POST FALLS - A popular regional summer camp that's free for kids with cancer and was in limbo this year has split into two separate camps, one on each side of the border.

The American Cancer Society earlier this year announced that it would no longer fund camp programs for kids with cancer, and focus more on research. That caused a flurry of concerns from families and volunteers and placed Camp Goodtimes in limbo.

But the board of Ross Point Baptist Camp in Post Falls, where Camp Goodtimes has been held along the Spokane River since 2005, has decided to launch Camp Journey at the same site Aug. 3-9.

"The Ross Point staff and board realized there was still a tremendous need for children touched by cancer to be able to experience a caring community during a customized week of camp," said John Batchelder, Ross Point Camp and Conference Center executive director. "While the name is new, the camp will carry on because the program will be organized by many of the same passionate and creative individuals.

"We were left with about 80 volunteers still looking to help out, so we're capitalizing on their passion and experience. The campers will still be able to see many of their same counselors."

Meanwhile, Camp Goodtimes will be held by the YMCA of the Inland Northwest at its Camp Reed, 30 minutes north of Spokane, Aug. 3-9. The ACS recently selected Camp Reed for Camp Goodtimes.

"This collaboration with the American Cancer Society creates a win-win for our community and speaks volumes about the collaborative spirit that exists among community leaders and organizations," Steve Tammaro, president/CEO of the YMCA of the Inland Northwest, said in a press release.

Both camps will be still be free to kids with cancer and have medical professionals available. Camp Reed was the original host site of Camp Goodtimes before it moved to Ross Point.

Funding for Camp Journey will come from donations from individuals, businesses and organizations. Support for Camp Goodtimes will come from Coaches vs. Cancer-Spokane, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane and other organizations.

Camp Goodtimes has been offered for region children for the past 28 years. Since it moved to the Ross Point camp in 2005, it has served 1,114 campers and their buddies. This year's camp had 139 kids with cancer and 84 volunteers. The number of campers has gradually increased each year and is up from 78 nine years ago.

For more information on Camp Journey, call 773-1655. For Camp Goodtimes, call (509) 838-3577.