Camp Trillium (officially The Trillium Childhood Cancer Support Centre) offers year-round recreational experiences to bring children with cancer and their families together. We work to provide an environment that normalizes relationships and experiences, helping them in the healing process and enhancing their quality of life.
Our Programs
Throughout the year Camp Trillium offers over 54 different programs free of charge to its campers. These programs range from traditional summer programs to weekend camps in the spring and fall, community based programs and those based out of the various children’s cancer clinics across the province of Ontario.
Residential Camp (ages 8-15):
- 11 Days at OuR Island, 7 Days at Rainbow Lake
- During the session the campers are divided into groups by age. Within these groups the campers grow, support and challenge each other. The group learns how to support their peers and build their individual skills within a positive group dynamic.
- Sessions are regionalized according to treatment centres; therefore, campers from the same clinic can attend camp at the same time if they choose. Bus transportation is provided from at least 2 cities for each session. (London/Windsor, Kingston/Ottawa, Hamilton/Toronto)
- Campers register for any site or residential session they choose
- Health care is provided by a team of nurses and health care assistants for each session, and is on duty at all times, including outtrips. Both sites are 15 minutes away from an emergency department and 1 hour away from a pediatric oncology center.
Family Camps - Entire immediate family unit (newborns, kids to age 17, and parents/caregivers)
- Each family is matched up with 1 or more “Special Friends” depending on the need and number of children. Specials Friends are there to help the family maximize their experience at camp.
- Health care is provided by a team of nurses and health care assistants for each session, and is on duty at all times, including outtrips. Both sites are 15 minutes away from an emergency department and 1 hour away from a pediatric oncology center.
- Nighttime babysitting is provided each evening in the cabins so parents have time to socialize together.
- Families are required to provide their own transportation to and from camp. Depending on the size of the family, you may share cabin space. All families share washroom facilities.
Community Day Camp - ages 4-7
- Day Camp promotes an environment of inclusiveness and encourages friendship building through fun activities. Day Campers will experience all the pleasures of camp in a safe, nurturing environment. Trained staff will guide campers through developmentally appropriate water activities, outdoor games, nature hikes, and crafts. Camp Trillium’s Community Day Camp Program is a great introduction to our overnight residential program for campers ages 4-7.
Leadership Development Programs
Leaders in Training (L.I.T.) Camp - ages 14-16
- Length: 7 days, 6 nights
- The L.I.T. Camp is a seven-day program that focuses on leadership skills, group dynamics, wilderness experience (including a four-night canoe trip), and first aid training. This program is only offered at OuR Island.
Quest Program - ages 16 or older by December 31st
- Length: 11 days at OuR Island, or 7 Days at Rainbow Lake
- The Quest Program consists of fun & educational workshops on working with children, teaching camp activities and developing leadership capabilities. Quest participants will be working with campers and will be expected to be mature and responsible.
- To register for Quest, please fill out our summer registration/medical form along with a Quest application and return it to the office by the registration deadline. Late registrations will be accepted if there is still room in the program. Those registering for Quest are not eligible for either L.I.T. or Residential camps.
- Each Quest applicant will have a phone conversation with the Quest Director before the summer to ensure they understand the Quest program.
Intern Program - ages 17 or older by December 31st
- Length: 1 Week plus the possibility of interning at future camp sessions
- The summer Intern program consists of one week of fun and exhilarating training at Rainbow Lake or OuR Island. A series of supported apprenticeships as both a group leader and activity head conclude the training.You will experience the behind-the-scenes action of camp – everything from the inner workings of the kitchen to programming a campfire.
- After the week of training it is possible to return, as an intern, for camp sessions at OuR Island and/or Rainbow Lake. As interns, they will have similar responsibilities as a Camp Trillium Volunteer and will receive ongoing support from the Intern Directors. They will be matched with camper special friends and assist in all aspects of camp life. Intern participants will arrange their interning schedule with the Quest Directors after the successful completion of the Intern training.
- To apply for the Intern program please contact the office in January to set up an interview and to receive an application. Because Interns will be in a position of trust with campers, all applicants will have an interview to determine if they are a good match for the Intern program. In addition, you will need to fill out a summer registration/medical form and return it to the office by the summer deadline. Late registrations will be accepted if there is still room in the program.
*Please contact the camp office or visit its website for further details (schedules, fees, registration, policies, etc) or the latest updates.
