Hello Camp Circle O’ Friends community!

My name is ShayAnne Surtees, also known as Shay, and I am honoured to step into the role of Executive Director at Camp Circle O’ Friends.

Born and raised right here in Saskatchewan, I am deeply grateful for the chance to give back to the community that has played such a meaningful role in my life. With a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Juris Doctorate, I’ve always been driven by a passion for understanding people’s stories and advocating for meaningful community impact. I am also a non-practicing member of the Saskatchewan Law Society, which has shaped my commitment to integrity, thoughtful decision-making, and service.

Basketball has always been a big part of my life. I’ve played it, coached it, and even spent time refereeing it. As a lifelong Toronto Raptors fan, I’m especially excited for the arrival of the Toronto Tempo to the WNBA and can’t wait to cheer them on.

One of the things that truly inspires me about Camp Circle O’ Friends is its remarkable history and heartfelt mission. Since 1987, this camp has provided fun, connection, and a sense of normalcy for children whose lives have been touched by cancer by offering an annual four-day escape, where kids can simply be kids. And let’s be honest: Camp Circle O’ Friends is the best camp ever. The joy, resilience, and community that define this place are unrivaled!

Stepping into this role is a privilege, and I am committed to honouring the founders’ vision while helping the camp continue to grow, thrive, and make a lasting difference in the lives of our campers. Some initial changes I hope to implement include a website update and regular newsletter updates, to keep our camp community informed of all the wonderful work going on to make camp happen.

I look forward to working with our campers, families, volunteers, donors, and other supporters to continue building a place where friendship, joy, and belonging are at the heart of everything we do.

I am incredibly excited to get started. Looking forward to meeting you all! I’ll see you at camp.

Shay