New Campers & families
Welcome to Camp Ooch!
We know that the childhood cancer journey can be traumatic, but Camp Ooch offers a different path. Ooch gives kids the healing powers of fun, friendship and self-confidence.
How we help
We’re a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that gives kids affected by childhood cancer unique opportunities for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences. All Ooch programming is provided free of charge.
At Ooch, 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 Ooch 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 after a cancer diagnosis.
Ooch has 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."
— Ooch Camper
Camp programs & locations
In-Hospital programs
We run year-round fun and interactive programs 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.
In-Hospital programs are facilitated by Ooch staff and Volunteers, and are available to both patients and their siblings. We foster fun and friendship in a hospital environment with arts and crafts, games, theme days and science experiments in in-patient and out-patient clinics.
Community programs
Experience the Magic of Ooch 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 other families with similar experiences. We’ve got something for Campers, siblings and your whole family.
Day Camps
We currently 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!
Overnight Camp in Muskoka
Ooch Muskoka is the only place in Canada able to administer IV chemotherapy and blood transfusions in a camp environment. All Campers sleep in cozy cabins and our cooks can accommodate various dietary needs.
Every summer, and on certain weekends throughout the year, Ooch Muskoka hosts all kinds of Overnight programs for a variety of Campers:
- Summer Camp – two-week traditional sessions for children with cancer (ages 6-14)
- 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 Ooch” to help Campers get a taste of Overnight Camp (ages 5-18)
- 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.
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 special Camp Ooch program offered specifically for bereaved siblings (children who have had a sibling die from cancer) and their families. Teomul programs connect kids and families who share similar experiences.
Just like any other Camper, bereaved siblings can participate in Teomul Weekends at Camp (WACs) in the fall and winter, and a week-long Teomul Summer Camp at Ooch Muskoka. We also host various Teomul Community programs across the province.
March Break Day Camp was our first real encounter with Camp, so I was happy and thankful for Ooch coming to Ottawa.
— Rachel, Ooch parent
Read Carissa and Rachel's storyHelpful downloads
Camper & family handbook
Read our handbook for the latest policies and procedures, before you head to Camp - whether you're going for two hours or two whole weeks!
Full programs brochure
Take a peek at our upcoming events and activities brochure so that you can decide which programs are best for your family.
Register for Camp Ooch today!
Questions about Camp
Camp Ooch serves 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 Ooch programs are offered at no cost to your family.
Once a child comes to their first program, they can continue participating in Ooch 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 Ooch
View program calendar
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding registering for Camp Ooch, please contact: