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If you are not familiar with Bens story, here is a Coles notes version.  In 2004 Ben was diagnosed with an AT/RT brain tumour, located in the front right lobe.  He was 3 1/2, and had been a normal healthy, happy, mischievous little boy up to this point.  Everything changed in the blink of an eye, and our lives would never be the same.  With the expertise of the Oncology staff at Sick Kids, after 5 months of chemo, followed by 3 stem cell transplants, 10 months late Ben returned home in remission.  During those  long months in the hospital, many things stood out, and one very important thing was the staff from Camp Ooch.  There in hospital program and just visits from the staff eased some pretty hard days.  Ben was then invited to overnight camp when he turned 6 at Camp Ooch and we as a family were invited to Family Camp at Camp Trillium.  The years that followed were sometimes challenging, but always included Ooch and Trillium, and for that I am eternally grateful.  We are so happy to still be a part of the now Campfire Circle family (merging our 2 favourite places)  Ben wrote these words a few years ago, and they still hold true 

What Camp means to me - by Ben Sherlock

Every year I was so excited to head to camp. I actually went to two camps, Camp Ooch and Camp Trillium. Whenever I went to camp they made me feel at home no matter who you were, the counsellors never treated you differently. At Ooch everybody would even ask their friends what type of cancer they had, and everyone would listen in with open ears. I have been going to Ooch for over 12 years, and Trillium for 10. Whenever I went to Camp Trillium they also made me feel at home. I love that both camps gave me unique opportunities. My favourite activities at Camp Trillium were Arts & Crafts, Special Friend time, and visiting the Sand Dunes. Special Friend time was a time where you hung out with your own counsellor and did whatever you wanted. One of my favourite activities at Camp Ooch was swimming, hiking, and High Ropes. Both camps really made me feel like a community with all of the chants and campfire songs.

My Mother, sister and I were lucky enough to volunteer there. Over the years I haven’t just made friends but family, and I always will have Ooch and Trillium in my heart. I love the whole idea that our camp is growing and we are growing with it. It is all thanks to our donors and I am happy to share my experiences with all of you.

If you can find it in your heart to donate, even $5.00, you will be making a huge difference to a kid and a family affected by cancer and their opportunity to experience CAMP