Get in touch with Camp Hurontario directly

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  • Type:
    Overnight camp
  • Focus:
    Traditional (multi activity)
  • Cost:
    $1,430 to $1,990/week
  • Ages:
    6 to 16
  • Gender:
    All Boys
  • Main language:
    English
  • Capacity:
    195
  • Programs:
Request more info
  • Summary

    Camp Hurontario answered our questions

    Who are you as an organization?

    Located in the islands of the Georgian Bay, two hours north of Toronto, Camp Hurontario’s flexible, non-school like approach to programming, with an amazing variety of non-city activities, offers each age level new and exciting challenges. Our extensive canoe tripping program offers adventures in Northern Ontario from our northern outpost camp, trips in Quebec, and the Arctic. Our staff to camper ratio is 1:2. 1-week intro program (ages 5-8). 2-week sessions (ages 7-13). 3.5-week sessions (ages 7-16). Leadership program ages (ages 15-16).

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

    What do you do differently or uniquely well?

    "Our small group, non-competitive philosophy makes Camp Hurontario unique. Our environment fosters learning and growing at one's own pace. As a result, we don't use a badge or level system for activities.
    Anther unique aspect about our camp is that campers do their activities with their group and their counsellor. As a group, campers democratically decide which activities they'd like to do, and the counsellor will book that for them at programming. By doing activities with their cabin groups, campers tend to build much stronger bonds, and help each other get out of their comfort zone at activities.
    Lastly, our spectacular location allows our campers to explore freely, unaffected by city life, boats, highways, and cottages."

    Who are your staff and counsellors?

    "We pride ourselves in a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:2, with all of the staff going through an eight day orientation program at the start of each summer.

    All of our counsellors and counsellors-in-training are "homegrown" meaning that they were once campers at our camp, and have gone through our leadership program. We take pride in the high return of our staff because they uphold the culture, and know the surroundings and processes very well. Further, all of our counsellors are required to have their Bronze Cross Lifeguarding certification as well as their Standard First-Aid.

    We hire outside of the camp for instructional staff at our specialty activity areas such as rock climbing, high/low ropes, kayaking, archery, biology, and sailing. "

    What do families need to know about registration?

    "Registration opens in the fall for the following summer. Registration is made easy online by accessing the registration portal on our website, however, we also provide the option of registering over the phone, or by paper forms. Our rates and dates are provided there as well. Any questions about registration or the camp can be directed to the camp office by email or phone, which we are always happy to answer. Parents and campers can also request a Zoom, or house visit with the camp director.
    A $300 deposit is required upon registration, while the remaining balance is charged in May."



    Camp Hurontario - profile photo

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  • Programs, Rates & Dates

    Programs and Sessions Calendar

    Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Camp Hurontario currently has 4 programs available.

    Filter Activities


    Name
    Age
    Type (Gender)
    specialty
    Shortlist
    Ages: 14 - 16
    Overnight Camp
    (All Boys)
    Traditional (multi activity)
    $5,000/month
    Mactier, ON
    Mactier General Delivery
    Jul 26-Aug 19$5,000
    Mactier, ON
    Mactier General Delivery
    Jun 28-Jul 22$5,000/month
    First-aid/lifesaving |Leadership Training|CIT/LIT Program|Archery|Board Sailing|Canoeing|Fishing|Kayaking/Sea Kayaking|Sailing/Marine Skills|Swimming|Diving|Rock Climbing|Zip Line|Arts & Crafts|Painting|Cooking|Jam Camp|Drawing|Guitar|Piano|Wilderness Out-tripping|Ropes Course|Wilderness Skills
    Ages: 7 - 16
    Overnight Camp
    (All Boys)
    Traditional (multi activity)
    $5,000/month
    Mactier, ON
    Mactier General Delivery
    Jul 26-Aug 19 $5,000
    Mactier, ON
    Mactier General Delivery
    Jun 28-Jul 22 $5,000/month
    First-aid/lifesaving |Leadership Training|CIT/LIT Program|Archery|Board Sailing|Canoeing|Fishing|Kayaking/Sea Kayaking|Sailing/Marine Skills|Swimming|Diving|Rock Climbing|Zip Line|Arts & Crafts|Painting|Cooking|Jam Camp|Drawing|Guitar|Piano|Wilderness Out-tripping|Ropes Course|Wilderness Skills
    Ages: 7 - 13
    Overnight Camp
    (All Boys)
    Traditional (multi activity)
    $3,350/2 weeks
    Ropes Course|Wilderness Out-tripping|Wilderness Skills|Cooking|Guitar|Jam Camp|Piano|Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Painting|CIT/LIT Program|Leadership Training|First-aid/lifesaving |Archery|Disc Golf|Rock Climbing|Board Sailing|Canoeing|Fishing|Kayaking/Sea Kayaking|Sailing/Marine Skills|Swimming|Water Polo|Zip Line
    Ages: 5 - 8
    Overnight Camp
    (All Boys)
    Traditional (multi activity)
    $1,990
    First-aid/lifesaving |Leadership Training|CIT/LIT Program|Archery|Board Sailing|Canoeing|Fishing|Kayaking/Sea Kayaking|Sailing/Marine Skills|Swimming|Diving|Rock Climbing|Zip Line|Arts & Crafts|Painting|Cooking|Jam Camp|Drawing|Guitar|Piano|Wilderness Out-tripping|Ropes Course|Wilderness Skills



    Financial Aid & Payment Details

    Payment Options:

    Deposit required with acceptance Yes
    Credit card payment Yes

    Discounts

    Discount if paid early $100

    Scholarships & awards:

    • Birnie Hodgetts Memorial Children's Fund

      Amount: 70% Deadline: Rolling
      Type: Need based
      Age: 7 to 15
      Application Details: Your child’s situation and why sponsorship is being requested
  • Insider Reviews & Perspectives

    The Our Kids review of Camp Hurontario

    our take

    Pauline Hodgetts, the current director, has recalled how her father, Birnie Hodgetts was caught in a storm during a fishing trip in 1946, and sought shelter in a bay, where he and his brother hunkered down for the night. In the morning, he said “This is where I will have my camp.” It took a bit of work (which Pauline recounts here) but, as improbable as it might seem, he did. Founded in 1947, Hurontario remains today what it was at the beginning: a camp where boys can live and work together, form meaningful relationships, grow leadership skills, and gain a sense of themselves. The most traditional camp activities—canoeing, tripping, sailing, the arts—have been augmented over the years, though done very intentionally to ensure that the focus on values, character, and leadership remain the core of the program.

    Three Things: Camp Hurontario
    Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at Camp Hurontario


    More reviews of Camp Hurontario

    Sam, Parent

    Above and Beyond

    Read review

    Liane, Parent

    Experience of a Lifetime

    Read review

    Claudia, Parent

    Special Memories

    Read review

    More reviews of Camp Hurontario


    Sam, Parent

    Above and Beyond

    Rowan absolutely adored his counsellors, and we know that they both (and others) went above and beyond in their support of Rowan in his first experience away from home.


    Liane, Parent

    Experience of a Lifetime

    Atzin had a great time at camp! Thank you for all your support! In addition to having a great time, he got his Bronze Medallion, conquered his fear of heights, climbed to the top of the rock climbing wall and jumped off several cliffs into the water. He improved his canoe sterning skills and learned to feather paddle, worked on his paddle-making and did the Dumoine River trip, which included 35 rapids! He really liked all his cabinmates and his two counsellors. Thanks to everyone for giving Atzin an experience of a lifetime. I am so grateful ... Show More


    Claudia, Parent

    Special Memories

    Niko came back home full of excitement. He expressed that on his first day after 10 minutes of getting into his cabin, his stress disappeared. He got along very well with the 8 of his cabin partners, he loved the activities, he missed his phone the first two days and then after that he did not care anymore, he loved his counselor and all the people who helped with the activities, and the food was amazing. He really enjoyed the experience of being around a boy’s camp. Thank you very much for creating this special memory in Niko´s life. He will not forget. Please extend our gratitude to your colleagues ... Show More


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  • Location & Site Details

    Address

    Mactier, ON
    Mactier General Delivery, Mactier, Ontario, P0C 1H0
    Rosedale, Toronto
    1 Ridge Drive Park, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 2E4



    Busing

    • Coach Bus
      Location Address Pick up Drop off
      Forest Hill Memorial Arena 340 Chaplin Crescent, Toronto, ON M5N 2N3, Canada Not provided Not provided
      Moose Deer Point Marina 1068 Marina Rd, MacTier, ON P0C 1H0 Not provided Not provided



    Accommodations

    Sleeping Accommodations

    • Cabins

    Washrooms Facilities

    • Flush Toilets
    • Outhouses

    More details about accommodations: Our rustic style cabins provide a bed and shelf space for each camper, and have lights and electricity. Our washrooms are not attached to the cabins, but are nearby, and have lights on overnight, in case someone needs to go when its dark. We have a mixture of flush toilets, and outhouses. We also have a great, big dining hall where all of the meals are eaten (apart from off-island cookouts). Further, we have a Recreation (Rec) Hall, which is used for a range of activities, such as board games on rainy days, movie nights, musical performances, and skit nights.

    Are meals provided? Yes

    Is Camp Hurontario technology free? Yes Hurontario is unplugged as we request that all cell phones, I-Pads etc. be left at home as we are a camp where living in the outdoors without technology .


    Property Details

    Sports facilities

    • Archery Range
    • Climbing Wall
    • Rope Course

    Landscape

    • Beach
    • Forested Area
    • Lake/Pond/River
    • Nature Trails

    More details about property: Camp Hurontario is located on a beautiful 40 acre island in the Georgian Bay. The 100+ acres of mainland around the island is also owned by the camp, which offers the perfect location for the campers to sail, canoe, and kayak to our nearby islands, as our location isn't crowded with cottages and boaters. The property is home to all sorts of wildlife such as frogs, turtles, snakes, and porcupines which we share the environment with.



    Rentals & Services

    Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
    Our mission is to safely educate students about the wonders of the outdoors, develop leadership skills, and promote teamwork, in an outdoor, non-classroom environment. We strive to achieve this by immersing students in nature, encouraging collaboration, and leading by the example of our experienced staff


    Associations

    Ontario Camps Association Associations


  • What's New

    Director's Message

    David Freel, Managing Director
    Camp Director

    Camp Hurontario has been my home for the past 16 summers. It is the place where I have made my best friends, who I am still close with today, where I learned about leadership, independence, and where my love for the outdoors grew. As director of this amazing place, it is now my wish to ensure that every camper has as fantastic of a time at Hurontario as I was fortunate enough to have, spending my summers here as a kid. 

    Working closely with Polly Martson - the owner of Hurontario, who's father founded the camp in 1947, we strive to provide a unique experience for our campers, where they can grow and learn in the outdoors at their own pace, taking part in our wide range of activities, away from the busyness of the city and technology. 

    We hope to see your son, at what is truly the best place to spend the summer!



    Stories

    • Camp Hurontario founded thanks to a piano

      On a fishing trip in 1946, Birnie Hodgetts and his brother Ted, paddled into what is now Hurontario's main camp bay. They pitched camp and spent a stormy night waiting for dawn to bring them the opportunity to explore this incredible sheltered bay they had found. Soon they realized that they were on a large and very beautiful island  surrounded by pristine lands .After much exploring of who owned the island and the mainland across from the island( Birnie was a visionary who knew that in time he had to have the far shore so in future summers no one could build across from camp island),Birnie set out to find out who owned the property.

      Title searches turned up the owners of the lsland .The island was for sale but acquiring the big mainland property was not going to be so easy.Mr Kingsmill owned the 150 acres deeded to him by Queen Victoria for fighting in the terrible Boer War. On hearing Birnie's vision for a children's camp, Mr. Kingsmill wrote back to say he would be happy to sell the property but that he would like to run the camp in partnership with Birnie. Birnie was keen to be sole owner and creator of his vision for a camp and so wrote this back to Mr. Kingsmill. For a long time no more was heard from Mr. Kingsmill and Birnie's vision seemed more and more a remote dream. And then one day, Birnie received a letter from Mr. Kingsmill from Mexico where he was  living telling Birnie that he had fallen in love with a Mexican girl called Carmelita whom he wanted to marry.

      Now Carmelita was happy to marry Mr. Kingsmill but her wedding present was to be an English grand piano with music lessons- and Mr. Kingsmill mentioned this to Birnie as Mr. Kingsmill did not have the capabilities to get this piano for his Carmelita.Soon there after, Birnie arranged for a piano to be shipped from England,piano lessons were arranged all in exchange for 150 amazing acres of land in the Georgian Bay!

      And so for the price of a piano and piano lessons and a girl called Carmelita ,Hurontario became a camp now enjoying its 71st summer in the Bay. 



    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does Camp Hurontario have good reviews?
    We've collected reviews from past attendees. Read 3 reviews of Camp Hurontario here.

    What types of programs does Camp Hurontario offer?
    Camp Hurontario runs: Traditional (multi activity) overnight camps. Browse the program calendar for rates and dates.

    What age does Camp Hurontario start?
    Camp Hurontario has programs for children aged 6 to 16.

    How much does is cost to attend Camp Hurontario?
    Fees to attend Camp Hurontario range from $1,430 to $1,990/week.

    Does Camp Hurontario offer support for children with special needs?
    Camp Hurontario offers some mild support for children with special needs. Please contact the director to discuss your needs.

    Does Camp Hurontario offer busing?
    Yes, Camp Hurontario offers transportation. Find busing info and fees here.



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