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Henry and Neva have wonderful memories of their visits to Lion’s Camp Dorset. The couple have spent a summer week at the camp, situated lakeside in the Algonquin Highlands, for the past three years. They love the experience and hope to travel there again this summer.

“For us waiting to go to Camp Dorset is like a child waiting for Christmas to arrive,” Henry says, noting it has given the family so many happy moments to cherish. One of his favorites, is roasting marshmallows over the campfire with his grandchildren.

Lion’s Camp Dorset is a non-profit organization supported by Lions and Leo Clubs, and The Kidney Foundation of Canada. It is designed to offer people who have experienced kidney failure a summer holiday in cottage country. The camp has on-site dialysis units and renal nurses to help care for the needs of guests. Dialysis patients, and those with kidney transplants, stay in one of the cabins on the property with family members or friends. They can enjoy a range of activities, everything from swimming and canoeing to bonfires.  

For Henry and Neva, the camp provides a respite from the challenges of living with diabetes and kidney disease. Henry lost his kidney function in 2019. It was a difficult time with many of his days dictated by the need to travel for dialysis treatments.

“Dialysis takes so much out of you,” Henry reflects. “It didn’t give me a life. It didn’t allow me to make any plans. You have to say goodbye to things you like to do, like spending time with your kids and grandkids.”

Henry learned about Camp Dorset while he was on dialysis and was scheduled to travel there in the summer of 2022. Two months before the trip, he was matched for a kidney and pancreas transplant. He spent his time at the camp that summer recovering from surgery. On the second and third-year visits, their grandchildren Hudson and Abigail came along.

“They loved it!” Neva recounts. “The grandchildren were on the go all day. We signed up for mini-golf, outdoor games, bingo and crafts. We took part in everything we could.”

Along with the chance to vacation as a family, the camp also helps forge connections among kidney patients. Henry and Neva spent time with other families living with the challenges of kidney disease. They had a chance to share their experiences and make new friends.   

Neva is grateful to both the Lion’s Club and The Kidney Foundation for providing the financial support for a vacation that has become a highlight of their year.  

The Kidney Foundation believes life with kidney disease should allow for work, school, travel, adventures, and family times. Lions Camp Dorset is truly unique in that it offers opportunities to receive dialysis in a beautiful part of Ontario's Algonquin Highlands. 

Canoes on lakes. Hikes in the woods. Campfires. These are the memoires families create while still receiving exceptional kidney care.

“We believe in Lions Camp Dorset and are proud to provide ongoing, and growing, financial support to allow for more memories, said Craig Lindsay, Director of Programs & Public Policy. The Kidney Foundation contributes $275, paid directly to the camp, for every patient who attends. Additional support to attend camp is also accessible to those who require support to make this vacation a reality. .

"Camp Dorset has for decades been a summer highlight for kidney patients and their families. For many it is the only opportunity to experience a break away from the daily rigors of kidney disease. The Ontario Branch and its Chapters are committed to providing funding for this important program," said Anthony Tirone, Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Branch.

“We don’t have deep pockets, so we really appreciate that support,” Neva says. “It is a godsend, that is what it is.”

Registration for the 2025 camping season is now open. Visit the Camp Dorset website or speak to your renal social worker.