Here's what makes YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps stand out
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario offers two amazing overnight camps to choose from - YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth, located on the rocky shores of Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay Islands National Park, offers programs for campers 6-16 years of age and YMCA Camp Henry, located in the heart of Point Pelee National Park on Lake Erie, offers programs for campers 5-16 years of age.
Special needs:
Yes, mild support. A few of our campers have special needs.
Central to our overnight camping philosophy is the belief that living in a group in an outdoor community creates an environment that allows children and youth to develop the five core values: Respect, Responsibility, Inclusiveness, Caring, and Honesty. Campers have the opportunity to play, learn, and grow in our two incredibly unique and beautiful landscapes. Our YMCA Camps believe:
Camp is fun, safe physically, emotionally, and socially, a place of friendships, a place of caring, belonging and responsibility, where campers learn and are challenged, where campers treasure the natural world, a place that meets personal life needs, a place to return to.
Both camps are accredited by the Ontario Camping Association.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps currently has 9 programs available; 1 TBD.
Registration is now open! Registrations are completely online through our website. Families are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $100 for all overnight camp programs upon registration and remaining payments can be scheduled over the coming months.
The Our Kids review of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps
The YMCA camps have long set a standard, ever since Taylor Statten joined the Y in 1906 and really inaugurated a new era in camping programs. While Camp Queen Elizabeth and Camp Henry may not share the vintage, they nevertheless express the ideal, namely providing opportunities for young people to work and grow together through the lens of some core values: mutual respect, responsibility, honesty, and empathy. Camps Henry and Queen Elizabeth add location to the mix—Henry is within Point Pelee National Park on Lake Erie, and Queen Elizabeth is on Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay Islands National Park. As such, both offer unique opportunities to experience aspects of Canada’s natural heritage. The sites are pristine, in keeping with the context. Some shorter sessions offer younger campers to get their sleepaway feet wet, adding a nice dimension to the programming.
Three Things: YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps
I had a bit of an advantage—I've been involved with Camp Queen Elizabeth for years. I was a camper, an LIT, a Dell, a counselor for three summers, and most recently, the camp doctor. So I know CQE extremely well.
From my experience, I knew it would be a great fit for my kids. They love swimming and being on the water, and they also enjoy land-based activities like gaga ball, camouflage, and arts and crafts. My children are all very different: one is more into making bracelets and creative projects, while my boys can be rambunctious and love running around and playing active games. CQE offers so many diverse activities that I knew all of them would find something to enjoy—and they did. They’ve been talking about going back since they came home last summer. That excitement mirrors my own childhood. Camp was one of the best parts of growing up.
What’s unique about the camp?
The most unique aspect of CQE is its location—it's on an island in a national park. You’ve got beautiful water, trees, and the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield all around you. That setting allows for some amazing and unique experiences. There’s kayaking, canoeing, swimming, sailing—all kinds of ways to enjoy the water on a hot day.
The natural setting also makes out-tripping easy and accessible, whether that’s paddling out to a nearby river or lake, or simply hiking through the woods. Even simple games like kick the can or camouflage feel more special in a place like that. You also have arts and crafts, archery—so many possibilities. It’s an experience that just wouldn’t be possible in the city.
Was there any personal growth you saw in your child?
Absolutely. I had three children attend CQE last summer, and I saw a ton of growth in all of them. There were the physical skills—swimming, boating, learning how to stern a canoe, making bracelets in arts and crafts, and understanding water safety.
But I also saw emotional and social growth: learning to deal with conflict among peers, gaining confidence through campfire singing or public speaking, and being part of group events like camper entertainment nights. Most importantly, they developed the ability to entertain themselves without screens. That’s a rare skill nowadays, with so much of their daily lives revolving around technology. At CQE, they learned what we used to call “back pocket games”—fun, screen-free activities they can do anywhere with just a little creativity and a few friends.
How can parents overcome hesitancy to send their children away overnight?
I get it—sending your child to an overnight camp, especially one that’s remote and on an island, can bring up a lot of concerns. But CQE takes safety very seriously. The staff are all trained in lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR. There’s a camp doctor on-site 24/7. From my time there as a doctor, I can say they truly go above and beyond when it comes to protocols and preparedness.
As for emotional concerns—will they make friends? Will they get homesick?—I’ve seen how that plays out. On the first night, a lineup of kids often comes to the health centre with tummy aches or trouble sleeping, often just because they miss home. By the second night, it’s down to just a couple of kids. By the third? None. They’ve bonded with their cabinmates, they’re exhausted from all the fun, and they fall asleep easily. Of course, some homesickness is natural, especially for first-timers. But by the end, most kids don’t want to leave—and once they’re home, they’re already asking when they can go back.
What would you tell other parents about the overall value of sending kids here?
I truly believe there’s no better experience you can give your child than summer camp.
Camp builds life skills they’ll use now and in the future—confidence, leadership, public speaking, independence, collaboration. Whether it’s performing at a campfire, leading a group, or learning to canoe, these are meaningful, transferable skills. When it comes time to apply for universities or professional programs, those experiences matter. I included mine in my own application to medical school, and now, as someone who helps evaluate candidates, I can say that camp experience speaks volumes about character.
Camp is an unplugged, nature-based, social experience—and in today’s world, that’s incredibly valuable. My kids have benefitted immensely from CQE, just like I did when I was growing up.
What does your child say?
We actually had to hang up a countdown calendar so they’d stop asking us how many days until camp. We’ve done big trips—Disneyland, Hawaii, ski vacations—but the one thing they’re most excited to return to is Camp Queen Elizabeth.
They’ve made lasting friendships—pen pals across the country they still keep in touch with. And they can’t wait for all the activities again: boating, arts and crafts, gaga ball—you name it. There’s a long list of things they’re excited for, and we’re excited to send them back.
Final thoughts
As a pediatrician, a father of four, and a former camper and counselor at CQE, I can say without hesitation: there is nothing more valuable right now than giving kids the chance to unplug, get outside, and connect with other children in a meaningful way.
Camp Queen Elizabeth is a truly special place, and I hope you’ll consider giving your child that opportunity. If I’m there again next summer as the camp doctor, I’d love to see you and your kids there too—right alongside mine.
More reviews of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Overnight Camps
Facebook review, Parent
CQE was great!
My son thought CQE was great! He says the food was good (and he is a picky eater), and he loved all of the activities. He went to camp with a couple of friends from school, and he made many new friends too. He went for 1 week this year and wants to go for 2 weeks next summer. He rates it as a 10/10 or maybe even an 11 ...Show More
Camp Henry Parent, Parent
Camp Henry Review
Amazing experience for my camper and our family. Supportive administrative staff when we registered, great counsellor and overall wonderful experience.
Camp Henry Parent, Parent
Camp Henry review
My daughter just LOVED it so very much, made lots of friend, she says food was fantastic!
CQE Parent, Parent
CQE Review
My daughter had an amazing time , this was her second summer and she wants to go even longer next year- she had such a positive experience- her self esteem has grown with confidence! Thank you!
CQE Parent, Parent
CQE Review
My daughter LOVED CQE!! She has attended 2 other summer camps and has never had such a strong positive reaction about her camp experiences. I wish we would have started her at CQE sooner!
Transcript of our interview with Isabel, Camp Director
What is unique about this camp?
One of the most unique aspects of Camp Queen Elizabeth is its location. We’re incredibly lucky to be situated on a National Park and on top of the Canadian Shield. If you walk off our site and down the island, you’ll step right into the Saint Lawrence Lowlands—shifting from open rock to a dense, magical forest. It’s a remarkable contrast and a stunning place to experience nature.
In addition to the location, we work closely with Parks Canada to run educational programs for our campers. These include learning about the plants and animals on our island, the cultural heritage of Beausoleil Island (our home), the night sky, and more. It’s not just fun—it’s a rich, immersive learning experience in an extraordinary setting.
What type of child is successful at your camp?
Any camper can be successful at CQE. We build our community around five core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and inclusiveness. As long as campers and their guardians are willing to work with us to make the experience positive—whether through program adaptations or personalized care—we’re committed to supporting each child’s success.
That said, it’s important to note that our rocky, hilly terrain on the Canadian Shield may present challenges for campers with mobility issues. Wheelchairs and walkers can be difficult to accommodate here. But we’re always happy to have those conversations—just reach out with questions.
How does your staff deal with behavioural issues?
We use a child guidance policy, available on our website and sent to families before camp. Campers are introduced to it on their first night during a “fireside chat,” where counselors and campers co-create a values contract. They talk about how they want to treat one another, what they need to succeed, and the overall expectations within the camp community.
The policy uses a green-yellow-red light system. Green-light behaviours are positive and encouraged. Yellow-light behaviours are concerning but correctable, often addressed through conversations and a “think sheet” reflection process. Red-light behaviours are serious and not permitted.
We always keep parents in the loop. If there’s an incident, we’ll reach out, share what happened, and ask if you have insight or strategies to help your child succeed. That communication is a key part of how we support campers.
Is the schedule structured or open-ended?
Our camp sessions are structured but with built-in opportunities for camper choice. We run three 12-night programs and two 5-night programs, with session dates set well in advance.
Each day follows a consistent routine, but within that framework, we offer flexibility:
Morning Resources: Skill-building activities like canoeing, kayaking, arts and crafts, or outdoor living skills. Campers choose and stick with these for several mornings to build mastery.
Rest Hour: A quiet time in the cabin after lunch for napping, playing games, or relaxing.
Free Choice (after dinner): Campers pick from a variety of activities—swimming, boating, Chill Club (low-key social time), or other staff-led games.
It’s a balance of predictable structure and personal choice, with plenty of time for fun, rest, and growth.
What do campers value the most about their experiences at this camp?
Year after year, the two things we hear most from campers are the friendships and the sense of magic. Campers form deep connections with peers they might never meet otherwise, bonded by shared experiences and a love of the outdoors. Many check in mid-year just to make sure they can bunk together again.
The camp environment itself is another draw. We run creative, silly programs full of costumes, skits, and spontaneity—things that let kids break out of their shell, be goofy, and feel empowered.
Older campers can also join our leadership programs: Dell, Island LIT, and Venture LIT. These are one-month programs that include canoe trips and leadership development, and they even come with a high school credit.
For many of our staff, that love of CQE runs deep. They return each summer not just to work, but to give back and create the same incredible experiences they had as campers.
What message do you have for new campers?
If you're thinking about CQE, start by considering your comfort level with canoe trips and water. Since we’re on an island, every camper arrives by boat, and water is a big part of our daily life. If water is intimidating, that’s okay—we just ask that you let us know so we can support you with tools like life jackets and buddy systems.
In our 12-night sessions (A, B, and C), every cabin group goes on a wilderness trip. The youngest campers take a one-night hike or canoe trip; the oldest head out on a four-night adventure around Georgian Bay. If you're unsure about tripping, we offer shorter 5-night or Horizons programs without a trip component—great for easing into camp life.
If you still want the full two-week experience but are hesitant about tripping, get in touch with us. We’ll work with you to make it the best possible experience, meeting you where you are and helping you grow.
Hello!
Thank you for your interest in YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth and YMCA Camp Henry. We're so excited that you're thinking of joining us next summer. At our YMCA camps we believe in creating a welcoming environment where every camper feels at home. Central to our program philosophy is the belief that living in a group in an outdoor community creates an environment that allows our campers to develop the four core values: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty, and Inclusiveness. Through a wide range of activities, we encourage our campers to challenge themselves and develop friendships. skills and memories that will last a lifetime. We know campers and parents/guardians alike often have questions about camp. Please reach out any time, we are looking forward to speaking with you!
Staff and Counsellors
Our YMCA staff teams consist of passionate and experienced individuals who care deeply about working with youth and the camp experience. They have gone through our vigorous hiring and training process and all staff receive intensive training our our camp policies and procedures. They are also required to have:
- a Criminal Reference Check
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C
- National Lifeguard (NL) certificate for any staff running water based programs
- Tripping staff are required to have Wilderness Advanced First Aid and ORCKA Canoe Tripping certifications
325 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Not provided
Not provided
Woodstock Bus Stop
580 Bruin Blvd, Woodstock, ON, Canada
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Property Details
Sports facilities
Archery Range
Landscape
Beach
Forested Area
Lake/Pond/River
Nature Trails
More details about property: YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth is located on the beautiful rocky shores of Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay, which is part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Perched on top of the Canadian Shield and surrounded by windswept pines, CQE sits on the north side of the island allowing excellent access waterfront areas for a plethora of waterfront activities and we also have use of the rest of the island for all of our other camp activities.
YMCA Camp Henry is located in the heart of Point Pelee National Park along the shore of Lake Erie - at the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland. Point Pelee is a beautiful area full of wooded areas, beaches, amazing wildlife and because we are right in the middle of the park we have access to everything the park has to offer!
Accommodations
Sleeping Accommodations
Cabins
Tents
Amenities
Electricity in Sleeping Area
Washrooms Facilities
Composting Toilets
Flush Toilets
More details about accommodations: At YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth all campers live in cabins, which sleep 10 people (8 campers and 2 counsellors). Our cabins are basic living spaces, designed to be comfortable and welcoming during rest hours and at night-time. All of our cabins have electricity, porches, and storage space for personal items.
YMCA Camp Henry, being a new camp in 2017 has state-of-the-art facilities that are fully accessible to ensure your campers will always be comfortable. Every camper at Camp Henry sleep in an Otentik, which is a cross between a cabin and a large tent. Each Otentik sleeps 6 campers and 1 counsellor,.
At both CQE and Camp Henry we have single gender girls and boys cabins as well as all gender cabins. All gender cabins are open to everyone – it is a welcoming space for campers who want to share a space with campers of different genders, who have friends or siblings who are different genders, and for campers who identify as non-binary or genderqueer.
Are meals provided?
Yes.
Rentals & Services
Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
During the months of May, June, and September Camp Queen Elizabeth and Camp Henry operate as outdoor centres, offering programs and rental facilities to a diverse range of groups including public schools, private schools, corporate groups and private bookings.
Need a place to host a yoga or spiritual retreat? Our beautiful, main halls are perfect for finding inspiration in the solitude of the natural world. Looking for a high-impact team building experience? Let our staff challenge your group to learn more about each other as they play and laugh their way to a deeper understanding of their unique strengths and abilities as a team.
Whether you are looking for an end of the year trip, a teambuilding experience, a wilderness canoe trip, or a location for a family reunion or private retreat, Camp Queen Elizabeth and Camp Henry are the perfect places for your group. Our dedicated and skilled staff are available to deliver custom designed programs that are just right for your group’s needs. Coupled with our superb new facilities and unique location in Georgian Bay Islands National Park or Point Pelee National Park, your group is guaranteed to have a meaningful and memorable outdoor experience.
A big thank you to the awesome YMCA Camp Henry staff for an amazing week at Family Camp! Whether it was learning to properly cut wood and make a fire, to the essential joy of being outdoors at camp and biking the trails and kayaking, we all had a blast.
I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you! I have 2 of the happiest kids ever. A little background for you. My oldest daughter is 11 and had a previous bad camp experience. She was so scared to head to your camp this year. Lots of tears leading up to camp day. My 5 year old had never been to camp. She's more outgoing but was obviously a little nervous. I picked them up last night. They have had both had nothing but good things to say about camp. We've already discussed them coming back next year. Again thank you so much. Looking forward to this new annual tradition with you.
Thank you everyone for such a great week! Our daughter cried for about 30 minutes in the car ride home, already missing her new friends. I asked her what she would give Camp Henry out of 10 and she said "more than 10". Our son stayed awake the night he got home, trying to figure out his counsellor's magic tricks. He also can't stop talking about riding a bike without training wheels - I don't know how you guys did it, but you helped him overcome his fear. Thanks again everyone. What an amazing experience. They will both will be back again next year!
I like that my children were able to make new friends. One of my daughters has a hard time at school and the smile on her face when she came off the boat and all of her friends gave her a hug was amazing.
Camp Queen Elizabeth has shaped my life in so many incredible ways. I would not be the person I am today without the people I've met, activities I've participated in, and skills I've learned. Every year I come to camp it only gets better and better, and I hope it continues to do so forever.
Very happy with YMCA, the staff were excellent. The program was well organized and I had no issues with dropping my daughter off for the week. I was confident that she would have a great experience and that she would want to go every year. Overall, very pleased and I really hope we can get in again next year.
My daughter absolutely loved going, this was her first experience at an overnight camp and can't stop talking about next year. She would like to stay longer if possible at Camp Henry!
This was my son’s first summer away at CQE, but NOT his last. He enjoyed camp so much. He loved all aspects and could not pick just one favorite thing. He is still wearing his swim test bracelet because he wants to remember his time, and to count how many times he has gone to CQE. I am thinking that this was the most positive thing that could have happened to him this summer. I could not have been able to afford it without the help of YMCA Strong Kids. The whole reasoning behind my son going was so that he could be a carefree child for two weeks and not worry about things going on at home. You and all the supporters of YMCA Strong Kids made that happen for him. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Dear CQE, Thanks for making going to camp possible and giving me so many happy memories. If it weren't for your generosity I would never have known what it feels like to jump into refreshing lake water, make so many friends, overcome my stage fright, find out that watermelons float, and countless other things. I look forward to going to camp all year because I know it's a place where I can be weird and crazy without anyone judging me and even being crazy back! When I get back home, my first thought is about how I already miss it and how campsick (opposite of homesick) I am. I hope you know how happy going to camp makes me and probably everybody else too. I've learned so many thing there and I can't wait to come back.
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