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REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1ST AT 10:30AM!
A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO OUR CAMPERS
Camp Potlatch is SO excited to be welcoming you all back this summer! However, COVID-19 isn’t completely behind us yet.
As you’d expect, health and safety is a top priority. We call that out because we want you to know that we’ll be ready to open for another ‘best summer ever’ experience – supported by our usual rigorous safety protocols and including following Public Health Orders and the related BC Camping Association COVID-19 Safety Requirements. That means that we will be prepared to respond to any illness that may arise in real time. We’ll be offering and encouraging frequent hand washing/sanitizing, and frequent cleaning. Both staff and campers will be expected to stay home when sick. Before heading to camp, staff members will do a brief health check for campers and staff, and our Camp Nurse will be onsite to help should symptoms develop during the camp session.
We had an amazing 2022 season and we’re excited and confident that summer 2023 at Camp Potlatch is going to be GREAT.
ABOUT CAMP POTLATCH
Located on 133 acres along the picturesque shores of the beautiful Howe Sound, Camp Potlatch creates the perfect backdrop for your family’s vacation.
Whether you’re looking to relax on our sandy beach, hike through trails of unspoiled ancient old growth forest, or try your hand at one of our fleet of paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks, Potlatch offers a little something for everybody. One of our traditional cedar pan-abode cabins will become your home-away-from-home and where your family reconnects and makes memories that last a lifetime.
Photos
Summer Camp
Registration opens March 1st at 10:30am!
Welcoming over 1,000 campers each summer, Camp Potlatch has become a home-away-from-home for many. Whether you’re keen to reach new heights on a natural rock wall, hit a bullseye at the archery range, or search for marine life along 1.5km of pristine coastal shoreline, Potlatch has something for every type of adventurer! Our overnight summer programs combine traditional camp activities with a focus on creating a sense of community, increasing self-confidence, and building resiliency in each and every one of our campers.
Main Camp
Ignite your Camp Potlatch spirit in our incredible Main Camp program!
For children between the ages 7-14, Potlatch’s week-long Main Camp gives campers the opportunity to explore a variety of traditional camp activities while living in a positive and supportive cabin community. All activities are fun, age appropriate, and closely supervised by our enthusiastic and highly trained staff team. In addition to a wide variety of camp activities, each camper in the Main Camp program participates in a 24 hour off-site excursion. Travelling to one of our many wilderness camp sites either by land or sea, campers sleep under the stars in this once in a lifetime out-trip experience.
So many activities to try!
- Stand-up Paddle Boarding
- Fishing
- Archery
- Hiking
- Arts and Crafts
- Kayaking
- Rock Climbing
- The list goes on and on!
Our program design encourages returning campers to continually progress their skill level in each of the activities we offer. While your first summer might be the first time you paddle a canoe, by your third or fourth, you’ll be learning advanced paddling techniques and rescues! Whatever your interest, the sky’s the limit at Potlatch!
Leadership Programs
Camp Potlatch’s wilderness leadership camps transports participants ‘across the creek’ and away from the familiar comforts of Main Camp, to create an environment that inspires individual and group growth. All leadership programs focus on the development of hard and soft skills, group problem-solving, and acquiring the necessary training required to be an effective camp leader. Our Leadership Camps inspire campers to be the best people they can be and to recognize the value they have to the world. Keep the tradition alive this summer!
Leadership Camp 1 (Ages 15)
Leadership Camp 1 (LC1) is a 2-week program for teens who are looking to further develop the camping skills they learned through their time in Main Camp, though campers new to Camp Potlatch have started their journey with this Leadership Camp.
LC1 campers have a stronger focus on extended out trips, with sites reached by both land and sea.
NOTE: Time is split between Main Camp and sleeping on trip/under the stars etc.
On trip: Preparing their own meals and learning the importance of teamwork, while living in the natural environment.
Due to the focus on extended wilderness camping skills, it is important that all campers arrive at Camp Potlatch with the proper gear to ensure a successful two weeks in the woods.
Leadership Camp 2 (Ages 16)
Leadership Camp 2 (LC2) is the final step in Camp Potlatch’s leadership program. This is an intensive counsellor-in-training program for teenagers who are motivated to become awesome camp staff. LC2 is a co-ed program that continues outdoor leadership skills development, with additional focus on camper care, program planning and building a tool box with tips and tricks to become an extraordinary camp leader.
This program is for mature teens who have previous outdoor camping experience, and who have the capacity and drive to take on the challenges of personal and group achievement. Participants will be given the opportunity to develop effective communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
2023 Session Dates and Rates (subsidies available)
Main Camp Sessions
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
Session 1 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 3 - 8
$740
Session 2 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 8 - 13
$740
Session 3 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 17 - 22
$740
Session 4 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 22 - 27
$740
Session 5 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 31 - August 5
$740
Session 6 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 5 - 10
$740
Session 7 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 14 - 19
$740
Session 8 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 19 - 24
$740
Leadership Camp 1
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 1
Girls
July 3 - 13
$950
LC 2
Boys
July 17 - 27
$950
LC 3
Girls
July 31 - August 10
$950
LC 4A
Boys
August 14 - 24
$950
LC 4B
Girls
August 14 - 24
$950
Leadership Camp 2
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 2-1
Coed
July 3 - 22
$1,200
LC 2-2
Coed
July 22 - August 10
$1,200
Registration
Registration opens March 1st at 10:30am!
Ways to Register
There are three ways to register for summer camp programs: online, in person, or over the phone.
For site rentals, contact the Outdoor Centre Coordinator at [email protected]
Please note: Online registration requires a credit card payment, with a minimum deposit of $185 per session.
If you require financial assistance, please contact our office at 604.324.2267.
Registration Forms
Registration Form
Camper Forms
Leadership Package
Parent Resources
Camp Potlatch Brochure
Parent Handbook
Camp Potlatch FAQs
Camp Fees
The true cost for one week at Camp Potlatch is $1,250 per camper. For decades, we’ve offered a lower “regular rate” because of our fundraising efforts. Those “regular rates” are listed with the session dates. As always, we ask you to pay what you can (including the full, true cost if you’re able).
If you need more help with camp fees, please call us.
We believe that every kid who wants to go to camp should get to go.
2023 Session Dates and Rates (subsidies available)
Main Camp Sessions
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
Session 1 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 3 - 8
$740
Session 2 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 8 - 13
$740
Session 3 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 17 - 22
$740
Session 4 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 22 - 27
$740
Session 5 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 31 - August 5
$740
Session 6 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 5 - 10
$740
Session 7 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 14 - 19
$740
Session 8 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 19 - 24
$740
Leadership Camp 1
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 1
Girls
July 3 - 13
$950
LC 2
Boys
July 17 - 27
$950
LC 3
Girls
July 31 - August 10
$950
LC 4A
Boys
August 14 - 24
$950
LC 4B
Girls
August 14 - 24
$950
Leadership Camp 2
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 2-1
Coed
July 3 - 22
$1,200
LC 2-2
Coed
July 22 - August 10
$1,200
Outdoor Centre Rentals
Camp Potlatch Outdoor Centre is the perfect location to host your group! From outdoor-experiential education programs, to corporate teambuilding retreats and family reunions, our experienced staff team are here to design and tailor your camp experience to meet the aims of your trip.
The site, nestled amongst old growth forest, with spectacular views of Anvil Island from our sandy beach, immediately takes you far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Less than an hour from Horseshoe Bay feels like a whole other world!
Our custom packages include everything. We don’t charge extra for any activities or instruction. Ever. The excitement really starts at Horseshoe Bay where you’ll meet the water taxi, organized by Camp and included in your package, making the drive to camp one of the shortest in the lower mainland!
All of our traditional Camp-based programming can be incorporated into your schedule, and includes:
- Canoeing
- Rock Climbing (on our real rock wall!)
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Archery
- Team Building Challenges
- Overnight camping trips
- And so much more…
For more information on our Outdoor Centre programs, please download the Outdoor Centre Handbook!
Outdoor Centre Handbook
Don’t miss out on your chance to experience Camp Potlatch’s Outdoor Centre by booking now to reserve your spot!
For more information, please contact Outdoor Centre Coordinator at [email protected] or call our Vancouver office 604.324.CAMP(2267).
Contact Us
Camp Potlatch is owned and operated by BGC South Coast BC.
City Office (Year Round)
7595 Victoria Drive
Vancouver, BC V5P 3Z6
Phone: 604-324-CAMP(2267)
Fax: 604-325-0596
On-Site (May-October)
PO Box 130
Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0
Marc Couture, Camp Director
[email protected]Marc has been the Director of Camp Potlatch since 2009, having previously overseen operations at accredited summer camps in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Camping is a part of who Marc is and he has over 20 years of experience to back it up. Marc’s life has drastically changed during his time as Camp Director – he started out a lone wolf in a new camp but quickly got married, purchased a home and started a family. You might catch a glimpse of Marc with both his little guys, Russell and Charles, around Potlatch this summer!
Ian Richardson, Camp Coordinator
[email protected]After rejoining the Camp Potlatch team in the Spring of 2022, Ian is excited and can’t wait for the upcoming season moving into the Camp Coordinator role. Camp Potlatch has been a huge part of Ian’s life, having started to attend as a camper at the age 9, Ian quickly fell in love with Camp Potlatch and the outdoors. After some time away from Camp to pursue post-secondary and a new career path, Ian couldn’t help but come back. At Potlatch, you can find him joining in on Camp wide games or taking part in a skit around the Campfire. He also has his trusty sidekick Goose (his dog) with him who is always willing to say hi and wants a good head scratch. Outside of Camp, you can find Ian adventuring on new trails with Goose, enjoying his love for movies, or just relaxing inside reading a good book.
Juliana Benoit, Summer Coordinator
[email protected]Juliana started working at Camp in 2012 and has worked in a variety of different roles – from arts and crafts instructor to cabin leader to program director. Juliana followed her passion for the arts to Halifax, where she graduated with a BFA in 2019. In 2023 she has started a new role as the Summer Coordinator. Potlatch holds a special place in her heart and she is always excited to help all campers embark on an unforgettable summer adventure! Outside of Camp, Juliana loves travelling, reading, and making pottery.
Fahmida Sarkar, Registrar
[email protected]Fahmida has been part of the BGC family since 2019, initially starting as an Assistant Registrar before moving into the Registrar position in 2022. Fahmida is responsible for overseeing the registration process for Clubs and Camps that serve thousands of kids and youth annually. Fahmida is committed to providing exceptional service to BGC families and is readily available to assist with registration and financial aid inquiries through email, phone, and in-person. Outside of work, you can catch Fahmida exploring quirky restaurants, playing badminton, or watching the newest movie release.
Julie Le, Assistant Registrar
[email protected]Julie has been with BGC since 2022, happily helping with the registration process at the Camp Potlatch city office. She is available to assist campers and families with registration, subsidies, and providing resources to prepare for a great camp experience. Her hobbies include kayaking, ice skating, and cooking. Happy camping!
Kayla Woodward, Assistant Registrar
[email protected]Kayla has been with BGC since 2016 and prior to that attended Camp Potlach as a camper. She has had many roles with BGC but joined the Registration Team in 2021. Kayla helps oversee registrations for Clubs and Camp, along with getting all the important details ready for Camp Staff to ensure your Camper has a great experience. She is readily available to assist any BGC families with registration, Camp questions, and financial aid. Outside of work, you can probably catch Kayla enjoying live music or traveling around.
Working at Camp
BGC’S Camp Potlatch is now hiring for our 2023 season! After two long years away, we’re excited to return to site and look forward to welcoming staff and campers back for upcoming spring and summer programs. Please check our Staff Application Guide for information about available positions, and directions for applying. If you have any questions, please connect with Ian Richardson.
Staff Application Guide
Check out the following jobs available at Camp Potlatch!
