Baby Olympics

At Campfire Circle, we believe that every child – no matter their medical circumstances –deserves the chance to play, grow, and feel like a kid. This past summer, our team brought that philosophy to 4D, the cardiology unit at SickKids, where seven children were supported by Berlin Hearts, a type of Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) often called an “external heart.”

For families, the Berlin Heart is both lifesaving and life-changing. Babies and toddlers are tethered to a machine the size of a small dishwasher, attached by tubes that never disconnect. Most children spend months (sometimes up to a year) waiting for a transplant while connected to this device. For these little campers, that means missing out on the normal developmental experiences of play, movement, and exploration.

That’s how Campfire Circle’s Baby Olympics was born – inspired by our commitment to bringing camp programming to every setting. Using tiny pylons, cups, foam sport balls, and plenty of imagination, we designed playful “training sessions” tailored to even the smallest campers. Babies chose their sport – soccer, basketball, golf, or football – through a reach, a point, an eye gaze, or even a giggle. Then came the fun: crib scrimmages with sibling referees, stuffed animals as teammates, and nurses as cheerleaders.

A bonus? The medals. Miniature All-Star awards quickly became prized possessions, proudly displayed on IV poles across the unit. They sparked joy, conversation, and connection – for patients, siblings, caregivers, and staff. One proud eight-year-old sister now tells anyone who will listen that her baby brother can slam dunk at just five months old.

Baby Olympics has grown to include new sports like “bubble smushing.” Each activity is designed to promote development, encourage family bonding, and create a sense of normalcy and fun.

Now, when we walk onto 4D, we’re greeted with excitement: “What sport are we playing today?” It’s a simple reminder that camp is a feeling of joy, belonging, and community that can be shared anywhere, with any child, at any age.