Multi Media Art
Ukulele/Singing
Puppet Shows and Vignettes
Nature Play, Water Play and Games
Highly Qualified Teachers
Whats App Parent Group with Daily Photos
High Quality Supplies Included
July 13th - 17th, 2025
Art, Live Action Story Adventure Camp
“This camp hums with excitement, creativity, and collaboration. Each day, children step into a world of imagination, bringing characters to life through hands-on art—designing costumes, crafting masks, and creating wonderfully unique pieces.
We build, play, and invent together as stories begin to unfold—full of humor, adventure, and surprise. Our days are woven with music as we gather for joyful daily singing, adding rhythm, connection, and energy to our shared experience.
As the week unfolds, ideas spark and grow, leading us toward a lively, fast-paced story adventure brought to life at the end of the week.
In the midst of all the laughter and creativity, something deeper forms—a sense of belonging, friendship, and true connection.
✨Includes:
Costume Creations
Daily Multi Media Art
Story Telling Games
Daily Improve Games
Daily Singing
Live Action Story Quest
Daily, Nature Play, Water Play and Games
Highly Qualified teachers
Whats App Parent Group with Daily Photos
High Quality Supplies Included
Summer Camp Highlights!
Our Summer Camp Program
Our Vision
We create an environment where kids can play, create, and connect—with nature, with each other, and with themselves.
Joy and creativity are not just byproducts—they are the destination.
We offer the spark of a creative idea, then step back and allow the magic of the children to lead the way.
We stay present with nature. We notice our nature friends. We hug trees.
We honor choice, allowing children to engage in ways that feel right for them.
We make space—for free play, for deep exploration, for budding friendships to take root and grow.
We begin each day with an Opening Circle—setting intentions, building community, and co-creating our shared agreements.
We end with a Closing Circle—giving thanks and celebrating the delights of the day
Meet the Team
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Kyala Joy
FOUNDER/TEACHER/MENTOR
Kyala is the founder and creative director of Joyful Learners, where she curates and brings to life the ideas, projects, and experiences that shape each program. She is the visionary behind the camps—constantly dreaming, designing, and brainstorming new ways to spark creativity, connection, and joy. A multifaceted teacher and mentor, Kyala has been developing her toolkit for over 25 years. She is both a musician and visual artist, bringing a rich creative spirit into everything she offers. With warmth, intuition, and deep care, Kyala creates spaces where children feel free to express themselves, take creative risks, and truly belong.
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Jolene Dosch
TEACHER/MENTOR
Jolene is a Grade 6/7 teacher in Kitsilano, B.C., who also teaches art to many different grades, bringing creativity into classrooms across the school. She is a deeply creative artist who has showcased her work in a curated exhibition of her watercolor paintings. Jolene has a natural way of connecting with children—her kindness is steady and genuine, and she meets each child with patience, care, and quiet encouragement. As an experienced teacher and facilitator, she supports kids with ease, helping them feel confident, capable, and inspired in their learning and creativity.
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Emily Goldsmith
TEACHER/MENTOR
Emily holds a Bachelor of Education specializing in French. They are a multi faceted human who is also a musician, actor and a published writer. Emily works full time in the classroom as a french teacher. Curiosity and play are two of her biggest passions and she truly sees children as the expert of both. Emily brings joy , excellent organization skills as well as loving, helping hands.
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Dustin Sacks
TEACHER/MENTOR
Dustin brings a vibrant mix of creativity and play to Joyful Learners. With extensive training in improv comedy, theatre, and music, he is also a father, musician, and game designer who regularly supports our after-school programs.
Kids are naturally drawn to his playful energy and kind presence. His ability to spark imagination through improv, storytelling, and games makes him an incredible asset to our camps.
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Kate MacDonald
TEACHER/MENTOR
Kate is currently pursuing her PhD in Outdoor Education and has spent over a decade immersed in Vancouver’s outdoor learning community, leading and inspiring countless groups—including Joyful Learners. She has a rare gift for meeting children exactly where they are and gently guiding them toward confidence, curiosity, and connection. With her calm, grounded presence and deep care, children naturally feel safe to explore, take risks, and be themselves.
Art/Live Action Story Camp 2023
Puppet/Uke Camp 2024
Puppet/Uke Camp 2023
Puppet and Ukes Camp 2022
Art Camp 2022 - Forest art installation
Camp Testimonials