Friendship and fun at our accessible day camps

At just a few months old, Lily was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Now, at age seven, she lives with a feeding tube and wheelchair. For Lily, who is based in Ottawa, Campfire Circle’s day camp program has been the perfect way for her to experience the joy of camp in a medically accessible and supportive environment. In Ottawa, we provide accessible camp programs at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), host day camps during the summer and March Break at the Element School nearby, and we collaborate with the Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice, a home away from home for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Lily has attended our summer day camps and thanks to generous donors, Campfire Circle was able to subsidize a personal support worker for Lily so she could participate in camp activities, however she felt comfortable.

Lily loves to engage in many activities, including circle time, arts and crafts, and music. She loves to dance and watch other people dance around her. Her favorite time, though, is lunch, when she gets to enjoy the camaraderie of eating with her cabinmates.
This past year was particularly special for Lily. This is the second time Lily has attended day camp, and she formed a close friendship with another camper. Her friend also had similar sensory needs and, like Lily, would get a little overwhelmed. When they needed to take a break, they would go around the building together. Her new friend held Lily’s hand and chatted with her the whole time.