History
1983
· Camp Oochigeas is founded by Mary Pat Armstrong, Dr. Doug Biggar, Jeanne Gallagher, Peter Miller, and Judy Tripp.
1984
· Camp Oochigeas holds its first one-week session at Geneva Park Resort in Orillia.
· Hugh Rennie is the camp director.
· Approximately 30 campers attend.
1985
· The one-week session is extended to two weeks.
· 63 Campers attend.
1987
· In need of more space to accommodate the growing number of campers, Camp Ooch moves to Rosseau Lake College.
1988
· Dr. Fred’s Med Shed begins construction at Rosseau Lake College.
1993
· Ooch moves into SickKids Hospital with the introduction of Ooch-Too-Nite.
· Camp Ooch moves to its first downtown office.
1997
· The first An Evening of Summer Dreams gala is held.
· 164 Campers and 170 volunteers attend camp.
1998
· Founded by David and Lindy Williams, a third session is added to the summer program.
· 180 campers and 212 volunteers attend camp.
2001
· The “Project Campfire” capital campaign to purchase a permanent site is initiated.
· 182 campers and 211 volunteers attend camp.
2002
· Camp Oochigeas purchases its own site at the location of the former Camp Hollyburn.
· 190 campers and 191 volunteers attend camp.
2004
· The ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new, permanent residential site occurs on June 27, 2004.
· 7Scape, a one-week session for teens is introduced.
· 206 campers and 213 volunteers attend camp.
2005
· Weekends at Camp (WACs) are introduced so campers and counsellors can reconnect even during the off season.
· Camp Teomul, a session for bereaved siblings has its first summer in 2005.
· 209 campers and 194 volunteers attend camp.
· The high ropes course is constructed.
2006
· Ooch Up-Stream, Camp Ooch’s outdoor adventure program, goes on its first trip.
· 237 campers and 186 volunteers attend camp.
2007
· Camp Ooch moves into the city with the introduction of Urban Ooch and Day Camp.
· The in-hospital program is extended to five days a week and is renamed Ooch on the 8th.
· 181 campers attend an Ooch program.
· Ooch offers 231 days of programming.
2008
· Camp Oochigeas celebrates its 25th anniversary.
· Camp Ooch Raises the Roof on “Barny” the barn, a multi-purpose indoor activity space.
· Over 250 campers and 320 volunteers are scheduled to attend camp.
· Ooch offers 508 days of programming.
· Ooch achieves its goal of reaching every child diagnosed with cancer at SickKids Hospital.
Legend
A brave spirit makes all things possible.
The name Oochigeas has special meaning for our campers. Oochigeas is a native legend in which a girl showed great courage and determination in overcoming physical hardships. Her inner courage and gentle strength showed that a brave spirit makes all things possible. That's why at Oochigeas we say: "You have failed only when you have failed to try. Act as if it were impossible to fail and it will be."