$27M+ federal funding supports Campfire Circle for children with serious illness

Administrator | Sep 17, 2026 | Comments 0

For children living with cancer or other serious illness, creating spaces where they can simply be kids can make a real difference.

Today, Chris Malette, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte, and Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and Member of Parliament for Burlington North-Milton West, announced more than $27 million in federal funding to build a new medically-supported overnight camp for children living with cancer or serious illness.

The development of a year-round children’s camp for up to 531 guests on a 32.8-hectare property situated at 565 Wesley Acres Road, on the north-eastern shore of West Lake (with 700-metres of shoreline frontage) was approved in March 2025.

Founded in 1983, Campfire Circle brings together the legacies of Camp Oochigeas (Camp Ooch) and Camp Trillium — two organizations whose first summer camp programs for children with cancer began in 1984. After decades of creating life-changing camp experiences across Ontario, Camp Ooch and Camp Trillium merged in 2020 and rebranded as Campfire Circle in 2022. There are two medically supported overnight camps in Muskoka and Waterford. Camp Trillium was located in PEC on Garratt’s Island.

Campfire Circle in Prince Edward County plans 10 camper residences (each with 32 or 46 beds, totalling 376 beds), a volunteer residence (33 beds), a director’s cabin (four beds), plus 23 flex beds. The facility proposes to accommodate up to 531 individuals at any one time (387 campers, plus 144 staff).

“Investing in projects like Campfire Circle Overnight Camp is vital for the well-being of our communities and our children,” said Malette. “I am thrilled to see this investment in Campfire Circle, and am honoured that they’ve chosen Prince Edward County to create a haven for children and families who are facing one of life’s most daunting challenges. This investment helps ensure children facing a serious illness will still have an opportunity to enjoy the simple, but oh so special pleasure of just being a kid.”

Supported through the Government of Canada’s Build Communities Strong Fund, the new facility will include an activity centre, dining hall, accessible recreational facilities, creative and cultural program spaces, and equestrian facilities. Together, these spaces will give children room to learn, play, make new friends and enjoy the outdoors, while having access to the medical support they require.

The fund is investing $51 billion in a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country .

“Every child deserves a community where they can play, make friends, try new things and simply enjoy being a kid,” stated van Koeverden. “For children living with cancer or serious illness, Campfire Circle makes that possible while giving families the reassurance that the medical support they need is close by. This investment will help create a place where kids can make memories and experience the joy of camp, making a real difference for them and their families.”

“For 43 years, Campfire Circle has created camp experiences for children with cancer or serious illness and their families, combining expert medical care with joy, connection, and a sense of belonging during some of life’s most difficult moments,” said Alex Robertson, CEO of Campfire Circle. “As the only medical camp in Canada that can administer IV chemotherapy and blood transfusions on site, we are incredibly grateful for this historic investment. It will help expand access to our unique model of medical care, play, and community, ensuring more children and families across eastern Ontario can experience the transformative impact of camp, sooner.”

Project funding is subject to the signing of a contribution agreement between the government and the recipient. Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling requirements, including those related to consultation with Indigenous peoples and environmental assessment obligations, if applicable.