Finding Joy and Belonging: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Every September, we shine a light on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and recognize the thousands of kids and families we serve across our programs. While cancer brings long hospital stays and arduous treatments, Campfire Circle provides opportunities for kids to take back their childhood, build self-confidence, and create long-lasting friendships.

“At Campfire Circle, if you are going through something, you don’t have to talk about it, says Helena, a long-time camper. “Everyone gets it, and you move on. It’s just this unspoken understanding. I think that’s the foundation of this community and what makes it so beautiful. You’re sick, but you’re not thinking about that. You’re thinking about the next thing that you can do with your friends at camp.”

This sense of belonging is at the heart of Campfire Circle. Each year, more than 5,000 campers and their families across Ontario take part in camp programs – across hospitals, in local communities, and at our two medically supported overnight camps.

For Brian, this acceptance is what makes camp so powerful: “What I really like about Campfire Circle is that people come from all over with different conditions and different pasts and different histories, but no one is treated differently. That’s what I believe makes camp so special – because no matter who you are, everyone will still love you.”

For Zein, camp has shaped the way they see their illness and their future: “Camp has really impacted how I view my sickness as a kid. It’s something that I went through, something I’m currently going through, and I’m going to continue doing so – but camp made me see that I can still live a fulfilling life. I can still have friends. I can meet friends that have been through very similar things. Campfire Circle is special because we get to be here around people that are like us, and we get to be here in an accepting environment.”

At camp, kids can find joy and connection in challenging moments. By supporting Campfire Circle, you’re helping kids with cancer or serious illness find laughter, friendship, and resilience.

Join us in bringing healing through happiness.