Camp Trillium

The History of Camp Trillium

Camp Trillium began in 1984 in London, thanks to a generous grant from the ODD FELLOWS and REBEKAHS of ONTARIO. It was the first camp of its kind in Canada. Camp Trillium has grown from 28 participants to over 2,000, and has stretched across the province offering years of friendship and camping adventures. Each year has brought on the development of new and fun programs for both children with cancer and for their families. Here are just a few highlights:

1984	Our first camp is held at Circle R Ranch in London, with 28 campers and 18 staff.
1985	We grow to include campers from the Hamilton and Ottawa clinics.
1986	The first Youth Group begins in Ottawa and the first Trillium Telegraph is published.
1987	Trillium Childhood Cancer Support Centre receives charity status and a Board of Directors is established, with Dr. DeVeber as the first chairperson.
1988	Three new programs begin: Counsellor-in-training, leadership camp, and winter camp.
1989	Camping begins on Garratt’s Island, and the Ontario Division of the Canadian Cancer Society initiates their annual grant.
1990	Family Camp is a big hit, an exchange program is developed, and the grand opening of Camp Trillium’s new home, Garratt’s Island, is celebrated.
1991	The dining hall is built at Garratt’s, and Kayla, the first camp dog arrives.
1992	The Activity Hall/Chapel is built on the island and Camp Trillium hosts the National Children’s Conference.
1993	Northern Ontario programs begin, the Onekanoes come to camp, and Teen Weekends begin.
1994	Tenth anniversary celebrations are held at Garratt’s Island.
1995	The lease is signed for Rainbow Lake, soon to be the second site for Camp Trillium.
1996	Day Camp grows to ten Ontario cities.
1997	Construction begins at Rainbow Lake, and Camp Trillium hosts the Children’s Oncology Camping Association International (COCA) conference.
1998	The grand opening celebration for Rainbow Lake is June 20, with 2,500 guests in attendance.
1999	We celebrate our 15th anniversary and hold our first official staff reunion.
2000	Garratt’s Island celebrates 10 years of camping with Trillium, and a new lease is signed for 25 more years.
2001	The foundation is set for a Resource Centre at Garratt’s Island, and Cabin 8 is built at Rainbow Lake.
2002	Trillium in the Community continues to provide support to families year-round and reaches record numbers of Special Friend Matches, Youth Groups, Camp Nights, and Clinic Support volunteers.
2005	Camp Trillium purchases its first office in Hamilton on Queensdale Avenue.
2006	Camp Trillium introduces new Adolescent and Young Adult programs. Path of the Phoenix Boardwalk at Rainbow Lake opens. Swan-Wilson Lane Boardwalk at Garratt's Island opens. Maureen Kempston Darkes - GM Resource Centre opens at Garratt's Island. AYA - IODE Cabin opens at Rainbow Lake.