Society for the Study of Childhood in the Past

Past and Present
in Dialog

How Research of the Contemporary Informs Our Scholarship on Childhood in the Past

June 23–25, 2027
Victoria, BC, Canada

19th Annual Conference · Papers in Honor of Prof. Kathryn Kamp

Registration Now Open

Bridging Past and Present

For the first time ever, SSCIP is coming to Canada! Join us in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, for three days of interdisciplinary dialogue on children and childhood across time.

Inspired by the pioneering research of Prof. Kathryn Kamp, this year's conference explores how scholars draw from a variety of disciplines—archaeology, anthropology, sociology, history, biology, psychology—to deepen our understanding of children and childhood in the past.

We invite podium presentations and posters that consider how research on contemporary childhood informs, challenges, and enriches our scholarship on the past. We also warmly welcome contributions that extend beyond this theme to address any aspect of the study of childhood in the past.

Hosted by Prof. April Nowell
Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria

A sunlit path through a park in Victoria, BC © 2026 Y Kohn. All Rights Reserved

Submit Your Abstract

We invite researchers from all career stages to submit abstracts for podium presentations or poster sessions.

  • Submission Deadline February 15, 2027
  • Abstract Length 200 words maximum
  • Include All author names, affiliations, and email addresses
  • Format Please indicate your preference for a poster or podium presentation

Send your abstract to:

anowell@uvic.ca

The Parkside Hotel & Spa

The Parkside Hotel atrium with string lights and lush greenery

The stylish Parkside Hotel & Spa will serve as the venue for the academic program, opening night reception, and other scheduled activities.

A block of suites has been reserved for conference attendees at a special rate. Every suite comes with a private balcony, fireplace, and fully equipped kitchenette—offering the comforts of home in the heart of Victoria.

Use the booking link below to reserve at the group rate (check-in June 23, check-out June 26). To arrive early or stay late, contact the hotel directly—the group rate can be honored for up to three days before and after.

810 Humboldt Street
Victoria, BC, V8V 5B1
+1 (250) 940-1200
Parkside Hotel one-bedroom deluxe suite with living room and bedroom Parkside Hotel bedroom with city views Aerial view of The Parkside Hotel & Spa Another view of the hotel atrium

Beyond the Sessions

Monday June 23
5:00 – 7:00 PM

Opening Night Reception

Join us in the Parkside's City Club Lounge offering panoramic views of the city. Connect with colleagues while enjoying a local jazz quartet and sampling Victoria's best local wines, craft beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and artisanal snacks.

Each attendee receives one complimentary drink ticket. A cash bar will also be available.

Tuesday June 24
7:00 – 9:00 PM · $10 CAD

Movie Night

A glass bowl filled with freshly popped popcorn
Photo: Unsplash / Wikimedia Commons

Head to the Parkside's in-house theater for a screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971). Popcorn and treats provided. The theater seats 25—please register in advance.

or 7:00 – 9:00 PM · $15 CAD

Rooftop S'mores

A gourmet s'more held in front of a rooftop firepit
© The Parkside Hotel & Spa

Channel your inner child at the Rooftop Garden firepit for sweet or savory S'mores. See menu options. Limited to 20 guests—reserve your spot when you register.

Tickets for both available through Eventbrite.

Wednesday June 25
Evening · $95 CAD

Closing Night Dinner

Celebrate the conclusion of the conference at the University Club of Victoria, on the University of Victoria campus. Nestled in a forested oasis, the cedar-clad building features exposed wooden beams, natural lighting, and a cozy fireplace lounge overlooking a private, wildlife-filled pond and Bowker Creek.

The dinner includes salads, a main course with two side dishes, dessert, tea or coffee, and one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. A cash-bar reception on the patio precedes the dinner (weather permitting).

Please choose one main: New York Steak, Chicken, Salmon, Manicotti (vegetarian), or Tofu (vegan).

The cedar-clad University Club of Victoria building
© University of Victoria
The private pond and fountain beside the University Club of Victoria
© 2026 A. Nowell. All Rights Reserved

UVic campus map →

The Best Small City in the World

For the first time ever, SSCIP is coming to Canada! Join us in beautiful Victoria, BC, in the Pacific Northwest—named the “Best Small City in the World”* Experience the perfect blend of historic charm and modern sophistication: stroll the scenic Inner Harbour, explore the magnificent Butchart Gardens, or enjoy Victoria's vibrant foodie scene—all while connecting with colleagues in a breathtaking coastal setting.

*Condé Nast Traveler’s 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

Traveling to Victoria

By Air

Most international flights arrive in Vancouver (YVR) with a quick 12-minute connecting flight to Victoria (YYJ). Direct flights are also available from Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, and Seattle.

From the airport to the hotel: approximately 40 minutes by taxi (~$80 CAD + 15–20% tip) or Uber. Bus service is also available ($3.50 via cash or the UMO app, ~70 min).

By Ferry

If visiting Vancouver first, take a scenic 90-minute ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. The terminal is about 40 minutes from downtown Victoria.

BC Ferries →

By Seaplane or Helicopter

For a spectacular arrival, take a 30-minute seaplane from Vancouver Airport (YVR South) directly to Victoria's Inner Harbour—just a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk to the conference hotel.

Harbour Air →

Helijet →

Pacific Ocean view from Dallas Road, Victoria © 2026 Y Kohn. All Rights Reserved

Contact

For dietary, accessibility, or other concerns—and for inquiries including requests for letters of invitation or proof of participation—please contact:

Prof. April Nowell
Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria

anowell@uvic.ca

Registration Now Open

Registration fees include morning and afternoon coffee with fresh baked goods throughout the conference, as well as a wine reception associated with the keynote lecture by Prof. Kathy Kamp on Wednesday evening.

Waged · Non-Member $175 CAD
Waged · SSCIP Member $165 CAD
Unwaged / Student · Non-Member $155 CAD
Unwaged / Student · SSCIP Member $145 CAD
Online Participation $35 CAD
Closing Night Dinner $95 CAD
Movie Night $10 CAD
Rooftop S'mores $15 CAD

All prices in Canadian dollars (CAD).