Rolling with Sarah

Just got home from one of the most amazing weekends ever. As a childhood cancer survivor, my second home is Campfire Circle (Legacy Camp Ooch). It is there that I found independence and made lifelong friends. I am so lucky that I get to continue to enjoy the magic of camp every few years when they host an alumni weekend.

So camp is located in the Muskoka’s near the town of Rosseau. It is a beautiful setting on Donner Lake. One of the things I love most is how accessible the camp has become. The paths to every cabin are paved for easy wheeling in a chair. There are actuators on nearly every door. There are single bunks as well as bottom bunks for anyone with a mobility impairment. Every washroom in the cabins has an accessible stall, and the ones in the common spaces have designated accessible washrooms complete with their own sinks and an actuator on the door. The campathereatre is designed so there is ramp access at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom so chair users aren’t limited to where they have to sit. The actual campfire is surrounded by a deck so the chair doesn’t have to roll through sand on the beach.

I can make it from the dining hall to the canoe dock with no problem navigating the boardwalk. Not this year, but once we even took out the all-terrain wheelchairs (yes they have all terrain chairs!) on the hike around the lake. It was a challenge, but we actually made it most of the way! Such a good memory of teamwork!

At the archery range, I am not physically able to hold a bow. No problem! They have an adaptable sling-shot made for people with dexterity issues. Not saying I was any good, but at least I got the chance to enjoy the activity like anyone else would. There is also a high-ropes course on site. Believe it or not, the first level can be completed in a chair. It is actually a fun experiment that campers can challenge themselves with. Controlling a chair from that height is no roll in the park.

The best part of camp isn’t just the physical accessibility, it is the mentality that everyone belongs. As I’ve stated before, accessibility is about inclusion. Just this weekend I found myself in the middle of a dance party, taking part in FBCs (full body commitments), singing karaoke, appreciating a campfire, doing woodworking, and making some arts and crafts, to name a few. For example, when doing a group dance there are leaders on the stage demonstrating the steps. At this camp, one of those leaders sits in a chair and demonstrates how to do the dance while sitting down. Everyone is willing to lend a hand to one another and all we do is boost each other up. I rarely had to ask for a push when I was tired, and when I did I had numerous offers right away.

What is even better is that the staff at Campfire Circle realize accessibility is a work in progress. They know they aren’t perfect, yet they strive to always be getting better. I was even asked to keep my eye out for suggestions of things I thought they might be able to improve on and will be sending my list shortly. All to benefit future campers.

The relationships I have built at camp are forever. I have so many great friends because of this place who I know I can count on. When I am there, I am not just another person in a wheelchair. I am Sarah. And I belong.