2024 Family Retreat highlights
FAMILY RETREAT
Your all-inclusive-style vacation destination in British Columbia
PERFECT LAST MINUTE FAMILY VACATION SOLUTION
RockRidge Canyon Family Retreat
Not Available for 2025 – Come to Family Camp instead!
Our primary focus at RockRidge Canyon is to provide a place where teens can experience an amazing week with Young Life leaders, and ultimately connect with the good news of Jesus, who loves them. To that end, we are excited to announce that Young Life has added a third Senior High Camp for Summer 2025. We understand Family Retreats have quickly become a recent family summer tradition so we encourage families to sign up for Young Life Family Camp. It’s an excellent value, with added time, program and activities included. We hope to see your family here this summer!
Registration for YL Family Camp opens January 15, 2025.
RockRidge Canyon Family Retreat is a stress-free three night/four day vacation with accommodation, meals and most recreation included. Dorm Lodge accommodations or bring your RV. (This year we also have a tenting option).
Come enjoy the unhurried pace, a choose your own adventure schedule, all without packing sleeping bags, the big toys, cooking food or doing dishes. It’s a vacation for the whole family.
Here To Bless Families
RockRidge Canyon sets the standard high when it comes to activities, food, accommodation and fun so you can rest assured this will be a true holiday – A summer break to remember.
Summer is prime time at RockRidge Canyon. The days are extended to include more fun and the wide blue sky is consistently filled with puffy white clouds. In the summer, RockRidge Canyon comes alive with activities on the lake, in the pool, amongst the trees and inside where it’s cool.
Walk the new nature trail experience. Explore the property at your own pace on sweet Trek mountain bike or rip down the dedicated mountain bike trails. Relax in the pool or sink your toes in beach sand. Plan a sunset trip on the party barge. Cast a line from the shores of Canoe Cove (BC fishing licence req’d). There is so much to do during this extended weekend retreat – but it’s up to you. With meals included your family will enjoy this weekend at your own pace.
It’s like time away at the cabin - without the cooking & cleaning!
What is there to do?
Beach Hut activities include Mountain Bikes, Paddle Boards, Kayaks, Canoes, and Family Beach Volleyball. Cool off with a dip in the lake, build sand castles besides the lake, soak in the sun with your toes in the sand, read a book in the breezy shade of the Lake House. Lots of family fun can be had, playing a round or two of Disc Golf (We have new discs!). Take leisurely walks along the creek, in the forest, or down to the dam – There is plenty to explore! For the adventurous, there will be guided hikes to the top of The Pinnacle mountain (Discover the amazing view!). For extra thrills, try our lake-crossing Zip Line, High Ropes Challenge Course and Tower of Terror.
The Nature trails have been expanded, with each kiosk illustrated and narrated. You’ll learn more about the wonderfully complex creatures who make RockRidge Canyon their home.
Are Family Retreats just a shorter version of Young Life Family Camp?
No. Family Retreats are very much a self directed long weekend, with lots to see and do. Some scheduled activities and surprises are planned throughout the weekend. This format was a hit last year as it allowed guests time to really relax.
Will there be an evening program?
Family Retreats are a lot like visiting a resort, with no official evening program. The days are full with outdoor activities and the evenings are yours to enjoy. Some self-directed activities will be available after dinner. Plan to bring your own board games and puzzles. Bring your guitar, and some folding chairs. Who knows what impromptu sing along may occur around a campfire under the big starry sky.
Golfing
Golfing is just 10 minutes away at the popular Princeton Golf Club. You’ll need to contact the club well in advance to make tee time reservations.
Relax or Play
RockRidge Canyon is filled with plenty to do but if your goal is to sit back, soak in the sun (or shade) you are free to. It’s your break. Work up an appetite over a good book or, when the mood strikes,
- Take a dip in the beautiful 25 meter outdoor swimming pool
- Hop on top-of-the-line mountain bikes for exploring trails
- Enjoy lake includes activities such as swimming, beach volleyball, kayaks, barge lake tours.
- Shoot hoops or get a game going on the all weather basketball court, ball hockey court, playing field (for soccer, football, wide-games, etc.)
- RockRidge Canyon has a small playground for little ones
- Challenge your family members to a round of Frisbee golf
- Take a guided hike to the top of the infamous Pinnacle Mountain
- There’s time for shopping at the “Ridge Trading Company” (for gift items, T-shirts, jewelry, etc.)
- Canyon Coffee serves up lattes, espresso and teas (cash and cards accepted)
- Grab a booth and relax in Scoops Snack Bar over ice cream, smoothies, chips, pop and more. Challenge your family to share the legendary Pinnacle sundae or attempt to eat it all on your own…
- Paddle Canoe Cove on a standup paddleboard, canoe or kayak
- Walk the trails and breathe in the mountain air as eagles and osprey soar above
- There will be some fun surprises during each Family Retreat!
Power Boats
In order to keep this special series of Family Retreat weekends accessible to more families, the powerboats are available as an option for your family. Purchasing and Scheduling Power Boats will happen closer to the retreat.
Your family experience includes
-
Axis Surf boat with driver
- Toys: Spinner, tubing, wakeboards
- Life jackets
Can we bring our boat?
In order to protect the lake, and for insurance reasons, guests do not bring their boats. Optional reserved Family Boating times will be available with a driver for a reasonable rate. Feel free to bring your personal life jackets. RockRidge Canyon Spinner, Caribe and Wakeboards will be available.
Can we bring our own toys?
You are welcome to bring your own bikes and pool toys.
FAMILY RETREAT
Meals and many activities (such as Barge Lake Tour, pool use, archery and Beach Hut boats, boards and bikes) are included!
| Barge Lake Tour | Included |
| Pool Use | Included |
| Archery | Included |
| Beach Hut Equipment | Included |
Optional activities for additional fee: Zip Line, High Ropes & Tower, power boats.
Build your vacation. Pricing is based on 3 parts:
- Accommodation selection
- Family members
- Optional activities (Arranged & scheduled closer to arrival)
+GST
Accommodation (Price is for 3 Nights)
Dorm Lodge Room
Includes bedding and private bathroom
$
per room
Sleeps 3-8+. Minimum 3
RV Site
with power, water & sani hookups
$
per site
Only 8 sites available
Tent Site
Access to pool washrooms
$
per site
Only 10 sites available. Power, Bedding and Towels are not provided.
Family Members (Price is for 3 Nights/4 Days, meals and fun)
Adults
(13+ yrs)
$
per person
Youth
(7-12 yrs)
$
per person
Children
(3-6 yrs)
$
per person
Optional Activities
Scheduled and Purchased Separately
Power Boats
Includes driver, fuel and gear!
$
1 hr turnaround
Per family (up to 8)
Zip Line
Soar across the lake!
$
per person
Tower of Terror & High Ropes
Challenge
$
per person
Share with your friends
Click photos to enlarge
Family Retreat 2022 (sq)
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canyon_coffee_rockridge_canyonGuest Comments
“The most fun-filled 5 days our family has ever had! Many thanks to staff and other families that attended. We’ll be back.”
“Our family had an incredible time at RockRidge Canyon, it was a definite highlight of our summer. We have already booked it for this upcoming summer.”
“Young Life’s Family Camp was the highlight of our summer. It exceeded our every expectation. The facilities, activities, fellowship, and food were all top notch. All of us had a great time and can’t wait to return.”
“We had a fantastic time at Family Camp. What a fun and friendly place to connect! The staff, food and accommodations were excellent. We were first time campers and this will certainly not be our last time here.”
Young Life Capernaum Family Retreat
Young Life is all about relationships; ones that start with meeting teens with disabilities where they’re at, caring for them and sharing the Christian faith in simple and understandable terms… all with no strings attached. We want to make sure that every teen involved in Young Life Capernaum knows they are invited, celebrated and needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the accommodations like?
There are 3 accommodation options for Family Retreat this year:
Whole Dormitory Rooms
The Dorm Lodge rooms are ready to host your family. Your private space will feature 6 or 7 pine post bunks in each room and a large washroom with 3 sinks, 3 showers, and 2 toilets, lots of plugs, and room to stretch out.
Bedding and towels are provided in the dorm lodges.
RV Pads
You are welcome to bring your RV. There are 9 RV pads with full hook-up (water, power and sewer) on the hillside overlooking the canyon. The RV park is about 750 meters (10-15 minutes walk). Some RVers bring bikes or have a detached vehicle ready as their shuttle. Available on a first come-first served basis.
Tents
Sleep under the stars, and pitch your tent on our soccer field. Bedding and towels are not provided. Access to the pool washrooms and showers are included.
How do I register for Family Retreat or Family Camp?
- Complete the online registration at rockridge.campbrainregistration.com
- Full payment is due at the end of the registration.
- Contact our office at 250-870-9030 if you need assistance.
Can I book a large group or Family Reunion?
Generally, yes. Contact our office before registering. Families will need to book individually for billing and housing purposes.
(250) 870-9030
What is the Family Retreat cancellation policy?
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your family camp or retreat:
- 30+ days prior to the event: Full Refund of the registration fee.
- 30 to 10 days prior to the event: 50% refund of the registration fee.
- 9 days or less prior to the event: No refund (except in extreme circumstances)
Do we need to bring sleeping bags? Are linens and towels provided?
We want you to relax and enjoy the RockRidge Canyon experience. That includes comfy accommodations and a good night’s sleep.
No sleeping bags or bedding are required. Leave the cramped mummy bag at home!
Yes. Bed linens (sheets, pillow and a blanket) and bath towels are provided in all dormitory and wolfe creek lodge rooms. Pool towels are also available… at the pool.
Beach towels – Please bring your own. Bring your favourite beach toys too!
If you are planning to tent or stay in an RV, please provide your own bedding.
Do we need to bring extra money for activities?
Sure – It’s great to have cash for ice-cream and treats at Scoops Snack Shop and for specialty coffees at the loft Canyon Coffee shop. Many families pre-pay a tab upon arrival, so that carrying cash or cards are not needed during your time at camp.
There is a wonderful gift shop, The Ridge Trading Co, where you can purchase T-shirts, coffee mugs, books, jewelry and other items. Scoops, Canyon Coffee and The Ridge all accept debit and credit cards.
Optional activities may include Zip Line, High Ropes and Tower of Terror.
Will the Zip Line, Tower of Terror and Ropes Course be open?
That’s the plan! All three activities will be optional.
During Family Retreats this will be an additional cost.
During Family Camp, all challenge courses are included.
Are there any age, size and weight restrictions for any activities?
Mountain bikes fit ages of about 12 to adult. Bike helmets are mandatory for all ages while on site. You may bring your own bikes if you wish, but keep in mind the paths are not paved and some mountain bike trails are challenging.
Although the property can be enjoyed by any age, RockRidge Canyon was built for teenagers and therefore most activities are more suitable for school-aged children and older. Families with infants and toddlers are welcome to attend but participating in some activities may be limited or not possible.
Can children enjoy the Zip Line, Tower of Terror and Ropes Course?
For the Zip Line, children must be 48 in tall and 60 pounds minimum. We want to be sure they fit the harness perfectly and have the weight to make it to the bottom! By the way, a maximum weight of 275 pounds is allowed. One person per harness and zip line. The Ropes Course is harness dependent and The Tower has a 5 ft tall minimum. The maximum weight is 275 pounds.
Note: There is an addition charge for these activities during Family Retreats. Weather, including wind is a factor in the safe operation of the zip line and all challenge activities.
Will there be scheduled programs to drop kids at?
During Family Retreats – No, parents are required to be present at all times with their families.
During Family Camp, there is limited child care provided during club talks.
Can children use the pool?
As per BC rules, all children 7 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian 16 years or older, and be in arms reach at all times.
Can we bring our own boat?
No. Private power boats are not allowed for lake health and insurance reasons.
Be sure to book an optional family boating experience closer to the event date or upon arrival.
You are welcome to bring your own life jackets, boards and skis.
Can medical dietary restrictions or food related allergies be accommodated?
Yes. A number of meals are served buffet style so guests can choose appropriate foods. Our kitchen staff has a great track record of specialty meals, so long as they are given appropriate notice. Please indicate allergies or medical dietary restrictions on the guest Health Form prior to arriving. Plan to meet the chef following the first meal.
Is refrigeration available?
Yes. Some access to refrigeration will be available for families with young children and those with special dietary needs. Please let us know if you require a mini fridge in the comments section of the registration.
Is smoking permitted?
Yes. Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas. Please note that cannabis and alcohol are not permitted on site.
Is alcohol/cannabis permitted?
No. In complying with the decision of Young Life of Canada’s Board of Directors, RockRidge Canyon is an “alcohol/cannabis free zone”. Throughout the summer RockRidge Canyon hosts 200-300 youth per week, so we will also be complying with this RockRidge Canyon policy.
Do you provide children's playpens / sleeping cots / highchairs / booster seats?
Families need to bring their own playpens as none are provided. There are a limited number of high chairs in the dining room but no booster seats. To be on the safe side, we suggest you bring your own.
Can you accommodate wheelchairs?
Yes. There is wheel chair access to rooms and bathrooms in some dormitories and there is an elevator in the main dining area. Please note, however, that the roads and paths throughout the camp are gravel and the terrain is quite rugged. When you register, please let us know if you need to be housed in a wheelchair accessible room.
What if I forget something? Is there shopping close by?
The town of Princeton is a 20 minute drive from RockRidge Canyon and has basic amenities, such as a Save-On- Foods Store, Home Hardware, and Shopper’s Drug-mart. The “Ridge Trading Co” gift shop at RockRidge Canyon is stocked with basic items, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, water-bottles, flashlights, etc.
What additional items should we bring?
While camp has a decent array of life jackets, as so many activities take place on the water, many may find themselves more comfortable in their own life jackets. Families need to bring lifejackets for their children, as camp has a very limited selection of children’s life jackets. Parents of younger ones may also appreciate having a sun umbrella handy at the beach.
Fans in the dorm lodges (which are not air conditioned) can make sleeping more comfortable on hot summer nights.
How's the Cell phone coverage and WIFI access?
CELL Rockridge Canyon is set in a mountain valley so cell phone coverage can be spotty around the property. Ask your service provider if you qualify for Wi-Fi Calling (text and phone calls).
For your convenience there are courtesy phones on site, which are free for long distance calls in North America. During your stay, anyone wishing to leave a message for you can call the RockRidge property office at 1 (250) 870-9030 and the message will be delivered at the earliest convenience.
WIFI RockRidge Canyon has public Wi-Fi around the dining hall, in Wolfe Creek Lodge and in The Rock should you wish to bring your portable computer to stay in touch.
WIFI is set up for light capacity, such as checking emails, posting awesome selfies of your stay at RockRidge Canyon (@rockridgecanon), vs streaming movies.
Plan for an (almost) unplugged weekend. Bring your family’s favourite games and crafts. Books are great too!
Should we bring extra food?
Your RockRidge Canyon experience includes 3 amazing meals per day. If you’re feeling peckish or have a hankering from something cool slide into Scoops snack shop, where you can purchase ice cream, chips, pop, slushies, chocolate bars and other goodies. Step up to the loft for specialty coffees in Canyon Coffee. Cash and cards are accepted at the snack and coffee shops.
You know you. Bringing additional snacks is not necessary unless you have specific food restrictions.
What about safety?
Just like at any resort, children will need parental supervision throughout the day and age-appropriate limits agreed upon. The camp property is private and only registered campers are allowed on the site. Some families bring 2 way radios for communicating with their older children.
What happens if a family member is sick or injured?
There will be a medical staff on site at all times and available for emergencies. RockRidge Canyon is stocked with first aid and medical supplies. If needed, the Princeton General Hospital is just a 20-minute drive away.
Can we bring pets?
RockRidge Canyon is a pet free zone. As great as your pet is at home they can be disruptive to the local wildlife residents who make the canyon so attractive.
What type of swimming pool is at RockRidge Canyon? Is there a lifeguard?
RockRidge Canyon is a lake front property with a beautiful pool overlooking the canyon. Most of the outdoor pool has a 4-foot depth and is 25 meters in length. A dive tank is also part of the pool and is equipped with 2 diving boards. There are lifeguards at the pool when open, however, children who cannot swim on their own will still need to be supervised by a parent. Please bring life jackets and floating toys along for younger kids. The pool can be accessed early in the morning by adults only for lap swims but must be done with a buddy.
What time should I plan to arrive and when do we leave?
Registration begins at 2:30 pm on arrival day with dinner served at 6:00 pm. Departure on the last day is at 10:30 am.
Is Electric Car charging available?
Electric charging is available in Princeton but not on site.
Please be sure to charge your vehicle prior to arriving.
Here’s a handy reference for local charging stations in Princeton:
Are there provisions for early arrival or late departure?
Sorry, but no. RockRidge Canyon is reserved before and after Family Retreat Weekends for cleaning and staff days off.
What is Young Life?
Young Life is a non-profit, community based, Christian youth organization in over 100 countries. Trained staff and volunteer leaders build mentoring relationships with adolescents in local areas and provide positive role models through friendships, events and camps. At our events and camps teens are given the opportunity to hear the basics of the Christian faith and accept or reject that message with no strings attached.
The Young Life Canada national office is in Langley BC, with lots of Young Life clubs meeting across Canada.
Do you have to be religious to attend Family Retreats?
No, people of any/no faith are welcome to attend and will have an incredible weekend and warmly welcomed. In fact many student summer campers each year would not consider themselves religious but come and have a great time. Heads up – prior to most meals ‘grace’ is said.
What is RockRidge Canyon?
RockRidge Canyon is Young Life of Canada’s resort property located near Princeton, BC.
I have more questions!
For info about registration and housing, feel free to contact our office.
Email: rockridge@younglife.ca
Phone: (250) 870-9030
You can also find out more about Young Life at younglife.ca
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