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The power of Camp

Campfire Circle is often referred to as the social cure for cancer. It’s a place where kids play, grow and enjoy new experiences in a safe, welcoming environment. Our programs celebrate kids for who they are – not what they have.

The joy and confidence gained from camp is a crucial aspect of our Campers’ health and well-being. Campfire Circle gives Campers the chance to meet other kids, families or Counsellors who’ve faced the same illnesses, had the same surgeries, or other Campers who know what it’s like to have a sick sibling. Camp restores a sense of normalcy, new found strength and hope.

When you’re at camp, the only elephant in the room is the elephant that Campers have handcrafted out of paper mache and pipe cleaners.

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Making the magic of camp

Camp Ooch was founded in 1983, and Camp Trillium was founded in 1984, with both organizations launching their first summer camp programs in 1984. On January 1, 2020, Camp Ooch and Camp Trillium merged and now leverage their combined strengths, supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer in Ontario with year-round social supports, including programs that meet the wide social, emotional, and developmental needs of Campers.

Professional full-time staff, specially trained medical teams and hundreds of volunteers help us serve kids and their families in communities and paediatric oncology centres, and at three camp sites across Ontario, including Campfire Circle Muskoka, the only overnight oncology camp in Canada able to provide onsite IV chemotherapy and blood transfusions. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual camp programs are keeping our community together even when we’re apart!