Overnight Camp
YMCA Camp Kitchikewana
For over 90 years, the YMCA has been offering a values-based overnight camp experience to youth on its camp site on Beausoleil Island. Nestled in Georgian Bay Islands National Park, “Kitchi” is the perfect place for children and youth to grow in mind, body and spirit. With a focus on skill development, campers participate in sailing, lifesaving, canoeing, kayaking, guitar, drama and/or arts and crafts. Kitchi’s unique setting in a National Park also allows for campers to learn more about the environment and local First Nations history. Sessions are one week to two weeks long. For more information, or to learn more about our Sponsorship Program, please email camp_kitchikewana@ymca.ca.
Inclusion
Through our YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, we are able to provide sponsorships for families whose children cannot afford the full price of a Kitchi experience. For more information or to make a donation to this fund, please email camp_kitchikewana@ymca.ca. For children that require additional support, we have partnered with REACH For the Rainbow. Through this partnership, we are able to provide one on one support for children with disabilities to ensure that everyone can have a positive YMCA Camp Experience. For more information, contact REACH for the Rainbow.
Youth Leadership
Leadership Participants will be introduced to the following topics: problem solving skills, the importance of volunteerism, the importance of goal setting and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. In addition, during the first year of the program (L1), youth participate in an extended outtrip and in advanced canoeing, lifesaving or sailing instruction. During the second year of the program (L2), youth will take their First Aid and CPR certification. Each program is 4 weeks, and youth must be 15 years old to qualify for L1 and must be 16 years old to qualify for L2. For more information, email camp_kitchikewana@ymca.ca.
Site Rentals and Adult Programs
During May, June and September, “Kitchi” offers a variety of adult and family programs onsite. These include: Spring Family Weekend, Summer Family Camp (the week before Labour Day), Women’s Wellness Weekend and Senior Women on the Move. Kitchi is also available for weekend rentals throughout the spring and fall. For more information on any of these programs or to inquire about a rental, please email camp_kitchikewana@ymca.ca.
Alumni Opportunities
Kitchi offers a variety of ways for former campers and staff to reconnect with the “camp we love and long will cherish well”. Each spring we host an alumni work weekend at camp; in the fall we host an Alumni Getaway Weekend and we host Alumni Pub Nights across Ontario. To learn more about camp “happenings” please download a copy of the SoupStrainer. If you would like to join our alumni mailing list OR to make a charitable donation to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign to ensure that all children, despite their family’s financial situation, can have the same Kitchi experience that you had, email camp_kitchikewana@ymca.ca.
Volunteer and Staffing Opportunities
Starting in December, YMCA Camp Kitchikewana starts hiring for the upcoming camping season. We hire over 60 young people for 2 to 6 months. All applicants must have Standard First Aid and CPR and a clear Police Reference Check. Most program staff must be certified Life Guards. If you are interested, please email camp_kitchikewana@ymca.ca. There are many different ways people can volunteer at Kitchi: as a volunteer medical staff during the summer, at our spring work weekend, canvassing for our Strong Kids Campaign that sponsors children to go to camp.
Partners
YMCA Camp Kitchikewana delivers its high level of quality programs in partnership with the following organizations: Lifesaving Society, Ontario Camps Association, Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association, Ontario Sailing Association, Parks Canada, REACH For The Rainbow.
Questions about YMCA Camping Programs?
Call the Camping Information Line at 1-866-895-9622
Email us at: smcamp@ymca.ca
Need Help With Online Registration?
Email us at: sm_onlinehelp@ymca.ca
