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Everything you need to know about Teen Peace Camp, from applying and preparing for camp to what life will be like once you arrive.

About Peace Camp

  • Peace Camp is open to young people ages 15–17 from around the world who are interested in peacebuilding, mediation, and cross-cultural connection.

  • Peace Camp is open to participants from all countries. MBBI can provide an official invitation letter, but cannot secure visas on a participant’s behalf.

  • English is the primary language used at Peace Camp. Participants should be comfortable communicating, participating in group discussions, and engaging in activities in English.

  • No. Previous peacebuilding experience is not required. Community service is a plus, and the most important requirement is curiosity and an open mind.

  • Participants are selected through an application and review process. Applicants are first screened for eligibility. Scholarship applicants are considered based on merit and geographic representation, and all participants must provide at least one recommendation.

  • Registration opens October 1, 2026. The deadline for international applicants is December 31, 2026, and the deadline for non-visa applicants is March 31, 2027.

  • Complete the online application form. As part of the application, you’ll be asked to briefly explain why you want to participate in Peace Camp.

  • Applicants will be notified of their eligibility within two weeks.


  • Yes. Once the program reaches capacity, we will place additional applicants on a waitlist.


  • The cost is $1,200 for five days and five nights. Participants arrive Sunday and depart Friday evening or Saturday morning. An additional $100 applies for a Saturday night stay. Airfare and travel to and from campus are not included.


  • The cost includes lodging, camp events and activities, meals, Peace Camp swag, and programming materials.

  • Airfare and travel to and from campus are not included.


  • A limited number of scholarships will be available.

Camp Life

  • A typical day includes morning movement and reflection, breakfast, a learning session, lunch, a midday adventure activity, afternoon small-group practice, dinner, and an evening community campfire.

  • In addition to the Peace Camp experiential curriculum, activities include archery, arts and crafts, boating, capture the flag, mediation training, nature trails and hiking, climbing, swimming, team-building, and more.

  • The curriculum progresses from identity and listening, to conflict transformation skills of mediation and dialogue, to leadership, ending with a camper-designed community project.

  • Days are packed with activities and learning, with structured breaks built into the schedule throughout the day.

  • Participants will stay in cabins at Camp Elphinstone. Bedding is provided, although campers can bring their own sleeping bag and pillow.

  • Cabins will have a minimum of 10 campers.

  • Each cabin will have at least one Peace Camp staff member assigned to it, with a camper-to-staff ratio of 10:1.

  • Cabins are assigned based on participants’ gender identity, with the goal of creating a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment for campers of all gender identities.

  • Peace Camp will be a device-free experience for campers.


Safety & Travel

  • MBBI facilitators and chaperones are responsible for camper safety and supervision throughout the stay. Camp Elphinstone provides trained staff to supervise specific high-risk areas, including the waterfront, ropes course, and rock climbing, but does not provide general supervision.

  • Anyone on YMCA property must complete a background and safety check.

  • A person trained in CPR and first aid will be on the property 24/7, and camp staff hold Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification. If a camper becomes sick or needs medical care, Peace Camp staff will arrange transportation to an emergency room or hospital, located approximately 20 miles away in Sechelt. If advanced care is needed, an ambulance will be called. MBBI will have a vehicle on-site able to follow the ambulance. The camper’s parent or guardian will be contacted and kept up to date. Ambulance and hospital costs are the responsibility of the injured party.

  • Camp Elphinstone is a nut-free facility and will do its best to accommodate allergies and dietary needs. Families must provide dietary information on the Dietary Needs Form at least 14 days before arrival. If a dietary need cannot be accommodated, the family will be contacted directly.

  • Peace Camp staff will administer participants’ medications.

  • Visa requirements vary by country. Participants are responsible for checking their visa requirements and applying for a visa if needed. MBBI can provide an official invitation letter to support the visa application, but cannot secure a visa on a participant’s behalf.

  • Airport transportation to camp is not provided. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their travel from Vancouver International Airport to Camp Elphinstone, including public transit and the ferry. Detailed travel instructions will be provided before camp.


  • No. MBBI does not require participants to have travel insurance, but it is strongly recommended.

  • Parents will need to complete Camp Elphinstone’s registration through an online portal using MBBI’s registration code, a medical and emergency form, a Dietary Needs Form, an acknowledgment of risk and waiver, and a photo and media consent form.

  • Parents and guardians will be able to contact camp staff by phone or WhatsApp.

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