Updates
2026 CAMPING SEASON CLOSED
We had a wonderful 2026 Spring and Fall Just Go Camping!
Thank you to all the participants and volunteers!
Planning for 2027 will begin in January and announcements of camping dates will be prior to Manitoba Parks Reservation Services opening in April.
Stay Tuned! <3
Details
Time and Place
Dates
Spring: June 7-12, 2026 (FINISHED until next year)
Fall: Sept 13-18, 2026 (FINISHED until next year)
Birds Hill Campground
- Nature Hikes meeting location varies daily and is noted on the schedule
- Beach Time meeting location is West Beach near the green play structure in the sand (SPRING ONLY)
- Free Time meeting location is Song Bay #1 (FALL ONLY)
- Campfire meeting location is at Song Bay #1
Sign-Up
Please help the organizers and volunteers know if you are coming by signing up using this form. Also, you can sign-up to be a volunteer yourself!
Join the Chat
Want to keep up with the latest Just Go Camping updates? Join the chat on the Manitoba Homeschooler Discord channel. You can also get updates on our Facebook group.
Park Vehicle Permits
Motor vehicles are required to display a valid park vehicle permit while visiting a provincial park. Motorcyclists must have a valid park entry permit in their possession. If you enter a park on foot or by some other self-propelled means (e.g. bicycle), then no park vehicle permit is required.
Purchase and print your vehicle permit online before you visit at manitobaelicensing.ca.
For those that do not have access to a printer, or need alternate payment arrangements (cash/debit), you can still purchase your permits from a park office or at a local retailer.
Park Vehicle Permits must be printed and displayed in your vehicle’s windshield.
2026 Vehicle Permits Fees
Annual $44.50 (valid until April 30, 2027)
Casual $16.50 (valid for three consecutive days)
Daily $9.50 (valid until midnight on the date of purchase)
If you plan to participate in both Spring and Fall Just Go Camping events, consider getting an annual pass. If you only have one vehicle to register, consider finding another homeschooler to split the costs as you can register up to 2 vehicles.
Schedule
This is all from Spring Just Go Camping. Fall updates coming soon!
Things to Note about the Schedule:
- "MB Park Presentation" is put on by the interpretive center at the park for our group. Location will vary depending on the activity so please check finalized schedule.
- Spring 2026 Activity: Critter Dipping located at King Fisher Lake
- Fall 2026 Activity: Seeds and Plants (part of the Junior Naturalist homeschool program for September)
- Pizza Night Details
- You can choose to order pizza or bring your on dinner to enjoy with the group
- Make your order to the Pizza Hut in Oakbank by phone (204) 444-5551 or Online.
- Pizza orders need to have the word “Homeschooler” followed by your name (example: Homeschooler Tiffany).
- Pick up time should be selected for 5pm on Thursday.
- Orders should be prepaid before pick up for ease. If you need to pay cash, please talk to an organizer prior to ordering.
- A volunteer will pick up and deliver all orders to Song Bay #1.
- All activities are optional, come and go as you please.
- The schedule is just a guideline that is subject to change due to weather and other circumstances.
- As activities get added, details will be added here as well.
- Cedar Bog Trail will include a scavenger hunt.
Things to Bring (optional)
- TBD
SAMPLE Spring 2026 JUST GO CAMPING SCHEDULE
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SAMPLE Fall 2026 Just Go Camping Schedule
Camping
Camping is a great way to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with other families.
How to Reserve Your Campsite?
Manitoba Park Reservation Services (PRS) opens for Birds Hill Campground at 7:00AM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. If there is a specific campsite you are wanting to book for the whole camping week, it is advisable to book when PRS opens. If you are booking just for a few days and are less choosey about the site, you can usually find campsites available even to the date of camping as people tend to move and cancel their reservations between April and our camping week dates.
Picking a Campsite
Just Go Camping will be centered around the group campsite, Song Bay #1. If you are camping, it is highly recommended to book in Song Bay (or the part of Lark Bay closest to Song Bay). Booking near by allows for the kids to bump into buddies and meet up at the playground easily.
For electrical sites ($22.05/night), book Song Bay or Lark Bay. For basic sites ($17.85/night), book Fox Bay. For full service ($25.20/night), book Swamp Bay Savannah Bay, or Tree Bay (they are farther way from Song Bay).
After Reserving Your Campsite
Contact us and let us know which campsite you have reserved. This helps us plan activities and map out a camper directory for everyone that is camping
Things to Keep in Mind
Each family attending is responsible for their own park vehicle permit, camping (if camping) as well as their food, beverages, and costs incurred for the week. There are no cost to join the events and no need to signup for join for the day but a heads up is always appreciated to those organizing the activities. Every person under the age of 18 is to be under the care of their parent(s) or an appointed adult guardian.
Participation is voluntary, but R-E-S-P-E-C-T is expected.
We are hoping this gives us more time to build connections and create community!
Day Trips vs. Camping?
Day trips are a simple way to step into nature and connect with new friends, while choosing the activities that suit your family best. You can travel light and still make it home in time for spring sports or an evening in the garden. Plus, who doesn’t love ending the day with running water, electricity, and your own bed?
Camping, on the other hand, invites you into something deeper. It may stretch you, but you won’t be doing it alone. This is where the sense of homeschool community is truly felt. You are not alone when pitching a tent, going to activity, or keeping a watchful eye on your children. We are all here and willing to help.
In the unplanned moments, the magic happens. Children heading over to a friend’s campsite to play a board game or share a meal, Magic! Children meeting at the playground to play mission impossible, pick up games of football or soccer, Magic! Children gathering to play made up games through the walking paths of campground, Magic!
Camping breaks down our lives to reintroduce the simple pleasures. Camping builds character, fosters a sense of belonging, and, in many ways, helps us peel back the layers and rediscover ourselves.
Contact Us
Questions?
If you have questions about Just Go Camping, Contact Us!
