CAMP OOCHIGEAS - A Summer Camp for Children who have Cancer ... it's all about being a kid. At the Marckis Group, we are proud of our association with the "Friends of Oochigeas." It seems that every family is touched in some way by cancer, but when the victim is a child, it seems so unfair. Did you know that every year over 400 children in Ontario are diagnosed with cancer? The goal at Camp Oochigeas is to provide an active, outdoor experience where children with cancer can acquire new skills and meet new friends in a supportive and caring environment. Interspersed with the sounds of nature, you will hear the sounds of kids laughing as they develop confidence, courage and a sense of belonging. And that's the cornerstone of what being a kid is all about. The name Oochigeas has special meaning for campers. The Legend of Princess Oochigeas is a native story in which a young girl showed great courage and determination overcoming physical hardships. Her inner courage and gentle strength showed that... a brave spirit makes all things possible. Campers have the opportunity to be away from their families, allowing them to gain independence while still feeling part of a close knit group. The camp aims to provide an active, outdoor experience in which the campers can focus on acquiring new skills and meeting new friends rather than on their cancer. The camp's health care team agrees that camp is an important addition to the standard treatments of childhood cancer and is quite simply "good medicine." Oochigeas is a registered charitable organization that receives no government funding. From the time the camp was founded, the goal is to offer this experience to campers without cost. They have been successful in this goal because of the very generous support from individuals, corporations, schools and foundations. Ooch Campers Camp Oochigeas has expanded to offer year-round programs to over 450 campers. During summer residential camp, children challenge themselves to try new activities including archery, water sports, fishing, arts and crafts and a ropes course. Fall and winter Weekends At Camp provide new adventures such as snowshoeing, pumpkin carving and one more opportunity for campers to connect with their Ooch friends during the year. Ooch remains the only residential camp in Ontario to offer IV chemotherapy on site so even children in the intense phase of their cancer treatment can still experience camp. In Toronto, there are multiple day programs all year round that give children who are unaccustomed to or unable to attend summer camp opportunities to participate. These children make lifelong friends with others who are undergoing similar experiences while making clay masks at Harbourfront Centre, attending sporting events or visiting the Toronto Island. Children receiving treatment at The Hospital for Sick Children are also included in Ooch programs. Fun activities run five days and three nights a week for both in and out patients. "At a camp like Oochigeas, no one really pays attention to the fact that you have cancer because everyone does." An Oochigeas camper Ooch Staff There are over 350 volunteer counsellors over the summer and most are professionals who take time off from their work to be at camp. Some of the staff are themselves former campers in long term remission, which allows them to bring a unique perspective to their role on staff. The health care team, consisting of a pediatric oncologist and three oncology nurses from the Hospital for Sick Children, are on site and available 24 hours a day to meet campers' needs. All medications are secured in the "Med Shed" and are administered by the nursing staff at meals and bedtime. Whenever possible, each camper's treatment is managed to allow him/her to participate fully in the camp program. The health care team is in constant contact with the directors and counselling staff to ensure that the camper's medical and social needs are being met and monitored. A Magical Place The camp is located 2½ hours north of Toronto east of the town of Rosseau on Highway 141. The property highlights include 400 acres of land with a private lake where campers can canoe, water-ski, kayak, sail, and swim with no interference from motorboat traffic. A stunning example of northern Ontario landscape, the rolling hills, pine trees, rock faces, and sparkling lake create a spectacular environment for the camping experience. The site has many diverse spaces including a campfire point, beach and vast waterfront. Most campers will participate in some sort of overnight canoe trip. Roasting marshmallows, singing songs and playing games around the campfire provide many wonderful memories. Other activities at camp include: rock climbing, arts and crafts, drama, wilderness adventure, and sports. The activities are non-competitive, co-operative and adaptive so every camper can participate. Get Involved Being a part of Camp Oochigeas can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Whether you donate a few extra dollars or donate some of your spare time, it's good to know that your generosity will last a lifetime. It is their hope that, as long as the need exists for a place like Camp Oochigeas, they will be able to offer this experience. The program is only possible through the support of their donor community. Take a few moments to explore how you can make a difference in the life of a child. It's a wonderful gift. "As a founding member of the Camp, and as the mother of a child with cancer, the reality of Oochigeas was like lifting a blind and letting the sun shine in!" Jeanne Gallagher, Camp Oochigeas Supporter For information on making a contribution to Camp Oochigeas, please contact: Camp Oochigeas 60 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 201 Toronto, Ontario M4T 1N5 Tel: 416-961-6624 Toll free: 1-888-GO-4-OOCH Fax: 416-961-2267 Email: oochigeas@ooch.org Website: www.ooch.org Charitable Business Number: 13111 6022 RR0001 Camp Oochigeas is an accredited member of the Ontario Camping Association Published with the permission of Camp Oochigeas courtesy of www.marckisgroup.com