Up to 75 campers from all over the province aged 6 to 18 in a session come to make friends and offer each other support. The camp has helped thousands of families experience some form of normalcy after Cancer. And the program keeps going strong, thanks to the generosity and support of volunteers and community groups.

Most of our operating costs are covered through funding from the Regina Centre Canadian Progress Club and the Saskatchewan Division of the Canadian Cancer Society. But we continue to keep the camp accessible, with only a small user fee, by the generous donations from businesses, community groups and individuals.

Camp Circle O' Friends began in 1985 through the dedication and vision of one oncology nurse, Ann Schulman. She believed such a summer camp was crucial because all kids need a time to play, get dirty and be just a kid. Parents were given a brief break from the stresses of caregiving.

When so much of an ordinary childhood is taken when faced with this devastating illness, summer camp may be one of the few rights of passage we can provide for families. Anne Schulman, an inductee into the SaskSport Hall of Fame for her work with swimmers across the nation, was also made an officer of the Order of Canada in 2003, in recognition of her outstanding service to families and children. Camp Circle O' Friends is an embodiment and continuation of that service.

We believe summer camp is a right of passage for all kids, but that it can also be a powerful healing experience for those who have been affected by Cancer in childhood. Whether they’ve lost loved ones, or are sick themselves, Camp Circle O' Friends is about letting kids be kids, to let them know life can go on. With fun. With hope.

The camp offers state-of-the-art medical facilities, as well as the full range of indoor and outdoor camp activities, including water sports. A team of volunteer medical staff offers the reassurance that the professional help of doctors, nurses, psychologists and social workers are on hand 24-hours a day, to offer first aid or a shoulder to cry on.