How many participants attend each program session?
On average, Camp Goodtimes Kids Camp serves 70 campers per week, the Teen Program serves 80 teens per week, and the Family Program hosts approximately 25 families per week.
How many people volunteer for the BC/Yukon Canadian Cancer Society?
22,000!
How many years has Camp Goodtimes been in operation?
Camp Goodtimes was founded in 1985 by Lois Youngson. Twenty five children attended the first year.
Are visitors allowed on site?
Generally no, however Canadian Cancer Society staff, VIPs, and major donors sometimes make site visits on pre-set dates and times.
How do we get to/from camp?
If accepted, you will receive an email regarding all travel arrangements to camp prior to your assigned session of camp.
Your application states that volunteers must be 19 years of age to apply to volunteer for camp. I will be a couple of months shy of my 19th birthday when camp starts -- can I still apply?
If you are younger than 19 years old, you may contact us to inquire about special onsite volunteer roles that may be available. We prefer to have volunteers who are 19 and older, but we have made exceptions in the past for volunteers with special skills or backgrounds (for example: lifeguards, very experienced child-care workers, people willing to help in roles – such as dining hall team – that we are having a hard time filling).
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow and air mattress/foamy to camp?
You need to bring a pillow and sleeping bag, but NOT an air mattress or foamy. The volunteer acceptance package contains an itemized list of what to bring and what not to bring.
What if I haven’t heard from Camp Goodtimes in a while?
The majority of our correspondence is via email. Please ensure our email address gotcamp@bc.cancer.ca is not on your “blocked sender” or SPAM list. The months leading up to camp are an extremely busy time for the camp office. At times, our ability to respond immediately may be delayed by the amount of communcation from volunteers and campers. Please be patient and carefully read your acceptance package, which should include all the information you need.
Can I bring my camera?
Yes, but DO NOT share pictures of campers or any camper’s personal information (including names) on the internet.
What is the theme this year and what costumes do I need to bring to camp?
All volunteers will receive an email prior to camp advising them of themed meals/activities.
What if I have dietary concerns and who do I tell?
This information is requested on the volunteer application form. It will be forwarded to the camp kitchen prior to your week at camp.
Will I know in advance what age group I will be assigned?
No. Unfortunately, because of unexpected last-minute changes, it’s impossible for us to confirm what campers you will be placed with.
If I attend more than one Canadian Cancer Society overnight residential program (Kids Camp, Teen Program, Family Program) do I need to submit my documents (criminal record check, first aid, CPR-C) each time?
No. You only have to submit these documents (or provide updated information) once per year.
I have been accepted to a specific camp session. If something comes up preventing me from attending that session will I be able to switch weeks?
If you must cancel, you will be placed on the waiting list for a session you are available for and we will contact you if there is an opening.
I’ve been accepted as a volunteer but I can’t make the training weekend, can I still come to camp?
Volunteers who attend training weekend greatly enhance their ability to provide our campers with the best week possible. Also, according to the BC Camping Association, volunteers are required to complete 32 hours of training prior to the camp session each year. In order to comply with these standards, we can make necessary arrangements to accommodate those who cannot attend training within reason.
If I am volunteering as a Week Zero Warrior AND the first session of camp, can I remain onsite overnight?
Yes – we recommend and prefer that you do!
I forgot to get my criminal record check. Can I still come to camp?
No. Please note: it may take up to eight weeks for a criminal record check to get processed.
I had a criminal record check done through work within the last year, is it valid for camp?
Yes, but we must receive the original document.
I faxed/emailed in a copy of my criminal record check, do I still need to send in the original copy?
Yes.
I don’t have a valid first aid or CPR-C certificate, can I still come to camp as a Skip?
No. All volunteers who work directly with campers (Skips) are required to have valid first aid and CPR-C certificates.
I’ve misplaced my criminal record check letter that came in my acceptance package, how can I get another one?
Please contact the camp office.
If I have a slight runny nose and cough, can I still come to camp?
Please contact our Clinical Coordinator BEFORE coming to camp if you have ANY signs or symptoms of an illness. We will do our best to accommodate you into another week if you are too unwell to come to your originally scheduled week.
In case of a question that’s not covered here, who do I contact?
Please contact the camp office at gotcamp@bc.cancer.ca.
