Co-authored by Lisa Gausman, retired administrator, and Janet Paquet, current administrator.
Sometimes, it truly does take a village, and Ostomy Canada Youth Camp 2026 was a wonderful example of that.
This year’s camp was filled with friendship, laughter, new experiences and the special sense of belonging that comes from bringing together young people who understand one another’s journeys. Behind the scenes, however, this year also brought some unexpected challenges that reminded us just how important our camp community is.
Camp administrator Janet Paquet was unable to travel to camp this year as she was recovering from surgery for breast cancer. We are very happy to report that Janet is recovering well. With Janet unable to be there in person, Head Nurse Carly Lindsay, NSWOC, and lead male volunteer mentor Ryan Ivany stepped forward and took the reins, ensuring that all of the plans Janet had carefully prepared were put into action.
And, as always, the most important goal remained the same: to make sure our campers had an incredible week.
Welcoming New Campers and Building Community
This year, we welcomed 17 new campers from across Canada, bringing the total number of campers to 44. For many of these young people, Youth Camp provides an opportunity that can be difficult to find elsewhere; the chance to spend an entire week surrounded by peers who understand what it is like to live with an ostomy or other medical challenges.
One new camper experienced significant homesickness and made the decision to return home after her first day. While this is an exceptionally rare occurrence, her family has already shared that they hope she will try again next year. We look forward to welcoming her back.
For everyone else, new and returning campers alike, it was a wonderful week filled with fun, friendship and connection.
The weather cooperated beautifully, and one of the highlights of the week was the much-anticipated visit from the Red Meadows Fire Department. Their visit provided a memorable opportunity for everyone to cool off while splashing around; many campers and volunteers showing their ostomy and surgical scars and feeling comfortable doing so in this safe environment.
A Growing Team of Mentors and Medical Support
We were delighted to welcome two new male volunteer mentors this year.
Joel, a Youth Camp alumnus, had been looking forward to the opportunity to return to camp as a volunteer mentor. His journey from camper to mentor is a wonderful example of the lasting impact of the camp community.
We also welcomed Eitan, who travelled from Boston to be part of the camp team.
Our medical team was exceptionally busy this year. Four NSWOCs supported the campers, several of whom had complex medical needs. We are incredibly grateful to Carly, Denise, Stephanie and Sofi for the expertise, care and reassurance they provided throughout the week. Stephanie was especially welcomed back after taking a couple of years away to spend time with her new baby, while Sofi brought her experience from Calgary Children’s Hospital to the team.
Our returning volunteer mentors also deserve a tremendous shout-out: Bailey, Paula and Kelly, along with our dedicated day volunteers Lisa, Chris, Bridget, Hannah and Kat.
And, of course, we are grateful to our photographer, Sean, who works so hard to capture the memories that make camp last long after everyone has gone home.
Celebrating Our Graduates
This year, we celebrated six campers as they reached an important milestone: graduation from Youth Camp.
We send our very best wishes to Hazen, Tristan, Ollie, Darcy, Saige and Marissa as they move into their next chapters.
Graduation is always a bittersweet moment at camp. We are proud to watch these young people grow, but we also know how much they will be missed. We hope that, in the years ahead, they will find their way back to camp as volunteer mentors and have the opportunity to give future campers the same sense of belonging and encouragement they experienced themselves.
Thank You to Our Generous Supporters
Youth Camp simply would not be possible without the generosity of the Ostomy Canada community and our industry partners.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to all of the sponsoring Ostomy Canada chapters and to the companies that generously donated supplies for camp:
Coloplast, ConvaTec, Hollister, Safe n Simple, Westech, Nightingale Medical for the camp T-shirts, and Ten Aces Med for the bucket hats used during tie-dye activities.
We also appreciated having our industry representatives join us on Monday to spend time with campers and volunteers. Thank you to Pete from ConvaTec, Tyler from Coloplast, and Kaitlyn and Jasmine from Hollister for coming out, playing with the campers and being part of the camp experience.
This year, we were also extremely grateful to receive a generous donation from Air Canada, which helped provide flights for some of our campers and volunteers. Support like this helps make it possible for kids from across Canada to come together and experience the magic of Youth Camp.
Capturing the Memories
We know that campers, families and volunteers have been eagerly waiting to see the photographs from this year’s camp, and we’re excited to share that 2026 Ostomy Canada Youth Camp photo gallery is now available!
We apologize for the delay. Unfortunately, our photographer, Sean, experienced a serious medical complication following what was expected to be a routine Crohn’s disease resection and spent five weeks in the ICU after developing a severe infection. We are very happy to report that Sean is recovering, although he is expected to remain in hospital for several more months. We are grateful for his dedication to capturing the moments that tell the story of Youth Camp.
See Youth Camp in Action
If you have not already done so, be sure to watch and share our Ostomy Canada Youth Camp video, recorded and produced by camp alumnus Noel Young, with interviews conducted by Lisa Gausman and Janet Paquet.
Youth Camp 2026 Video – YouTube
The video offers a wonderful glimpse into the friendships, fun and community that make Youth Camp such a special experience.
It Really Did Take a Village
Youth Camp 2026 reminded us that while the campers are at the heart of everything we do, it takes an entire community to make camp happen.
It takes administrators who plan months in advance, nurses who care for complex medical needs, mentors who encourage and support, volunteers who jump in wherever they are needed, sponsors who provide essential resources, companies who generously donate supplies, families who trust us with their children, and alumni who return to give back.
Most importantly, it takes a community where young people can simply be themselves; where an ostomy is not something that sets them apart, but is simply one small part of who they are.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Ostomy Canada Youth Camp 2026 another memorable week. Your time, generosity, care and commitment continue to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of young people across Canada.
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2026 Letters of Appreciation from Campers and their Parents – reprinted with permission from Vancouver United Ostomy Association
I LOVED camp! I’m really glad I was able to go and I can’t wait for next year. I wish I knew about it sooner. I think I said that a lot while I was there.
My favourite thing was meeting other people who are like me. The guys in my cabin felt like brothers and I felt like I belonged. I’ve never met someone else with an ostomy. If I knew other kids like me I’d tell them they should go to camp, too.
My favourite activity at camp was the giant swing. Next time I want to go higher! Oh, I also liked the big water fight we had. And the all-nighter that the older kids did on the final night. It was fun to stay up all night and we got special bracelets that are fused on and hopefully they last all year.
The staff counsellors and volunteer mentors were fun to hang out with, and the nurses were helpful. One of the mentors showed us his ostomy, and it made me feel normal to have one.
1000%, I can’t wait to go to camp again. Thank you for making it so I could go. It changed my life.
From Zachary M.
Ryan and I are incredibly grateful to you, the Vancouver United Ostomy Association, and the Ostomy Canada Society for providing the opportunity to youth with ostomies to go to camp. Zachary came back with so many stories, but above all we can tell that meeting others who are, as he put it, “like him,” was priceless. Since coming home, he has told us several times about meeting the other campers, how the teens in his cabin all made him feel welcome, and how they feel like brothers to him. What a lasting memory.
We also appreciated the opportunity to connect with other parents of kids with ostomies of various types. Up until now, we haven’t had that experience.
Thank you again!
Ryan and Dawn M. (parents)
Jack has had an ostomy for five years. He’s been embarrassed of it because as far as he knows, he’s the only kid in town who has one. Swimming, even normal high school things and being part of a peer group, you feel self-conscious by the ostomy.
When he found out there were at least eight other kids with the same type of ostomy that he has, I thought he was going to cry. So not only are there close to 50 kids going to the camp that have an ostomy, he’s going to have 3/4 of a dozen kids just like him. I couldn’t imagine that feeling when he found out. He had a really big smile.
Jack needed this experience. The only time he goes anywhere is to the children’s hospital or maybe a small family camping trip where we don’t go too far away from home. He went on a plane to another province and he didn’t see his parents for a week. That changes a teenager for the better.
Jack’s favourite activity was the giant swing. He also liked the high ropes and really, pretty much every activity! Again, it’s not something that he would have normally done if he went on a vacation with his parents and his brothers. Jack loved all of it, including the food.
Jack thought all the counsellors were really cool and he liked that they all had camp names and Jack liked the camp name they gave him. It’s top-secret. From a father‘s perspective, I loved seeing everyone arriving at the airport and two of the Adult Mentors who travelled with the kids were hugging the kids and looking so happy. I think he liked the fact that the Mentors were just like him, but older. Perhaps seeing himself in the mirror as a person who is surviving is inspirational. They looked very energetic and they seemed like awesome people. They’re adults, but they’re not parents. They’re not teachers. They’re a hybrid of an older sibling, coach, and a friend.
Jack said Carly, one of the ostomy nurses (NSWOC), was super cool. The nurses kept him on point with the medications and he came home healthy. It’s interesting that Carly also has an ostomy because Jack thought he might like to be a nurse because he could help kids like him. He’s been saying that for a couple of years now.
Most families with multiple children, especially with one child who requires extra care and attention, don’t always have the means to do a weeklong camp where you have to fly away to another province. I’m the father of a large family and I don’t know how some people can make ends meet when there’s extra expenses when you have a child who needs extra care.
Your generosity and thoughtfulness will pay in dividends. It wasn’t that long ago that I saw my then 12-year-old son feeling alone and losing hope. Parental love and sibling support, as well as sympathy from people in the community only goes so far. Empathy is what a special kid like this needs, and that came in the form of other children and Adult Mentors who are in the same place our son is in. I don’t know what it’s like to have stage five kidney disease and renal failure. I don’t know what it’s like to have an ostomy. I don’t know what it feels like to take all of those medications, feeling rundown and tired, having to drain my fluids because my body doesn’t work the way everyone else’s does. But Jack just hung out with an entire camp full of kids and adults who know exactly how it feels. One week was like a magic pill that started to reverse the trials and tribulations over the past five years.
When Jack returned from camp, before we even left the airport parking lot, he said he wanted to go back next summer. We are all grateful for the opportunity for our son and we hope he returns next year to continue being a super cool kid surrounded by other super cool kids.
This camp is just as much for the parents as it is for the children. We needed to see Jack go away for a week. This was growth for us as well. And it allowed us to reconnect with each other and our other kids and take a reality break
Regards,
The Compton/Seber family
Personally I would recommend camp to others for the fun, and also because of how you actually get to know how it feels to have an ostomy and how others handle issues, like for example – school, especially for people who do not know anyone else who has an ostomy and feels alone, they should definitely come to this camp to not feel alone and to feel like there is a place where you can belong. It is like having a community for you to connect with people and get support and to be able to provide others with support. And the last reason is all the fun. The Ostomy Nurses were helpful and were very fast and also had a lot of knowledge.
Thank you so much for another amazing camp experience. Dean had a fantastic time and would absolutely recommend camp to other children. His favourite activity was Gaga Ball, and he had so much fun participating in all the activities throughout the week.
The counsellors were incredible. Ryan, Eitan, Carly, Kelly, Chris, and Joel were all amazing and made such a positive impact on Dean’s experience. He also really enjoyed getting to know Solomon better, and they’ve already stayed in touch through WhatsApp since coming home.
One of the most meaningful parts of camp for Dean was Magic Circle. It gave everyone the opportunity to openly talk about living with an ostomy, including the every day, physical, and personal challenges they face. Being able to share experiences with other kids who truly understand meant a lot to him and helped him feel supported and connected.
We are so grateful to everyone who donates and makes this camp possible. The friendships, confidence, and sense of community that campers gain are truly invaluable.
Dean would absolutely love to return to camp next summer. He’s already looking forward to seeing all the friends he made and continuing the friendships he’s built, both at camp and through social media.
Thank you again for providing such a wonderful and life-changing experience.
Jessica T.
What I like most about Ostomy Canada Youth Camp is spending time with my friends, meeting new people, and feeling like I was part of a very special and supportive community. I would definitely recommend camp to other kids because it is a fun and welcoming place where you can make new friends, try exciting activities, and feel comfortable being yourself. My favourite activities were the high ropes, the giant swing, and arts and crafts. I enjoyed challenging myself, trying new things, and being creative. I would like the opportunity to go out on the boats, and extending camp to two weeks because one week goes by too quickly. The ostomy nurses (NSWOC’s) were very helpful and caring. They were always available whenever you needed help, advice, or support, which made me feel safe and comfortable during camp. Also, the adult volunteer mentors were amazing, kind, and very supportive. I loved spending time with them because they understood what we were going through and always made us feel encouraged and accepted. Thank you so much to the donors for your generosity and support. Without your donations, I would not have had the opportunity to attend camp, meet so many wonderful people, and create memories that I will always treasure. I would love to go back next summer to see my friends again, participate in all the activities, and make even more special memories.
Thank so much again,
Maria B-G and Maria’s Family
2026 Letters of Appreciation from Campers and their Parents – reprinted with permission from Ostomy Manitoba Association
Dear Ostomy Manitoba, thank you for paying for me to go to camp again this year, it was really fun being at ostomy camp. I am thankful for being able to go because I made two new friends this year and a friend last year. It was really fun going on a airplane for the first time ever, it was a great distraction for me cause I am learning to make friendships, do new activities, also the dance was really fun, we danced, dressed up, also my most favorite activity is the giant swing cause it’s like a swing but very big, you don’t need to pump your legs, makes you feel like your flying ETC, thank you again and I am looking forward again for Ostomy Camp 2027.
Emily Q.
I wanted to take the time to thank you and the entire Ostomy Manitoba team for having Emily attend camp again this year. The end of 2025 and now 2026 has been extremely difficult for Emily and our family. In 2025 Emily’s Dad became ill and sadly passed away in February 2026. Emily struggled deeply with her loss and has had difficulty finding ways to cope and understand. No child should have to endure so much pain.
Camp came at the perfect time! She was thrilled to hear she was heading back to Alberta for a week away to enjoy being a child. She was excited to pack her suitcase; this was exactly what Emily needed to help heal and see life can move forward in a healthy way. That it’s ok to be happy, it’s ok to play, have fun and just be a child. It’s ok to experience new things and explore new places.
When Emily returned, she was very excited to share she made two new friends. For most, making friends comes easy, for Emily this is a huge accomplishment! This was her first experience flying, she shared she was nervous and anxious, upon her return she shared it was soooo cool to fly! I’m so proud of Emily!
How do I ever thank you each enough for an amazing week filled with smiles!
Hope you all have an amazing summer
Cheryl R.
Dear Ostomy Manitoba Association members! My son Felix and I would like to thank (OMA) and Camp Horizon and many, many other amazing employees, volunteers and donors who help support this amazing camp and help support and fund all our special little heroes, battling extraordinary measures back home. Campers there can step away from their own busy lives back home, and step into a place where they are surrounded by kids just like them!! Kids who understand what it’s like to try and smile through the hard days. Being able to just be free, for a week, no appts, no hospitals, no school.
Felix and family
Dear Donors and Supporters of Ostomy Manitoba,
Thank you for your generosity and for the difference you have made for my son and our family. This year, my son Callen had the opportunity to travel from Manitoba to Alberta for Ostomy Camp. Ostomy Manitoba covered his camp fees as well as a portion of the airfare. Without this support, camp would not have been an option for him, first because he needs a daily flush, and second the cost would have been a barrier. Callen has had a rough year. First there was the surgery, and not being able to join in a lot of summer activities. One time at a hotel he had to sit with his feet in the water only while his sisters swam. Then there were complications from the surgery, with an eight-month total recovery time, and a lot of pain. His physical fitness plummeted. Since coming home from camp, Callen has been happier, more energetic, and more active. He says:” I really enjoyed the water games at the end and I had a lot of fun meeting a bunch of new people. I made a lot of friends and I am looking forward to coming next year. Thank you for having me at your camp”. His favourite memories are:
*“Best grilled cheese I’ve ever had” *High ropes, * Making a song, “I want to go to Main Field”. It was very nice for him to have this positive experience. When he thinks back to his summer, this is what he’ll remember.
Thanks again, Jeff and Jaime
Callen and family
GAVIN OSTOMY CAMP 2026! (I used all caps cause…camp deserves that!) Thank you so much for an amazing week of Ostomy Camp! Every day we seemed to have a schedule with I-can’t-wait activities! Giant swing, high ropes, and the water fight to name a few, I loved the variety of different activities. The food was also delicious. I also liked meeting people from different parts of the country. Theo, who’s from Ontario, Aiden, who’s from Saskatchewan, Felix, who’s from Winnipeg (Even though I’m from Winnipeg, I wouldn’t have met him), they all made an impact on this unforgettable week. The counselors are so kind and caring. I appreciate how energetic they are and how they deliver the fun! Some counselors that really stood out and ensured I was looked after were; Viper, Ryan, Pepper, and Old Man Eitan! The week goes by so fast, I wish I could only stay longer!!! But I’m happy to have made some awesome friends and memories.
Gavin M.
