For many children, attending camp is a highlight that makes summer special.

Camp Circle O’ Friends is a special kind of camp.

The camp was founded in 1987 by a group of individuals whose goal was to provide some fun and normalcy for children aged 6 – 18 whose lives had been touched by cancer.

The result is an annual four-day camp on the shores of Last Mountain Lake (this year’s camp took place June 18 to 21, 2026). Each year children come from across the province, meeting at a central location in Saskatoon or Regina and are driven out by bus to Arlington Beach.

The theme for this year’s camp was ‘The Mission: 2026’, and that theme of sneaky spies and espionage was layered into the fun and activities which included: indoor and outdoor crafts, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, outdoor cooking, media production, a petting zoo and a variety of sports.

“SaskTel is honoured to support Camp Circle O’ Friends, a place where children (including their siblings) can experience the simple joy of being kids,” said Reba O’Watch of SaskTel Community Relations. “It gives kids a chance to laugh, connect and experience camp, while giving families time to pause and recharge.”

It’s support like this that speaks to SaskTel’s strategic commitment to 'Engage and Invest in Our People and Communities'.

“Support from sponsors like SaskTel means Camp Circle O' Friends is not only able to continue operations, but able to offer a low-to-no cost camp experience for our campers,” said ShayAnne Surtees, Executive Director for the camp. “Because of the financial support, we can ensure every child who qualifies for camp is able to attend, without financial barriers.”

“Every kid deserves to experience summer camp. I'm grateful we are able to offer a medically supported camp so that kids affected by cancer in Saskatchewan don't miss out on the summer camp experience.”

ShayAnne practiced law before becoming involved with the camp. She was advised that once you find the magic of Camp Circle O' Friends it really holds on to you, something that is proving to be true!

“I love being a part of Camp Circle O' Friends,” she said. “I feel truly lucky to have the opportunity to meet so many resilient, funny, thoughtful children. Our volunteers are an incredible group of people with the largest hearts and are an incredible team to work alongside. It's easy work to be involved with, because my mission is clear each and every day: work to support these kids, and to continue being able to offer a very special place for them to return to, year after year.”

“Thank you to SaskTel and their team for keeping Camp Circle O' Friends close to their hearts! We couldn't do what we do without sponsors like you.”