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Thank you for another amazing summer!
A Letter to our Camp Potlatch Families
We’d like to start off by saying a big thank you to everyone involved in making this summer possible and magical! That includes our kind and energetic staff team, our brave and adventurous campers, our bus drivers and boat captains, and of course all you parents/guardians! Thank you for trusting us with your campers and setting them up for success with your encouragement and support. I’m sure your camper(s) came back with many great stories to share- one of our most commonly heard phrases around camp is “I can’t wait to show/tell my … (mom/dad/grandparent/sibling)”.
This summer nearly 950 campers stepped off the boat and onto the wharf and began their adventure at Camp Potlatch. This was our 1st summer opening at full capacity (12 Main Camp Cabins, Leadership Camp, and the return of LOT1 Garibaldi) since the pandemic. Most weeks were either sold out or just a few spaces away and we expect to sell out all sessions in 2025. We also had over 50 staff members throughout the summer, singing camp songs, leading programming, wearing wacky costumes, and supporting the campers. We saw campers hike deep into the valley and up Mt. Wrotsley to Ccappa Peak, circumnavigate Gambier Island in canoes, sleep under the stars, get a bullseye in archery, make it to that next hold on Chunky Monkey, lead a campfire skit, try a smore for the first time, cross the “Marshmallow River” as a team, forge new friendships, find confidence and step out of their comfort zone.
Whether it was your campers first time at camp or they’ve been coming for many years- we are excited to see them back again next year to keep working on their new skills and earning new badges (if you’ve accidentally misplaced these badges already.. we’ve got plenty of spares at camp- just let us know and we could mail some replacements)! Hopefully their efforts to win the Thunderbird (cleanest cabin award) this summer have translated to a tidier bedroom at home. We truly hope your camper(s) had an amazing time during their stay at Camp Potlatch this summer.
If you are looking to get ahold of us for any reason, we are still up on-site at Camp hosting a variety of school camps and rental groups. You can reach us there at 604-343-4367. For any Lost & Found inquires, please call the Registration office (604-324-2267).
Thank you,
Juliana, Will, Rachel, Marc & the rest of the Camp Potlatch Team!
Camper Surveys
Camper and Parent feedback is very important to us, and helps us to know where we should focus our attention as we plan ahead for Summer 2025. We are always learning, and your feedback is essential in this process. We have created a short survey for you & your camper(s) to share your thoughts on your child’s experience at Camp Potlatch this summer. If possible, please take a few minutes with your camper to complete the survey.
Lost and Found
Over the summer we’ve collected various lost and found items up at Camp, which we have washed and brought to our main city office- located next to the Fraserview BGC Club (7595 Victoria Drive, Vancouver). If your child came home missing any clothing or other items, please email register@bgcbc.ca with a detailed description or call 604-324-2267. If your campers clothing/items were labeled- our registration office will continue to reach out to arrange pickup. Families are also welcome to stop by the office Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM, to have a look themselves (please call ahead). Please be aware that lost and found items that have not been claimed by September 20 will be donated. * If your child has come home with items that do not belong to them, please let us know.
Leadership Campers
If your camper attended one of our Leadership Camps this summer, we are excited to be offering opportunities throughout the school year for them to stay connected to Potlatch and hone their leadership skills. In 2023/24 trips included: hiking up Dog Mountain, Bunzten Lake, and even a canoe OT from Camp Potlatch! Stay tuned for more information and dates for this years Leadership trips! Campers who completed Leadership Camp 2 this year, we will also be sending out more information this winter on applying to work at Camp in 2025!
Summer 2025 Registration
Registration for next summer will open in March 2025!
2025 Summer Camp Dates:
Main Camp:
Session 1: June 30 – July 5
Session 2: July 5 – July 10
Session 3: July 14 – 19
Session 4: July 19 – 24
Session 5: July 28 – August 2
Session 6: August 2 – 7
Session 7: August 11 – 16
Session 8: August 16 – 21
Leadership Camps:
LOT A (Girls): August 11 – 16
LOT B (Boys): August 16 – 21
LC 1-1 (G): June 30 – July 10
LC 1-2 (B): July 14 – 24
LC 1-3 (G): July 28 – August 7
LC 1-4A/B (B & G): August 11 – 21
LC2-1: June 30 – July 19
LC2-2: July 19 – August 7
BGC After School Programs
At BGC South Coast BC (BGC), we believe that every kid is amazing. That is why, for over 85 years, BGC has been giving kids and youth something they deserve: a place to belong when they aren’t at home or at school. BGC has 10 neighborhood-based Clubs, where professional staff and trained volunteers offer programs for kids and youth during the critical out-of-school hours.
The membership year runs from Sept 1 to Aug 31 and gives access to drop-in Club programs every regular school day. The cost of a Club Membership is $1,200/year. Youth Membership is $10/month. Payment plans are available to meet the needs of the family and can be made by credit card (on-line), cash, cheque, or via e-transfer. At BGC, we believe that every child and youth who wants to go to the Club should get to. Families pay what they can when they register.
- Recreational Care After School Drop-In – For Grades 1-7, kids choose to participate in a variety of programs offered daily, including cooking classes, sports, and arts & crafts. Open areas include a games room, multi-purpose room, and homework area that allows for supervised free play and self-directed activities. A healthy snack is available each day.
- Preteen/Youth Drop-In Available after school and evenings. These programs are specifically designed for an older age group and includes dinner programs, movies nights, social recreation activities, skill building, leadership opportunities and academic support.
- Day Camps All the BGC fun available for pre-registration during school breaks and Pro-D days! Available to non-Club Members as well, families do not need to live close to a Club to register.
Click HERE for more information!
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
Parent Resources
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