Family Camp
Family Camp provides an opportunity for families who have a child diagnosed with cancer to reconnect, have fun and connect with a community who share similar experiences. Our scheduling includes time for rest and revitalization. Because all our Family Camps take place in a traditional camp setting, participants will have the opportunity to get a snapshot of the programming we provide during our Kids Camp programs.
We offer inclusive programming that is age and developmentally-appropriate and accommodate our activities for all ability levels, always free of charge.
Who this camp is for
- The immediate family of a child diagnosed with cancer, including up to two adult caregivers, or a bereaved family. Children who have or have had the cancer diagnosis must be between the ages of 0 and 18.
- All participants must be current residents of British Columbia or the Yukon.
- All participants must have their childhood immunizations up to date. COVID-19 vaccines are strongly recommended but not mandatory.
Program Dates
Applications are open until April 30, 2024.
Camp life
Each of the two locations for our Family Camp programs offer peaceful settings that allow families to enjoy all that nature has to offer. At both camp facilities families sleep in private accommodations with electricity, twin beds and private washrooms and showers. Please click the camp facility links below for photos and more information about each camp.
Camp Pringle, Vancouver Island
Throughout camp, families have volunteers called “hosts” to assist them in getting around camp, understanding the activities and supervising children when necessary. Most of the time, when families are together, supervision is the responsibility of the parents or caregivers.
At Family Camp we have trained and qualified program staff facilitating each activity and qualified medical support available on site 24 hours a day, but parents are expected to provide regular treatment-related care to their children.
Transportation
Most of our families arrive and depart from camp by car. We also offer air travel and reimbursement of travel expenses in certain circumstances. Please contact the camp office to find out more.
Information guides
Maybe, if you need special food for medical reasons. Both Loon Lake and Camp Pringle staff do their best to accommodate dietary restrictions. If you have significant dietary requirements, please contact the clinical coordinator to address your needs.
Maybe, but only if they are an adult caregiver. Each family may bring up to two adult caregivers with them to Family Camp. Siblings, ages 0 to 18, are also welcome to attend Family Camp.
In order to provide the best camp experience to our campers, we prefer that participants complete the entire camp session. This is especially true as many fun and engaging activities occur during the last 24 hours of camp. Please contact the camp director to discuss possible departure deviations.
Our requirements include Tetanus-diptheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis B based on age schedule. For details regarding requirements please follow our guide. We need proof of each participant attending family camp (including caregivers). We highly recommend up-to-date COVID vaccine and yearly influenza but these are not mandatory.
It is never to early to start the process of obtaining records and working with your provider for proof of vaccine. We welcome your questions about this process or requirements at any time.
Please note that campers on active treatment or newly off treatment are exempt from this policy until they are able to be re-vaccinated.
Yes! Kids Camp attendees must be between the ages of 7 to 15 to join for a week of Kids Camp.