Camp Good Days and Special Times
Camp Good Days and Special Times offers free summer camping experiences and year-round programs for children and families impacted by cancer and other life c...
▌ Editor's read The website for Camp Good Days and Special Times loads successfully and presents as a legitimate non-profit organization dedicated to providing programs for children and families affected by cancer and other life challenges. Founded in 1979 by Gary M. Schoonmaker, the camp has been operating for 45 years, offering free year-round programs and summer camping experiences. The camp's 'About Us' section details its mission and history, emphasizing its commitment to never charging participants. While not listed in the ACA directory, the website states that all staff and volunteers undergo background checks, and medical staff are present on-site. Google reviews average 4.9 stars from 144 reviews, with many praising the positive impact on children and the supportive environment. The camp offers overnight programs for various age groups and specific diagnoses, including programs for children with cancer, children who have lost a parent to cancer, and children with sickle cell anemia. Social media handles include @campgooddays on Instagram and CampGoodDays on Facebook.
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Since 198145+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 4–17
Camp Good Days and Special Times sits in the upper-elementary to middle-school window where specialization starts to mean something. Kids in this band often want to go deeper on one thing rather than rotate through five, and many camps begin offering pre-CIT (counselor-in-training) tracks here. The right outdoors/nature fit at this age depends on whether the child wants more autonomy or still wants the safety of a structured rhythm.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- 1981 (45 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Outdoors/Nature
- Ages: 4–17
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: 643 West Lake Road, Branchport, NY 14418
- Cost notes: All programs are free of charge.
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Camp Good Days and Special Times
- What ages does Camp Good Days and Special Times accept?
- Camp Good Days and Special Times is open to children ages 4–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Camp Good Days and Special Times cost?
- Camp Good Days and Special Times doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. All programs are free of charge. Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
- What are Camp Good Days and Special Times's hours?
- Camp Good Days and Special Times runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Camp Good Days and Special Times?
- Camp Good Days and Special Times is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 45 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Camp Good Days and Special Times provide lunch?
- Camp Good Days and Special Times does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Good Days and Special Times with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
- Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review licensing, supervision, and accreditation signals.