Every summer, kids from across BC come together to attend Arthritis Society Canada’s unique summer camp and educational retreat for children and youth living with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. We proudly collaborate with the outstanding team from BC Children’s Hospital rheumatology department to ensure that Camp BC is the absolute best camp it can be.
During their time at camp, campers meet others who are going through similar journeys, are matched with counsellors who also live with arthritis, and have the chance to try new things in a welcoming and safe environment, free from judgement.
Registration Update: Camp BC will be hosted at Zajac Ranch in Mission from Sunday, July 5 to Thursday, July 9, 2026. Phase 1 of registration will open February 4, 2026. This year, we will once again be prioritizing campers who have never had the opportunity to attend camp.
Camper Information
Camper Handbook & Packing List
Check out our Camper Handbook for information on all things camp, including what to bring and what not to bring to camp this summer.
Check-In and Check-Out
TBD
Food Services
Balanced meals are prepared and served by the food service staff for each meal. If your child has any special dietary needs that were indicated on their registration forms, these needs will be met at camp.
A Day at Camp
Your child will be staying for five days and four nights in cabins with trained counselors and kids around their same age. Each day they will participate in activities that usually include a water activity, indoor activity or a fun physical activity. In the evening, kids enjoy more activities or events such as campfire songs, stories and much more! All camp programs follow a philosophy that allows participants to define success individually, giving them the opportunity to choose the level at which they challenge themselves.
Registration
Phase 1 of registration will open February 4, 2026. Please note that this year, we will be prioritizing campers who have never had the opportunity to attend camp.
Important dates
- Phase 1: Application
February 4 – February 26, 2026 - Phase 2: Conditional Acceptance
March 16 – April 3, 2026 - Phase 3: Final Acceptance
Campers will be notified of their final acceptance by the end of April
Please see our registration guide below for more information on this year’s registration process.
Qualifications
To qualify for selection, the following criteria must be met:
1. A confirmed diagnosis of arthritis or another rheumatic condition.
2. Covered by BC’s health care plan, or private health insurance. Proof of a care card or private health insurance is REQUIRED for camp.
How to register
Families will be able to apply online using our secure registration website. Please note: Registration will be online only. The registration portal can be accessed via this webpage beginning on February 4, 2026.
Please note that an application does not guarantee a spot at camp. All applications will be reviewed and officially confirmed via email from Arthritis Society Canada.
When all spaces are filled, we will start a waitlist. Even if the camp is full, we still encourage interested families to apply. Cancellations are common throughout the year.
Costs
Living with childhood arthritis can put a strain on a family’s time, energy, and financial resources. Our goal is to keep camp free for all campers across the country, and our fundraising team is working tirelessly to make this possible. However, we can’t do it alone—we rely on generous donations and community fundraising efforts to cover the cost of camp.
You can help ensure every child gets the chance to experience the joy of camp!
Join Us in Making Camp Possible
Every dollar raised goes directly toward providing an unforgettable camp experience for children living with arthritis. By fundraising or making a donation, you play a direct role in making this possible.
If we are unable to raise the necessary funds, a registration fee may need to be introduced. Should this be required, we will make every effort to notify families as soon as possible.
We will continue to offer travel bursaries to those who require additional support to attend camp.
FAQs
When is Camp BC?
Camp BC will run from Sunday, July 5 – Thursday, July 9, 2026.
How will my child get to camp?
Families are responsible for dropping off their camper(s) at camp.
Where is Camp located?
Our BC Camp will be hosted at Zajac Ranch, a fully accessible facility located on over 40 acres of beautiful wilderness in Mission, British Columbia.
Who are Camp BC campers?
Camp BC campers range in age from 8-17 and include children & teens with a confirmed diagnosis of arthritis or another rheumatic condition. This summer we are excited to welcome about 40 campers from across British Columbia. Campers are placed into activity groups that are a mix of ages, and sleep in dorms grouped by gender identity.
How are medications administered?
Camp BC has a full medical team staffed by nurses, a physiotherapist, and an occupational therapist. All medications will be kept and administered by the camp nursing team. All medication times will be accommodated.
How do you accommodate dietary needs?
The meals at Camp BC cater to dietary needs that include, but are not limited to: lactose-intolerance, gluten-intolerance, halal, vegetarian, and vegan. Additionally, camp is a nut aware facility. We cannot guarantee that nuts are not in the facility, but all of our food is made nut free and we ask that people do not bring food to camp that has nuts in it.
Can I contact my child while at camp?
Camp BC is a great opportunity for kids to be fully immersed in their camp experience. For some, it may be their first time away from home and they are building their independence and confidence. For this reason, family and friends are not able to contact their children while they are at camp. If there is an emergency and you need to reach your child, please email [email protected].
Can my child bring a cell phone or electronic device to camp?
Camp BC is unplugged! No electronic devices will be allowed at camp except in rare situations, with approval from camp staff and medical. If the campers would like to capture memories at camp, they will be allowed to bring a disposable camera or, if you wish, a small, inexpensive digital camera. Please note: Our host camp and Arthritis Society Canada will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items at camp.
What are your communicable illness policies at camp this summer?
We take every measure to ensure the health and safety of all campers and staff when planning camp. We continue to follow Public Health guidelines, and the recommendations established by our medical team. Campers who are symptomatic/ill should NOT attend camp on day #1. Please note that parents/guardians will be required to pick up their campers promptly and directly from camp if our onsite medical team deems it necessary. Stay-tuned as we will update families with more information as camp approaches.
Sponsors
We thank our partners for their support of camp:
On behalf of the Shelagh Elaine Fulton Memorial Fund:
For any questions or more information please email [email protected].
