Giving Back In More Ways Than One

Sam has been a Campfire Circle volunteer since 2014 and a monthly donor since 2020. Despite moving from Ottawa to England, and now settling back in Canada, giving back to Campfire Circle remains a constant in her life.

Campfire Circle was her first overnight camp experience. “I just loved it,” she says. “I was amazed by the level of commitment by the staff and other volunteers. As someone new coming in, I felt welcomed and fully supported.”

She wanted to give that same camp experience to other kids and found that volunteering was one way she could bring things full circle.

“I’ve volunteered in various roles. I’ve done the Toronto family programs, community events, overnight camp at Rainbow Lake and Muskoka, and now I’m loving volunteering with the Ottawa community programs. Once you do one thing at camp, you just keep going!” says Sam.

“You go to camp for the kids, to make sure they have the best possible experience. But after every camp, I realize that I’ve learned so much about myself, and I’ve grown so much as a person. With each experience, I’m just so happy,” she adds.

Sam, a law student, describes herself as analytical, not the creative type, which is one of the reasons she became a monthly donor.

“I’m generally more introverted and quiet. But camp brings something out in me, and I want to do that for others,” she says. “I’m not creative enough to dream up programs for kids, so donating monthly is another way for me to help them have fun. I can see where the money goes and the impact it’s making. I see how much joy it brings. I know my donation is well spent.”

To learn more about volunteering , visit our Volunteer Page or learn more about becoming a monthly donor.