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Moments of joy at Camp Goodtimes

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  4. Moments of joy at Camp Goodtimes

For Camp Goodtimes’ 40th anniversary, we’re sharing photos of kids affected by cancer making memories at camp.

3 min. read

Camp Goodtimes' 40th anniversary

In 1985, a group of volunteers launched a medically supervised summer camp program in British Columbia for children affected by cancer. This would become Camp Goodtimes.

The idea came from Lois Youngson, a longtime Canadian Cancer Society volunteer, whose inspiration came from her son’s cancer diagnosis. The same year, Estelle Forbs Doucet started a camp program in Nova Scotia.

The goal of Camp Goodtimes was to give children a week of summer camp fun while making sure their health was taken care of.

Forty years later, Camp Goodtimes has programs in British Columbia, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and is attended by hundreds of children, families and volunteers every year.

To celebrate this 40-year milestone, we’re sharing photos of kids affected by cancer making memories at camp.

Two children wearing lifejackets while paddling kayaks in the lake and smiling.
Two campers enjoying a day out on the water.
(left to right): a child drinking juice, a child wearing a crown and smiling, a child wearing a hat and holding a toy.
Campers enjoying dress up! One camper was princess for a day.
A man in the lake holding his arms open to a smiling toddler wearing a floating device, goggles and a hat.
A happy camper enjoying the lake.
A group of four kids wearing helmets and harnesses, smiling and holding up peace signs in front of trees.
A group of campers getting ready to explore the trees.
Two kids blowing bubbles on the back of a golf cart.
Two campers blowing bubbles on the ride through camp.
Four kids in their own kayaks holding paddles and wearing lifejackets.
Every day, campers make memories on the beautiful lake.
People playing under the water being sprayed from a hose.
The campers loved playing in the water on this summer day!
Four campers playing in the sand by the water beside sandcastles.
Camper friends share smiles and laughs on the beach.
A group of campers posing on a dock in front of trees with their backs to each other.
One of the best parts of camp is making new friends!
Two campers floating in the lake in inner tubes and smiling at the camera.
The lake at Camp Goodtimes is a great place to cool off from the summer heat.
Two campers smiling in front of trees.
Campers excited for another day at camp!
Three kids wearing matching Camp Goodtimes shirts and hats and smiling.
It’s a thumbs up for Camp Goodtimes from these campers.
A group of campers posing on the dock in front of trees with their arms around each other’s shoulders.
New friends making memories that will last a lifetime.
A group of campers holding hands and jumping on the dock in front of trees.
Campers celebrating the last days of camp.
A group of campers holding each other in a hug in front of picnic tables.
A shared group hug before the end of camp.

Help support children and families affected by cancer

Every summer, children and their families make memories at Camp Goodtimes. For children facing cancer, camp is the place where they can feel like a kid again. For parents and guardians, Camp Goodtimes is a source of support and connection to other families going through a similar experience.

Supportive programs like Camp Goodtimes are made possible through the generosity of donors. You can help provide children and their families with unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime.

See more heartwarming photos of kids at Camp Goodtimes.

Donate to camp programs for children facing cancer
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