New Campers & families
Welcome to camp!
The childhood cancer journey can be traumatic but we offer a different path offering kids and families the healing powers of fun, friendship, and self-confidence. Check out our latest program brochures to decide what’s best for you and your family.
We are working towards bringing back in-person programs this summer, including modified overnight camp, day camp and community programs. No matter what—camp will continue to be there for kids and families through in-hospital and virtual programs, all across Ontario.
Current brochure Upcoming brochureHow we help
We’re a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides families affected by childhood cancer unique opportunities for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences. All of our programming is provided free of charge.
At camp, you’re never alone – you’ll meet kids and families just like yours. We offer a wide range of programs for kids affected by childhood cancer and siblings, ages 0-18.
Some Campers are newly diagnosed and on active treatment, while others have been in remission for years. We also have special programs for bereaved children who have lost a sibling to cancer.
We have something for the whole family.
Camp is a place where you meet people who've gone through what you’ve gone through. You’re no longer different, you’re just the same. You can reach goals that seem impossible elsewhere.
— Camper
Camp programs & locations
In-hospital programs
We run fun and interactive programs year-round for children ages 0-18 in a number of specialized paediatric care centres across Ontario: SickKids, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, Credit Valley Hospital (Trillium Health Partners), Rouge Valley Centenary (Scarborough Health Network) and Southlake Regional Health Centre. Programing during the pandemic may ebb and flow depending upon local community directives.
In-hospital programs are facilitated by our staff and volunteers, and are available to patients and their siblings. We foster fun and friendship in a hospital environment with arts and crafts, games, theme days and science experiments in our in-patient and out-patient clinics. New since 2020 are virtual camp equivalents!
Community programs
Experience the magic of camp across Ontario in Toronto, Hamilton, London, Ottawa and Sudbury. Community programs give year-round opportunities for Campers and families to have fun together and meet others with similar experiences. We’ve got something for every member of the family. New since 2020 are virtual camp equivalents, available to all eligible families, anywhere in Ontario!
Day Camps
We typically offer summer day camp programs in Ottawa, and at Camp Robin Hood and Ooch Downtown in Toronto. You can also attend March Break Day Camps in London, Toronto and Ottawa. At day camp, Campers and their siblings get a full week of new experiences, friendship and fun. New since 2020 are virtual camp equivalents!
Overnight Camp
Overnight Camp is offered in all four seasons. Even Campers undergoing the most intense stages of their cancer treatment can attend. Immersed in nature, camp helps kids recapture a spirit of fun, friendship, self-confidence, and independence.
At family camp, families leave their cares behind to enjoy special times together away from home and hospitals, make new friends and build memories that last a lifetime.
Every summer, and on certain weekends throughout the year, we host all kinds of overnight programs for a variety of Campers. Please see our brochure for modifications in 2021 due to the pandemic:
- Summer Camp – one and two-week traditional sessions for children with cancer and their families, including siblings
- Teomul – a one-week session in summer and weekend sessions in fall and winter for bereaved siblings (ages 6-18)
- Weekends at Camp (WACs) – fall and winter “booster shots of Camp” to help Campers get a taste of overnight camp (ages 5-18), or reconnect with camp friends (all ages)
- 7Scape – a one-week experience for teens with cancer (ages 15-18)
Leadership programs
Ooch offers various leadership programs and wilderness camping trips for teen Campers ages 14 -18 throughout the year. Through workshops, discussions and experiential learning, we help young adults build on existing skills and develop new ones. New in 2020 are virtual camp equivalents!
Programs include (but not limited to):
- High school credit program – teens with cancer can earn a Grade 11 health and physical education credit at overnight camp in the summer
- Wilderness camping Trips – throughout the year for teens with cancer and bereaved siblings. Activities could include canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing and more
- Community leadership programs – year-round for siblings, Campers and bereaved siblings
- Leadership-in-training programs at overnight Camp – for teens with cancer and bereaved siblings (ages 16-18)
Teomul
Teomul is a program offered specifically for children who have had a sibling die from cancer, including their families, connecting them with others who share similar experiences.
Bereaved siblings can participate in Teomul weekends at camp in the fall and winter, and a week-long Teomul summer camp is offered to families. Teomul community programs also occur across the province.
March Break day camp was our first real encounter with camp, so I was happy and thankful that camp is available in Ottawa.
— Rachel, grateful parent
Read Carissa and Rachel's storyVirtual camp programs
COVID can’t stop camp!
Camper Handbook
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Questions about camp
We serve children and families affected by childhood cancer. Please complete and submit an inquiry form. A member of our medical team will be happy to follow up with you to discuss eligibility within 5 business days.
Camp is free! All programs are offered at no cost to your family.
Once a child comes to their first program, they can continue participating in camp programs until they turn 19 years old.
You can register your family by logging into your Family Account. Once logged in, click on the enrollment tag to start selecting which programs your child or family would like to attend.
If you do not have a family account, please fill out an inquiry form. Our medical team will review your application and contact you if they have questions about your eligibility.
See what's happening at camp
Summer camp brochure
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding registering for camp, please contact: