FAQ

These FAQs provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about Camp Goodtimes that we receive throughout the year. We’ve compiled the questions in three sections for ease of use: Pre-Camp Questions, During Camp Questions and Post-Camp Questions.

Chances are, someone else has had the same question you have and you’ll find the answer here. Please review each section before contacting us by phone or email.

If your question is not addressed in our FAQs please contact our office. We will be happy to assist you.

Pre-Camp

Is there a fee for children/teens/families to attend Camp Goodtimes?

No. Thanks to the generous support of donors, there is no fee.

Do you have a travel assistance policy?

Travel assistance requests must be approved by Camp Goodtimes, and the Canadian Cancer Society. Reimbursement request forms are available through our office. Deadline is May 31st but if past this date, please contact our office.

At Kids’ Camps, if the participant doesn’t have a sibling can another relative or friend accompany him/her to camp?

No.

How many years can a participant attend Kids' Camp?

Participants may attend Kids' Camp up to five years. However, as a participant’s status may change from time to time, this may be extended. Decisions around extensions are made with care on a case by case basis every year.

How many years can a sibling attend Kids' Camp?

Our priority is to provide space for children living with cancer. Due to the limited number of spots, siblings are normally allowed to attend camp up to two years (depending on spaces available based on the number of children applying who have themselves had cancer). Siblings can attend camp in any session (it does not have to be the same week as the child living with cancer). Preference is given to siblings whose ‘participant’ is palliative or is a first-time attendee.

What is the uppermost graduation age for Kids' Camp?

Participants graduate from Kids' Camp at age 15. Graduates attend a graduation ceremony at camp to honour their achievements. Graduation ceremony attendance is only for attending volunteers and participants. If you would like to have a photo of your child at graduation, please contact our office to arrange this prior to your child’s session.

15-year-olds with a history of cancer can attend one Kids’ Camp session and the Teen Program.

16-18-year-olds with a history of cancer are eligible to apply to both the Teen and LIT programs in the same summer.

Does the camp office need a copy of my online application?

No. The online application process allows camp staff see all the information you have entered. You do not have to send another copy to us.

Is there a carpooling service for families that live on Vancouver Island? Or, is there a way I can contact other families to arrange for carpooling?

We do not facilitate carpooling, however, if families give their consent to share their contact info we can put you in touch with families from your area that have requested carpooling.

How do I know what to pack for my child for camp?

Your acceptance package contains an itemized list of what your child should and should not bring to camp. This package is emailed in May.

What if I don’t have transportation to bring my child to camp?

Please contact our office.

My child has to fly to Vancouver to attend camp, how will they get from the airport to camp?

We ask that you have family or close friends drive your child to camp. In the event that no one is available, please contact the camp office.

This is my child’s first year at camp, how can I help prepare them for being away from home for a whole week?

By providing us with as many details as possible you’ll help your child have the best week possible. Please fully fill out your child’s application form and if your child has any challenges, provide us with strategies you use that we can pass on to the volunteers in care of your child. If you need to, please contact our Coordinator of Programming and Support to provide further information.

Can my child attend more than one Canadian Cancer Society Program?

Yes. For example, a 7-year-old can apply for both Kids Camp and the Family Program. Or, a 16-year-old living with cancer can apply for both LIT and Teen Program in the same summer.

What are the different camp programs and who is eligible to attend?

Kids’ Camp (6 to 15years old)

Children with a history of cancer
Siblings – multiple siblings may apply if the patient is a: first year camper*, recent relapse, or palliative (*starting summer 2011)
Siblings (bereaved) – multiple siblings who have lost their brother or sister to cancer
Siblings – one sibling to each patient who has attended Kids’ Camp in the past

Leaders In Training Program “LIT” (16 to 18 years old)

Children with a history of cancer
Siblings – multiple siblings may apply if the patient is a: first year camper*, recent relapse, or palliative (*starting summer 2011)
Siblings (bereaved) – multiple siblings who have lost their brother or sister to cancer
Siblings – one sibling to each patient who has attended Kids’ Camp in the past

Teen Program (15 to 18 years old)

Teens with a history of cancer

Family Program (For families with a child aged between 0 to 18 with a history of cancer)

Up to two parents, guardians and/or caregivers per family
Bereaved families also welcome

Lois Youngson Grant Application “LYGA” (for 16 to 30 who have attended a Camp Goodtimes program)

NOTE: Please call the Camp Goodtimes office for the current application

Fun and Bonding Events “FAB”

Families with a child with a history of cancer
Bereaved families

NOTE: Please call the Camp Goodtimes office for more information on these single-day events

Do we need to send a set of waiver & release forms for each camp program my child attends?

No, one set of waiver and release forms will do.

Who needs to complete a Physician Evaluation Form?

A Physician Evaluation Form is necessary only if your child is on active treatment for cancer OR your child has received treatment for cancer within the last five years.

My child may get homesick at camp, what can I do to help them?

Help your child by talking about camp before they come. If you think visuals may help, contact our office and we can send you a DVD to show your child some of the sights and sounds they may experience at camp.

Involve your child in packing his or her clothes. Let your child bring a favourite blanket, photos, books, pajamas, pillow or stuffed animal. Familiar items will help make your child more comfortable in their new surroundings.

Discuss expectations about the separation, including why he/she is going and what you hope your child will gain from the experience. Prepare your child for any uncertainties he/she might feel and acknowledge those concerns but don’t focus on the negatives. Always express confidence that your child will do just fine.

Encourage your child’s independence and have practice separations. These can include spending a night at a friend’s house or going to day camp before coming to Camp Goodtimes. Mini separations will boost your child’s confidence and help ease the transition from being away from home.

Have a note with a photo already waiting for your child on the first day. Pack it or give it to the Coordinator of Program and Support and they will give it to your child if neccessary. This will reassure your child that you care and are thinking of him/her.

When you drop off your child at camp, give a complete goodbye (hugs and kisses, if this is how you express departures) and then,as hard as it is, respectfully leave. Lingering and extending your exit creates separation anxiety and increases homesickness.

Do participants sleep in tents or cabins at camp?

Participants sleep in heated buildings. The Canadian Cancer Society, in partnership with the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, has replaced older cabins with new heated buildings.

Will participants need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow?

Yes. Beds with mattresses are supplied but there are no blankets, pillows or bed sheets.

If my child has a slight runny nose and cough, can they still come to camp?

Contact our Clinical Coordinator BEFORE coming to camp if your child has ANY signs or symptoms of an illness. We will do our best to accommodate your child and family into another session if they are too unwell to come to their originally scheduled week.

On the Camp Goodtimes application it asks for immunization dates for my child. What should I do if I don’t know or don’t remember the dates?

Contact your family physician, your child’s school, or health unit to obtain your child’s immunization records. If they are unable to provide the information you can have a blood test done by a healthcare provider as this will give you your child’s current immunization status.

During Camp

Will I be able to call my child while he/she is at camp?

Yes. In the case of an emergency you can call camp. If you are interested in maintaining contact with your child or children while a Camp Goodtimes session is in progress, please contact us ahead of time to discuss the ways this might work. And if you would like to know how your child is doing at Camp Goodtimes, call our on-site number and ask for Gary (the Coordinator of Program and Support) or Kate (Clinical Coordinator) who will gladly provide you with an update.

Will my child be able to call home while he/she is at camp?

Yes. But one our main goals at Camp is to help campers develop and experience a sense of independence. When a homesick child asks to call home, we initially encourage the child to write a letter or draw a picture for those at home or use other distractions. If the child ultimately would rather use the phone, we will make arrangements for this.

The reason we initially discourage the use of the phone is if a child is homesick, a phone call typically increases their symptoms. Our trained staff is directly dedicated to your child’s well-being. We do our best to make their stay as happy and comfortable as possible, which sometimes includes a call home.

If a child is sick, you will receive a call from either Kate (Clinical Coordinator) or another member of our Health Care Team. Then we will make arrangements for you to speak to your child.

There is no cell phone reception at camp and therefore, really emphasize to your child(ren) to keep cell phones at home for the risk of damage and theft.

May we visit our child while he/she is at camp?

No.

What is the participant to counsellor ratio?

Kids’ Camps: Cabin groups consist of 4-12 camper with at least 2, but often 3 or 4 adult counsellors per cabin group.

Teen Program: Cabin groups consist of 6-12 teens with at least 2 adult counsellors per cabin group.

What if my child needs 1:1 attention?

If a participant is deemed to need 1:1 attention they are provided with a carefully matched counsellor who provides 1:1 attention within their cabin group.

May I volunteer at camp during the week my child is attending?

No.

What if my child needs frequent medical care? I’m worried that no one else besides me has had to manage their symptoms before?

Our onsite medical staff will have a complete medical history of your child and are equipped to administer and maintain all your child’s medical requirements.

I am concerned with my child’s bed wetting. They don’t want anyone to know. What will you do if an emergency happens at night?

All our camp counsellors (aka Skips) are trained to deal with this challenge in a discreet manner that respects the privacy of our participants. Our cabin counsellors have access to a supply of clean bedding at all times. Our onsite laundry facilities ensures that participants have their laundry cleaned and returned to them the next day.

My child usually refuses to wear a life jacket (PFD) while swimming, but I prefer he/she wears one. How will you ensure he/she stays safe while swimming?

Everyone participating in waterfront activities MUST take a swim test on the first full day of camp if they want to swim. Those who do not pass this test or choose not to take the test MUST wear a life jacket. This policy is strictly enforced by our Skips and all waterfront staff. Please let us know if you have questions.

What if my child does not want to participate in a particular activity?

Our participants are encouraged to participate in our daily program activities. If a participant does not want to participate in a planned activity, he/she will have an option to do an alternate activity.

How easy or realistic is it to expect my child will stick to their diet a camp?

Camp meals are nutritious and well-balanced. If a participant has dietary restrictions every effort is made to accommodate them. If your child requires a special diet please contact Kate, our Clinical Coordinator, to discuss specific details.

If a family arrives a few days earlier than the start of their child’s week at camp, is it possible to stay/camp onsite?

No. The closest public campground is the Alouette Lake Campground in Golden Ears Provincial Park

Post-Camp

What happens if I am late picking up my child from camp?

Canadian Cancer Society staff remain on site until the last participant is picked up. Out of respect for the staff we ask that every effort be made to pick up participants at the specified time. If you know you will be arriving late please call us immediately so we are aware of this and so staff can ease the possible anxiety your child may experience.

What happens if my child left something at camp?

At the end of camp all the lost and/or misplaced items are brought back to the Camp Goodtimes office in Vancouver. Please contact our office if you are missing an item. It’s easier to return lost items if they are labeled with your child’s name. Any unclaimed items after September 30 are donated to charity.

What if my child wants to contact other participants/teens after camp?

Participants naturally share their contact information with newfound friends at camp. Remind your child (if they are interested) to exchange contact information with friends while at camp as this can lead to a great form of socializing and peer support.

What if my child would like to contact volunteers after camp?

We have a great communication system within our Camp’s newsletter,”The Bean”. If your child wants to contact volunteers, he/she can write messages to gotcamp@bc.cancer.ca and these messages are added to the message pages of the Bean.

What are Camp Goodtimes Journey Beads and what does each bead mean?

Camp Goodtimes, like BC Children’s Hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer, has a bead program that represents the journey of each participant and volunteer. At every Camp Goodtimes event, two beads are given – one representing the event and one representing the person’s role (lifeguard, nurse, camper, parent, etc.). Beads also mark major milestones such as a camper’s first year, a volunteer’s third year of service, and Camp Goodtimes’ major anniversaries. A one-page colour reference guide to these beads is available here [PDF].

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