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"People look at you and they've already made assumptions," explains the 51 year-old Oakville, Ontario resident. "What you do has a big impact on what people think of who you are - it's tiresome."

But not at camp. Through a decade of summers spent at camp, half as a camper and half as part of staff, Sloane had a group of friends from all walks of life. No matter their ethnicity, neighbourhood, hobbies, economic background or personal life, friendships developed free from preconceptions. It was here that Sloane developed the ability to relate to others for who they are, a skill that is invaluable when dealing with clients who are often sick, stressed and struggling to make ends meet.

"I can't think of an example when I wasn't able to break the ice by being who I am, not what I am," he says. "They can communicate with me. They're not intimidated by what I do."

An embracing camp community also gave Sloane the skills and compassion to sit on various local arts and environmental boards. Now he's witnessing the same benefits in his 18-year-old son Spencer, who is finding his own voice through playing the guitar for the kids at camp, something Sloane never would have imagined his shy son doing.

"That's because of camp," Sloane says. "You can truly be yourself and no one will judge you for it. It's a wonderful thing."