Rotary YMCA Camp Presqu'ile is a small community based camp focused on meeting campers individual needs while growing their confidence and helping them to build lifelong friendships. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay north west of the city or Owen Sound, Camp Presqu’ile has provided overnight summer camp to youth aged 6-15 for the past 90+ years.
Special needs:
Yes, mild support. A few of our campers have special needs.
Camp Presqu'ile is the ideal location for children and youth who are looking to actively engage in a small community focused on the well being of all it's members. Campers are encourage to interact with everyone at camp regardless of age and spend time with members in our community that they get along best with. Campers are also encouraged to help one another reach their goals while at camp whether that's to learn to stern a canoe, become more comfortable in social settings or step out of their normal role in their school lives. Presqu'ile is a supportive and encouraging environment for children to grow.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Camp Presqu'ile currently has 3 programs available.
Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Archery|Baseball/Softball|Basketball|Dodgeball|Flag Football|Gaga|Soccer|Canoeing|Kayaking/Sea Kayaking|Swimming
Registration Details
Our registration opens in November with an early bird registration window. We have a mix of one and two week programs that campers aged 6-14 years old can register for and we have a two week leadership program for youth aged 15. We also have a 10% sibling discount to help offset the cost of sending more then one child to camp with us. At the time of registration you can pay the full fee or set up a payment plan. There is a non-refundable $200 deposit that is made at the time of registration. We also have Financial Assistance available to families who may need it.
Camp Presqu'ile was founded in 1929 to reflect the YMCA ideals, and it’s done that ever since. Spirit, mind and body remain the focus, as well as an overt attention to not only having fun, but also developing stewardship, community, and ethical leadership. The staff are drawn to the camp because of the values that they share, which in turn contributes to a strong, inspiring camp culture. The programming beautifully reflects the core traditions of camping in Canada, from active living to personal and interpersonal development. The facilities have been sympathetically updated, including a new dining hall in 1999, and an update to the mod cons in 2005. It nevertheless retains the feel of what camp is about: singing songs, getting out on the lake, and making lasting friendships.
Camp Presqu’ile is very inclusive. [Everyone] from children who are differently-abled to LGBTQ plus community involvement.
Also, it's right on the shores of Georgian Bay. The scenery is beautiful. The location is perfect for us.
What would you highlight about the camp?
There’s lots of great programming, yet also downtime, so that kids aren't overwhelmed. The downtime tends to be more of an activity of their choosing. The programming is based around swimming, archery, trail walks, hikes, arts and crafts. They have music programs. So there’s lots of fun there. Because of the location, it’s a wide open space for just general unstructured play.
How did you know that this camp was the right fit?
When they came home, it was the nonstop singing of the camp songs all the way home and the stories. And “I made this friend, and we're going to keep in touch, doing this” and other good things. I should mention that Dakota is usually very quiet. For them to be so verbal about their experience, I just knew, “Bam, this is the one we're going back next year.” We got one year as a camper, and then the leadership and training was where Dakota's age landed the next time, and it was perfect.
Cameron, though, is very outgoing. Cameron went this year for the first time. She's eight years old, and she already knew where she was going because of coming to drop Dakota off. But she's that girl who, as soon as she saw there was a pool and all these activities, and she'd get to do crafts [she was in]. She's a singing and dancing kid, and there was going to be music. I didn't even have to stay! Some parents were there [as long as they could be]. I was like, “Okay, I'll see you later!” She was already making friends and having a great time.
Was there any noticeable personal growth in your child after time at camp?
I have the most to say about Dakota: Confidence, definitely. A huge change! Responsibility, too.
You're going away for two weeks at a time. When they got into leadership and training, they were volunteering. They got volunteer hours for working with programming with the other campers.
But also because of the environment there, Dakota did a lot of self-discovery. Actually, they went to camp using pronouns she/her, and now actually would prefer to be called Dakota, and using pronouns they/them. The environment at their school, while very supportive, [makes them] feel too much like needing to fit in at school. At camp, they didn't feel the need to fit in. They just got to be themselves and explore who they were. That was really beneficial.
As for Cameron, it was the independence growth. The independence that came out was phenomenal. She wants to go back for two weeks straight next year or the summer. So she's ready for more.
How can parents overcome hesitancy to send their children away overnight?
Cameron did have a medical situation her first week there. The staff were phenomenal about it, but what was interesting to me is that Cameron was more upset that she had to come home than about what happened. I was really impressed with how everything was handled from start to finish, with follow-up and the whole bit. We’re lucky at this camp that there's a nurse and a doctor on call, which most camps have now.
I was never hesitant or worried about either of them getting hurt. I was more worried about whether they’d get homesick, always the [thing] that I go to first. But the way the staff are trained and the tools and resources that they have at their disposal, your kids are well looked after. They're there to have fun. The counselors provide as much fun as possible in a safe environment.
Dakota was older when they went to camp, so I didn't have a lot of hesitation. So I already had one kid that had gone, so it wasn't so bad when I sent Cameron along. Knowing those things were in place, I would say, “Parents, send your kids. It's the best experience!”
What would you tell other parents about the overall value of sending kids to this camp?
There's the personal growth they do very much on their own. As parents, we tend to guide when they're at home. This gives them a chance to do all those things we've been teaching them, as well as explore on their own and become their own person.
And then the friendships! The mom of one friend of Cameron's reached out to me to know, “When are you sending Cameron next year?” They want the girls to go at the same time. That's really cool, too.
What do your children say about this camp?
Dakota has already reapplied to work there again next year. So Dakota would be like, “Go!” And Cameron, like I said, is begging to go for two weeks straight next year.
My kids love camp. I can't see them not going unless, unfortunately, something like a global pandemic, which happened to Dakota, stops them from going.
Final thoughts?
This camp is a Rotary-YMCA-partnership camp. During the pandemic, the local Rotary Club took the opportunity to fix, restore, and add new things to the facility, which is fantastic. This camp has been around for a long time [over 50 years] and is so well maintained, and with the support of the Rotary Club in the YMCA, it will be around for a long time. Its beautiful location on Georgian Bay provides such a wonderful opportunity.
There's also a little lake for canoeing and kayaking. That may be a chance for your child to try something new. They'll try new things and have a blast. Summer camp memories are lifelong. I remember going to camp as a kid, and it was my favorite time.
This camp provides the most amazing councillors for kids new to the overnight camp idea. They made even the shyest little girl feel so loved and accepted. After a school year of bullying and mean girls I can't even begin to describe what this has done for her ❤️
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Parent, Parent
Easing Apprehensions
Gwen had the best ever. She is still talking about everything that went on. It was her first year going and I was a little apprehensive as a parent wondering how she would make out. She loved it. She's already asking for 2 weeks next summer. She had an absolute blast. Thank you
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Parent, Parent
The Benefit of a Smaller Camp
The entire Presqu’ile staff have been fabulous for the last two years now answering our every email and in person questions. It's the kind of personal attention we simply don't feel a bigger more elaborate camp could offer. We've never even done sleep overs with neighbour kids bit for some reason felt more comfortable having our kids stay in a cabin with several other boys and a counselor...strange, but we went with our gut and did our homework with talking to other people in the community and getting to know about how the camp is run and the daily activities offered. Everything we heard was positive! Scotia really does make it all worth it though. My oldest son was having a hard time with the noise and excitement of the other kids after dinner with it simply being loud and a little crazy with all the kids just having a good time. Scotia recognized this and gently took him outside for a breath of fresh air and just that change of environment made the difference. His brother on the other hand was in that party atmosphere and loved it but the beauty was there was no judging or awkward moment, Scotia and her staff understand how to be delicate. ...Show More
Parent, Parent
A Break From Tech to Be a Kid
Between the crafts, swimming, sports, games, meals and camp fires I would say my boys were more than happy with their time spent there. A week off their tablet is great thing. The price for the camp was an important matter for us. We found it quite affordable and well worth it in the end compared to other camp ...Show More
Parent, Parent
Welcoming Environment For All
I sent my daughter with a journal and pre write questions for her to answer. One of the questions was “what emotions did you have on your first day?” Her response was anxious, happy, excited and ACCEPTED. That alone was all I needed to know that she had a great week
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Parent, Parent
Professionalism at Camp
My camper had a medical emergency, the professionalism and care from the Presqu'ile Team was by far amazing!
Parent, Parent
Thrilled to be at Camp
She had the best time and she loved the food, staff and complete experience. I am so thrilled with the camp.
Parent, Parent
Managing unique needs
My son is autistic and has many quirks and fixations, I don't think he could have had a better counselor, who was also Autistic and made me super comfortable leaving him there. This is the longest my son has EVER been away from me and his puppy. Meals will always be an issue, when Ainsley is not at home. They tried to offer him alternatives. My son loved the camp and will 100% go back next year. He was exhausted when he got home ; ...Show More
Parent, Parent
First Time Campers at Any Age
I am so pleased that, at almost the age of 15, my first time camper had such a positive experience
Transcript of our interview with Scotia, Camp Director
What is unique about the camp?
What makes Presqu'ile unique is our intentionally small population size. We're never going to have more than about 100 or 150 kids on site, which means that everyone gets to know each other really well.
We are also focused on having a "one-room schoolhouse" which means that our programs are not divided by age group. Whether you're 6 or 16, you might be participating in the same activity, learning to work together as members of one community. While cabins are still grouped by age, our daytime activities are fully mixed, promoting mentorship and connection across age groups.
At Presqu’ile, campers choose what they want to do each day based on their current interests. If you try kayaking and decide it's not for you, that’s okay because you don't have to stick with it. This flexibility allows kids to explore freely and fully enjoy their time.
What type of child is successful at your camp?
There's no one type of kid that is most successful at Camp Presqu'ile as it is a space where every camper can feel included and accepted. Our focus is on creating a safe, supportive community where kids of all backgrounds and personalities can explore who they are, discover new interests, build friendships, and grow at their own pace.
We don’t define success in just one way. For some campers, it’s earning activity levels or performing in the camp play. For others, it’s making friendship bracelets, trying something new, or simply being a kind and thoughtful member of their cabin group. Whatever success looks like to each camper, we recognize and celebrate it. There’s something here for everyone.
Is the schedule structured or is it more open?
Our camp sessions are set up in one and two-week sessions. Our one-week sessions are available for kids aged 6–12 and are perfect for first-time campers. The structure is the same as our longer sessions, but condensed for kids and parents who may feel nervous about being away from home, or for families balancing summer activities like sports.
Our two-week sessions are more immersive and allow campers to really settle in, build deeper friendships, and work toward personal goals. It’s a great fit for returning campers, older kids, or confident first-timers ready for the full experience.
We also run a two-week leadership program for 15-year-olds, which includes a canoe trip and specialized workshops in teamwork, communication, and group dynamics. Leadership campers follow the same daily schedule, including fun activity blocks in the morning and leadership placements in the afternoon, where they develop skills by assisting in specific programs.
Campers choose their own activities each day; three in the morning and three in the afternoon. They don’t move with their cabin groups unless they want to, so they can explore what interests them most. After dinner, campers enjoy our "Choose Your Own Venture" hour with a mix of low, medium, and high energy options, followed by an evening program and snack before bed.
We believe giving kids the freedom to make their own choices within a supportive structure helps build confidence, independence, and joy.
How do your staff deal with behavioural issues?
Before campers even arrive, our staff undergo a full week of training, where a major focus is helping them understand how to meet the needs of diverse campers. We teach staff to create clear expectations, routines, and supportive environments right from the start and emphasize prevention.
Each cabin group establishes a daily routine and takes part in building a Full Value Contract which is a shared agreement created by campers and staff that sets out how they’ll live together respectfully. This helps set clear behavioral expectations and gives everyone something to return to when conflicts arise.
When behavioral challenges do come up, whether it’s homesickness, emotional outbursts, or interpersonal conflict, our senior staff team is there to support both the campers and their cabin staff. We take the time to understand what’s going on beneath the surface: often, behavior issues are rooted in feeling unsafe, uncomfortable, or unsure. That’s why we focus on building predictable routines, ensuring that kids know what’s coming next and feel secure in the camp environment.
If more serious or ongoing behavioral concerns arise, we involve parents early to discuss strategies that may work both at home and at camp. We do not believe in removing a camper unless all other intervention strategies have been tried and the behavior is truly disruptive or unsafe. Our goal is to give campers the skills to regulate emotions, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts, both at camp and beyond.
What do campers value most about their experience at the camp?
What our campers value the most about their time at Presqu’ile is the freedom to choose their own schedule. Kids really like that they have the autonomy to choose the programming that they're doing each morning and each afternoon. It allows them to keep the programming fresh for themselves.
As campers grow, their relationship with each activity evolves. A 6-year-old might head to canoeing just to splash around and chat with staff. As campers grow, their relationship with each activity evolves. The programming grows with them, offering something new at every stage.
Campers also really value the friendships they build. Many return summer after summer and coordinate their sessions to reunite with the same friends. They also love the signature events like Special Day and Presqu’ile Bound.
What message do you have for new campers?
If you're thinking about joining us at Camp Presqu’ile this summer, the most important thing we want you to know is this: we can’t wait to welcome you.
Whether you're a first-time camper or returning for another unforgettable summer, we’re genuinely excited to have you as part of our community. At Presqu’ile, everyone knows each other, supports one another, and helps create a place where everyone belongs.
If you’re feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, that’s totally normal. We hope that you join us this summer, and you can be a part of our community for years to come.
00:38 - What makes your camp or program unique compared to others?
02:19 - What type of child is successful at your organization?
03:48 - Is the schedule structured or is it more open?
07:20 - How does your staff deal with behavioural issues?
11:36 - What do campers value the most about an experience at your organization?
13:19 - What message would you give to a camper who is entering your camp or program?
Director's Message
Greeting Future Camp Presqu'ile Families!
I cannot wait to be back again for another summer at Camp Presqu'ile. I am so grateful for the work I get to do, and more importantly for the impact it has on our campers and families! Camp provides children and youth with the unique opportunity to step away from their family units to build confidence and resiliency all while having the time of their lives.
Camp Presqu'ile is committed to creating an environment where campers can be themselves, try new things and get excited about spending time in the outdoors. I always love hearing feedback from parents that their campers have come back as 'a new kid'. Whether they have started helping to clear the table at the end of a meal, are more confident in school or have a new hobby the effect camp can have on a child's life is like nothing else.
I hope that you and your family choose to become a part of the Presqu'ile community this summer!
In Camping Friendship,
Megan 'Scotia' Hutton
Staff and Counsellors
Our staff come primarily from our camper base. Who better to facilitate the Camp Presqu'ile experience then past campers? As campers age through our program we have build in leadership opportunities for them to engage with to help them build leadership skills they can use where ever they want and that includes working at camp if they wish! Having our staff team move from campers to staff ensures that Presqu'ile has long standing traditions that our whole community knows and understands.
The group of counsellors at Camp Presquile were very amazing at helping my son meet other kids. It was his first time every away and I really appreciated the attention that they gave him on his first day. Even when I called the camp after the first night camp was great at checking in with the cabin counsellors and making sure that he was adjusting to camp. I am very impressed by the staff with their energy and dedication that they have in making his experience great. Our son is very excited to return back next summer. He even said it would be great to go for two weeks next time.
It was a long week for us (parents), not having him around, but knew that it was an experience that would help him grow and expose him to different things. I feel great that I had chosen the right camp for our son. Camp Presquile will be forever a positive experience for our son.
Scott really enjoyed his week and when I asked him why, his comments always go back to the energetic and happy atmosphere and all of the counselors are friendly and supportive." He particularly enjoyed the team building sessions. We noticed a maturing in Scott over the summer and feel his time with Presqu'ile helped to contribute to his development.
This is my sons second year attending and had the time of his life once again. This year he invited a friend that has never been away from home before and loved it. Now my daughter wants to go seeing how much fun and new friends you can make. I love the idea of being able to send emails to him. It is a sense of keeping them updated of what is happening at home that is important to them (how dad was doing in the fishing derby, our dog was having pups etc). I loved how my request for CJ to be placed in the same cabin with 2 other friends was accommodated and meds were given to him during the week. He said the food was amazing and that is something to say for a somewhat 'picky' eater. When I asked CJ what the best part about camp this year was he said,' playing the games, talking before going to bed, and jumping on the water trampoline.' I have to admit I did miss him a lot, but knew that he would be very busy with all the activities that were planned each day and that he would be safe there with all the experienced staff. So...... thanks again for making many more happy camp memories for CJ
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