Who are you as an organization?

Pioneer Camp Ontario is an overnight Christian summer camp for kids ages 5 to 17. We offer programs for children and youth as well as specialty programs in leadership development and adventure. Kids are invited into new experiences where they will grow in their skills, confidence, teamwork, faith, and leadership. Located just two hours from Toronto, Pioneer Camp has four camp sites on a 1200 acre Muskoka waterfront property, with more than one staff for every three campers, Pioneer Camp provides an experience that highly personal in a strong community context. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe and valuable camp experiences for every camper.

InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario - Port Sydney Overnight Camp

Summary Profile
InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario answered our questions

Who are you as an organization?
Pioneer Camp Ontario is an overnight Christian summer camp for kids ages 5 to 17. We offer programs for children and youth as well as specialty programs in leadership development and adventure. Kids are invited into new experiences where they will grow in their skills, confidence, teamwork, faith, and leadership. Located just two hours from Toronto, Pioneer Camp has four camp sites on a 1200 acre Muskoka waterfront property, with more than one staff for every three campers, Pioneer Camp provides an experience that highly personal in a strong community context. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe and valuable camp experiences for every camper.

Special needs: Yes, specialized support.
A few of our campers have special needs.

Religious affiliation: Christian
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.

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Programs, Rates & Dates

Programs and Sessions Calendar

Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario currently has 0 program available; 11 TBD.

Filter activities :

Name

Type/Gender

Specialty

Location

Date

Bus

Cost

Elevate

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 15 - 17

Leadership (multi)

$1,450

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Woodland Challenge

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 14 - 17

Wilderness Out-tripping

$2,575

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Boys' Camp

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Overnight Camp
All Boys
Ages: 11 - 16

Traditional (multi activity)

$795

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Girls' Camp

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Overnight Camp
All Girls
Ages: 11 - 16

Traditional (multi activity)

$795

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Impact (boys) Camp

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Overnight Camp
All Boys
Ages: 13 - 16

Traditional (multi activity)

$470

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Impact (girls) Camp

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Overnight Camp
All Girls
Ages: 13 - 16

Traditional (multi activity)

$470

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Leaders in Training

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 16 - 17

CIT/LIT Program

$1,895

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Special Needs

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 5 - 18+

Traditional (multi activity)

$1,575

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

FUEL

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 14 - 17

Traditional (multi activity)

$695

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Family Camp

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 5 - 18+

Traditional (multi activity)

$450

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Adventure Camp

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 5 - 10

Traditional (multi activity)

$825

Huntsville, ON
942 Clearwater Lake Road

Date TBD

Cost TBD

Financial Aid & Payment Details

Payment Options:

Deposit required with acceptance	Yes
Credit card payment	Yes
Maximum installments available	7

Discounts

Discount for 2nd child	$50
Discount for 3rd child	$50
Discount for 4th child	$50

Insider Reviews & Perspectives

The Our Kids review of InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario

Ontario Pioneer Camp is one of nine InterVarsity camps located across the country. The camping program was begun 1929, an expression of InterVarsity, an association of campus ministries intended to bring Christian values and awareness to young people, and support their spiritual and social growth. The camps were part of the initial vision, designed to create a unique opportunity to bring young people together around the unique challenges that a camp setting can provide. That remains perhaps more true today than ever. At camp they unplug, and turn their attention to the community they find there. The activities facilitate a greater understanding of campers’ talents and abilities, as well as the Christian values that inform the programming. The camp has grown over the years, adding new activities, including family camp sessions, all of it furthering the initial goals.

Review(s) of InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario
Read all 7 reviews

Camper Parent (Parent) — Independent & Compassionate Young Men

"Our sons have matured in their faith as independent, compassionate young men and we are confident that Ontario Pioneer Camp has played an important role their development along the years."

Camper Parent (Parent) — Tremendously Rich Experience

"Our son has been blessed by tremendously rich experience being with friends, leaders, nature, and experiencing fun times, as well as learning life-skills and about God. We believe that this experience is helping to shape ... Read More

Camper Parent (Parent) — It is Shaping their Character

"Once they experienced camp their first year, they begged to go back, it has become the highlight of their summer, they talk to all their friends about it during the school year.  They come home from camp glowing, filled... Read More

Camper Parent (Parent) — Great, Challenging and Safe Experience

"This a fantastic camp where the staff really know how to give your child a great, challenging and safe experience. Our four kids have gone for years."

Camper Parent (Parent) — Adventure at Boys Camp

"Our son had an amazing two-week adventure at Boys Camp this year and can't wait to go back next summer! Thank you to all the leaders, counsellors and fellow campers for making this a summer he won't forget!"

Camper Parent (Parent) — Wonderful Location, Perfect Spot, Amazing People

"Picked up my daughter from her first week of overnight camp (Adventure Camp) and she had a blast! What a wonderful location, perfect spot, such amazing people!"

Camper (Camper) — The Most Amazing Camp

This is the most amazing camp I've been to, the amazing food, activities (kayaking, high ropes, rec swim, canoeing, photography) and so much more! The leaders and the whole staff are so amazing and make camp even more fun!... Read More

Location & Site Details

Address

942 Clearwater Lake Road, Port Sydney, Ontario, P0B 1L0, Canada

Busing

Bus 1 (Bus fee: $60 one way)

Location	Address	Pick up	Drop off
SAIL Woodbridge	137 Chrislea Road, Woodbridge, ON, Canada	Not provided	Not provided

Accommodations

Sleeping Accommodations

Cabins

Washrooms Facilities

Flush Toilets
Showers (indoor)

More details about accommodations: Our well established facility includes three distinct sites. We can accommodate overnight or day groups of up to 200 people at our Lodge site.

Are meals provided? Yes

Is InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario technology free? Yes Days at camp are full and technology can sometimes get in the way of creating meaningful experiences and developing friendships. Campers may also lose or break their phones while they are at camp. If your child regularly uses his/her cell phone for an alarm clock or camera, we recommend bringing a cheap camera and alarm clock instead.

Property Details

Sports facilities

Archery Range
Baseball Diamond
Basketball Court
Climbing Wall
Ice Rink
Rope Course
Soccer Field

Landscape

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

More details about property: We are located in 1,200 acres of forest around two beautiful lakes. Our stunning forested hills foster the spirit of adventure. On two incredible Muskoka lakes, with multiple waterfronts and endless special spots, our property creates space for unforgettable experiences.

Rentals & Services

Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
We have years of experience working with teachers and schools to provide fun-filled and educational day and overnight trips for students in elementary and high school. The Outdoor Education Program at Pioneer Camp is designed to help students develop leadership and interpersonal skills while promoting a greater appreciation of the environment they live in and the benefits of being physically active. We understand that each person learns differently and use differentiated instruction to try and most effectively engage every student. We offer a variety of programs in areas including Recreation, Education, Adventure and Leadership. Our programs are based on the Ontario Curriculum. Our quality staff are trained to teach these programs and all the equipment required is provided on site. We understand that each group and experience is unique and the Pioneer Camp team will strive to help to make this experience significant and memorable. We are committed to fostering an environment that is encouraging and supportive in order to maximize each student’s and faculty’s experience.

Available for private rentals: Yes
For church, business, family and more… Our well-trained staff are ready to help you with everything from event planning, facilitating and hosting to recreational activities and Bible studies. Your plans and goals for an amazing time are our priority!

Associations

What's New
Director's Message

Dan Martin, Executive Director

Dan and his wife Kara have been involved in summer camping for over 20 years. They have directed camps in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Dan has been the Executive Director at InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Ontario for over 10 years. He and his wife have four children.

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Stories

Family Camp Memories
As a family, we love the spiritual aspect of this camp and how well it is incorporated into the camp lifestyle. It is a very positive environment for the children, and the leaders are wonderful role models for the children as they are positive, cheerful and in touch with God and their spiritual side. "It's cool to love God" seems to be the message that the kids come home with. They have a wonderful time at camp and the predominant reason is the leaders, the children really bond with them. Pioneer was well spoken of by other families we knew who had attended in previous years, in many cases for 10+yrs. Pioneer Camp won our respect and high regard through the attention to camper/staff ratio and attention to small details that make each year's camp experience fun and safe for the kids.

Outripping Adventures
On the Dumoine River, soloing a boat in some rapid, a girl was displaying all the skills she had learned while being at Woodland Challenge. Some civilians passed down the portage trail, stopped to marvel at the mastery of this 15 year old girl taking on water they wouldn't think to enter. In recognition, they applaud her from the shoreline and across her face crept an ear toear grin of pride along with a little embarrassment.

Beat the Summer Heat
After a week of swimming lessons, a camper who was initially afraid to swim in the lake (she didn't like that she couldn't see the bottom), woke up early one morning mid-session and with some encouragement from her camp director, some lifeguards, her chalet leader and ALL her chalet-mates, she 'uped' her red lanyard to a green one. She now can't wait for Free Swim/Boats Out and is constantly jumping off the towers, jumping on the trampoline and splashing in the shallow end

Friendships
"My daughter says that her best memory is the first time she went to Pioneer Camp and how welcome everyone made her feel. She wants to be a leader one day so she can make kids feel that comfortable too."

The Diving Tower
Keith had come to camp from a foster care situation, and at the start of camp, he wanted to be anywhere but Pioneer. Everything was stupid, and boring, and regardless of what we were doing, he was unwilling to participate. But his leader, a long-time Pioneer guy named Neil, patiently listened to him, spent time with him, and invited him to participate. It was amazing to see what a little love can do in the life of a camper. Keith gradually warmed up to Pioneer and to people and began participating in activities, and by the end of the week, he could hardly contain his enthusiasm. While I was life guarding on the dock on the last afternoon of camp, I heard a familiar voice say, "I gotta go talk to my buddy Mike." It was Keith, and he wanted me to watch him jump off the high diving tower. It's amazing what a difference caring and listening can make.

Teamwork
Pioneer has been just the most wonderful experience for our son. Each year he has grown as a person from the camp experience. He particularly likes the quality of the camp staff and the Christian foundation on which the camp exists. He has learned a greater sense of community, tolerance for others, confidence in himself, greater appreciation for his own family and life situation, understanding of his place in the world and his personal commitment to life as a Christian

Mountain Biking
The activities were amazing. My son loved all the games as well as sailing and mountain biking. The organization of the camp such as registration and first day are reassuring. Being a Christian camp is also a must. But you can get this in lots of places. The reason we come back, the reason I save for 10 months is the relationship between the staff and my son. Everyone, his chalet leader, his activity leader and the leaders all around set a tone of love, acceptance and positive discipline. These positive male role models are something that will have a lasting impact.
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