Traditions

Camp Traditions
Camp Goodtime defines itself in many ways, but perhaps most creatively through its traditions. Numerous and diverse, Camp Goodtime traditions are cherished and celebrated throughout Camp week and in fact, throughout the year. Check it out!

• Flagpole - Following The Camper
  Campers start each day by gathering at the flagpole to sing the national anthem, learn the day ’s activities and hear the ‘thought of the day.’ Here, one camper is also picked to lead the others to breakfast, because at Camp, the camper always goes first!
  
  
• Singing Grace
  Before entering the Dining Hall, campers line up for their safety and sing “thanks” to those who prepared the food.
  
  
• Wearing Hats During Meal Time
  At Camp, it is impolite not to wear a hat at mealtime! This tradition began in the late 1990s when one camper sported a new hair/wig product that proved too fun not to wear! Today, it’s all about the creativity and the tradition also encourages campers to wear hats throughout the day, thus better protecting them from the sun.
  
  
• Table Manners
  Without spoiling surprises and campers’ fun, be advised that table manners are strictly enforced!
  
  
• Punctuality
  Alone at camp . . . never! So, if you hear the count-down (10, 9, 8, ...), hurry, hurry, don’t be late, or you might end up in the lake, rolling down a hill, in the mud or undergoing some other penalty for being late!
  
  
• Standing "O"
  At Camp Goodtime, we strive to be different, that’s why clapping is a “no, no.” Instead, to show respect or appreciation, campers must stand, join their hands over their head to make the letter “O” and yell, “Ooooooh!” This tradition dates back to 1993 and was creatively introduced by former Buddy Counsellor Lawrence Njoku.
  
  
• Campfire
  Every night, the entire Camp Goodtime community participates in this most popular activity. Groups/individuals take turns leading everyone in songs and skits. And of course, no one leaves alone; we all join hands in returning to our huts for “lights out” and bedtime.
  
  
• Birthdays
  At least one birthday is celebrated during the week, with the special camper taking centre stage for others to bestow best wishes upon.
  
  
• Camp Party
  Celebrated with a different theme each year, the party is a Camp Goodtime highlight complete with snacks, refreshments, decorations and lots of fun activities!