For the past 7 years, I’ve been volunteering with an organization that strives to bring a sense of normality to kids who have been afflicted by cancer. Camp Oochigeas, or Camp Ooch as it’s better known, is an organization that focuses on kids and adolescents who have or have had cancer. They offer programs year-round, but everyone gets excited about summer camp at Muskoka and Markham.
If you’ve run in the Sporting Life 10k along Toronto’s Yonge street, donated to the Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer or The Inside Ride, then you would have directly supported Camp Ooch.
So, why do I love volunteering at Camp Ooch so much and why do I continue to volunteer year after year?
Let me explain…
Ooch Magic
A lot of fellow volunteers tend to describe Camp Ooch as a magical place and I couldn’t agree more. It’s an abstract concept but there are some tangible moments that make you realize that ‘Ooch magic’ is indeed real.
For me, it’s seeing a camper find out how to spiral throw a football. Or it’s witnessing campers, who at the beginning of their camp session might be shy and reserved, completely transform and become these little energetic beams of positivity.
So, what creates Ooch magic? Well, I think it’s a combination of the atmosphere, energy and motivations cultivated at camp. This culture manifests into life-changing experiences that are sometimes witnessed in real-time, or years in the future.
The Staff
The folks who work at Ooch are some of the most passionate and dedicated people I’ve ever met. Top-shelf doctors and nurses are incredibly knowledgable and caring. They give parents reassurance that their kids are in the best hands. And they work so hard to make sure cancer is the last thing kids think about while at camp.
From splinters to knee scrapes, as a volunteer, I know if medical attention is required, there’s a great team that I can turn to for help. Camp Ooch organizers work hard to ensure programs run smoothly and they create a foundation of fundamentals that encourages campers to discover themselves. We’re always reinforcing positive values and personal growth.
The team is always reliable if things get a little too crazy (which tends to happen at times). They bring a sense of calm and peace to any situation. They are the perfect hype people, as well as the coolest cats in the room. Massive respect to the folks that run camp!
The Volunteers
Well, how else can I describe Camp Ooch volunteers but as an absolutely remarkable and driven group of individuals. Each and every person is motivated and excited to be part of the Ooch family! The energy they bring is surreal and their dedication is unmatched.
Volunteers are truly an eclectic group ranging from all ages, education levels, industry backgrounds and experience levels when it comes to working with kids. It’s honestly great to see new volunteers walk into camp wide-eyed and somewhat terrified, only to be comforted and reassured by the veterans.
There’s a great sense of community within the volunteers. A community that supports and cherishes each other and reinforces the bonds that form over the days, weeks and years of volunteering together.
The Fun
It’s no secret that Ooch is totally awesome! We get to stand-up paddle board, water ski, rock climb, dog sled, and sing (at the top of our lungs!). Dance like no one’s watching, improvise skits, and wear costumes… the list is endless.
Massive camp-wide games create a buzz at overnight camp – you can’t help but get caught up in the excitement. And then there are all the programs that run in the city… Meet ups in the park, skating with families, learning how to shoot and edit movies (yeah, that actually happened!), and watching the Toronto Blue Jays.
Camp Ooch does the coolest things – no wonder kids, parents and volunteers look forward to signing up for the programs.
The Reason
I volunteer because I can. It’s that simple. What I experience when I am at camp is truly joyful. As a volunteer, it’s always humbling when camp staff reminds us that we are an essential part of the organization. And, without us, camp would most likely be a very different place.
Thank you Camp Ooch for everything that you do…
If you would like to learn more about Camp Ooch, how to volunteer or donate, visit https://www.ooch.org/camp.
I want to be volunteer for kids with cancer too. I joined same kind of volunteer at my home country Hong Kong and Australia. My son has heart disease too. I myself want to take part and support.
Volunteering your time is invaluable. You get to directly impact and improve the lives of kids who need it the most. It can be life changing for them. I’m happy to hear you’re sharing your time and energy in Hong Kong and Australia.