Hugh Rennie championed kids with cancer by growing Camp Oochigeas (now
CAMPFIRE CIRCLE) from the ground up. As the Founding Camp Director and first
Chairman of the Board, Hugh ran the operation out of his basement, gathering an
ever-growing community of support around the camp so that more kids could
experience its magic.
In Celebration of Hugh Rennie
“Cancer changed my life…Hugh Rennie and Camp Oochigeas shaped it.” - Former Camper
He helped children see life beyond their cancer, and infused camp life with the motto that
Campers learned by heart: “You have failed only when you have failed to try—act as if it is
impossible to fail and it will be.”
“Personal growth, independence, improved confidence, a sense of belonging, and pure joy - all
things hampered significantly by illness that were reignited because Hugh had the tenacity to
bring a magical idea to life.” - Former Camper
A volunteer himself, Hugh placed service at the heart of the organization and established a
volunteer program unlike any other—one that still thrives today.
“Without the initial groundwork, determination and hard work of Hugh Rennie, Camp Oochigeas
would not exist today. “ - Former Camper
Hugh went above and beyond to ensure that every child was provided with a transformative
experience, and continued to support camp actively until his passing. He engaged all his
friends and family, watching proudly as his grandchildren fundraised every year to send kids
with cancer to camp - a tradition they continue today.
In 2019 Hughie was interviewed to share his stories from the camp’s beginnings and his
hopes for the future. Click here to read the interview.
Join Hugh's family and friends in celebrating his legacy. Your donations will be allocated to a special project or program to recognize Hugh's tremendous dedication to camp.
Special thanks to:
Childhood cancer changes lives. So does camp. And so can you.
A diagnosis of childhood cancer changes life in an instant. For kids and families, it can suddenly feel like everything is about cancer. Simple childhood joys like friendships, birthday parties, or sports teams being left behind in the need for medical appointments, hospital stays, and long absences from school.
Whether it’s in a hospital setting, in the community, online or at overnight camp, CAMPFIRE CIRCLE creates safe spaces for kids to be kids, so families can be families, at no cost to them.
It’s where curiosity and confidence, bravery and acceptance come to play, and healing through happiness is on the agenda, every day, and in so many ways!
Your support ensures that CAMPFIRE CIRCLE programs will continue to reach 1,500+ kids and their families this year. Your gift will make life-changing experiences possible, because there’s always room for one more in the circle!
*Did you know that Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium merged in 2020, and that they have a new name? Announcing … CAMPFIRE CIRCLE! We aren’t changing what we do—we’re just changing our name.
Join us in recognizing Hugh Rennie's legacy
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