About Camp Kawartha

• Special needs: Not available

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Video Gallery

Financial Aid & Payment Details

Payment Options:

Scholarships & awards:

• Camp Kawartha Subsidy Fund

  Amount: $1,000

  Deadline: Rolling

  Type: Need based
  Age: 7 to 17
  Details: Financial assistance is available for overnight campers from low income families who do not have the financial means to afford the total cost. Subsidies may, at the discretion of our subsidy committee, be limited in some camp sessions based on demand for those programs. (Sorry, we do not provide funding for day camps.)
  Application Details: Complete the Subsidy Application Form and return it to our main office. Be sure to answer all questions and provide all required documentation. This helps ensure that we provide assistance in a fair and consistent manner, in accordance with our obligation to our donors. The subsidy committee will review your application and contact you as soon as possible. Incomplete forms will be returned, delaying the processing of your application.

Accommodations

Sleeping Accommodations

Amenities

Washrooms Facilities

Is Camp Kawartha technology free? Yes

Rentals & Services

Associations

Director's Message

Stories

• Focus on environmental stewardship

  We LOVE Camp Kawartha. The Environmental Center staff continues to challenge our children to think beyond themselves and connect to the community and forest. The focus on environmental stewardship is amazing, our girls were so proud to do something for the Earth, something that would help their world in the future. 

• A nurturing, nourishing day camp experience

  The Environment Centre has become an integral part of our son's summer - a nurturing, nourishing day camp experience where he can immerse himself in a small group setting and connect with great outdoors.

• Our kids enjoyed a fantastic experience

  Preparing for camp during the pandemic (summer 2021) was hard and I had my doubts about all the steps to go through but it was all well worth it.  Our kids enjoyed a fantastic experience and we felt reassured by all the measures put in place.  After a delayed start to overnight camp they are now asking to go for 2 weeks!

• Developed a love of camping and canoeing through his summers at Camp Kawartha

  Our oldest started his CK experience with a one week session, went back the next year for two weeks, did PLC for year three followed by two years of leadership training, and is now a staff member with two years of experience. He has developed a love of camping and canoeing through his summers at Camp Kawartha and says, when asked, that the best part of working at CK is leading the canoe trips. He has had personal growth that is specifically attributable to his experiences at Camp Kawartha. Our second camper is a shy guy who has to be gently forced out of his shell. He's a technology-loving geek who grumbles when he has to leave his computer behind, but the first thing out of his mouth on pickup day is that he wants to go back next year. The experience for both of our campers has been very positive and, as we found out in 2020, irreplaceable.

• Thank you Camp Kawartha for the gifts you give children!

  Almost a year into the Pandemic (summer 2021), I could see that my children's ability to experience the thrill, struggles, and joys of independence had been thwarted. I had always wanted to send them to camp and seeing this need to give them space to 'grow-up', I decided camp would be the ideal way to give them that opportunity. I had no idea how right I was! My children both came back happier and with great memories, but equally, they returned more mature, more capable of handling life's little bumps, more confident, more self-assured, and more grounded in who they are. What a gift! They are already planning their time their next summer and all the way through wanting to become counsellors themselves. Thank you Camp Kawartha for the gifts you give children!

• Building Confidence and Maturity

  As an alumni, sending my child to Camp Kawartha has been a dream come true! Even in the middle of a pandemic (summer 2021) he had a blast and got to experience camp (mostly) the way it was meant to be. The counsellors always had a smile on their face (under their masks) and greeted us and our son with enthusiasm and warmth. Classic camp activities and games filled his days and it was so fun to talk with him each night about all of the memories and friends made and skills gained. As a staff member, I had always had families tell me how camp, even after a few days, changed their child in terms of confidence and maturity. I saw that too, especially when my timid boy attempted the rock wall on his last day! Thank you to the CK staff of 2021 for continuing the amazing legacy that is Camp Kawartha! Bravo!

• Culture of Inclusiveness and Positivity

  Camp Kawartha exceeds my expectations - beyond learning about nature, arts and crafts and outdoor skills, this camp has a culture of inclusiveness and positivity. My child always comes home with funny stories, warm memories and experiences that can only be made at summer camp.  

• For the many great memories, thank you Camp Kawartha!

  Camp Kawartha is a highlight of the summer, anticipated all year. From the smooth registration process (thank you!) and super courteous staff (always), to the enthusiasm of the counselors and lasting friendships made, it is an experience we feel very fortunate to have – and have not missed for nine years! And must mention the amazing food – my picky eater raves! For the many great memories, thank you Camp Kawartha!

• My kids will forever cherish their memories from camp!

  I have 4 children, who are now teenagers. The youngest was 11 when she attended Camp Kawartha in Lakefield for the first time with her 12-year-old brother. We wondered how they’d do without their phones or gaming systems. When we picked them up, they both said they wanted to come back for 2 weeks the following year! Camp Kawartha is a unique place and my kids will forever cherish their memories from camp!

• Camp is a special place

  I was a Camp Kawartha camper for seven years as a child and now over 20 years later my own children are having the same experiences that I had at camp. My heart swells every time we drive into camp and I am so proud that my children get to have Camp Kawartha as part of their childhood. Camp is such a special place that it cannot be explained in words, but is a feeling of happiness and belonging that resides in your heart and soul year round and stays with you even into adulthood.

• Builds up their self worth, leadership skills and independence

  My 2 daughters have attended Camp Kawartha for 8 seasons now. They started with day camp at first and are now in their teens and attending the pre-leadership camp this summer. They have made such good friends through the years. They have had so many experiences that they would otherwise have not had by attending.  This year it was a 3-day hike and portage with cooking over an open fire that brought adventure and a sense of accomplishment and teamwork. The staff and other campers are always there to make her feel welcome and happy that she is there. There are tears when I pick them up because they are not ready to go home. It is go on so may levels and builds up their self worth, leadership skills and independence.  It is always the highlight of the summer. 

• A big part of my boys` summers for seven years

  Camp Kawartha has been a big part of my boys` summers for seven years. We return each year due to the exceptional staff and programming. My boys are turning into wonderful young men, in part because of the mentoring they have received at Camp Kawartha, and the new experiences they have each year. My eldest was on staff this year, and I like to think he is providing the same mentorship to new campers that he was so lucky to receive. I would recommend Camp Kawartha without hesitation.

• Lots of new experiences

  My boys had a great time at the daycamp. I thought it would be a great way to introduce the camp before they did a sleep over camp. At the end of the first day, they asked to go to sleepover camp!! The staff were energetic, organized and fun! My kids had lots of new experiences and came home everyday, tired, dirty and happy!! A perfect way for young kids to spend a few weeks. We will be back next summer, for sure.

• What two weeks did for us!! Increased self-confidence & self-esteem

  My daughter went to Camp Kawartha not knowing anyone there. This was a huge step for her as she really enjoys just being at home. She was a very shy girl with low self-esteem and very little confidence in herself. What two weeks did for us!! She has so much self-confidence and her self-esteem is incredible. She learned a new sport (Archery) that she continues to do! She tried new foods, which she continues to eat! She met new friends which she continues to talk to! She has changed so much! And for the better! What an amazing kid! What an amazing camp! Thank-You Camp Kawartha!

• Time for our daughter to start spreading her wings

  This was our first experience in sending our daughter to an overnight camp. We were very nervous about doing this, but knew that it was time for our daughter to start spreading her wings. We are originally from the Peterborough area, so I had always heard about Camp Kawartha. So when it came to booking a camp for her to go to, this was a fairly easy decision. The price was within our budget amount and the activities appeared to be really awesome. So we booked our daughter with her friend (the camp was very accommodating in keeping the girls in the same cabin) We picked our daughter up on Saturday and have not stopped hearing about how awesome of an experience she had! As parents, this is what you hope for!! She definitely wants to go back next year…so what more can we say? This truly was an amazing experience for our daughter and our family! We have all spread our wings! Thanks Camp Kawartha!! See you in 2015!…oh and we will be sending our younger son next year too!

• Family Tradition

  Our 10 year old daughter had a fantastic time at Camp Kawartha again this year - following in a fine family tradition. It is wonderful to see how she grows and develops as a person at camp. I'm envious of her canoeing, archery and sailing skills - as well as the daily swims! Thank you to all the great staff at CK - we couldn't be happier with our choice of camp.

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