Ontario Summer Camp for Kids
We create memories that last a lifetime!
Camp Kawartha has been providing summer camp for children and teenagers in Ontario since 1921. Today, we are an award-winning, year round facility dedicated to promoting the highest standards of programming; with a particular focus on outdoor environmental awareness, education and stewardship. Situated on a magnificent 186-acre waterfront property featuring forests, fields, wetlands and 800 feet of shoreline on Clear Lake, we are ideally suited to deliver a variety of outdoor and environmental programs to children of all ages. We offer a variety of summer camp programs for boys and girls aged 5 to 17.
Experience the Camp Kawartha Difference!
Fostering Environmental Awareness
For ten months out of the year (Sept-June), we operate as an outdoor education centre, teaching school children about natural history, habitat protection and the importance of wildlife. For us, environmental awareness is an ethic we incorporate into everything we do, from the programs we offer to the food we serve and the way we maintain our facility.
Unique Facilities
With a wind turbine, active and passive solar systems and a number of innovative straw bale buildings as well as solar ovens and cookers, campers bear witness to inspiring examples of how all of us can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Campers also participate in several unique alternative energy programs by racing model solar cars and cooking food on a solar powered parabolic cooker and oven. In a unique partnership with Trent University, Sir Sandford Fleming College and the Gainey Foundation, Camp Kawartha has spearheaded the construction of one of Canada’s most sustainable buildings: The Camp Kawartha Environment Centre
Promoting Self-Esteem
We believe that the development of self-esteem and self-confidence is at the very heart of what we do. Every child is treated as a special individual with something unique to contribute to our camping community. We encourage campers to live, work and play cooperatively, to recognize and value each other's strengths and learn from our differences. Both in our programs and in our interactions with campers, we provide opportunities for individual challenge and growth.
Fostering a sense of Community
Our goal is to create a supportive community which recognizes and values every child. Camp Kawartha has a total capacity of 125 campers (combined total of residential, tripping and leadership campers) cared for by just over 50 staff members. Our intimate size allows us to build a very close-knit community. The staff know the campers by name, and they take the time to provide individual attention to each child.
Talented & Dedicated Staff
Camp Kawartha's dynamic staff of skilled professionals and young adults go that extra mile to be positive role models for campers. They bring to Camp Kawartha an impressive variety of talents and experience in the arts, sports, adventure activities, out-tripping, counseling and leadership. What stands out most about our staff is the level of commitment and care they put into everything that they do! Meet our Summer Camp Staff
Committment to Safety
Camp Kawartha is an accredited member of the Ontario Camps Association, which monitors our commitment to standards setout for all camp operations. Every spring we carefully examine all aspects of our programs to ensure they provide the highest standards of safety and care. Staff have qualifications in specialty areas and are all trained in First Aid and CPR.
Camper Demographics
The majority of our campers are from Eastern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area, but we also have several campers from the across Canada, the USA and overseas. The location of our camp in the beautiful Kawartha Lakes region – a short distance from Peterborough, Ontario – makes us popular with cottagers and vacationers visiting the area.
On average, our camper return rate is 51%. Almost a third of our campers return for their third year or more. The majority of newcomers come as a result of referrals from campers and camper families.
Full-color Printable Brochure
Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour of our facilities.
