Summer camp is a staple and rite of passage for many children and youth’s months off school. It is a place to meet friends, learn new skills, connect with nature, grow and develop. But what if you were a young person with a medical condition who required medications, machines or devices to make it through the day? How would that impact your ability to make it to the front doors of summer camp? Brigadoon Village is the largest pediatric medical camp facility in Canada and offers over 30 camp programs, each of which is designed to accommodate a health condition or other life challenge. Brigadoon passionately transforms the lives of Atlantic Canadian children and youth living with health conditions and other life challenges to help them reach their full potential through experiential learning, meaningful connections and exceptional fun.

Our Story: Brooke (Daughter) has been swimming competitively and recreationally for 20+ years. She is a Registered Nurse at the IWK Health Centre and has had the privilege of caring for children and their families in the areas of Hematology, Oncology, Nephrology, the Intensive Care Unit and the Operating Room.

“Growing up, I spent many summers immersed in nature and sport, at day camps and visiting the back country of Kejimkujik National Park with my twin sister, Mother, Father and our dog. These moments were instrumental in shaping me as a person, and gave me the confidence and skills to take on difficult challenges throughout my life. Being able to give children with complex needs the same opportunity to make a positive, everlasting mark, and to complete such a physical feat with my Dad is such a privilege.”

“Each day in my work, I witness children and youth say yes to another test, procedure or surgery, often with fear and uncertainty. During my swim across the Northumberland Strait, I will access and honour just a fraction of their bravery, and say yes during those difficult moments.”

Ted (Dad) started paddling in his teens along with his dad. As time went on, he progressed from canoes and kayaks, to sail boats. Having always enjoyed the outdoors and camping (summer and winter included!), this type of activity has always been his passion.

“Sharing my passion with not only friends but my young family and watching them as they grew to be well rounded, respectful people in society as well as discovering they had skills when it came to the outdoors was a real privilege as a parent.”

“When Brooke made that initial call [to ask me to be her kayaker for The Big Swim], she asked, “are you still paddling?” my response was “not today as it’s February”. Once hearing that she wasn’t looking to borrow my boats but rather to help guide her across the Northumberland Strait I have to say it was something I had to think about. Hum, can I remain in a kayak for 6 plus hours and all the what ifs that came along with it. A week later I was making a to do list, and pulling my kayak out of winter storage to ensure it’ll be ready when the water opens. Having been paddling more than 50 + years, this will be a challenging adventure for someone 68 years young. I’m looking forward to making memories and being part of the event that brings people of similar interests together all while having fun and supporting kids that face these kinds of challenges every day of their lives.”

We want to thank you for helping us give extraordinary kids a chance to be ordinary.

Brooke & Ted