Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News, July 2004, 2,014 words

An atmosphere of acceptance and fun welcomes visiting children and teens affected by cancer

By Karin Mark

Twenty-five feet above the ground, Emilija Martic takes a shaky step forward on the suspended ladder and screams when it starts to sway.

"Come on Emilija, you can do it," comes the call from the dozen upturned faces on the ground.

Behind her, Andrew Lee tries to steady himself, Emilija and the ladder, and the two make a little more progress. A few more feet - and screams - later, and they're at the pole ringing the bell.

Cheers and claps erupt from below. "You guys rock!" someone bellows.

It's Thursday at Camp Goodtimes, the Canadian Cancer Society's summer camp for kids and teens ages six to 16 who are in all stages of cancer. Each year, about 250 campers from around B.C. and the Yukon spend a week at Camp Goodtimes.

The camp celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with a move to the Loon Lake Outdoor Education Centre, in UBC's Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge.

"Summer camps are supposed to be a part of every North American kid's lifestyle," said Dave MacKenzie, one of two coordinators of camp operations. "We provide a summer camp experience these kids would otherwise not be able to enjoy."