Camp Goodtimes East

Ross Point Camp in Post Falls, ID

Camp Goodtimes East is designed to provide children the opportunity to develop independence and confidence, learn new skills, and to offer them the chance to make friends with others who understand and share their same situation. By providing a medically supervised summer camp, children are able to enjoy activities and outdoor experiences any child would find at a popular youth camp. Camp helps to meet the physical, psychological and emotional needs of hundreds of young cancer survivors and their families each year.

Since 1985, Camp Goodtimes East has encouraged kids who have faced extraordinary circumstances to take the time to just be kids. The camp gives children diagnosed with cancer, on or off therapy, the opportunity to temporarily forget about their illness, their treatments and hospital visits. Children are encouraged to simply enjoy a wonderful outdoor experience while making friends and memories that last a lifetime.

Day Camp -- August 5-8, 2013
Programming is designed specifically to meet the needs of cancer survivors (no siblings or friends) and staffing is provided to accommodate them one-on-one as needed.

Eligibility (Ages 5 – 7)
• A child diagnosed with cancer on active cancer therapy.
• A child who had a bone marrow transplant (BMT) or stem cell transplantation (SCT).
• A child who has completed cancer therapy.
• A child from Washington, Idaho, Montana, NE Oregon, North Dakota and NW Wyoming.

Program —
Monday through Thursday, 9:15 am – 4:00 pm

Activities —
Arts & crafts, swimming, hikes, beach games, singing, campfires, a river cruise, games, special theme related activities and even a nap!

Family Lodging —
If your family will be traveling from a distance (1.5 hrs each way or more) lodging at a nearby hotel may be provided for you while your child attends day camp.
For more details, call or contact Kari.Allen@cancer.org; 1-800-537-7710, ext. 302.


Resident Camp -- August 4-10, 2013
(For survivors, siblings and/or friends)

Eligibility (Ages 7 – 17)
• A child diagnosed with cancer on active cancer therapy.
• A child who had bone marrow transplant (BMT) or stem cell transplantation (SCT).
• A child who has completed cancer therapy.
• A sibling of a child attending camp diagnosed with cancer (on or off therapy) or who had a BMT or SCT.
• A friend of a child attending camp diagnosed with cancer (on or off therapy) or who had BMT or SCT (*see camper acceptance priorities).
• A sibling who has attended camp in the past, who lost their brother or sister within the past 2 years, can attend camp for one year.
• A child from eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana, NE Oregon, North Dakota and NW Wyoming.
 
Program —
2:00 pm, Sunday August 4, through 10:00 am, Saturday August 10, 2013

Activities —
Arts & crafts, high ropes course, a climbing tower, various team sports, including beach volleyball, baseball, basketball, miniature golf, horseshoes, swimming, a river cruise, boating, a dance and carnival, campfires, special activity days, theme related events and much, much more!

Cabin Assignments —
Campers are housed separately by age and gender in clean, comfortable cabins. As siblings are not typically the same age, they will be housed separately. If your child wishes to be in a cabin with a friend, the friend must be the same age and gender.

Camp Acceptance Priorities —
The American Cancer Society gives the highest priority for acceptance to children on active cancer therapy along with their sibling or friend, and to children diagnosed with cancer (on or off therapy) along with their sibling or friend applying to camp for the first time.
• Returning campers’ friends are only accepted after all children diagnosed with cancer or children who received a bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplantation and their sibling are placed.
• Camper acceptance is also based on cabin availability (gender & age).
• Campers who have attended camp more than two years are not eligible to bring a friend.  

Camp Registration
Follow this link to the Camper Application.  Applications are due May 13, 2013. Please call for availability after this date.
For more details, contact Kari.Allen@cancer.org or call 1-800-537-7710, ext. 302.

Transportation
If your child will be traveling from a distance, airfare may be provided free of charge. Note your request for transportation on your child’s camp application.

Cost
Because of generous donations from foundations, organizations and caring individuals, the American Cancer Society is able to provide this camp to all participants free of charge.

Healthcare
Campers have access to excellent, professional healthcare during their stay. Oncology physicians and nurses from the area’s children’s hospital and pediatric clinics are on-site 24 hours a day, volunteering their time and services to ensure a happy and healthy camping experience.

Volunteer Staff
Volunteers are recruited, carefully screened and thoroughly trained by the American Cancer Society. Ensuring the health and safety of the campers are our top priority. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.  Read more about Volunteer Opportunities or  to complete a Volunteer Application. 

Volunteer Applications are due April 12, 2013; training begins August 2.

 All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

Camp Goodtimes East is accredited by the American Camp Association.