Our Wish:
By the girls of the cabin group CHILL, 7SCAPE ‘05

Closing Campfire, August 26, 2005

We all believe that each one of us is here today for a special reason. Some could say that this is our second chance at life; others could say that this is a new outlook on dreams and expectations.

Everyone here tonight has a special bond with one another – a bond which helps to heal pain and to celebrate our accomplishments. We have all realized how short and precious the gift of life is, and with this gift that we are given we wish that you all live life to the fullest, and never look back with any regrets. May we all live in good health, with the love and support from those surrounding us. Whenever we feel lonely, or are in a time of need, think back to this night in this magical place. In this moment we are all more than friends. We are all one big family who has travelled the same path. Only we can give each other the comfort and shoulder to lean on that we need.

“When I was diagnosed in December of 2000, my family and friends did their best to try and help me cope with everything that was going on. It really wasn’t until I came to Ooch in the following summer that I found a place with amazing people and friends who could really understand and relate to how I was feeling, and who could really help me cope. This right away showed me the magic of Ooch.” - Lauren.

We wish that you all realize how truly lucky and fortunate that you are to have the chance to come to Ooch: a place where we have all grown to learn to love ourselves for who we are – inside and out. Each scar represents the hardships and challenges that each has overcome. We are able to share stories and we wish that all of you are proud of your scars and that you freely embrace the differences that make you unique. We also wish that all of the staff and counsellors here at Ooch that became our friends and leaders truly understand what they mean to us. Though you may not realize, your caring hearts touch us all. It is because of you that we are able to explore the aspects of our teenage-hood that were so quickly taken from us. It is because of you that we have this opportunity to stand tall, smile, laugh, play and remember what it is like to have fun again. You help us to push our boundaries and go places that we have never dreamed of. The magical healing power that you posses is contagious. The doctors may have helped us to heal from cancer, but it is your positive energy that has healed our souls. For the previous campers at Ooch that have returned once again to camp as staff - you inspire us all. You are proof to us that life can get back on track. It is with these success stories that give us hope of a colourful future.

“By watching these individuals, I have begun to accept cancer as a part of my life and have realized that it is something that I cannot escape, but must embrace in order to be happy.” – Kyra

You have no idea how much we appreciate your love and support. Even if we don’t show it, we thank you daily with all of our hearts for continuously being there when we need help, for recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, and for opening our lives to a brighter world.

“As a result from treatment, I was left with short term memory loss which made me feel less capable than others. The counsellors helped me to realize that it is not important to focus on what people think of me, but what I feel about myself.” – Emma

We hope that you will fully understand how much your presence affects the way that our lives will change for the better when we return home tomorrow. Each counsellor and staff member at Ooch has touched our hearts and the memories you have created for us this past week will continue to follow us and further aid our healing journey. We would like to give a special thanks to our counsellors that have been by our sides for the past seven days.

Sue: Although you tease us about not needing the counsellors, it is your nurturing and protective nature that helped to keep us feeling safe throughout the week. You always have a positive attitude, even when overcoming your fears. You’re great at acting out characters in the dining hall and especially at spas! And you always are there for the Kodak moments.

Michelle: Our spandex lovin’ girl in socks and Birkenstocks. You are always up for a challenge and have a great sense of perseverance. You are one of the special ’snuggle bunnies’ and can easily bring a smile to our faces. You’re always up for a new challenge and you find unique ways to overcome them – such as practicing on tree stumps.

Jenn: You have such inspiring drive. Your love for sports and your passion for trying new things always motivates us to step up to a challenge - such as your daily morning rows on the dock. You always find time to spend with us, even when you are busy passing your positive energy along to others at water skiing. You stay true to your word and are always up for an adventure – whether it be a run in the woods or a swim around the lake. Your stories and jokes make us smile from ear to ear.

Cayleigh: Our other ’snuggle bunny’. Your ongoing energy and enthusiasm keep us going through the day. Your supportive cheers on the adventure course and crazy poses for the camera will be missed. You have incredible spunk and a contagious laugh which has spread throughout the cabin and to all of us.

We can’t begin to explain how thankful we are to have the chance to meet you.

“Camp Ooch has given me so much hope, and I love how kind and caring everyone is at camp. The memories made here will always be kept close to my heart. I cannot describe in words how I feel, but I know that I will miss you all.” - Monica.

Our wish for all of our counsellors is to have your dreams and wishes to come true.

But our biggest wish for everyone here tonight is to look at your life for what it really is. Remember to STRETCH your mind and boundaries; CONNECT with those around you; EMERGE from the shadows and don’t be afraid to be who you truly are. THINK about, and remember all the good times that we have shared this week; ESCAPE from everyday life when times get rough, yet realize the challenges that Ooch has helped you to overcome. And last – but certainly not least – allow yourself to CHILL and live life as it is meant to be lived.

“Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift.”