Did you know that right here in beautiful Muskoka, we share the fresh air, beautiful lakes and our love of starry nights by the fire with an amazing place called Camp Oochigeas?
Camp Ooch is a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides kids affected by childhood cancer with unique opportunities for growth through challenging, fun, enriching, and magical experiences. Ooch’s year-round Overnight Camp is located on the shores of its own lake. Singing songs, making new friends, doing arts and crafts, canoeing, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire are all part of the fun.
Jadarose is an inspiring Ooch Camper. Camp Ooch CEO Alex Robertson describes her like this:
“Jada is a firecracker of a kid who had a very aggressive, rapid-onset form of cancer that was diagnosed in grade 8. Partway through Jada’s intense treatment, the doctors told Jada and her mom, Jennifer, that they recommended amputating one of Jada’s legs below the knee. True to form of our Ooch Campers, Jada’s resilient spirit is stronger than you can believe, and she now delights in taking part in all our camp activities from knee-boarding to sing-alongs by the campfire.”
And here’s what Jada herself has to say about Ooch: “I’m on a mission to prove that getting an amputation doesn’t hold you back. I can see in people’s eyes when they watch me knee-board or swim—they’re like, ‘Whoa, that’s awesome!’ Getting up on the knee-board, and then skiing with one leg—I just felt incredible. They finally had to stop the boat and force me out of the water!”
Jada’s mom, Jennifer, adds this:
“Ooch gives my girl and her friends a place to escape everything, free their minds, and not worry. Ooch shows Jada that she’s still just a kid, there’s nothing wrong with her, and in fact she’s a really special treasure. She carries that with her everywhere now, and it’s because of Ooch.”
At Ooch, campers aren’t the “kid with cancer” anymore. They are given what they need: the chance to just be kids.
Learn more about how to support the Magic of Ooch at www.ooch.org,
or contact Stephanie at 1-888-464-6624 x232 or [email protected].
Donate today to bring laughter, fun, and resilience to kids in Ontario affected by childhood cancer. Right now, 79% of these kids still haven’t experienced the Magic of Ooch, so we need your help to expand our Camp programming!
