Here are a few frequently asked questions
Q. What is summer camp and what will my child do there?
Q. Why should I send my child to Camp Oochigeas?
Q. What does it cost to send my child to Camp Oochigeas?
Q. How will I get my child to camp?
Q. What kind of medical care is provided for my child while they are at camp?
Q. Who will look after the daily needs of my child?
Q. Where will my child sleep and who will they live with at camp?
Q. How do I register my child for camp?
Q. How can I best prepare my child for the summer camp experience?
Q. Can the camp accommodate special dietary needs?
Q. Can I call my child or can they call me while they are at camp?
Q. Can I visit my child at camp?
Q. Where is Camp Oochigeas?
Q. What is summer camp and what will my child do there?
A. Camp Oochigeas is a summer camp for children living with cancer. We accept campers who are newly diagnosed, in the midst of cancer treatment, or who have recently finished their treatment protocol.
It is a place where children can participate in all kinds of activities and learn new skills in a wilderness setting. But more importantly participating in these activities teaches children problem solving and social skills that they will be able to use in their everyday life whether they are at school, home or play. At camp your child will be given every opportunity possible to participate in the activities. At Camp Oochigeas each camper is challenged at their own level and given the chance to achieve their personal goals.
Q. Why should I send my child to Camp Oochigeas?
A. There are many good reasons to send your child to camp, but the short answer is that it will be good for both of you. Your child will be in a place where they will receive care from skilled healthcare professionals and experienced counsellors. Camp Oochigeas will offer your child a chance to discover their independence, build their self-confidence and establish new friendships with peers. One of the most devastating aspects of childhood cancer is that it removes children from their peer group. Camp places children back in their peer group and gives them the support and encouragement they need to thrive and grow — Camp Ooch lets kids be kids. The experience will also have tremendous benefits for you. It will provide you with a 2-week break from the care and supervision of your child so that you can spend time with your other children, your spouse or even have time for yourself.
Q. What does it cost to send my child to Camp Oochigeas?
A. There is no cost for you to send your child to Camp Oochigeas. The camp program is offered free of charge to children living with cancer.
Q. How will I get my child to camp?
A. You can drive your child to camp but we suggest that they take the bus. Taking the bus is a great way to meet other kids and get excited about being at camp for two weeks. The bus leaves from Toronto. If you live in Northern Ontario we will work with you to arrange transportation to camp for your child. If you live far enough away that flying would be the most practial option we will arrange for your child to fly to Toronto so that they can catch the bus up to camp.
Q. What kind of medical care is provided for my child while they are at camp?
A. A pediatric oncologist, 2 pediatric oncology nurses and an additional pediatric nurse are onsite at Camp Oochigeas 24 hours a day. Chemotherapy, and blood and platelet transfusions are given onsite in the Camp Med Shed. Every effort is made to fit chemo around the camper’s schedule so that they spend a minimal amount of time as a patient and as much time as possible just being a kid.
Q. Who will look after the daily needs of my child?
A. All the counsellors at Camp Oochigeas are volunteers. Each counsellor must be a minimum of 19 years of age and have completed a CPR and First Aid course. Many volunteers have also received training in water safety. Most of the counsellors are skilled individuals who have experience working and living with children in a summer camp environment. Some of the volunteers are also former Camp Ooch campers. They bring a unique perspective to camp and can truly relate to the camper experience. Camp Oochigeas volunteers are wonderful role models; they come from a wide range of professional backgrounds including teaching, law and business. Each volunteer is screened and interviewed by the Camp Director and goes through an annual Canada wide criminal record check.
Q. Where will my child sleep and who will they live with at camp?
A. Campers sleep in large residence buildings. These buildings are equipped with full washrooms including running water, flush toilets and showers. Campers typically sleep 4 or 6 to a room depending on the cabin group size. Counsellor rooms are attached to camper rooms by a hallway and are typically next door to camper rooms. There are separate residences for girls and boys.
Q. How do I register my child for camp?
A. Registration for camp begins in February. The best way to register your child for Camp Ooch is to ask your contact nurse for a registration package. Once you have completed the forms in the package return them to the Camp Office. If you are waiting for your child’s doctor to complete the medical forms please send in the registration forms first and then send us the medical forms once you get them back from the doctor. Registrations are accepted on a first come first served basis. We do take registrations for camp throughout the spring and summer and it is never too late to register. If you have questions about registering for camp please call the office at 416-961-6624.
Q. How can I best prepare my child for the summer camp experience?
A. There are many things that you can do to help your child prepare for camp. First of all, include them in the decision to go. You can also include them in the registration process by discussing what session they would like to go to. Include them in the packing process, create a calendar to count down to the day that they leave for camp and talk about the activities and new things that they will be able to try at camp. The best thing you can do for your child is tell them that you are proud of them for going to camp. It is important to let them know that you will miss them while they are gone, but saying things like “I don’t know what I will do without you” could make your child feel guilty about going away. Tell your child you are happy and that you hope they will try new things and make new friends, and that you will be excited to hear all their great stories when they return.
Q. Can the camp accommodate special dietary needs?
A. All the food at Camp Oochigeas is prepared in the camp kitchen by professional catering staff. There is a range of healthy and fun foods served at camp. The menu is balanced and nutritious and the food is prepared with skill and according to provincial safety standards. There are hot and cold breakfasts including cereals, pastries, eggs and pancakes. Lunches are sandwiches, chicken burgers and grilled cheese. For dinner there might be pizza, a vegetable stir fry or spaghetti. A salad bar is open to campers at lunch and dinner. There is fruit available throughout the day for a snack. Milk and juice are available at every meal. If your child has special dietary needs, such as allergies or intolerances to certain foods, or is a vegetarian, all you need to do is let us know on the registration form and we will do our best to meet your child’s needs. We realize that many children are fussy eaters and that some children who are on treatment develop dislikes for certain foods. We make every effort to provide alternatives to these campers.
Q. Can I call my child or can they call me while they are at camp?
A. No. Campers are not allowed to use the phone while they are at camp. We believe strongly that the time your child is at camp is a time for them to be independent. If you would like to know how your child is doing you are welcome to call the camp and speak with the Director. If your child is scheduled to have chemo or blood work done you are welcome to call and find out how it went or learn the results from one of the camp nurses. We encourage you to write or fax your child. Receiving letters from home is a great treat for campers and something that they get excited about. If you would like your child to write home we encourage you to send paper and pre-addressed envelopes with your child. Counsellors will encourage their campers to write home but often campers are much too busy having fun to spend the time writing a letter. Please do not tell your child that they can call you if they want to and please do not allow your child to bring a cell phone to camp.
Q. Can I visit my child at camp?
A. No. You are welcome to drop off or pick up your child at camp but there are no visiting days during the session. Camp is a chance for campers to live independently from their parents for 2 weeks and a visit during the session would be disruptive to the program and your child’s time at Camp Ooch. Please do not tell your child that you will be visiting during session.
Q. Where is Camp Oochigeas?
A. Camp Oochigeas is located two and a half hours north of Toronto on 400 acres on a private lake in the Muskoka region near Parry Sound. The camp ground is in a natural setting and there is plenty of green space for sports, games and adventure, plus an amazing waterfront for swimming and boating.