Catching Up with Anna!

Anna Campbell, who has had a cecostomy tube since she was four years old, spent her summers (from age 12-18) at camp Horizon. We spoke with Anna recently to catch up with her and find out how spending her summers with Camp Horizon positively impacted her life.

 "My first time going to Camp was when I was twelve years old. I had just finished grade six. The idea of getting on a plane with four strangers to fly across the country without my parents was exciting for me, not so much for my mother (but that’s another story).

Upon my arrival at Camp Horizon, I immediately felt the welcoming atmosphere of the staff and campers. They all encouraged me to be myself. Camp is a safe environment with open and compassionate people who were all going through, or had gone through, similar experiences." 

~ Anna Campbell, 2015  (age 17 speaking about her experience attending summer camp)

Fast forward 8 years and we interviewed Anna to see what she is up to! Read on to find out how her life has changed since attending summer camp.

How long has it been since you attended camp?

My last year at camp was right after I graduated from high school. So, it has been about 8 years. 

What has changed for you since you last attended summer camp at Camp Horizon?

Many things have changed! I graduated from Mount Allison University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology and Sociology with a certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. However, due to COVID, we only recently had our graduation ceremony (in 2022)! 

I am currently working on my Masters of Education - Critical Studies through the University of New Brunswick. My goal is to work for the school board and possibly improve the accessible education system.

I also spent a year working for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education as an EPA for one year.

How did attending camp impact you and what experiences helped you?

I have had a cecostomy since I was 4 years old. Attending Camp Horizon really helped me come out of my shell. I actually had adults around me ask me what happened, because I became more comfortable with having an cecosotomy. Growing up, I never thought that anyone else had one, I thought I was alone.

“This past year, I made more friends. They support me, I support them. We had multiple discussions about a wide variety of topics both serious and not-so-serious. We became more like a family. I am still in contact with most of them via Facebook. They have helped me grow as a person. 

~ Anna Campbell, 2015  (age 17 speaking about her experience attending summer camp)

Seeing kids and adults living with an ostomy and living a full life impacted me, I felt that it was not a tragedy to have an ostomy anymore. I had people to look up to that were out there living their lives with an ostomy and it gave me hope.

At camp we talked, we shared stories and experiences! Camp gave me the confidence I needed. Taking that into my adult life, it gave me the tools and support early on; and the experiences at camp set the stage for my future. I am not sure I would be as open as I am now if I did not have the opportunity to attend. 

“Words cannot describe what giving me the opportunity to go to camp means, and I don't think I could truly express my gratitude in a single speech. The best way for me to summarize my gratitude is two words: Thank you, thank you, thank you."

~ Anna Campbell, 2015  (age 17 speaking about her experience attending summer camp)

What advice do you have for kids/teens who will be attending camp? 

Soak in every moment and have fun! Also, if there is something outside of your comfort zone,  just try it, there are some things you might regret not doing at summer camp.

What role has Ostomy Halifax played in your life?

I have been volunteering at Ostomy Halifax for approximately 2 years. Ostomy Halifax funded me going to camp and every year, I would write thank you notes to send off to the ostomy chapters. With Ostomy Halifax, I get to see people living their life, they have kids and following their dreams. 

Thank you Anna for taking the time to chat with us and share your experiences! We can't wait to see what you are up to next!