Nurses Make Camp Possible

Camp could not happen without nurses.

Our campers depend on around-the-clock care that only passionate and dedicated volunteer nurses can deliver.

Whether it’s treating tummy aches, dispensing medications, or providing chemotherapy, nurses ensure that every kid at camp is safe and well.

Our Muskoka site is the only oncology camp in Canada that can provide IV chemotherapy and blood transfusions on site. We rely on a team of doctors and three or four nurses to run the Med Shed, Muskoka’s medical facility. The Med Shed is where all medications are stored, any treatments take place, and it also provides respite for kids who may need a break.

In the summer of 2023, to welcome more than 500 kids to camp, Campfire Circle leaned on the support of McKesson Canada and a team of nurses from the company’s INVIVA private infusion clinics (INVIVA). Four nurses volunteered and participated in week-long sessions at our Muskoka site.

“Some of my most favourite childhood memories are from camp,” says Karen Beacham, Regional Manager of INVIVA. “As a pediatric nurse for more than 30 years, it has been really special to volunteer and give back so that all kids can have the same opportunities I had.”

With the support of INVIVA nurses, all campers, even those on active treatment or with complex care needs, experienced all camp activities.

For instance, nurses waterproof a port or PICC line so a camper has no hesitation in jumping in the lake, or a nurse may accompany campers on activities, just in case of emergencies.

“Being able to rely on INVIVA nurses and their expertise made a huge impact on our summer programs,” says Alex Robertson, CEO, Campfire Circle. “Nurses are the backbone of our program, and with the additional support we received from McKesson Canada and INVIVA, we were able to confidently provide the level of care that our camper community knows and expects from us. We are so grateful to McKesson Canada for this partnership which brings the skills and experience of their employees to help us run our programs.”

“We are immensely proud of McKesson Canada’s partnership with Campfire Circle and the impact our INVIVA team was able to make this summer. Providing patients with quality care closer to home is at the forefront for our INVIVA nurses, and we were happy to provide that care directly in the camp setting,” says Lee Steele, Vice President, INVIVA & Chief Nursing Officer. “From providing care to stocking the Med Shed, our team’s efforts ensured that campers were able to experience the joy and laughter they deserve. We felt very fortunate to be able to lend our skills at camp and partner with an organization that shares our passion for making a positive impact on the lives of children with complex medical needs.”

In addition to providing high-quality and consistent patient care, more than 70 McKesson Canada employees rolled up their sleeves at Camp Muskoka, ready to give back. They painted picnic tables, stocked the Med Shed, prepared cleaning supplies, set up all the watercrafts, and performed all the tasks that needed to be done to prepare camp for the arrival of campers.

We are so proud to partner with organizations like McKesson Canada, which values the total health and well-being of all the communities it serves.

Thank you so much to McKesson Canada for helping us provide joy and laughter to kids with complex medical needs.