From Day Camper to Lifelong Friendships

For Adrian, Campfire Circle has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember.

He first attended Campfire Circle in 2010 at our day camp hosted at Camp Robin Hood. Although his first session started with a few tears, Adrian quickly adjusted and found a home at overnight camp. Every summer, he eagerly looked forward to returning, knowing that camp was a place where he could be himself and connect with others who had shared similar experiences.

One of Adrian’s most cherished memories at our Muskoka camp is when each camper brought in their own lunches. Adrian’s meal of choice always included broccoli or bok choy—his ultimate comfort foods. His counsellors took notice and created a special remix of the song “Ice Cream and Cake,” substituting the lyrics with “Broccoli and Bok Choy.” This small but thoughtful gesture made him feel truly seen and appreciated.

Among the many activities offered at camp, waterskiing quickly became Adrian’s favorite. His Leader-in-Training (LIT) experience was also a major highlight, especially the challenge of organizing an evening program. This gave him a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers who make camp such a special place.

Now studying Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carleton University, Adrian hopes to work for the government. As a recent graduate of camp, Adrian has one simple piece of advice for anyone considering Campfire Circle for the first time: just try it.

“As the motto goes, ‘You have only failed if you have failed to try.’ As someone who attended camp for over 10 years, I can assure you that camp is a lot of fun, and you’ll meet friends for life.”

Through camp, he learned the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and embracing new experiences. Most importantly, he connected with campers who had gone through similar challenges, forming bonds that extended far beyond the summer.