Camping for almost a century

Camp Kawartha has been providing magical summers for children and teens since 1921. Founded as a boy's camp on Clear Lake by the Rotary Club of Peterborough, Camp Kawartha has grown into a year-round operation including a co-ed summer camp, a residential outdoor education centre and conference & retreat centre.

Experience the Camp Kawartha Difference!

We strive to create memories that last a lifetime!

Fostering Environmental Awareness

For ten months out of the year (Sept-June), we operate as an environmental 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.

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

Camp 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.

Providing Great Food

Meal Time Mealtimes are a special part of the day for the Camp Kawartha community as we gather together for fellowship, sing songs, special events and delicious food! Our camp's small size gives our kitchen staff the opportunity to prepare wholesome meals with fresh ingredients and local produce. Nutritious snacks and fruit are available between meals. Children with special dietary needs are given individual attention and alternative meals. Camp Kawartha prohibits any food/snacks that contain nuts or traces of nuts.

Talented & Dedicated Staff

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

Committing to the Highest of Safety Standards

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. Camp Kawartha is an accredited member of the Ontario Camping Association, which monitors our commitment to quality.

About Camp