a woman with her son riding on her shoulders smiles at the camera
HOW WE CAN HELP

Child, youth and young adult supports

We offer year-round programs and supports for children and young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families.

Supporting children and youth on their cancer journey

The Canadian Cancer Society offers summer camps and year-round recreational programs for children and youth with cancer, as well as their families. Our programs are designed to foster independence, increase confidence and create an environment of understanding and support. There is medical supervision on site whenever possible.

Camp Goodtimes

Camp Goodtimes provides unique summer and year-round recreation programs. These programs are designed for children and youth 0 to 18 years of age with a cancer diagnosis, their families and bereaved families. Through these programs, children and teens living with cancer or beyond build resilience, strength and independence to see that life is bigger than cancer.

At Camp Goodtimes, campers and families can enjoy traditional camp activities while receiving care from staff and our 24-hour medical team. Camp creates an open and accepting environment where lifelong friendships can be made.

Summer Camps

We offer week-long camps for children, teens and families at our rented facilities at Loon Lake Lodge and Retreat Centre in Maple Ridge, BC, and Pringle Retreat and Camp on Shawnigan Lake, BC. Camp Goodtimes is accredited by the British Columbia Camps Association and the Children’s Oncology Camping Association.

Year-Round Programs

Camp Goodtimes offers day and weekend programs throughout the year. They are available in different regions of BC and range from afternoon picnics to weekend retreats.

Breaking Borders

Breaking Borders is a program pioneered by Camp Quality, an international family of non-profit camps that provide summer programs for children affected by cancer, as well as their siblings.

Breaking Borders was developed to help young people who are moving from being treated for childhood cancers into adult follow-up clinics. These youths are the fastest growing and most underserved group of cancer survivors.

Our program is a series of sessions held once a month from October to September. These sessions lead up to a final multi-day expedition or final project in September. Participants learn about project management, teamwork, responsibility, goal setting and much more. By stepping out of their comfort zone, they find support among their peers to persevere, gain self-confidence and learn that growth occurs when we reach outside ourselves and break down borders.

This program is available to people aged 19 to 25 years who have a cancer diagnosis and live in British Columbia.

We offer week-long camps for kids and weekend family camp programs at Camp Rotary in Sunnyside Beach, New Brunswick. Camp Goodtimes is accredited by the New Brunswick Camping Association and the Children’s Oncology Camping Association.

We offer week-long camps for kids and weekend family camp programs at Brigadoon Village in Aylesford, Nova Scotia. Camp Goodtimes is accredited by the Camping Association of NS and PEI and the Children’s Oncology Camping Association.