Camp Jumoke

Camp Jumoke’s mission is to enrich the lives of children living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and its complications, one child at a time. Our primary mandate is to provide children with the opportunity to attend summer camp at our host camp, Camp Wenonah in beautiful Bracebridge, Ontario, for two weeks every summer. In addition, we offer education and recreation activities year round for children. What is Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. With SCD, the red blood cell becomes rigid and shaped like crescents rather than flexible and round. This change in shape prevents the blood from flowing through blood vessels. A s a result; tissues do not get enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen can cause pain and damage in the arms, legs, and organs, severe infection, stroke, and even death. SCD is a chronic condition with no cure. Many children with SCD will miss more than 50 days of the academic year due to their illness. Children living with SCD often feel isolated, ostracized and misunderstood. Recognizing the need for children with SCD to have a positive and safe peer outdoor activity, Camp Jumoke was established in 1994 as Canada's first medically supervised overnight camp for children living with Sickle Cell Disease. To date, Camp Jumoke has made it possible for over 600 children to attend summer camp. Through this experience, children living with SCD develop an appreciation for their capabilities and learn vital social and outdoor skills in a safe environment.