2026 Spring Guides Exchange April 24-26 Nanaimo

Event information

April 24 - 26, 2026

Nanaimo

Camp Caillet/Nanaimo Spring Guides Exchange April 24 - 26, 2026

Registration

The SKGABC Spring Guides Exchange will take place at Camp Caillet in Nanaimo. This secure, fully fenced outdoor facility is managed by Scouts Canada. It is just off Highway 19 on Biggs Road, making it easy to reach. The camp offers a private, natural setting with a creek, a large covered fire pit with lights, a picnic shelter with a wood stove, fully-fitted professional kitchen, grassy tent sites, and several heated rustic cabins.

This place and the surrounding area will be great for our regular workshops on strokes, navigation, rescues, rolling, building community, and simply having a good time together! If you haven’t been to an Exchange before, this is a great chance to join. You’ll have plenty of time to meet others and add new skills to your toolkit.

Guides Exchange Schedule 2026 - TBA

Accomodation:  

Your registration includes group tent camping. There are also 14 raised bunks in a heated, lockable bunkhouse and 8 raised bunks in a cabin. These bunks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please bring all your own camping gear, as we will not have any available to lend.

What to Bring:

Like at other Exchanges, it’s best to bring your own boat since there won’t be many extras. If you have two kayaks and can share, please bring both to help out your fellow guides.

As always, Coast Guard requirements must be followed. You’ll need full immersion gear, like drysuits or wetsuits, for all rolling and rescue courses. The Exchange is a good chance to get your guiding gear ready and practice your skills, so bring your usual kit—VHF, charts, first aid kit, flares, rewarming gear, and anything else you use.

If you like to snack during the day, please bring your own treats for between the provided meals and bring your own mug, dishware and utensils.

Registration: We have a maximum capacity at this Exchange of 80 participants. 

Please remember that only SKGABC members in good standing can take part in the Guides Exchange. If you need to renew your membership, you can do so by emailing info@skgabc.  

* There are limited spots available for L3 Guides to lead workshops at this Exchange. These guides will have their Exchange fee waived. If you are interested, please fill out this registration form.

L3 Guides who register and pay for the Exchange will receive credit toward their Professional Development/ On-Going Training Certification requirement.

Cost: TBA * This includes, your camping fee for Friday and Saturday nights, workshops, and meals (2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches)

Payment Link: TBA

Download the SKGABC Waiver

Please make sure to initial at the top of the waiver and have a witness sign at the bottom.

Location: 

Camp Caillet is in the north part of Nanaimo, near junction 24 on Highway 19. To get there, use the directions below or click the link for a Google map.

Driving Directions

From Junction 24, Highway 19, turn west onto Jingle Pot Road and take the immediate right onto Biggs Road. Follow Biggs Road for approximately 2 kilometres past the prison and Brannen Lake. Camp Caillet is on the left hand side of the road, marked by a large parking area. The Camp is signposted on your arrival.

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Biggs+Rd,+Nanaimo,+BC/@49.2057965,-124.0464883,16z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x54889882a77b6a59:0xf42ef57759760263

Vancouver: Tsawwassen – Horseshoe Bay to Duke Point (Nanaimo). For schedules, see www.bcferries.com.

Carpool with other guides to save on travel costs, protect the environment, and have fun too! Carpooling threads on the SKGABC Guide Private Facebook Group Page