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  • Type:
    Overnight camp
  • Focus:
    Traditional (multi activity)
  • Cost:
    $3,625 to $6,195/2 weeks
  • Ages:
    8 to 15
  • Gender:
    All Boys
  • Main language:
    English
  • Capacity:
    225
  • Programs:
    0 available; 2 TBD
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  • Summary

    Kilcoo Camp answered our questions

    Who are you as an organization?

    Founded in 1932, on the shores of Gull Lake, Kilcoo Camp provides an enriching experience for young men from around the world. The majority of Staff have grown up through the ranks from Camper and Leader-in-Training. They are instilled with positive values and the spirit & joy of living. Kilcoo becomes something the boys will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

    • Special needs: Not available

    What do you do differently or uniquely well?

    This information is not available.

    Who are your staff and counsellors?

    This information is not available.

    What do families need to know about registration?

    This information is not available.



    Kilcoo Camp - profile photo

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  • Programs, Rates & Dates

    Programs and Sessions Calendar

    Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Kilcoo Camp currently has 0 program available; 2 TBD.

    Filter activities :


    Name
    Type/Gender
    Specialty
    Location
    Date
    Bus
     Cost
    Email
    Overnight Camp
    All Boys
    Ages: 7 - 10
    Traditional (multi activity)
    $3,450
    Ropes Course|Wilderness Out-tripping|Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Ceramics |Woodworking|Nature/Environment|First-aid/lifesaving |Archery|Badminton |Baseball/Softball|Basketball|Dodgeball|Gaga|Golf|Lacrosse|Rugby|Soccer|Tennis|Volleyball|Disc Golf|Mountain Biking|Hockey|Ping Pong|Rock Climbing|Ultimate Frisbee|Canoeing|Fishing|Kayaking/Sea Kayaking|Swimming|Water Polo
    Overnight Camp
    All Boys
    Ages: 7 - 15
    Traditional (multi activity)
    $5,900
    Ropes Course|Wilderness Out-tripping|Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Ceramics |Woodworking|Nature/Environment|Bronze Cross|First-aid/lifesaving |Archery|Baseball/Softball|Basketball|Gaga|Golf|Lacrosse|Rugby|Soccer|Tennis|Volleyball|Disc Golf|Mountain Biking|Football|Hockey|Ultimate Frisbee|Canoeing|Fishing|Kayaking/Sea Kayaking|Swimming|Water Polo



    Financial Aid & Payment Details

    Payment Options:

    Deposit required with acceptance Yes
  • Insider Reviews & Perspectives

    The Our Kids review of Kilcoo Camp

    our take

    Kilcoo was founded in 1932 and is very much one of the great, classic Canadian camps. It reflects the Taylor Statten ideal, as did so many camps that were founded at the time. And the name of the camp, like others founded at that time, was a nod to First Nations culture. The programs were traditional, based in watersports, canoeing, woods lore, and a boisterous celebration of the camp culture. Campers past and present are absolutely loyal to the camp, in large part due to the consistency of the program leadership down through the decades. They all feel that attending Kilcoo is about more than a summer, it’s a chance to participate in something larger, with a longer arc, and centered around an amiable set of priorities and values. And, indeed, it’s all of that, which is a draw for generations of campers, both locally and from around the world.


    More reviews of Kilcoo Camp

    Anonymous, Parent

    Thanks

    Read review

    Theo, Camper

    The Gift of Camp

    Read review

    John and Scott, Camper

    Lub

    Read review

    Ethan, Camper

    The Kilcoo Olympics

    Read review

    Diego, Camper

    First Time

    Read review

    Nic, Camper

    Best Place on Earth

    Read review

    More reviews of Kilcoo Camp


    Anonymous, Parent

    Thanks

    I wanted to write you a quick note to say thank you for yet another wonderful summer for our boys. A day hasn’t gone by without some camp story, song or game being told, sung or played in our house. Our boys had a fantastic summer. I’m not sure how you do it, but they come back closer as a band of brothers than when they leave and I love that. The boys have always been quite close, but it amplifies from their camp experience. I was concerned that our youngest wouldn’t fit into this troop, but he has come back a full member which is really wonderful for us as parents to see. It is clear that you love camp and make the experience a dream for boys – enough structure to make sure the day runs smoothly, but not the sort of structure they have at home (and I struggle to offer them as a parent who likes things to stay neat and clean). It is such a special place and your dedication to it is obvious. I love that, in an all-boys environment, the boys show so much affection for one another – they aren’t scared to hug and cry and really show each other how much they care. Pick up day was full of so much affection between the campers and staff it was truly fantastic to see. It is magical. Thank you so much. The boys will be back next summer (was there any doubt?) and I suspect the countdown has already commenced in their minds ... Show More


    Theo, Camper

    The Gift of Camp

    I think camp is one of the greatest experiences of my life. Having my father go to Kilcoo in the 80's, I know all the graces and camp songs by heart. Now, when my little brother Charlie and I go to camp, my Dad peppers us with questions about Kilcoo and if things are the same as when he was there. I always tell him it is the great guys and girls on staff and the campers at Kilcoo that make it the same great place its always been. My first time at camp for a month flew by! When my parents picked me up the first thing I told them after a hug was, "I'm coming back next year." I think camp is not just an experience, it is an amazing gift that every Kilcoo camper treasures ... Show More


    John and Scott, Camper

    Lub

    One of our favourite things about camp is our amazing director Lub. It's great seeing him always around all day with the campers, giving them greetings, playing baseball and football, and saying goodnight before bed. We also learn many lessons from him such as the value of a firm handshake to greet a visitor. We like how Lub tells amazing campfire stories, and we think it makes the campfire so much better. While he makes the campers happy he still runs the camp smoothly. Lub makes Kilcoo so much better! ... Show More


    Ethan, Camper

    The Kilcoo Olympics

    The Olympics is about growing as a person with the Kilcoo community. Being forced to compete against your friends, turning them into opponents for the event or even the day. This may seem like a strange approach but when everyone shows Kilcoo values of integrity and sportsmanship and all is said and done, you come out with stronger bonds than ever. The Olympics gives you motivation to push your limits physically and teaches you that half the battle is mental. Your teammates cheering you on helps you fight that mental battle and push harder. With this encouragement in this environment, you become stronger learning what you are truly capable of. The Olympics would just not be the same if they weren't at Kilcoo. ... Show More


    Diego, Camper

    First Time

    I arrived at camp tired and uncomfortable, away from my home, in a different country. It was hot and the sun beat down on my exhausted body. Although that wasn't the best first impression, during my time at Kilcoo I have come to appreciate these little things. I went to my cabin and began to unpack my belongings. As I did this, I pondered my firsts on this trip; first time in Canada, first time flying alone, first time without my parents, first time at Kilcoo. At that moment, I knew very little of what to expect. I knew not of the friendships I would make or of the inspiring leaders and role models I would meet. From archery to windsurfing, there were so many activities to take part in. Kilcoo has inspired me in so may ways. One of my favourite things about camp is chapel. Listening to staff members share stories about overcoming obstacles and appreciating things that life experience has given them. I appreciate my summer at Kilcoo and the opportunities it has given me., I am grateful to my parents for sending me to this incredible place. I am grateful for Lub, the staff and all of the LITs for helping make this experience possible. My stay was filled with firsts, gritty and fun, and that is what I am most grateful for. ... Show More


    Nic, Camper

    Best Place on Earth

    Every year I come back to camp not only for the fun that I have, but for the amazing friendships that I build and the long lasting memories that I create. Camp is one of the best places on earth and I am happier because of it. ... Show More


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  • Location & Site Details

    Address

    Minden, ON
    10735-10737 Hwy #35, Minden, Ontario, K0M 2K0
    Moore Park, Toronto
    403 - 150 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario, M4P 1E8



    Busing

    • Arrival Day (Bus fee: 100.00)
      Location Address Pick up Drop off
      Sterling Hall School 99 Cartwright Avenue, North York, ON, Canada 12:00 pm Not provided
      Kilcoo Camp 10735 Highway 35, Minden Hills, ON, Canada Not provided 2:15 pm
    • Departure Day (Bus fee: 100.00)
      Location Address Pick up Drop off
      Kilcoo Camp 10735 Highway 35, Minden Hills, ON, Canada 10:00 am Not provided
      Sterling Hall School 99 Cartwright Avenue, North York, ON, Canada Not provided 12:30 pm


    Accommodations

    Sleeping Accommodations

    • Cabins

    Amenities

    • Electricity in Sleeping Area

    Washrooms Facilities

    • Flush Toilets
    • Outhouses
    • Showers (indoor)

    More details about accommodations: Campers live in cabins with 8 - 10 others plus their Counsellor and LIT in an adjoining staff quarters. Each camper will have his own bunk, a cubby for his clothes, and personal shelving around his bunk area.

    Are meals provided? Yes

    Is Kilcoo Camp technology free? Yes Kilcoo Camp is a place for campers to unplug from technology and plug into nature. The boys are not allowed to have or use any technology of any kind.



    Property Details

    Sports facilities

    • Archery Range
    • Baseball Diamond
    • Basketball Court
    • Climbing Wall
    • Rope Course
    • Running Track
    • Soccer Field
    • Tennis Court(s)
    • Weight Room

    Landscape

    • Beach
    • Forested Area
    • Lake/Pond/River
    • Nature Trails
    • Open Field

    More details about property: Kilcoo is easily accessible by car, bus, and float plane. The camp is around a two hour drive from Toronto. Kilcoo's 165 acres are protected in a bay on Gull Lake in Minden Hills near Haliburton. The buildings include the main lodge, which has a dining area and a lower level ping-pong room, the Rec-Hut for indoor recreational activities and is the perfect setting for our Sunday skit night, "Kilabaloo". Other main buildings include an arts & crafts building, a ceramics building, an infirmary, an indoor climbing wall, and more.



    Rentals & Services

    Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
    Kilcoo Camp is a traditional summer camp in the Highlands of Haliburton, just south of Minden, ON. Founded in 1932, Kilcoo has earned a reputation as one of North America's foremost private camps and Outdoor Ed. centres. For over thirty years, students from school groups across the GTA have participated in our overnight O.E. programs that focus on the development of interpersonal skills, self-confidence, and personal growth through the instruction of wilderness based activities. Kilcoo’s Outdoor education program stresses the importance of experiential learning outside of the classroom and we firmly believe that student education cannot be limited to a classroom setting. At Kilcoo, students will participate in a wide range of physical activities that helps to support the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle during school years and beyond. We stress the importance of finding a balance between work and leisure. Students are most often taught through experiential learning at camp. Lessons begin with an overview of the activity philosophy and skill basics, and are followed with a challenge to the students using their newly learned skills. For example, we teach the students the scientific, practical, and natural fundamentals of fire building, then they compete to boil a small amount of water over an open flame. The activity will culminate in the students enjoying a cup of tea steeped in the hot water they boiled over an open fire. Such a progression pays huge dividends to the confidence and sense of accomplishment that student participants get from Kilcoo. Through debriefing of activities and engaged instruction from opur staff, each activity will present each student with an individual set of challenges to over come. They will be required to think critically, problem solve, understand their own individual/group goals, and learn to work and live with others. Popular activities include: high ropes, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and campcraft. Additional facilities include tennis courts, ball hockey and basketball courts, soccer fields, a large main lodge, and a self contained shower building.


    Available for private rentals: Yes
    For Kilcoo Old Boys (Alumnus) as well as people connected to the Kilcoo community, we offer our site to be rented. This could be for a corporate retreat, family reunion, or just a fun time with your closest friends.


    Associations

    Ontario Camps Association Associations
    Canadian Camping Association/ Association des camps du Canada Associations


  • What's New

    Director's Message

    ALDRIN “BUZZ” PRIMAYLON, Director

    Aldrin “Buzz” Primaylon came into the camping world in 1990 when he joined the staff of Camp Gay Venture. At the camp, Buzz began as the property manager and then brought the Rock Climbing and High Ropes programs to GV.

    Buzz joined Kilcoo in 2017 and has served as a Rock Climbing and High Ropes course instructor, learning from Chissy, before starting the LIT Skill program at Kilcoo.

    Buzz, his wife Brador and their three children have been a part of the Kilcoo staff since 2017. Brador runs the summer office and the Kilcoo Tuck Shop, and their three children enjoy their summers at camp. Liam and Breaden are both July campers at Kilcoo and Nyah attends Tanamakoon.

    During the off season, Buzz and Brador educate Grade 8 students in Scarborough.



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