Campfire Circle Autour du Feu

Since 1983 Campfire Circle has brought healing through happiness to kids with cancer or serious illness and their families. Through our in-hospital community and overnight camp programs we create opportunities for children to build friendships and social skills develop self-confidence and resiliency and improve their overall well-being. By providing play-based experiences we empower kids to take back their childhood regardless of their medical diagnosis. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers 2024 was a year of transformative growth for Campfire Circle with 5 000 unique campers served across all programs. We reached 45% more medically fragile children and their families this year bringing camp experiences to 1 600 more campers across Ontario compared to 2023. By deepening our partnerships with our paediatric healthcare partners we reached 40% more patients in hospitals—an impact felt by 2 970 children who found moments of fun and connection during serious medical challenges. This year our overnight camps at Muskoka and Rainbow Lake welcomed more campers expanding our reach by 25% and giving 500 more kids and families the chance to experience the joy of camp all-year round. Our programs are accessible to kids on active treatment or requiring complex medical care. Campfire Circle’s innovative programming established the international standards for medically supported camps and paved the way for others around the world. A cancer or serious illness diagnosis impacts the well-being and mental health of the family unit. Campers siblings caregivers—the entire family can participate in a variety of unique community programs close to home or through our family camp experiences. Campfire Circle fosters resilience hope and lifelong connections through intentional programming. Our evidence-based methods help to build skills and competencies—and the impact is measurable. Programs include but are not limited to: 1) In-Hospital Programs: Daily at SickKids McMaster Children’s Children’s Hospital London Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario; 2) Community Programs: Day Camps and Single Day Programs for children and families across Ontario; and 3) Overnight Camps: Summer & Weekend Camps for children and families at the Camp’s two operational sites: Waterford Rosseau. The camp's main administrative headquarters is in downtown Toronto.