Teen Camp (ages 15-18)
Our Teen Camp program is committed to offering unique and enriching recreational experiences for youth who have had a cancer diagnosis. Our program has been designed to foster independence, resilience, personal growth and connection. We believe that teenagers who have had a cancer diagnosis need opportunities to find independence and social support in a community where they feel they truly belong.
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
- Teens from British Columbia or the Yukon ages 15 to 18 who have been diagnosed with cancer.
- All participants must have their childhood immunizations up to date. COVID-19 vaccines are strongly recommended but not mandatory.
2025 session dates will be available in December and applications will open in mid January.
Camp life
Teen Camp is located at Camp Pringle on Shawnigan Lake, BC. The heart of camp is the waterfront where we have a large dock with a fleet of canoes, kayaks, sailboats and paddle boards all next to a beach volleyball court and campfire pit.
Participants sleep in rustic cabins with other teens of similar age. The cabins have no electricity, so participants can immerse themselves in the Teen Camp program connecting with their peers and nature. Washrooms and showers are typically located in a separate building close by.
The program offers opportunities for hanging out with peers, activities of choice and connection with the entire camp community. In addition to waterfront activities, we offer arts and crafts, high ropes, low ropes, climbing, archery, nature, hiking, baking and creative programming.
In each cabin group of 5 to 8 participants of similar age, there is a minimum of two cabin leaders who are trained by the Camp Goodtimes staff. In addition, we have trained program staff facilitating each activity and qualified medical and social-emotional support on site to ensure that all campers are comfortable and cared for.
Transportation
Most of our teens from the Lower Mainland take the group transportation option that Camp Goodtimes provides from West Vancouver to camp. Our teens from Vancouver Island arrive and depart from camp by car. Sign-up information will be available with your acceptance package.
We also offer air travel and reimbursement of travel expenses in certain circumstances. Please contact the camp office to find out more.
Information guide
Our minimum ratio of participants to counsellors is 4:1. Cabin groups consist of 6 to 12 participants with at least two adult counsellors per cabin group.
Teen Camp is full of fun and engaging activities. Participants can rappel, swim, kayak, canoe, make arts and crafts and take a leap of faith on our high ropes course during their stay. There are also music workshops, plenty of games, a dance, a talent show and tons of time to chill out.
Everyone is new to the Teen Camp program once. New participants and volunteers may be nervous about attending, but rest assured that dozens of friendly faces will greet you on your first day. Volunteers and participants often leave Camp Goodtimes with life-long friendships.
Yes. Remember, you will need to bring all your medications and forms complete with your parent’s signature.
Unfortunately, no. Our teen program is for youth diagnosed with cancer who are 15 to 18 years of age. However, siblings are encouraged to apply for the Leaders in Training (LIT) program that occurs alongside each Kids Camp.
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 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.