Camp for cancer-affected children looking for summer help
By Dylan Hackett, News Editor
The Canadian Cancer Society’s (CCS) acclaimed summer camp for cancer-affected children and teens is looking for camp counselors, nannies, lifeguards, and other volunteers for the 2013 Camp Goodtimes season, the camp’s 28th year of operation. Located on the Loon Lake in Maple Ridge, the camp offers thorough training to the few hundred volunteers that help run operations during the seven sessions, running through July to mid-August.
Many of the positions available to volunteers can be directly related and applicable to programs at Douglas College.
“Being at Camp Goodtimes would be great for students in [programs like] Therapeutic Recreation, Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, Nursing, or Social Service Worker,” said Nathania Lo, former volunteer engagement coordinator of the CCS. The camp considers previous volunteer or employment experience with children to be an asset to eligibility for all positions. Volunteers work with children aged six to 15 and, in certain sessions, their families.
“Volunteers are a huge part of the Camp Goodtimes experience,” said Lo. “We rely on well-trained and friendly volunteers to make every camp session memorable, as well as safe and secure. Camp Goodtimes volunteers work together to make sure all of our campers have the best time every time they come to camp.”
The camp is also searching to fill a few full-time, summer-long, paid staff positions for more experienced and professional applicants. A waterfront supervisor, camper experience director, operations supervisor, and program director are currently being sought after for the 2013 season.
Camp Goodtimes first ran in 1985 and has since grown to provide a safe camping experience for over 600 children affected by cancer or in bereavement of cancer victim siblings. The camp is accredited by both the British Columbia Camping Association and the Canadian Association of Pediatric Oncology Camps.
Over 12,000 British Columbians and Yukoners volunteer their time with the CCA’s BC-Yukon chapter. Volunteers staff major events like the renowned Relay for Life and do door-to-door canvassing to help fundraise the non-profit group. Nationwide, the CCA claims over 170,000 volunteers.
Successful applicants for Camp Goodtimes are required to be available the weekend of June 15-16 for overnight orientation and training. Application forms are available at http://www.campgoodtimes.org/contact/application-forms.
