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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 80 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.
Camp Potlatch is proud to offer:
- One week sessions jam-packed with incredible programming
- Transportation by boat provided from Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey
- 1:3 staff to camper ratio
- 24 hour supervision
- Overnight out trip adventures by land and sea
- 80 years of experience, history, and tradition
Summer Camp
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS!
Welcoming hundreds of 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, Camp 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, Camp 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)! This program is physically demanding and designed specifically for campers prepared to spend an extended period of time in remote wilderness destinations. LOT1 is a one-week camp, including a 2 night hiking trip in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Campers spend 2 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!
Explore pristine alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and striking mountain scenery. Highlights include Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake, and Panorama Ridge. You might even see snow in the summer! The LOT program is a great way to kick start your Leadership Camp Journey, or for Main Camp campers who are looking for a new challenge. Prepare to experience our BC landscape at its best!
Leadership Camp 1 (Ages 15)
Leadership Camp 1 (LC1) is a 10 day program for teens who are looking to further develop their camping and leadership skills. Many campers are building on skills they learned through their years in Main Camp, though campers new to Camp Potlatch have started their camping journey with Leadership Camp 1. This program is designed to set campers on the path to becoming a future camp leader!
The LC1 Program has a strong focus on extended out trips, with sites reached by both land (hiking) and sea (canoeing), where campers work as a team to set up camp, prepare their meals and appreciate the natural environment around them! Time is split between classic Main Camp activities and sleeping on trip/under the stars- going on at least two 2 night Out-trips. Due to the focus on extended wilderness camping skills, it is important that all campers arrive at Camp Potlatch with the proper gear and a sense of adventure 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 3-week 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. Campers also partake in a 3-4 day “cabin placement” in main camp, as a leader-in-training, where they will have the opportunity to shadow qualified staff members and learn first hand what it’s like to be a camp leader.
Campers go on at least 2 multi-night out-trips by land (hiking) and sea (canoeing) and must be keen about spending time unplugged from home & electronics. 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 and are committed to being a role model to their peers and Main Camp campers. Participants will be given the opportunity to develop effective communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. Campers who embark in this program often become friends for life, and go on to work many future summers at Camp Potlatch. Many of our Camp Potlatch staff passed through the Leadership program themselves!
Leadership Trips (September - June)
We are excited to offer Leadership Day trips throughout the year to help campers stay connected to nature, camp, and each other. This program is designed for campers who have completed any of our Leadership Programs during the summer and are interested in expanding on their wilderness and leadership skills locally throughout in the fall, winter, and spring.
Previous trips have included a snowy trek up Dog Mountain, hikes up Pump Peak and around Bunzten lake, and an overnight canoe trip starting from Camp Potlatch. Trips are typically offered by-monthly and details and registration info will be emailed out to parents/guardians of previous Leadership Campers. Please inquire if you have any questions about upcoming trips.
2026 Session Dates and Rates
Main Camp Sessions
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
Session 1 – Ages 7-14
Coed
June 30 – July 5
$860
Session 2 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 5 – 10
$860
Session 3 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 14 – 19
$860
Session 4 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 19 - 24
$860
Session 5 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 28 - August 2
$860
Session 6 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 2 - 7
$860
Session 7 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 11 - 16
$860
Session 8 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 16 - 21
$860
Leadership Out Trip
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LOT A – Ages 13-15
Girls
August 11 - 16
$880
LOT B – Ages 13-15
Boys
August 16 - 21
$880
Leadership Camp 1
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 1-1 – Ages 15
Girls
June 30 - July 10
$1100
LC 1-2 – Ages 15
Boys
July 14 - 24
$1100
LC 1-3 – Ages 15
Girls
July 28 - August 7
$1100
LC 1-4A – Ages 15
Boys
August 11 - 21
$1100
LC 1-4B – Ages 15
Girls
August 11 - 21
$1100
Leadership Camp 2
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 2-1 – Ages 16
Coed
June 30 - July 19
$1400
LC 2-2 – Ages 16
Coed
July 19 - August 7
$1400
Canoeing and Kayaking
Wall Climb
Gaga Ball
Group Hike
Fire at Night
Climbing Rock Wall
Out Trips
Registration
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS!
Ways to Register
We believe every child who wants to go to camp should be able to go. Please contact our registration office for information on low barrier financial assistance at 604.324.2267
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.
2026 Session Dates and Rates
Main Camp Sessions
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
Session 1 – Ages 7-14
Coed
June 30 – July 5
$860
Session 2 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 5 – 10
$860
Session 3 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 14 – 19
$860
Session 4 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 19 - 24
$860
Session 5 – Ages 7-14
Coed
July 28 - August 2
$860
Session 6 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 2 - 7
$860
Session 7 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 11 - 16
$860
Session 8 – Ages 7-14
Coed
August 16 - 21
$860
Leadership Out Trip
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LOT A – Ages 13-15
Girls
August 11 - 16
$880
LOT B – Ages 13-15
Boys
August 16 - 21
$880
Leadership Camp 1
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 1-1 – Ages 15
Girls
June 30 - July 10
$1100
LC 1-2 – Ages 15
Boys
July 14 - 24
$1100
LC 1-3 – Ages 15
Girls
July 28 - August 7
$1100
LC 1-4A – Ages 15
Boys
August 11 - 21
$1100
LC 1-4B – Ages 15
Girls
August 11 - 21
$1100
Leadership Camp 2
Session
Gender
Dates
Rates
LC 2-1 – Ages 16
Coed
June 30 - July 19
$1400
LC 2-2 – Ages 16
Coed
July 19 - August 7
$1400
Registration Forms
Registration Form
Camper Forms
Leadership Package
Parent Resources
Camp Potlatch Brochure
Parent Handbook
Camp Potlatch FAQs
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 Camp Potlatch this summer!
Riley Stanley, Summer Coordinator
summer@bgcbc.caRiley first joined Camp Potlatch in 2018 as a Cabin Leader. After a few years away working and gaining experience at other summer camps around BC, she returned to Potlatch. Now in her fourth season at Potlatch, Riley serves as the Summer Coordinator, supporting staff, programming, and daily operations across camp. Outside of camp, Riley enjoys travelling, canoeing, mushroom foraging, and in the winter, you might catch her snowboarding on Mt Seymour.
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.
Archi Goel, Registrar
campreg@bgcbc.caWorking at Camp
Stay tuned for more information on how to apply for 2026!
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 our Camp team: summer@bgcbc.ca.
Staff Application Guide
New Applicants
Returning Applicants
FAQ
How much does Camp cost?
Prices for our different programs are available in our brochure and on our website. The true cost for one week at Camp Potlatch is approximately $1,250 per camper for each week of main camp. For decades, we’ve offered a lower “regular rate” because of our fundraising efforts. Those “regular rates” are shown in the per session rates. 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.
What type of training is required of employees?
All Camp Potlatch staff have the love of working with children and being in the outdoors. The vast majority have been campers and leadership campers in past summers. • All camp staff require: Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid & CPR Level C. • Waterfront staff are accredited by the National Lifesaving Society (National Lifeguard accreditation) • Camp Volunteers require Bronze Medallion and Standard First Aid & CPR Level C. • A Registered Nurse (RN) lives on site for the duration of our summer programs when possible. If a Nurse is unavailable, Camp will have a designated First Aid Attendant. • All staff participate in one-week on-site training that covers a range of programming, emotional support, and behaviour management techniques. • Our Camp, Summer Camp, and Outdoor Centre Coordinators all hold Occupational First Aid Level 3.
What type of medical examination is required before a child may attend Camp?
Camp Potlatch does not require a medical examination before attending Camp. We do however, require our Medical Form to be completed during registration. Upon arrival at your chosen departure location, camp staff will carry out a brief health screening, making sure that campers are feeling healthy and up for a fun activity filled week at camp. All campers will also undergo a mandatory head lice check. This is a standard health procedure. If lice or nits are found in the hair of a camper, the participant will be sent home with the parent or guardian. It will be the parent/guardian’s responsibility to treat the camper and subsequently arrange (with the Camp Coordinator) alternative transportation to Camp. If you know that your camper has recently had lice or has recently been exposed to lice, please complete a head check a week before Camp. If lice are present, you will have adequate time to treat, and be rid of the lice before coming to Camp.
Can Camp accommodate dietary restrictions?
If your camper has a food allergy or dietary restrictions, please be sure to include this on their Medical Form. When advance notice is given, Camp can accommodate most restrictions such as vegetarian, lactose-intolerant, gluten free, no red meat, no pork. For more complex diets or serious allergies, please contact the camp office to see if camp can accommodate your campers dietary needs. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the camp office.
Is Camp Potlatch peanut-free?
Camp Potlatch is a nut aware site and while we do not store or serve nut products, we cannot guarantee that your camper will not come in contact with nut products during their stay at camp. We ask all campers to not bring food to camp.
Can I send my camper with snacks?
Please do not send food with your camper to camp. Where food goes, animals tend to follow, therefore no food is permitted in camper cabins. Also, cabin mates might be allergic to the food that is being sent. Any food items will be taken by a staff member upon arrival.
What is the Camp procedure regarding homesickness?
Camp Potlatch staff are trained to watch for warning signs of homesickness, and work to keep the camper engaged in programming and cabin activities. Camp staff will acknowledge that everyone gets a little homesick at times and remind the camper about their new friends and the exciting activities planned for the day. In some cases, parents will be notified and can assist in developing a strategy to help the camper. If you feel your child may become homesick, speak to them about this before departing for Camp. We suggest sending a letter and photograph in their luggage for your child to read when they miss home.
How are cabin mate requests handled?
If your camper has a friend or group of friends, he or she would like to share a cabin with, please make the request during registration or by giving us a call at the office. Each camper can request up to two individuals they would like to bunk with of the same gender identity and of a similar age. We try our very best to accommodate all cabin mate requests, if for some reason we cannot, we will get in contact to discuss. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s cabin mate request, please feel free to contact our office at 604-324-2267
Are campers allowed to bring cell phones or other electronics?
We ask that campers leave all electronics at home, as such items can be lost or easily damaged. Phones: All cell phones and electronics will need to be turned in to a camp staff upon arrival at camp and stored in the Camp Office. A staff member will return these electronic items upon departure. If you need to speak to your camper, please don’t hesitate to contact the office to pass along a message. Part of the camp experience is building independence (for both the child and parent). Cameras: Campers are also encouraged to bring a disposable camera or a digital camera (with the knowledge that it may be damaged or lost) to capture photos from their stay- due to privacy reasons, Camp Potlatch cannot provide photos from the session to parents/guardians. Other electronics: We understand that your camper may listen to music or play video games at home during down time. However, we ask that all gaming or music devices are left at home. We find without electronics, campers can interact more successfully with their cabin mates, leaders, and the natural environment around them. For down-time activities we recommend reading, playing cards, journalling, or drawing.
How can I contact my camper?
If you need to be in touch with your camper during their registered session, please feel free to give our city office a call at 604-324-2267 and we will be more than happy to relay the message for you. You can also email messages to your camper(s) through our Summer Camp Coordinator, at summer@bgcbc.ca. Please be sure to include your camper’s full name and session number in the subject of your email. In the event of an emergency or time sensitive matter, there is a phone at Camp that may be used. Please note that cell reception is extremely poor at Camp; as such we ask that campers leave their cell phones at home. Parents are encouraged to send letters to their campers to be received during their stay. You can deliver these letters to a camp staff at camper drop off and we will deliver them during your campers stay at camp. Mailed letters often arrive after your campers time at camp, so we recommend emailing letters or delivering them to a camp staff at camper drop off.
How are lost and found items handled?
If your child loses an item or has an item goes missing during their Camp session, they should notify a staff member. While Camp is in session, we actively try to keep campers connected with their belongings and find homes for as many items as possible before departing Camp. Once a Camp session is complete, all items that were unable to be returned to their owners will be sent the Camp office located at 7595 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC. All lost and found items will be held until the end of September, after which any items not collected will be donated to charity. We do our best to return all lost items, however sometimes an item may have been packed with the wrong camper and cannot be found at camp. For this reason, we ask that campers not pack any precious items or pieces of clothing that they would be upset to lose or damage. Please ensure you label all clothing and personal items your camper brings to camp to allow for easy identification and return. Please call the office to report any items that did not return home with your camper
What is your smoking and vaping policy?
Camp Potlatch is a smoke- and vape- free environment. Cigarettes, marijuana, and vaporizers will be confiscated immediately, and the camper’s parent or guardian notified.
Are cabins arranged by gender?
Cabins at camp are divided by gender identity and age. Cabins are a single open room with bunk beds and a separate bathroom building is also divided by gender. Leadership 2 camp is coed, and campers share a cabin or tents and use an out house and the Main-Camp bathroom shower facilities. The shower house is an open room without dividers (like at the pool). All campers shower with their cabin mates and wear swim suits during their shower time. If you would like to provide additional information about your camper’s gender identity, please contact the camp office. We can work together to make sure your camper has a safe, positive, and successful. experience at camp.
