About Camp oochigeas
Camp Oochigeas: A Haven for Children and Families Affected by Childhood Cancer
Camp Oochigeas, also known as Campfire Circle, is a privately funded nonprofit oncology camp that provides support to children and families affected by childhood cancer. The camp was founded in 1983 with the aim of providing a safe haven for children with cancer where they can have fun, make friends, and forget about their illness for a while.
Over the years, Camp Oochigeas has grown to become one of the largest oncology camps in Canada. The camp offers year-round programs that cater to children aged 4-18 who are either undergoing treatment or in remission from cancer. These programs include summer camps, family weekends, day trips, and in-hospital programming.
The summer camps are held at two locations - one on an island on Lake Couchiching near Orillia and another at a wilderness site near Rosseau. The camps run for two weeks each during July and August and offer a wide range of activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, archery, arts & crafts, drama & music therapy sessions among others.
Family weekends are held throughout the year at various locations across Ontario. These weekends provide an opportunity for families affected by childhood cancer to come together and enjoy some quality time away from hospitals and treatment centers. Activities during these weekends include horseback riding, rock climbing wall challenges among others.
In-hospital programming is offered to children who are unable to attend the summer camps due to their medical condition or treatment schedule. This program brings some of the fun activities from camp right into their hospital rooms through visits from trained volunteers who engage them in games such as board games or video games.
Camp Oochigeas is run by a team of dedicated staff members who work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that every child who attends any of its programs has an unforgettable experience filled with joyous memories. The camp is also supported by a team of volunteers who give their time and resources to ensure that the programs run smoothly.
The impact of Camp Oochigeas on the lives of children and families affected by childhood cancer cannot be overstated. For many children, the camp provides a much-needed break from the stress and anxiety that comes with cancer treatment. It also provides an opportunity for them to meet other children who are going through similar experiences, which can be very comforting.
For parents, Camp Oochigeas provides a sense of relief knowing that their child is in good hands while they take some time off to recharge or attend to other family matters. The camp also offers support groups for parents where they can share their experiences with others who understand what they are going through.
In conclusion, Camp Oochigeas is more than just a summer camp - it's a lifeline for children and families affected by childhood cancer. Its programs provide hope, healing, and happiness to those who need it most. If you're looking for ways to support this amazing organization, you can donate your time or resources or make a financial contribution towards its mission of providing joyous memories for kids with cancer.
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