All about us

Childhood cancer changes lives

So does camp. Campfire Circle is a privately funded charity that brings laughter and joy to kids and families affected by childhood cancer.

Year-round community, in-hospital and overnight camp programs deliver fun, friendship and a sense of community at any stage of a childhood cancer journey.

Our Model 2021 Impact

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.

Donate now Our Vision

campers in life jackets canoeing

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!

Donate now
camper climbing the wall at ooch downtown with counselors in background

"My first summer, I ended up getting chemo twice at camp. It was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience, being in a hospital chair one minute and in the lake the next!"

— Marisa, Camper

More about us

Our History

Thanks to your support, we've grown so much since our humble beginnings in the 1980s. Learn about our journey here.

Our History

Our Partners

We partner with Ontario's best paediatric oncology hospitals and camp associations. Much of our work wouldn't be possible without them.

Campfire Circle Partners

Our Leadership

Our incredible team is led by a diverse Board of Directors and staff leadership team.

Our Leadership

Strategic Advisory Council

We are grateful for the Strategic Advisory Council, a group of accomplished leaders who provide strategic insight and guidance.

Strategic Advisory Council

Careers at Campfire Circle

Join our incredible team! View all available positions at Campfire Circle

Careers at Campfire Circle

Accountabililty & Impact

Review our annual and impact reports, volunteers/donor roll and policy information.

Accountability & Impact

Rent Campfire Circle Facilities

Book your next event at our well-equipped Downtown or Muskoka or Rainbow Lake locations! You can rent anything from boardrooms to cabins, or rooftop patios to climbing walls.

Rent Our Facilities

Contact Us

We're available during regular working hours for any questions regarding programs, fundraising, donations, and more.

Contact Campfire Circle

Help support Campfire Circle

Donate now

Give today to help us expand and bring more camp to more kids and families across Ontario, including our new virtual programs!

Apply to volunteer

Volunteering at CAMPFIRE CIRCLE is unlike any experience you've ever had—we guarantee it.

Stay in touch

Learn what’s happening at Campfire Circle throughout the year with the Friends of Camp  newsletter.

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