Camp Ekon

The Our Kids review of Camp Ekon

Camp Ekon was established in 1971, though there’s a longer history here. The name “Ekon” is that given by the Ouendat community to 17th century Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf. The property has been owned by Jesuits since the 1940s, and they used it as a place of retreat and spiritual engagement. The camp was begun as a means of extending that work. The core values and traditions are Catholic, though the day-to-day camper experience reflects the values of those traditions, rather than the liturgy per se. Services are available to those to wish to take part in them, though campers are welcome from across the breadth of faith traditions, and from outside of them as well. Again, it’s the values that the camp wishes to bring forward—service, inclusion, empathetic leadership, environmental stewardship, having a positive influence in the world—something it does movingly and well. The facilities are up to date, though reflect the history of the setting. The location is exceptional; in the heart of Muskoka, it’s, well, gorgeous in all the ways you'd expect. The activities are traditional, including out-tripping, the full range of camp craft plus sports, campfires, music and the arts. It’s a very strong offering, exceptionally administered by experienced staff and counsellors. As such, spaces fill quickly, so the earlier you book, the better.