Camp Begins at The Bedside

ethan sitting in a hospital bed

We first met Ethan and his family when he was undergoing treatment for his brain tumour. At McMaster Children’s Hospital, our program specialists would visit Ethan at his bedside, working around his various appointments. Whenever Campfire Circle’s In-Hospital Program Specialists came to visit, he would always light up, sit up tall, eager to play games, sing, or do a craft. Campfire Circle’s team are slime-making pros, but in their big bin of fun, they also have supplies to make volcanos, bracelets, or do a ‘craft of the day,’ which could be things like gem mining or paper bag puppets.

At McMaster, we provide programming for the entire haematology/oncology in-patient floor. Every single day, our program specialists find creative and inspiring ways to bring camp fun to kids and families. Thanks to generous donors, we were able to deliver more than 940 camp experiences this year, meeting patients like Ethan, who were on active treatment.

ethan with his father sitting in a hospital bed

“I think of Campfire Circle as bringing something silly to something serious. Kids in the hospital don’t get a lot of choice: they receive treatments, doctors and nurses are bustling in and out, machines are beeping and rattling,” says Maddie Rawling, Campfire Circle’s Manager of In-Hospital Programs in Southwestern Ontario. “We get to bring fun to the hospital. Campfire Circle has amazing community programs, day camp, and overnight programs, but every camper journey begins in the hospital. We bring the camp adventure right to bedsides.”

Trust Blossoms

Campfire Circle often meets families on the first day of a diagnosis and a bond begins to form. What starts with a simple half-hour activity can turn into a longstanding relationship. Campfire Circle is there for every part of kids and families’ medical journey.

Last summer, Ethan got the chance to take part in overnight camp. Just before he left, his parents had many concerns because his headaches were worse than ever, so much so that he was taking morphine for the pain.

“We took a leap of faith and sent him,” recall Ian and Stacey, Ethan’s parents. “When he was at camp, he didn’t even need a Tylenol! It truly was ‘healing through happiness’!”

But that wasn’t the only transformation.

ethan on the high ropes course at camp in muskoka

“Ethan has always been terrified of heights. Imagine our surprise and delight when we heard that Ethan made it up to the highest point on the high ropes course!” says Ian and Stacey. “No matter how sick Ethan is, we know in our hearts he will be safe, but not just safe, he’s experiencing amazing new things! Camp really is magic—it’s like the world stops just a little bit and gives these kids lifetime memories and unforgettable moments.”

Gifts are Matched this Holiday Season

In addition to our community-based programs and our two medically supported overnight camps, donations help support Campfire Circle’s In-Hospital Programs year-round across Ontario, including Toronto, London, Hamilton, Ottawa, and at satellite centres.

This Giving Tuesday, donations made on or before November 28 are triple-matched by the Longo Family Foundation, and during the holiday season until December 31, donations are double-matched matched.

No gift is too small, and the need is great. Help make an impact to deliver three times more camp adventures at the bedside. Consider donating to our holiday campaign to support more kids like Ethan.

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