YMCA Camp Kitchikewana Programs

Camp Kitchikewana: Camp Games & Skill Programs

At YMCA Camp Kitchikewana, campers enrolled in our traditional camp, or leadership program can look forward to a dynamic blend of classic camp games and specialized skill development. Our dedicated staff, certified by provincially or nationally recognized organizations, provide expert instruction in a range of water-based and outdoor programs.

Whether your child is learning to sail, mastering canoeing, or participating in team games and challenges, they’ll gain valuable skills in a supportive, fun-filled environment. These programs are designed to build confidence, promote teamwork, and ensure every camper has a memorable and enriching camp experience.

YMCA Camp Kitchikewana is committed to supporting families, regardless of their financial circumstances. Families who are unable to pay the full camp fee can contact our Community Care Team at [email protected] or 705-792-7822 to request the financial assistance application form.

Overnight Camps

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Leadership 1 (15 years old)

If you will be turning 15 before, or on, December 31, 2026, you are eligible to apply for the L1 program.

At age 15, campers are able to start their leadership journey with our first month-long leadership program. The Leadership One program provides opportunities for participants to build self-esteem and experience personal growth.

This four-week experience focuses on skill development, personal leadership and communication. Participants will learn the fundamentals of trip leadership planning through participation in a five-day canoe trip.

Program participants will also focus on advanced skill development in one of Sailing (CANSail 3 or 4), Canoeing (ORCKA Lakewater 1), or Lifesaving (LSS Bronze Medallion or Bronze Cross).

Leadership One participants will also have the opportunity to obtain a secondary school credit from certified teachers onsite (Outdoor Education, PAD30) in partnership with the Simcoe/Muskoka Catholic District School Board.

Please note that there will not be any age exceptions for our 2026 leadership programs as they have been designed for the specific age groups listed.

Dates & Rates
  • Leadership 1 (July): June 28 – July 24, 2026
  • Leadership 1 (August): July 26 – August 21, 2026
$3,940 (not incl. HST)

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Leadership 2 (16 years old)

If you will be turning 16 before, or on, December 31, 2026, you are eligible to apply for the L2 program.

Leadership Two program has an overall focus on positive community involvement. Some of the topics covered in the program include group dynamics, instructional techniques, counseling skills, camper characteristics and local heritage.

A series of placements will allow participants to practice their skills and leadership styles under the supervision of experienced camp staff.

They will participate in a four-day canoe trip, obtaining their ORCKA Tripping Level 1.

Leadership Two participants will also have the opportunity to obtain a secondary school credit from certified teachers onsite (Leadership and Peer Support, GPP30) in partnership with the Simcoe/Muskoka Catholic District School Board.

Please note that there will not be any age exceptions for our 2026 leadership programs as they have been designed for the specific age groups listed.

Dates & Rates
  • Leadership 2 (July): June 28 – July 24, 2026
  • Leadership 2 (August): July 26 – August 21, 2026
$3,940 (not incl. HST)

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Waterbug Club (6 to 9 years old)

A perfect introduction to camp life for first time campers! The Waterbug Club program places special emphasis on creativity, developing friendships and having fun.

During the week-long program, staff introduce campers to traditional programs, land and water activities, games and sing-songs. Waterbug Club campers participate in a different skill area each day – preparing them for choosing skill area specialties when they return to Kitchikewana for the Traditional two-week camp experience.

The Waterbug Club is an exciting way to start your child’s summer camp experience.

Dates & Rates
  • Waterbug A: June 28 – July 3, 2026
  • Waterbug B: July 5 – July 10, 2026
  • Waterbug C: July 26 – July 31, 2026
  • Waterbug D: August 2 – 7, 2026
$1,325 (not incl. HST)

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Traditional Camp (7 to 15 years old)

Our Traditional two-week campers are divided according to age and gender identity. Each section offers a blend of skill instruction, section activities, cabin choice, evening programs, all-camp activities.

Campers have the opportunity to select two skill areas they would like to focus on (sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, arts and crafts, drama, island explorers, mountain biking, or guitar).

Depending on age, campers will either participate in a one-night overnight hike or canoe trip or a two-night overnight canoe trip within the National Park or local lakes and rivers. All trips depart from and return to camp.

Special programs such as the Lumberman and Voyageur Games, all camp competitions, our 4th session Annual Musical and Sailing Regattas assist in creating a well-rounded camp experience.

Dates & Rates
  • Traditional Camp 1: June 28 – July 10, 2026
  • Traditional Camp 2: July 12 – 24, 2026
  • Traditional Camp 3: July 26 – August 7, 2026
  • Traditional Camp 4: August 9 – 21, 2026
$2,330 (not incl. HST)

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Day Camps

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Day Camp @ Kitchikewana

Looking for a fun and enriching summer experience for your child? Located on Beausoleil Island, our brand-new Day Camp at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana is the perfect way for kids aged 6-12 to explore the excitement of camp life while staying close to home. It’s the ultimate first step before choosing overnight camp!

Your camper will enjoy:
  • Daily adventures along the shores of beautiful Beausoleil Island.
  • A taste of camp life filled with outdoor activities, team building, and on-site island excursions including hiking and canoeing.
  • Delicious lunches provided every day.
Details you need to know:

  • Dates: Weekly sessions from Monday to Friday, June through August

  • Week 1: June 29 – July 3 *Including holiday

  • Week 2: July 6 – 10

  • Week 3: July 13 – 17

  • Week 4: July 20 – 24

  • Week 5: July 27 – 31

  • Week 6: August 3 – 7

  • Times: 10 AM to 3 PM daily

  • Ages: 6-12 (must be 6 by December 31, 2026)

  • Fees: $305/session

Camp Kitchikewana is boat access only. Daily boat transportation to and from the island is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait to secure your child’s summer adventure!

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Camp Games & Skill Programs

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Swimming

Camp Kitchikewana offers Kitchi Swim levels 1-6. Campers who choose swimming skill are evaluated on the first day and assigned to a class at their skill level. Kitchi Swim was developed to customize swimming lessons to the specific conditions of camp. Levels take many elements from YMCA swimming levels but also offer more tailored teaching for each camper. Camp offers Life Saving Society of Canada Levels Bronze Star, Medallion and Cross.

Sailing

Camp Kitchikewana certifies campers using the CANSail program levels 1-4. We also offer KITCHISail levels. KITCHI levels are development-based, with more games and no pass/fail at the end of the session. CANSail is a national standard, where campers will aim for more difficult goals, and achieve a real certification.

Canoe & Kayak

Camp Kitchikewana certifies campers in our canoe and kayak skills using the Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association (ORCKA) levels. For canoeing, traditional 2 week campers can achieve any of the ORCKA Basic Canoe Levels 1-4. Leadership 1 participants can obtain their Canadian Style Paddling Level 1-3. Two-week traditional campers can obtain their ORCKA Kayaking Levels A or B.

Arts & Crafts

Campers will receive instruction on crafts such as paper mache, mask making, clay sculptures, jewelry, sketching, shrink dinks, painting, and environmental arts.

Drama

Campers will participate in improv games, scriptwriting, stage blocking, costume design, voice projection and acting techniques. Drama skill campers will put on a performance for the rest of camp at the end of each session. Campers interested in musical theatre should sign up for our fourth session traditional camp.

Guitar

Our guitar skill caters to all abilities, whether campers are just learning to play for the first time or are an advanced player, there is a place in guitar skill for them! Campers in guitar skill are given the opportunity to perform throughout the session during campfire and at the end of the session showcase.

Island Explorers

Campers have the opportunity to explore some of the amazing things Georgian Bay Islands National Park has to offer! In Island Explorers, campers learn about Beausoleil Island’s wildlife, vegetation, wetlands and Indigenous history through a variety of fun activities. Campers will participate in activities such as snorkelling, archery, archeology, and hiking.

Mountain Biking

Intermediate and Senior campers have the opportunity to participate in mountain biking skill. Campers learn about bike safety and bike maintenance. Throughout the two-week session, they practice their skills on bike trails both on and off-site. Due to the size of our bikes, campers signing up for Mountain Biking should be at least 4’10” or 148 cm tall.

Other camp programs

  • Cookie making
  • Mud Monsters
  • Section Season
  • Water Games
  • Inner Tube Water Polo
  • Gaga Ball
  • Escape Room
  • First Aid
  • Parks Canada Presentations
  • Canoe & Hiking Trips
  • Tower Jumping
  • Leadership Sessions
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  • Low Ropes
  • Gathering
  • Survival Skills
  • Camp Wide Games (capture the flag, theme games)
  • Theme Weekends (Lumberman & Voyagers, Havesters & Explorers)
  • Campfire
  • Evening Programs
  • Talent Show
  • Cabin Choice
  • Geocaching
  • Free Time (Awesome Time)
  • Storytime
  • Fort Building
  • Beach Games
  • Yoga
  • Sports (baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, etc)
  • Baseball Diamond Games (soccer, baseball, soccer baseball, cricket)
  • CK Levels
  • Lawn Games
  • Orienteering

Out-Trips

All of our traditional two-week campers and leadership participants will take part in an overnight camping trip. Our Waterbug campers participate in a lunch cookout hike.

  • Waterbug campers will do a day trip to a nearby site on the island for a cookout lunch or dinner
  • Junior campers participate in a one-night overnight hike to a campsite on the island
  • Intermediate campers participate in a more challenging one-night canoe or hiking trip to an on-island campsite. These sites could include Oaks, Thumb Point, or Honeymoon Bay.
  • Senior campers participate in a two-night canoe trip to Honeymoon Bay, nearby McCrae Lake, or another nearby destination
  • Leadership participants take part in longer four to five-day canoe trips. Traditionally, the Leadership 1 program includes a canoe trip through Temagami Provincial Park. The Leadership 2 program typically includes a canoe trip that is local to Georgian Bay, located in the French River Provincial Park, or located in Algonquin Provincial Park. Trips may vary from year to year.
  • All trips are weather dependent and will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather. At times it may be too windy to paddle, so canoe trips are changed to hiking trips.
  • All junior, intermediate and senior overnight camping sites are within a 20-minute motorboat ride if there is ever a safety concern or need for an evacuation
    Each overnight canoe trip will have a certified ORCKA trip leader who carries their wilderness first aid certificate
  • All trip staff have cell phone or GPS communication methods with camp

Retreats & Getaways

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Volunteer Work Weekend

May 8-10, 2026

For those who are interested in volunteering at camp, our Annual Alumni Work Weekend is taking place May 8-10, 2026. Work Weekend is a chance for individuals to help prepare camp for the upcoming season. Volunteers can connect with old friends and make new friends, all while they help give back to a place that means so much to so many people.

Projects include painting buildings, setting up program equipment, construction projects, and equipment repairs. There is no fee for the weekend. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Registration coming soon.

Women’s Wellness Weekend

September 11-13, 2026

Join us for our Women’s Wellness Weekend from September 11-13, 2026. This program is specially designed to provide a relaxing environment which promotes the development of spirit, mind and body. Staff and a variety of guests will offer workshops, fitness classes, cooking sessions, crafts and traditional camp activities.

  • Registration coming soon.

Private Events

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Groups & Functions

During the Spring and Fall seasons Camp Kitchikewana operates as on Outdoor Centre serving a variety of groups and functions:

  • Curriculum-fitting outdoor education programs for elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools
  • Outpost for school or group canoeing and/or hiking trips
  • Retreats and Getaway weekends – for example, a Senior Women’s Week, Women’s Wellness Weekend, Cross-Fit Training Weekend, etc.
  • Leadership/team building retreats and training for youth, church and adult groups
  • Facility rentals for alumni weddings, family reunions, group functions and interest groups
  • Camp alumni events such as volunteer work weekends, reunions and weekend getaways
  • Family camp programs

Don’t see the Outdoor Center program you are looking for? Contact us and we can help you decide if our site is the right spot for your desired program.

Facility Rental

In the spring and fall, Camp Kitchikewana is available for facility rentals of group functions such as alumni weddings, family reunions, leadership retreats, conferences and special group functions. Give your group the unique experience of being on the island in the beauty of Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Our modern camper cabins can sleep 225 people and we have a large meeting space with our dining hall. We also have several indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. Rentals include food service and programs by request.

Please contact us for availability and pricing information.

Important Information

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Refunds & Cancellations

  • A $400 deposit is required with each registration.
  • Before May 1st, 2026, refunds will be subject to a $200 administrative fee.
  • After May 1st, 2026, requests for refunds of paid camp fees will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be granted solely at the discretion of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and may be subject to an administrative fee.
  • Refunds will not be issued in an instance where the participant is removed from the camp program at the choice or request of the participant or the participant’s parent/guardian or due to behavioural issues.

Promotional Material

YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka reserves the right to use photographs or videos of the persons named on the application form for its promotional program and social media.

Property Damage, Loss & Theft

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is not responsible for any loss or theft of participant’s belongings or money. Parents/guardians will be responsible for reimbursement of any willful destruction to site and/or equipment, including graffiti, incurred as a result of their child’s actions.

Program Explusion

Intentional participant behaviour that puts the participant or others at physical or emotional risk may result in immediate dismissal from the program. In addition, consumption or possession of alcohol, tobacco products and illegal or harmful substances will result in immediate dismissal from the program. Any expenses incurred because of program dismissal will be the responsibility of the participant/parent/guardian. Parents/guardians or a suitable designate must be available to pick up participants should the participant be dismissed from his/her program. No refund will be given to campers leaving camp prior to the end of the session due to disciplinary action.

Sponsorship Applications

Through gifts made to our Annual Giving Campaign, we are able to provide sponsorship for Day Camp and YMCA Camp Kitchikewana campers whose families cannot afford the full cost of camp. Sponsorship application forms are available by contacting the Camp Office. Completed applications should be returned to the YMCA Camp Office and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camper Transportation

YMCA Camp Kitchikewana provides free supervised bussing to and from key locations for campers attending for 2 weeks or longer. For Waterbug campers, Sessions A and C campers will be provided bussing to camp only (families must pick up their campers in Honey Harbour on Friday) while Sessions B and D campers will be provided bussing home from camp only (families must drop off their campers in Honey Harbour on Sunday).

For campers in the GTA, our bus drop-off/pick-up location is in Vaughn at the Colossus Carpool Lot. If numbers are sufficient, we may also provide bus drop-off/pick-up locations in Innisfil, Collingwood, and Midland. You will be asked to confirm your interest in bussing during the registration process, and more information regarding bus locations and timing will be provided closer to the summer.

  • For the bus trip to camp on Sunday, buses are expected to pick up campers in the early afternoon. Please make sure your campers have lunch before they get on the bus. They will be provided with a snack when they arrive at camp.
  • For the bus trip back from camp on Friday, buses are expected to arrive at their final destinations before lunch. Campers will have breakfast before leaving camp.
  • For families that live close to camp, information about Honey Harbour private car drop-off and pick-up location and times will be provided closer to the summer. Similar to the buses, drop-off on Sunday will occur in the afternoon and pick-ups on Friday will occur in the morning.

To Camp (Sunday)

  • Toronto (Vaughan): Colossus Carpool Lot (at Hwy 400 and Hwy 7) at 12:00pm
  • Collingwood: Collingwood YMCA at 10:45am
  • Midland: Midland YMCA at 12:00pm
  • Innisfil: Innisfil YMCA at 12:00pm

From Camp (Friday):

  • Toronto (Vaughan): Colossus Carpool Lot (at Hwy 400 and Hwy 7) at 1:30pm
  • Collingwood: Collingwood YMCA at 1:45pm
  • Midland: Midland YMCA at 12:30pm
  • Innisfil: Innisfil YMCA at 12:00pm

Looking to get away this summer and explore the great outdoors with your family? Look no further! Our Family Camp is ideal for developing and strengthening relationships with family and friends while building meaningful memories together.

Family Camp

Frequently Asked Questions

All registrations are completed using our online system, CampBrain:

If you have never used CampBrain before, you can log on to create your Household (tip: you can do this prior to the registration date! It will speed things up for you when you go to register your camper). Click here to sign up and create your household (i.e. create a profile for your camper). If you have any questions about the process, feel free to contact the YMCA Community Care Team at 705-792-7822 or email [email protected].

Register your camper for the following programs: Traditional Camp, and Waterbug Club.

Yes we do! For summer 2026, we will be offering all-gender cabins during each session (based on demand). We’re excited to offer this option for families.

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.

The Y understands that the term “boy” includes cisgender and transgender boys, and “girl” includes cisgender and transgender girls. Please choose the cabin that reflects your child’s identity or our new all-gender cabin.

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.

For Summer 2026, we have decided to have parents register their Waterbug and Leadership camper choosing boy or girl.

Campers change in their cabins in designated spaces made private with a change tent.

Each of our camper cabins is staffed with 2 counsellors. Our entire staff team participates in extensive training each year and will receive additional resources and training focused on creating positive spaces for our campers.

Registration for our Leadership programs (L1 and L2) is by application only.

Leadership applicants are required to complete the application link provided here.

The application deadline for the Leadership 1 and Leadership 2 programs is 11:59 pm on November 17, 2025.

*Please note that these programs are very popular and highly competitive. As a result, not all applications will be accepted. Acceptance into the program will be based on answers to key questions, in addition to a letter of reference and any past feedback from previous camp years.

If you are successful, please note that your preferred month is not guaranteed. As a result, please do not make other summer plans until you have received a confirmation of acceptance.

No. Acceptances for both Leadership programs this year will be based on the strength of your application package, including your letter of reference. If you attended Kitchi in 2025, feedback from your participation will also be considered.

Yes, if a camper meets the 16-year age requirement (age 16 by December 31, 2026), they can apply for the L2 program.

Yes. You are welcome to attend as a Senior camper as long as you will not be older than 15 years of age by December 31, 2026.

Campers who are not admitted into the leadership program will be placed on a waitlist. Should a space open in the program, families will be notified and offered the space and can change their registration.

Camp & Outdoor Education Programs