Bringing Camp to Dialysis

For most kids, sitting still for more than a few minutes can feel impossible. For kids on dialysis – whose kidneys aren’t working and who need to spend hours connected to machines several times a week – it’s even more difficult. That’s where Campfire Circle comes in. We provide hands-on programming that helps transform long, clinic days into meaningful moments of play, joy, and connection.

“We have a standing appointment with a four-year-old camper every Thursday,” says Anusha Ramesh, a Campfire Circle In-Hospital Program Specialist at SickKids. “He’s hooked up to machines for most of the day and can’t move much. But the second he sees us, he lights up. He’ll yell, ‘I love Campfire Circle!’ and gets so excited that we’re there.”

Intentionality drives everything we do – crafts are carefully selected to be adaptable to a child’s capacity. When this little camper couldn’t get to the sink, staff brought water to him so he could fully participate in making an “aquarium bag” – a creative, sensory-friendly activity that lets him play and explore. He even built a pretend campfire out of model magic.

“He went from passively watching his iPad to being actively engaged and laughing,” says Anusha. “He didn’t want the session to end. He was shouting, ‘I’m having so much fun!’ and asking if we could do even more.”

At London Health Sciences Centre, Grace Gall, another Campfire Circle In-Hospital Program Specialist says our programming in the dialysis unit is crucial. She was working with a deaf teenager who communicates using Arabic Sign Language. With limited verbal exchange, traditional conversation was difficult. But play was something they could both share.

“Campfire Circle programming is like a universal language,” says Grace. “We were able to connect through games and crafts without needing words. It made the experience so much more inclusive.”

During that visit, Grace set up Kerplunk, Candyland, and Uno – simple games with big impact. The teen, initially quiet and observant, began to smile, wave, and invite her in through gestures and body language. “You could just see her entire demeanor change,” says Grace. “Her face lit up, and even the nurses commented on how different the energy was after we finished.”

Staff and families alike are grateful for the presence of Campfire Circle. “The nurses get excited to see us. Parents are relieved. They thank us for keeping their kids occupied and engaged,” says Anusha. And for caregivers, this programming offers something rare: respite. Grace says, “That guardian typically leaves because we can play games without always talking. It gives them just a quick break.”

Dialysis has become one of Campfire Circle’s newest frontiers for in-hospital programming. This emerging initiative reaches kids and teens who, due to the nature of their treatment, may not have access to many of the social or recreational opportunities found elsewhere in the hospital. Through creativity, we’re bringing camp to kids who need it.