For young athletes and aspiring leaders, summer at SMUS is more than just a break from the school year — it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and excel. SMUS Camps, renowned for their high-performance programs and expert coaching, are now open for registration, offering an unforgettable overnight experience for campers aged 13 to 17.
“Our camps are designed to inspire,” said Craig Kelley, SMUS Director of External Programs. “Whether it’s on the court, in the dorm, or during a leadership workshop, we want every camper to leave with new skills, confidence, and friendships that last a lifetime.”
High-Performance Sports with World-Class Coaches
At the heart of SMUS Camps is an exceptional team of coaches who inspire and mentor campers. Many are SMUS alumni who bring both expertise and passion to every session.
Jamie Yorath ’10, a dedicated basketball athlete in his time at SMUS, exemplifies this dedication. Since returning to SMUS as a coach in 2018, he has worked with athletes across all age groups and has led teams to notable achievements, including a BCSS silver medal in Grade 8 Boys Basketball and a Junior Boys Island Championship.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, teamwork, and personal development.
“Basketball is more than just individual skills—it’s about celebrating successes as a group and learning life lessons that extend beyond the court,” he explained. “We tailor drills to different skill levels so everyone feels included and challenged, while also fostering the team-first mentality that’s central to our SMUS Camps program."
Mark Yorath ’13, brother to Jamie Yorath, brings his own impressive basketball resume to the summer program. A standout player during his time at SMUS, Mark represented Team BC in his high school years and has since dedicated himself to sharing his knowledge and passion for the game with young athletes.
Jason Scully ’15 brings a wealth of experience to the court. A two-time Island Tournament MVP and BC Provincials Finals MVP, Jason played U-Sports Basketball at UVic and later professionally in Spain’s Liga EBA.
Jason’s coaching philosophy centres on making improvement fun and engaging.
“When working on individual skills, repetition is what matters most,” Scully explained. “I hope to provide useful information on critical skill development, fundamentals for success in team play, as well as deeper analysis of the sport that campers may not have encountered before."
Graham Hyde-Lay ’15 was a high school teammate of Scully here at SMUS. Both played a key role in winning a BC Provincial Championship during their Grade 12 year and both continued their basketball careers at UVic. This summer, Graham will bring his own expertise and passion for the game to coaching in hopes of inspiring the next generation of players
Graham Hyde-Lay's deep connection to SMUS is no surprise, as he follows in the footsteps of his father, Ian Hyde-Lay.
Ian Hyde-Lay, a retired SMUS teacher and coach with nearly 30 years of experience, is a cornerstone of SMUS Camp’s coaching staff. Known for his dedication and humility, Ian Hyde-Lay has mentored some of Canada’s most talented athletes, including NBA star Steve Nash and rugby legend Gareth Rees.
"Coaching is teaching," Ian Hyde-Lay reflected. "It’s about encouraging kids to take opportunities, work hard, and embrace gratitude."
More Than Just Sports: Leadership, Innovation, and Global Connections
While sports are a cornerstone of the SMUS summer experience, the camps offer much more. The Rising Leaders camp, open to both domestic and international students, focuses on building self-awareness, communication, and teamwork.
For tech enthusiasts, the engineering and video game development camps provide a unique blend of hands-on learning and social interaction. Campers spend two weeks diving into projects that inspire the next generation of engineers and game developers.
One of the most transformative aspects of SMUS Camps is the overnight experience. Campers live on campus, sharing meals, activities, and dorm life with peers from around the world. This immersive environment fosters independence, resilience, and cultural understanding.
“The overnight experience is about so much more than just fun activities,” said Kelley. “It’s about helping kids grow as individuals, build confidence, and learn how to navigate the world on their own. These are skills they’ll carry with them for life.”
Campers live and learn alongside friends from different countries, sharing cultures and creating bonds that span the globe.
Every camper has a story. Families from across Canada and beyond travel to SMUS for its renowned programs.
“Our mission remains the same,” said Kelley. “To help young people grow, connect, and shine.”
Your Summer Awaits
This summer, SMUS invites young people to be part of something extraordinary. Whether you’re chasing athletic dreams, building leadership skills, or exploring new passions, SMUS Camps offer an experience like no other.
Registration is now open. Don’t miss your chance to make this summer unforgettable.
