From Camper to Lifelong Community

Vanessa’s story with Campfire Circle begins in the summer of 1994, just shy of her sixth birthday, becoming the youngest camper the organization has ever welcomed. Her parents were very hesitant to send her as they didn’t quite understand camp’s appeal.

But everything changed when then Camp Director Doug convinced them to give it a try.

Since that first moment, Campfire Circle became Vanessa’s community, and it helped her shape who is she is today. Even as life outside of camp changed – school, career, adulthood – camp remained a constant. A place where she could reconnect, contribute, and be part of something bigger than herself.

In 2007, Vanessa began to volunteer, and last year, she got the honour of being a co-counsellor with the camp director who once started her story.

“It was a full-circle moment,” says Vanessa. “It was an amazing experience working with Doug and learning from him after all these years.”

As a volunteer, Vanessa naturally gravitates toward spending time with teenagers at camp. “I remember being their age and seeing my counsellors as role models,” she says. “Now I try to be the same for them.”

The skills Vanessa developed as a counsellor – patience, empathy, creativity, and the ability to build trust – translated seamlessly into her current role as a Child Life Specialist.

Whether she’s supporting a child in a hospital or guiding a camper through a pottery project, her work closely mirrors what happens at camp every day: helping kids feel safe, understood, and empowered, even in challenging circumstances.
It also helped shape Vanessa’s path beyond camp.

“What I love about camp is that no one is singled out like they might be at home or at school. Everyone is the same, everyone fits in, and you don’t have to be ashamed or embarrassed about the medications you take or the diagnosis you have. You get to focus on the importance of just being a kid or a teenager,” says Vanessa.

This year, Vanessa celebrates 20 years of making an impact.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that Campfire Circle is a lifelong path – one that shapes how campers show up as they are and how they show up for others, year after year.

Join us in wishing Vanessa an incredible 20 years of dedication – we are proud of you!