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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR ALL SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS!
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE!
Located on 133 acres of pristine wilderness along the picturesque shores of the beautiful Howe Sound, thousands of campers have passed through the gates of Camp Potlatch over the past 70 years. Sandy beaches and unspoiled hiking territory create an idyllic environment for campers to explore and play.
Experience the adventure of a lifetime at our one-of-a kind wilderness camp site. Reach new heights on a natural rock wall, hit a bullseye at the archery range, paddle the sea in a canoe and create an artistic masterpiece in the arts and crafts room. Our wide variety of age appropriate activities targets the interest of all campers. Accessible only by boat, Camp Potlatch offers a unique opportunity for campers to connect with nature, build self-confidence and make new friends in a stunning ocean front environment.
Photos
Summer Camp
Registration now open for all summer camp programs!
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 Out Trip (Ages 13-14)
For campers keen to learn what it takes to thrive in the woods on a multi-day expedition, check out Camp Potlatch’s Leadership Out-Trip camp (LOT)! We are excited to relaunch this program in 2024. This program is physically demanding and designed specifically for campers prepared to spend an extended period of time in remote wilderness destinations. You’ll spend several days at Potlatch preparing for trip and honing the necessary skills to safely navigate your route. Prepare to experience our BC landscape at its best. LOT is a one-week hiking trip into Garibaldi Provincial Park. Explore pristine alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and striking mountain scenery. Highlights include Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake, and The Black Tusk. You might even see snow in the 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 activities and sleeping on trip/under the stars- going on at least two 2 night Out-trips.
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 and out-tripping 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.
2024 Session Dates and Rates (Prices include taxes, subsidies available)
Main Camp Sessions
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
Session 1 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 1 - 6
$780
Session 2 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 6 - 11
$780
Session 3 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 15 - 20
$780
Session 4 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 20 - 25
$780
Session 5 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 29 - August 3
$780
Session 6 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 3 - 8
$780
Session 7 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 12 - 17
$780
Session 8 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 17 - 22
$780
Leadership Out Trip
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LOT A – Ages 13-15
Girls
August 12 - 17
$800
LOT B – Ages 13-15
Boys
August 17 - 22
$800
Leadership Camp 1
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 1
Girls
July 1 - 11
$975
LC 2
Boys
July 15 - 25
$975
LC 3
Girls
July 29 - August 8
$975
LC 4A
Boys
August 12 - 22
$975
LC 4B
Girls
August 12 - 22
$975
Leadership Camp 2
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 2-1
Coed
July 1 - 20
$1,250
LC 2-2
Coed
July 20 - August 8
$1,250
Registration
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR ALL SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS
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 adventure@bgcbc.ca
Please note: Online registration requires a credit card payment, with a minimum deposit of $195 per session.
If you require financial assistance, please contact our office at 604.324.2267.
2024 Registration Forms available soon!
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.
2024 Session Dates and Rates (Prices include taxes, subsidies available)
Main Camp Sessions
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
Session 1 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 1 - 6
$780
Session 2 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 6 - 11
$780
Session 3 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 15 - 20
$780
Session 4 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 20 - 25
$780
Session 5 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 29 - August 3
$780
Session 6 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 3 - 8
$780
Session 7 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 12 - 17
$780
Session 8 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 17 - 22
$780
Leadership Out Trip
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LOT A – Ages 13-15
Girls
August 12 - 17
$800
LOT B – Ages 13-15
Boys
August 17 - 22
$800
Leadership Camp 1
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 1
Girls
July 1 - 11
$975
LC 2
Boys
July 15 - 25
$975
LC 3
Girls
July 29 - August 8
$975
LC 4A
Boys
August 12 - 22
$975
LC 4B
Girls
August 12 - 22
$975
Leadership Camp 2
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 2-1
Coed
July 1 - 20
$1,250
LC 2-2
Coed
July 20 - August 8
$1,250
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 adventure@bgcbc.ca 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 number (year round): 604-324-CAMP(2267)
Phone number (on-site): 604-343-4367
On-Site (May-October)
PO Box 130
Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0
Marc Couture, Camp Director
camp@bgcbc.caMarc 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!
Will Crighton, Camp Coordinator
wcrighton@bgcbc.caWill’s passion for outdoor education started from a young age. This has given him a strong belief in the great benefits it has for young people. After gaining his degree in Physical Geography, he took his passion for outdoor education worldwide. In the last decade of Will’s career, he has led camps in the U.K. and Australia, coordinated tourism operations in Finland and New Zealand, guided backcountry canoeing and hiking trips in the U.S.A., and even managed volunteering projects in the rainforests of Costa Rica. Now his adventures have brought him to settle in Canada, and last year, he joined the Camp Potlatch family! When Will isn’t at camp you can find him enjoying all the outdoor activities B.C. has to offer, including canoeing, skiing, hiking, and camping!
Juliana Benoit, Summer Coordinator
summer@bgcbc.caJuliana 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 started her 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.
Rachel Battie, Outdoor Centre Coordinator
adventure@bgcbc.caRachel has been working at BGC since 2018. She has worked in the Clubs Stream at multiple sites in various roles over the years. In 2023, she joined the Camp Potlatch Team as the Outdoor Centre Coordinator, and now oversees the rental group bookings for the Spring and Fall. Outside of Camp, Rachel enjoys playing soccer, hiking, and doing puzzles.
Julie Le, Registrar
campreg@bgcbc.caJulie 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!
Allison Martens, Assistant Registrar
register@bgcbc.caAllison has been with BGC since late 2023 bringing previous experience, knowledge and excitement having worked for a non-profit organization focused on sailing, she is passionate about fostering joyful experiences for kids. Allison assists with club and camp registrations, financial aid and providing further support wherever needed! Outside of work you can find her spending time with her dog, hiking with friends and family or having fun at the beach.
Working at Camp
BGC’S Camp Potlatch is now hiring for our 2024 season! 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 Will Crighton
Staff Application Guide
New Applicants
Returning Applicants
Check out the following jobs available at Camp Potlatch!
