Volunteers – What Keeps...
Jan 29, 2026
At Campfire Circle, our incredible volunteers make the camp experience truly one-of-a-kind – and we wouldn’t be able to serve hundreds of kids and families without them. Volunteering for a new organization can feel a little nerve-racking, but many of our familiar faces keep coming back year after year. We asked them: “Why do you […]...Learn More
RAINBOW LAKE FAMILY CAMP
Dec 19, 2025
Why Family Camp Matters When a child is diagnosed with cancer or a serious illness, life changes overnight. Hospital visits, treatment schedules, fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion quickly become part of a family’s daily rhythm. Moments of rest – true rest – can feel impossible. That’s why places like Rainbow Lake matter so deeply. For Mikelle […]...Learn More
LCBO Holiday Campaign Brings...
Dec 16, 2025
This holiday season, LCBO customers across Ontario can give the gift of joy and connection to kids who need it most. Campfire Circle is proud to once again be an LCBO beneficiary during the 2025 ’Tis the Season of Giving fundraising campaign, running from November 28 to December 31 in store. At checkout, LCBO customers […]...Learn More
Finding Friendship at Camp
Dec 09, 2025
When Ben was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma at four and a half, arts and crafts with Campfire Circle quickly became his source of comfort. “When he was in the clinic, it was arts and crafts. When he was admitted, it was more arts and crafts,” says his mom, Amber. Through long days of treatment […]...Learn More
Bonfire Bash Raises $2.6...
Nov 14, 2025
On November 5, 2025, our community came together for a sold-out event. More than 800 guests filled the Automotive Building at Toronto’s Exhibition Place for our Bonfire Bash Gala, presented by GFL Environmental Inc. It was an unforgettable celebration of generosity and connection – raising over $2.6 million to help kids with cancer or serious […]...Learn More
Finding Light in the...
Nov 13, 2025
Just before the holidays, Filomena and Natalie were preparing for a season of celebration. The tree was decorated, gifts were wrapped, and their home was filled with anticipation. But as the days passed, worry began to replace excitement. Their three-year-old son, Carter, had a fever that wouldn’t go away. On the morning of December 23, […]...Learn More
Giving Back to Camp
Nov 10, 2025
For Angelina, Campfire Circle is more than just a summer tradition—it’s a place of belonging, growth, and unforgettable experiences. She first attended camp at 10 years old as a bereaved sibling, and like many first-time campers, Angelina felt a mix of nerves and excitement when she arrived. But a welcoming counsellor quickly eased her fears. […]...Learn More
Bid on a Canadian...
Nov 03, 2025
What if a single paddle could change a child’s life? That’s the spirit behind Campfire Circle’s Paddle Project, where more than 100 Canadian artists, athletes, and creators transform canoe paddles into stunning works of art – all to help kids with cancer or serious illness rediscover the joy of being kids. Presented by BMO, this […]...Learn More
Finding His Place at...
Oct 21, 2025
When Ollie was seven years old, his world changed in an instant. In November 2019, he was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK positive) – a rare and aggressive form of cancer. After two rounds of chemotherapy, the cancer relapsed in his central nervous system, and Ollie lost his sight permanently. “Those were terrifying […]...Learn More
Emmanuelle Gattuso Makes a...
Oct 17, 2025
Philanthropist Emmanuelle Gattuso has made a milestone $20 million donation to Campfire Circle to fuel our bold vision to grow from serving 3,000 kids a year to 10,000 by 2030, by expanding our in-hospital programming and building a new medical camp in Prince Edward County. Emmanuelle Gattuso is one of Canada’s most dedicated philanthropists, known […]...Learn More
Thank you, Dr. Sarah,...
Oct 09, 2025
We’re extremely grateful to Dr. Sarah Alexander for her years of service as Campfire Circle’s Medical Director and Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee. As the Clinical Director, Division of Haematology/Oncology at SickKids, Dr. Sarah first joined Campfire Circle (then Camp Ooch) in 2014 as a summer camp doctor and was appointed to our Board […]...Learn More
Baby Olympics
Sep 23, 2025
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) […]...Learn More
Priscilla’s Gift to Campfire...
Sep 12, 2025
For Priscilla Wright, music has been a constant thread woven throughout her life. Growing up with a father who was a choral director and music educator, she learned early on how music can bring people together. “My father could take a classroom of kids and, within 20 minutes, have them singing in four-part harmony,” she […]...Learn More
Sickle Cell Awareness Month:...
Sep 10, 2025
During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, we recognize the many campers we serve living with sickle cell disease – a condition that affects red blood cells and often leads to painful episodes, fatigue, and serious health complications. For kids, these challenges can feel especially isolating. “Camp is so important for kids, in particular with […]...Learn More
Finding Joy and Belonging:...
Sep 09, 2025
Every September, we shine a light on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and recognize the thousands of kids and families we serve across our programs. While cancer brings long hospital stays and arduous treatments, Campfire Circle provides opportunities for kids to take back their childhood, build self-confidence, and create long-lasting friendships. “At Campfire Circle, if you […]...Learn More
Leaving a Legacy of...
Sep 05, 2025
When Michael Beerden reflects on his life, it’s filled with stories of resilience, compassion, and quiet heroism – qualities that have shaped his decision to leave a legacy gift to Campfire Circle in his will. A retired nurse with a long career in trauma and neurosurgery, Michael knows firsthand the impact illness has on families. […]...Learn More
From Camper Parent to...
Aug 22, 2025
When Traci first arrived at Campfire Circle (then Camp Trillium) with her family in 2012, she didn’t know how much they needed it. Now, more than a decade later, she returns not as a camper parent, but as a volunteer – eager to give back to the community that gave her family comfort during their […]...Learn More
Stu and Kim Lang...
Aug 14, 2025
Philanthropists Stu and Kim Lang have made a landmark $15 million donation to Campfire Circle, a charity that delivers year-round, play-based programs to children with serious illness. This transformative gift – the largest individual donation in the organization’s history – will help fund the expansion of in-hospital programs across Ontario and the creation of a […]...Learn More
Bringing Camp to Dialysis
Aug 05, 2025
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, […]...Learn More
Finding Freedom, Friendship &...
Jul 31, 2025
As we gear up for R4//Campfire Circle, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible riders who make this journey so special. Meet Elise – a long-time rider, leadership committee member, and team captain of KindHuman. Since joining the R4//Campfire Circle community in 2022 Elise has been a passionate force on and […]...Learn More
Emerson Gets to Experience...
Jul 14, 2025
At 10 years old, Emerson knows what it means to live a different kind of normal. But this August, he’s doing something wonderfully ordinary: heading to overnight camp, just like any other kid. Emerson was born prematurely with his identical twin brother, Winston, at just 29 weeks. From the start, he faced serious medical challenges. […]...Learn More
Creating a More Inclusive...
Jun 17, 2025
At Campfire Circle, we believe every camper deserves to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. Before every summer, we host our Campfire Conference where volunteers, staff, and community members gather for a full day of professional development sessions, connection, and fun. From deepening our understanding of our Indigenous history to learning strategies to […]...Learn More
From Day Camper to...
Jun 16, 2025
For Adrian, Campfire Circle has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. He first attended Campfire Circle in 2010 at our day camp hosted at Camp Robin Hood. Although his first session started with a few tears, Adrian quickly adjusted and found a home at overnight camp. Every summer, […]...Learn More
Breaking Barriers for Kids...
May 27, 2025
When Rosie was two and a half, she was diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), a non-malignant brain tumor, that her mom Katy describes as “persistent and life-altering.” Rosie’s condition means she has limited mobility and low vision. For Rosie, Campfire Circle is a place where she can participate fully and safely. “There’s nowhere else we’d […]...Learn More
A Partnership Grounded in...
May 27, 2025
At Campfire Circle, we offer unique opportunities to kids with life-limiting illnesses, all thanks to the generosity of our long-term partners, like Kinross Gold Corporation. Thanks to their 16 years of support, we’ve been able to provide camp programs to thousands of children and families across Ontario, helping them build friendships, resilience, and unforgettable memories. […]...Learn More
Celebrating Our Nurses –...
May 16, 2025
For Ridwaanah, providing care goes beyond medicine—it’s about presence, creativity, and fun. “You’ll use your clinical skills, yes, but you’ll also choreograph dances and cheer at talent shows. It’s rewarding in every way,” she says. Inspired to become a nurse after volunteering at SickKids in high school, now Ridwaanah is a part of the Cardiac […]...Learn More
Celebrating Our Nurses –...
May 16, 2025
Rachel’s journey into nursing began when she was just 12 years old, visiting a friend at SickKids. “I was in awe,” she recalls. “So many people working together to care for kids who needed it most.” That same friend introduced her to Campfire Circle, and at 19, Rachel joined as a camp counsellor and then […]...Learn More
Celebrating Our Nurses –...
May 16, 2025
For Ava, returning to Campfire Circle each summer is more than a job—it’s a homecoming. Now a nurse in an adult hospice centre in Ottawa, she first came to Campfire Circle as a camper when it was Camp Trillium. Years later, inspired by her mother’s work in community care and her own camp memories, she […]...Learn More
Honouring Nurses and the...
May 15, 2025
As we celebrate National Nursing Week, we’re shining a light on the partnerships and people who make healing through happiness possible. We are especially grateful to McKesson Canada and its INVIVA team for their unique and multi-faceted partnership. Not only do they provide our camp with compassionate, skilled nurse volunteers, they’re also doubling the impact […]...Learn More
Why Alain Rides: A...
May 14, 2025
Meet Alain Paquette Every rider in Tour d’Epicure has a reason for showing up. For Alain Paquette, a proud six-time participant, it’s about giving kids with cancer or serious illness the chance to just be kids. “Camp provides a safe and joyful environment where they can connect with others who understand their journey while receiving […]...Learn More
