MBC News file photo
Families across Ontario living with childhood cancer and serious illnesses are finding hope, friendship and a chance to simply be together at Campfire Circle’s Rainbow Lake near Waterford.
The year-round charity operates hospital programs and medically supported camps that give children and their families a break from the challenges of serious illness. CEO Alex Robertson said the goal is simple: bring healing through happiness to kids living with cancer and serious illnesses.
Robertson said camp offers something many families have been missing: a sense of normalcy and a chance for children and their families to escape the challenges of illness for a little while.
He adds that Campfire Circle has nurses and doctors at the camp who take care of that stuff so that families can just focus on being kids, being a family, having fun and making friends.
This weekend’s Community Day will welcome local supporters for tours, activities and a chance to see the camp firsthand.
Brooke Payne knows that impact well. She began as a camp employee in the kitchen. Then her daughter, Makinley, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma before birth and has attended Rainbow Lake with her family since she was a toddler.
Payne said her children have had to grow up faster than they deserve, and the camp gave all of her children something illness had taken away.
She said Rainbow Lake has become much more than a campground, its now a tradition.
Campfire Circle is also preparing for a major renovation that will increase capacity and accessibility.
Robertson said the expansion will ensure even more families can experience the healing power of camp.
Rainbow Lake Community Day will be held tomorrow (June 13), featuring guest activities, guided tours and a barbecue lunch. Anyone with questions about the event is encouraged to contact rsvp@campfirecircle.org.
Written by Jeremy Hall
