Ring in the New Year at RockRidge Canyon
NEW YEAR’S FAMILY RETREAT VACATION
December 31, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Previously reserved exclusively for teens, RockRidge Canyon is open for your family over this prime 4 day weekend!
CANCELLED
DUE TO PROVINCE-WIDE HEALTH & TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Let’s keep everyone healthy
We continue to assess the New Year’s Family Retreat, based on Provincial Health Officers current guidelines and restrictions.
RISK FREE REGISTRATION
If New Year’s is cancelled by the Public Health Officer all reservation deposits will be refunded. See cancellation policy below.
We encourage you to pre-register to reserve your spot, as we are accepting only a limited number of families.
UPDATED FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020.
Our staff are working hard to facilitate Provincial COVID-19 Health guidelines. Health checks are required for all guests upon arrival to the New Year’s Family Retreat registration desk. Our dining room operates with restaurant protocols. Currently, masks are strongly encouraged for all indoor areas. Come prepared to enjoy this vacation responsibly within your family/current social bubble.
Registration & Cancellations
We are praying for the best and planning for the rest – We understand Provincial Health Guidelines fluctuate, which may restrict access to the property over the New Year’s Family Retreat. If this happens we will provide notice and FULL REFUNDS for all registered families.
Only deposits are required at registration, with full payment due upon arrival. Families who must cancel 10 or more days prior to the New Year’s Family Retreat weekend will receive a full deposit refund. Deposits are not refundable if families cancel within 10 days or less before the retreat.
If any of your family shows symptoms of COVID-19 after arrival, you will be required to head home and a prorated refund will be available.
Celebrate with your family
Treat your family to a very special New Year’s Eve/Winter vacation. Enjoy protocol friendly fun for the whole family as RockRidge Canyon comes alive for this special occasion.
We are looking to continue to bless families in British Columbia with this amazing property. Come experience it for yourself.
* Please note, some activities are subject to change based on health restrictions*
We’ll start things off with a bang
Your family will arrive on Thursday afternoon, check in (there will be a health check station) and settle into your room. Take some time to explore activities around the property then enjoy a wonderful New Year’s Eve dinner. But wait, there’s more…
New Year’s is so big here it happens twice
Since this is a very family-friendly weekend, we’re planning a New York New Years for the kids at 9 pm. Join us on Main Street for fun and surprises! For those who like to stay up late, we’ll be counting down to midnight and topping off the evening with FIREWORKS.
Throughout the weekend your family will have plenty of time to enjoy wonderful meals, beautiful scenery and all the wintery fun RockRidge Canyon has to offer, both inside and out.
Quick Details
- 4 days/3 nights.
- Thursday afternoon (New Years Eve) – Sunday morning
- Accommodations: Private Dorm Lodge room OR Wolfe Creek Lodge
- Fabulous meals included from Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast.
- Space is limited to approx. 25 families. RockRidge Canyon is huge, but we want to give everyone even more space for solid observation of BC health protocols.
Register Early
Build your own family retreat instant quote, then register. Add your family members and select your accommodation. Once our registration team double checks your request against availability they will send you a confirmation email. Demand is high and we’re working hard to accommodate all guests but, due to restrictions, space is limited.
Guest Reviews
Karen C
RockRidge Canyon Family Retreats
Fabulous place for a family retreat, thank you, RockRidge Canyon! We had such a blessed time with our teen and college aged kids over the weekend.
There was so much offered: SUP, canoeing, kayaking, three beach volleyball courts, full size outdoor basketball and hockey rink, archery, hiking, and mountain biking, to name a few. Since these are COVID-19 times, they implemented excellent social distancing protocols that kept us all safe and comfortable while enjoying ourselves (this included a temperature check upon arrival). Staff were friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend this facility, it was amazing!
Here To Bless Families
Good food, Wintry Fun, Warm Wishes
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 New Years Eve weekend without concerns around food prep or clean up. Leave that to us. Just sit back and enjoy your time together, morning to night.
Polar Bear Dip
Are you ready to awaken all your senses with a snap?! Join our crew for this spine tingling annual tradition. We’ll be carving ice from the lake and opening ‘er up for brave souls to enter. Take the dip or watch your family members!
Plenty to do
Throughout the weekend there will be lots of planned activities, both inside and out, for your family to enjoy as you wish, like Gingerbread house decorating, crafts and challenges. Weather permitting we plan to have the Zip Line running, the Ice Rink open, the Tube Hill slipping and sliding, Hay rides and maybe a few surprises too.
Stay tuned for more details!
It’s like time away at the cabin - without the cooking & cleaning!
What is there to do?
While some activities have been limited by governmental directives, there is still lots to do in our 1,500 acre playground!
January is a lovely time to visit RockRidge Canyon, generally cold and crisp. We never know how much snow we’ll get but we’ve already experienced the earliest first snowfall in October we can remember. Hopefully that bodes well for the rest of the winter, as many outdoor activities are weather dependant.
Zip Away
Good news – The Zip Line is good-to-go and we expect to be running it through the New Year’s family Retreat
Slip and Slide
Strap on a helmet, hop on one of our tubes (or bring your own) and experience the natural thrill of gravity on the Tube Hill! Between rides, warm up around a bonfire and sip some hot chocolate. This is an old-school family favourite that never gets old. Everyone sleeps well after a day on the hill.
Skate under the Stars
Did you know we have a lit and groomed skating rink? Cold and clear is the recipe for success, so, all going well it will be ready over New Years. Leisurely skate to your hearts content or pick up a game of broom ball or hockey.
Is this a shorter version of Young Life New Years Camp?
To meet provincial guidelines this is very much a self directed weekend for families. Guests spend their time in their current family/social bubble. Still, there is lots to do! We are planning some scheduled activities and surprises throughout the weekend. And if you want to just relax and enjoy the scenery, that’s cool too.
Will there be an evening program?
This family retreat will be a lot like visiting a cabin. The days and evenings are yours to relax. Some self directed activities will be available after dinner, like S’mores around the campfire. Plan to bring your own board games and puzzles. Bring your guitar – Who knows what impromptu sing along may occur around a campfire?!
Princeton recreation
We found most of our guests loved to stay on property for the full weekend, however, the town of Princeton is only 15 -20 minutes away.
Skiing & Snowboarding
X-Country
- China Ridge – 15 minutes outside of Princeton, China Ridge Trails have over 40 kms of groomed classical skiing, including 15 kms of dog friendly trails. There’s also 15 kilometers of snowshoe trails.
- RockRidge Canyon – bring your gear and explore the trails
Down Hill
- Manning Park – 1:15 hrs (90kms)
- Apex Mountain – 1:40 hrs (114kms)
Put your feet up
RockRidge Canyon is filled with plenty to do but if your goal is to sit back, soak in the mountain air you are free to. It’s your vacation!
- 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 eat it all on your own…
- Scoops is a great place to play family board games or crafts
Zip line OPEN
Update
Our amazing Zip line is back on line. We opened it up for the Thanksgiving Family Retreat. Please note that, due to new health restrictions, ridership per day has been reduced. Be sure to sign up early to avoid missing out. Bring your mask for the line up and and mitts for the ride down. Enjoy the thrill and chill!
Sign up will be on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis AT REGISTRATION, upon arrival.
Keep in mind, children must be 48 in tall and 60 pounds minimum. We need to be sure they fit the harness perfectly and have the weight to make it to the bottom! Also, a maximum weight of 275 pounds is allowed. One person per harness and zip line.
Please note: Activities, such as Zip Line are subject to change due to weather, or BC health protocols.
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Guest Reviews
Karen C
RockRidge Canyon Family Retreats
Fabulous place for a family retreat, thank you, RockRidge Canyon! We had such a blessed time with our teen and college aged kids over the weekend.
There was so much offered: SUP, canoeing, kayaking, three beach volleyball courts, full size outdoor basketball and hockey rink, archery, hiking, and mountain biking, to name a few. Since these are COVID-19 times, they implemented excellent social distancing protocols that kept us all safe and comfortable while enjoying ourselves (this included a temperature check upon arrival). Staff were friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend this facility, it was amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the accommodations like?
There are 3 accommodation options
Whole Dormitory Rooms
We’re repurposing the Dorm Lodge rooms to host your family. Your private space will feature 6 or 7 pine post bunks in each room. Each room also has an attached 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.
Wolfe Creek Lodge
Wolfe Creek Lodge rooms are well appointed with air conditioning and private washrooms, each room is designed for your comfort. A variety of rooms are available, sleeping 2 (King or two Twins) or 4 (King plus bunk).
What does the price include?
The week is designed as a fabulous inclusive experience! The price includes lodging, linens and towels, daily meals, including New Years Dinner, evening “campfire” snacks, all programmed activities and free time activities. There are extra costs for items such as beverages in the Canyon Coffee Bar, items in the The Trading Co retail shop, and Craft Cart.
Zip Line will be included in with registration! (Sign up early)
How do I register for a Family Retreat Weekend?
- Complete the on-line registration page and submit your housing request.
- A $250 deposit is due immediately.
- You will be contacted by email within 48 hrs to confirm your housing request.
- The balance is due upon arrival.
Refunds: A full refund will be given if cancellation happens 10 or more days prior to your family retreat weekend. Family retreats may be cancelled due to COVID-19 complications, in which case your full paid amount will be refunded. If any member of your family shows symptoms of COVID-19 your must leave the property, and a pro-rated refund will be available. Refunds take a minimum of 14 days to process.
What is the Family Retreat cancellation policy?
In the event that you are unable to come to your Family Retreat weekend, your deposit (and any balance paid) is fully refundable up until 10 days prior to your arrival date. Refunds take a minimum of 14 days to process.
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.
Yes. Bed linens (sheets, pillow and a blanket) and bath towels are provided in all dormitory and lodge rooms.
No sleeping bags required. Leave those cramped mummy bags at home! Feel free to bring your favourite fleece blanket to snuggle in, if you wish.
Will the Zip Line, Tower of Terror and Ropes Course be open?
Zip Line will be operating, weather permitting.
Sign up will be on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis, at the Registration desk, upon arrival.
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.
Tower of Terror is closed for the season.
Challenge is closed for the season.
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 Challenge ropes course is closed for the season.
Tower of Terror will be open.
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.
Are there any age, size and weight restrictions for any activities?
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.
Is childcare available?
None is planned at this time.
COVID-19 Protocols
Parents are responsible for their children at all times. Please enjoy all activities within our current family/social bubble.
Are the pool and waterfront closed?
Yes. Both are now closed for the season.
A Polar Bear Dip is planned for New Years Day.
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.
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?
Tubing
While camp has a decent array of helmets and tubes, you may find yourself more comfortable with your own gear. If you bring tubes we can help you pump them up on site.
Skating
Please bring your own. We have an eclectic assortment of hockey sticks. Bring your favourite.
Dress warmly
January can be a mixed bag, often with clear, cold days bringing ice and snow. Warm boots, coats, mitts and toques are recommended.
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 doctor 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 time should I plan to arrive and when do we leave?
Arrival and registration begins on early, at 1:30pm on Thursday.
Dinner service is staggered, beginning at 5:30 pm Thursday, New Years Eve.
Note: In order to increase service and follow health protocols, each family receives a meal schedule at registration. Please respect this schedule.
Departure on the last day, Sunday, at 11:00am.
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 Retreat weekends?
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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