Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell me what to expect?
Absolutely, I'd love to! The Ace Camp experience is an extraordinarily friendly atmosphere, due to participants’ shared enthusiasms and the lively exchanges of ideas and lessons with the instructors. Every Ace Camp varies and are created to uncover, develop and stretch your creative spirits. You will learn and participate in hands-on learning enriched by lectures, demonstrations and practical experience. During the longer travel workshops you will have a free day or two to explore the city you’ve traveled to either on your own, or with your new friends.
If you are not open to spontaneity, whims of the group or if you prefer unadulterated structure and every minute of your journey planned Ace Camps may be not for you. We believe going with the flow and opening to impromptu experiences creates adventure.
Where and when do you run Ace Camps?
Ace Camps happen at various times throughout the year in locations all over the world.
What makes the experience of Ace Camps different from other workshops?
We aim to make you an adventurer with your journey and that Ace Camps are a pleasurable, inspiring break from your regular routine, and an unsurpassed learning experience. With a small group you will not feel alone in a strange city, but neither will you feel like you’re on a package tour. Outside of the scheduled workshop which has been planned by your workshop leader you will get an itinerary with each Ace Camp but when the opportunity comes for fun and more interesting experience we will jump on it.
When I sign up what's included with the price?
Each Ace Camp is different and depends on the location. You'll find that information on the same page as the workshop details.
Why should I take an Ace Camp?
Because you are open minded, want to adventure, want to learn, connect and meet awesome people. You want to step out of your normal life and seek opportunities for yourself. You want to meet someone who has inspired you. You are an individual who understands that taking risks open opportunities. You have something to share.
Registration
Tell me about the registration process?
Ok. The Ace Camps are based on a first come, first serve basis. When you have selected the workshop you'd like to join you'll find a registration link after the information stating what's included. Once you click on that link it will take you to the registration page and then fill out the form. You will hear from us via email very soon if not immediately. We are located in Western Canada.
How does the waitlist work?
When an Ace Camp fills, we start a waiting list. There is no charge to be on the waiting list. If space becomes available, we contact the first person on the list. That person then has 24 hours to register before we move on to the next person. If a space becomes available within 30 days of the start of a workshop, the registrar will contact all persons on the waitlist by email and the space will be given to whomever registers first.
Who are the other participants?
People aged from 16 to 70, sometimes professionals who share a common interest in learning, travel and culture.
The group is often cosmopolitan. There are American and Canadian students for example, but we also have people joining us from as far away as Asia, the UK, Europe or South America. Such diversity of ages and origins makes for an enriching cultural experience and gives the opportunity for us to see creativity arising from varied sources of inspiration. Yes, men are most welcome.
Accommodation
Are the rooms shared?
Not in all circumstances but yes, mostly. Room allocation varies on the workshop so I suggest checking the specific workshop you're interested in and going from there. I have had to talk many people into sharing a room and all have been happy with the result of sharing. I encourage participants to share bedrooms as it helps create a supportive and community spirit among the group.
Can I bring my spouse, significant other, friend or pet?
This is always a tough question for me as I understand in some cases participants are traveling to other cities and are including the Ace Camp as part of their vacation. It depends - if the accommodation is based on double occupany or we are staying at a house where space is limited it would be best to contact me to discuss. Remember - this is your learning time and sometimes the workshop works best when you venture on your own.
Tell me a bit about the accommodations you select?
I strive to find the best places for participants to stay according the the workshop mood and Ace Camp experience I want everyone to have. We have stayed in tents, high end hotels, hip hotels and large mansions all over the world.
Food
I have dietary restrictions. Do I need to bring my own food? Do you cater for Vegetarians/Vegans? Can you also cater for those with special dietary requirements, such as food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities?
Feel free to bring snack food - you don't have to but sometimes you know better what is the best thing for you to eat. We cater to various food allergies such as gluten or lactose-intolerance. Meals are offered buffet or family style and always have a wide variety of options, including a huge organic salad with all the fixings. In the past about 10% of our attendees have been gluten-free and have raved about the food. In situations where we cook the meals you will be sent a catering form so we are aware of your needs and will be happy to organize our menu planning accordingly. We will endeavour to cater for any dietary requirements, including Vegetarians, Vegans and those with special dietary needs.
What if the meals are not catered?
Good question! There are workshops where we will be staying in a hotel and the meals are not included. Your tour guide will have a list of restaurants that we think are best and that are recommended by the "in the know" locals at the last moment. We find it best to not book restaurants ahead of time because we've found that some people may choose to not join in that day and want to venture on their own. We often take our dinners together although this of course is not required. I like to make a meeting time in the lobby of our lodging so that people wanting to eat with others can meet and go out together.
Payment
What forms of payment do you accept?
We usually send you an invoice via Paypal but will accept cheques. You can inform us how you'd like to pay when you register.
Do you offer payment plans for those of us who really want to go but can't fit into your guidelines to register?
Sometimes, but need to hear from you and establish a payment plan. We would like to make sure that those who want to attend have an option to join in.