BC Campers blazes its own trail after Good Sams departure

Born from BC Good Sams, this newly independent club puts people—not branding—at the heart of every gathering

After decades of belonging to the international Good Sam network, a community of RVers in British Columbia found themselves without support. With the parent organization shifting focus to its retail business, BC’s local chapters faced a choice: disband or chart their own course. That’s when Irene Freeman and other dedicated volunteers stepped in to create BC Campers, a proudly independent camping club built around affordability, inclusivity, and good old-fashioned fun.

Today, BC Campers thrives with active chapters across the province, from the Lower Mainland to the Cariboo. Members enjoy regular campouts, themed rallies, games, and social gatherings with no provincial fees, no pressure, just a welcoming community of people who love to camp. We spoke with Irene Freeman, Director and Secretary of BC Campers, about how the club got its start, what makes it special, and what lies ahead for this growing grassroots group.

What inspired the decision to transition from BC Good Sams to the independent BC Campers?

The Good Sam organization would no longer support our chapters, our directors or rallies.  Their focus switched to their Camperland stores. The name brand “Good Sam”  could no longer be used by chapters unless they each signed a brand name agreement, which many states and most provinces refused to do. That led us to form our own BC club.

What are some of the benefits of joining a BC Campers chapter?

We collect no fees provincially, only local chapters collect small fees. We have chapters in the Lower Mainland, Okanagan and Cariboo regions. We enjoy chapter campouts and one or two large rallies every year. Members are free to choose whichever events they wish to attend and only pay for the campground and any other activities in which they choose to participate. The best reason is socializing and enjoying games and fun with friends.  

How do new members find and join a local chapter?

They check out our website at www.bccampers.ca to find a chapter they wish to join and contact that president or contact me. My email is on the website and on any brochures we have handed out.

What does a typical chapter campout or event look like?

Each chapter decides where they might camp and what they would like to do. However, most times they play group games, share meals together and explore the area in which they are camping.

Our rallies are three- or four-day events based on a theme and include catered meals, seminars, and entertainment.

Can you share some examples of the fun games and activities members enjoy?

We play games like string golf (ladderball), beanbag baseball, corn hole, bocce and others.  We usually play card bingo, sometimes have musical groups, have cribbage tournaments, trivia contests, catered breakfasts, coffee and cookies in the morning, etc. Our rally games are usually built around our themes.

How are themes chosen for the rallies, and how do members get involved in planning?

The chapters that are hosting the rallies choose the themes. Members of the host chapters are all involved in planning but everyone steps up to help run the games and move equipment around. 

What has been one of your favourite themed rallies or campouts in the past? 

Two favourite themed rallies for many of us were the Olympics theme where gold and silver medals were handed out and the 50’s theme with Elvis attending in his pink Cadillac.

Are there any educational components or seminars offered during these gatherings?

Usually we try to arrange for a guest speaker although it is harder to get someone to speak lately.  We have had seminars on Scams and Fraud, ICBC, PADS dogs, and RV repair in the past. 

Why do you think social connection is such an important part of the camping experience?

Most of us are now empty nesters and this provides a social outing with friends.  We have developed many lasting friendships over the years of camping together. 

What are some of the goals or plans for the future of BC Campers?

Our primary goal right now is to encourage new and younger members to join our chapters. Many of our members are aging out and selling their rigs. Our chapters would change if younger members became involved. 

What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about joining?

Come to one of our rallies or chapter campouts and see what we do, meet our friendly members. Anyone can attend our rallies without being a chapter member.