Camp Crossroads offers a traditional camp experience in a fresh and dynamic way. Our core Christian teaching, creative and caring staff, excellent food and exciting recreational programs inspire kids and keep them coming back year after year. In addition to overnight camps and day camps, we also offer week-long, all-inclusive retreats for families!
Campers are inspired to explore what they believe about Jesus and the Bible as they attend daily chapel sessions designed just for them. Chapel sessions include dynamic singing with full instrumental band and age-appropriate Bible teaching that helps promote personal growth in the campers. We welcome campers from all (or no) faith backgrounds and cabin leaders help create a caring and respectful community as they live and play together all week. Campers turn in their technology when they arrive at camp so that they can be uniquely present to the fun and learning opportunities here. Parents are attracted to this traditional camp experience where kids can be kids - playing, learning, being silly and having fun outside.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Camp Crossroads currently has 2 programs available; 8 TBD.
Our registration opens up on February 1 (or the closest weekday to this date) and can be accessed by visiting our website www.campcrossroads.com and clicking any of the "Register" buttons. Parents register their overnight campers in the age-appropriate program and in some older camp weeks they can add program options like Horsemanship or Waterski/Wakeboarding for an additional fee as long as there is space. A deposit of $200 is required to reserve the camper spot with the balance owing on June 1. Cancellations made up until 2 weeks before the registered camper week receive a full refund minus a $25 admin fee. Cancellations made within 2 weeks of the camper week incur a $200 admin fee.
Financial Aid & Payment Details
Payment Options:
Deposit required with acceptance
Yes
Credit card payment
Yes
Maximum installments available
2
Discounts
Discount for 3rd child
10%
Discount for 4th child
10%
Scholarships & awards: Total annual scholarship fund: $20,000 CAD
Fresh Air Fund
Amount: $800
Deadline: Rolling
Type: Need based Details: The Fresh Air Fund is available to families in need from the cities of Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax or Pickering. Application Details: Interested applicants should email [email protected] to request a Campership form that needs to be filled out and returned for consideration.
Campership Wide
Amount: $200
Deadline: Rolling
Type: Need based Details: Eligible to families in need who reside outside the areas of Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax and Pickering. Application Details: Interested applicants should email [email protected] to request a Campership form that needs to be filled out and returned for consideration.
The location and facilities are, frankly, as good as it gets. Crossroads is in Muskoka, but it’s also very much of Muskoka, with the feel and aesthetic that makes the region so singular and charming. The range of activities includes all those you’d expect from a traditional camp—canoeing, crafts, horseback riding, leadership training—as well as a others that broaden the offering in sympathetic ways. The feel is vibrant and engaged, with the spiritual aspect adding meaning and depth to the experience. Family camp sessions are a plus, and can also provide an entrée for younger or reluctant campers before they make the move to an overnight program. There is also rich and varied programs on offer though the shoulder seasons and through the winter months. Staffing is experienced and professional, something that for the families that attend is rightly a draw.
Transcript of our interview with Elizabeth, Camp Crossroads: Parent Interview with Elizabeth and Alan
What were you looking for when searching for camps?
Alan
It was in the middle of the pandemic, so we wanted to get away. We had heard about Camp Crossroads and the activities, and we really were looking for something where they could have some opportunities to participate in different programs, but then we’d still be able to see them, hang out with them, and hear how their day went.
Elizabeth
Camp Crossroads is affiliated with our church, so that’s how we found out about it. We wanted the combination of some spiritual teaching along with opportunities for activities we wouldn’t necessarily get in the city or that we had never done with our kids.
Camp Crossroads had water skiing, which our kids tried for the first time and loved. And they had lots of outdoor things. Because we went to the family camp side, we also had time to experience some of those things as parents as well.
What would you highlight about Camp Crossroads’ programs?
Alan
The activities at Camp Crossroads were really great, from being able to participate in the lake activities and water sports to the games and the way the campground was set up for different sports activities and crafts.
At the end of the day, I think what was really great was the community of families that was there. Everyone was very welcoming and really open to ensuring that the kids all played together, supported each other, and encouraged one another.
There were a few families that were really instrumental in organizing some social activities for everyone. Even in the free time, we had a baseball game and an ultimate Frisbee game. And these things were just kind of spontaneously set up.
What do you think that your children liked best or found most exciting about Camp Crossroads?
Elizabeth
I think they enjoyed having all that freedom to be a bit more independent, but also being around peers and adults when they needed them. I think there’s a good blend of free time for them and also structured time.
They also really liked the Gaga ball pit, which we had no idea about until we got there, but they would just spontaneously play a game after each meal. It was all ages, and everyone was very supportive of each other.
As a parent, it was really nice for me when I was sitting on the dock and watching the kids water ski for the first time. When my nine-year-old got up on the skis, everyone around stopped and cheered for him, which is just a nice experience, to have that positive reinforcement from the people around you and have a place where people know your name. A week of that was just really good for the kids.
Alan
I would guess the two things that they liked the most were the water sports, like wakeboarding and water skiing. The other thing they really liked was the tuck shop. This was our kids’ first experience at camp, and so being able to go to the tuck shop and just buy what they wanted was a real treat for them.
How and when did you know that Camp Crossroads was the right fit for your children?
Elizabeth
Within 24 hours, we felt very welcome and started getting integrated into the activities. We were new to Camp Crossroads. It was our first week there. We didn’t know any other parents there, and we were the only ones from the city. And we were the only non-white family there.
The first day, I think we could tell we were different, but it was a really quick transition.
Was there any change or noticeable personal growth you saw in your children after their time at Camp Crossroads?
Alan
I think they were more interested in trying new things. I think a week at this camp really gave them confidence that new things could be fun, interesting, exciting, and adventurous. Having that good, encouraging experience, I think, would build upon their interest in trying something new again.
Just remembering what it was like to be in social environments was important. Maybe that’s not applicable going forward as Ontario reopens, but at the time, it was really important for our kids to remember what it’s like to hang out with other people.
Elizabeth
Our daughter is extroverted but likes to play it safe. So Camp Crossroads was a place for her, like Alan said, to try something new. And I think that both the kids are keen to go back and keep experiencing that.
Our son is probably more introverted. But again, I think it’s all the small things, like having leaders who encourage you, know your name, include you in things, or positively reinforce you when you try something. I think that was good for him. And you don’t have to be an extrovert to get that positive feedback. You just need people who actually pay attention to you.
After the pandemic, a week of not having screens was important. A week to connect as a family outdoors with other families was really important. A week to sing in church again was important. We hadn’t sung with other people in a long time. So that stuck out for me.
We go to a small church where there are kids, but they’re all different ages, so you don’t have a ton of kids necessarily your child’s exact age. I think going to a Christian camp, you get to meet other kids who are Christians and who are your age, and you get to share your experiences. I think that’s something that is important to us, for them to have peers.
It was also important to meet high school students and young people who were working there, who are also still Christians, and have that kind of mentorship to see what’s coming next.
How can you as parents support your children to get the most out of Camp Crossroads?
Elizabeth
I think it’s just being flexible about what they express and being open. Our older one is ready to do overnight camp. She was fine with that idea and going to teen camp next year. Our younger one may need another year of family camp.
How would you describe Camp Crossroads if you were talking to another parent about it?
Alan
I think it provides all the things you want out of a retreat-style campsite. They take care of all the responsibilities of planning and organizing so that you can just show up with your stuff, and they do it at a really affordable cost for families.
They put the focus on the things that are important: connections, experiences, and activities. And they do it at a real economical rate.
Elizabeth
It’s not a pretentious camp. There’s not a feeling that it has to be a certain way or have a certain brand. It focuses on the important things: connecting kids with each other, families connecting, and also experiencing God.
0:31 - What were you looking for when searching for camps?
1:00 - What's unique about the program at the camp that made you want to enroll your children there?
1:45 - What would you highlight about the camp's programs?
3:04 - What do you think that your children like best or found most exciting about the camp?
5:33 - How and when did you know that the camp was the right fit for your children?
6:14 - Was there any change or noticeable personal growth you saw on your children after their time at this camp?
9:14 - How can you as parents support your children to get hte most out of this camp?
9:40 - How would you describe this camp, if you were talking to another parent about it?
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Verified Reviews of Camp Crossroads
5 Average rating (3 reviews)
What parents and campers say about Camp Crossroads in reviews. Starred reviews are exclusive to OurKids.net. We also collect reviews and testimonials from around the web.
(4.9)
Cohen Bless, Current Participant
Camp Crossroads is the best camp I have ever gone to!😎 My cabin leaders are the kindest, most awesome people! They have this trophy 🏆 for the best cabin, and you get to tube, shower (but you hav...
Camp is such a fun and inviting place. You get to grow in community with other Christians. You not only gain great friends, but you also gain mentors (your cabin leaders). It is an experience that tak...
1. What brought me back each year was how nice, kind, and interactive the counselors were! And how each day there were endless fun activities. 2. The place brings off such good vibes itself, and each ...
Great job! Camp was tons of fun and covid protocols were done well. That is a hard balance to achieve but you did it well.
Catherine N., Parent
They loved it all
They loved it all - from cabin mates, to horses, to great special diets, to swimming to pine tree point, to caring cabin leaders, to chapel time - they want to return for Youth next summer!
Sarah D., Parent
Best week!
Thank you for your efforts to make this an amazing week for our daughter. It was one of the best weeks of her life!
Anonymous, Parent
Fantastic
Caleb had a fantastic time! Definitely the best week of the summer.
Meghan H., Parent
Beyond Impressed
My son had yet another amazing week at Camp Crossroads! His cabin leader, was so attentive and compassionate to his needs...I am beyond impressed with the love and compassion each staff member shows my kids every year!
Morris Family, Camper
So very blessed
Our family would be so happy to return next year. We feel so very blessed to have had the opportunity to rest, learn, and connect at camp. Our lives have been enriched thanks to all of you!!!
Gamble family, Camper
Such a great week
As first-timers to Camp Crossroads, we had such a great week at family choice 3. Staff were wonderful, food was fantastic, so great to spend time with friends at such a beautiful place. Thanks for an amazing week!
Family Camper, Camper
Definitely Recommend
The speaker was great for chapel! The slip and slid was a lot of fun! Covid rules were followed. Craft hut staff were really wonderful and inclusive! Bathrooms were always extremely clean. We would definitely recommend
At Camp Crossroads we work hard to provide safe learning environments for children and youth to explore their faith, build quality friendships and have a lot of fun! Our staff are carefully selected and trained to foster a caring community that leads campers to take the next steps in their personal growth. Our staff also bring a lot of creativity to camp, and the programs we offer provide age-appropriate challenges for campers to overcome as they test their own skills and learn to work in a team.
A week at camp is a great investment in the personal development of a child, and we would value the opportunity to get connected with your family. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us in the office; we would be happy to help.
Staff and Counsellors
Many of our staff grew up attending our summer programs and aspiring to provide the kind of quality programming they experienced when they were campers. We have a high retention rate and staff often serve for several summers in a row starting with a week of on-site training in June. Our overall staff to camper ratio on-site is about 1:2 (including operational staff) but the ratio in the cabin groups is 1:5. Our campers talk the most about the creative programs and silly characters that the staff have designed but they also often comment about their kindness and positive leadership qualities.
More details about property: We have 300 acres of forest and open playing fields that also include beach front access to Black Lake. The waterfront is equipped with canoes, kayaks, SUPs and docked in swimming area complete with a Blob (and Blob jumping tour) and Turbo Shoot (slip and slide). Our sports facilities include an outdoor concrete basketball/pickleball court, 2 beach volleyball courts, and 9 hole frisbee golf course.
Accommodations
Sleeping Accommodations
Cabins
Dorm or Building
Amenities
Electricity in Sleeping Area
Shower in Sleeping Area
Toilet in Sleeping Area
Washrooms Facilities
Flush Toilets
Showers (indoor)
More details about accommodations: We have a variety of accommodations from rustic cabins to a dorm style building for Family Camps. Our Overnight Children/Youth campers are mostly housed in cabins with electricity and washrooms with flush toilets. A few campers may be housed in rustic cabin (with electrictiy but no running water) that is situated beside a central showerhouse.
Are meals provided?
Yes.
Is Camp Crossroads technology free?
Yes. We require campers to hand in their cell phones and cameras once they arrive at Camp. This policy is to encourage campers to make the most of the unique outdoor opportunities that camp affords as well as for the safety of all campers and staff.
Rentals & Services
Available for private rentals: Yes
We welcome private rentals from Christian organizations that fall in line with our Mission Statement:
"Camp Crossroads exists as a Christ-centered ministry to support the local church by making disciples and developing leaders."
My daughter just returned from Junior High week and had yet another amazing week. This is her fourth year at Camp and she always comes home happy and full of wonderful stories. Thanks you for all you do!
Our son has been attending camp for three years now and has loved every year. This year seemed to be his best as he came home so excited to share his award for horseback riding. He was super delighted to say the least. Thank you for making the children feel so empowered, loved and respected. You are doing such great things for all the campers.
My son had an amazing time at Camp Crossroads! He explained in detail his daily routines and I was extremely happy with the safety measures both in the water and around the camp! He was so thankful for the Pastor, cabin leaders, chef and all the volunteers & staff! It was so difficult to drop our son off for the first time at a camp, but we are so glad he experienced your camp! Thank you for caring for and enriching our son with Gods love at the center of it all!
When I was 9, I started attending Camp Crossroads and met a girl named Julianne from Kitchener. I saw her every summer, since we are the same age. When I was in my 20s, I started attending a new church. The first person who talked to me and invited me out to join the choir and her small group was Julianne. She recognized me from Camp.
Now in my 40s, I am Facebook friends with Julianne and have a 9 year old daughter. She attends a different church than I do and we don’t hang out in the same social circles. But I’ve been watching her FB posts! Last summer, she volunteered at Camp for a week. Then I saw that the Bible Kids Club she volunteered with wasn’t going to run in the fall. I kept thinking about her and how she gives so much time, energy and love to kids....and Jesus.
In December, after 3 months of praying about it, I asked Julianne if she would ever consider leading a girls small group for my daughter and her friends. Grade 4 seems to be a good time to strengthen girls relationships with each other and also their relationship with God Julianne said yes, and has given her Thursday nights to hang out with 8 little girls in my living room! Last week, as I quietly hung out in the hallway, I heard all of them pray the Lord’s Prayer together. My heart is so happy and thankful.
This impact started and will continue because of Jesus, but also because of Camp Crossroads. The girls convinced her to volunteer again this summer too. It was important for me to share this story because I wanted people to know how much of an impact camp can have in a person's life, not only for one week in the summer but for many years to come!
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