Meet the management team

Part of the Kanawana family since: 2007, with a break from 2010 to February 2023

Field of study: Recreation and Leisure Studies, Concordia University

Professional journey in the camp industry: I have been working in the camp industry since 1996 and have had several jobs over the years. From camp counsellor to expedition guide, I started integrating the summer camp management team in 2002. I was actually the director of expeditions at Kanawana from 2007 to 2010, where I put in place the current expedition program.

Favourite spot at camp: The boating rock. It’s a beautiful place with views over Lake Kanawana and where you can meditate to the sounds of the waves and noises of camp.

Motto of the moment: “It’s gonna be OK.”

What are your likes and dislikes? Likes: picking wild mushrooms. Dislikes: pessimism in my daily life; I much rather focus on enjoying life!

Why do you work at summer camp? Summer camp creates this constructive community where everyone can take calculated risks and where failure is seen as a positive thing. Everyone’s potential is put forth, and there is this warmth and attachment that forms between people, creating this big family conducive to personal growth

Part of the Kanawana family since: 2004

Field of study: Justice Studies and Police Foundations, Guelph University, Humber College

Professional journey in the camp industry: Junior Counsellor, Counsellor, Section Director, Canoe Guide, Camping Programs Coordinator, (Guide Again), Summer Camp Assistant Director

Favourite spot at camp: The docks at boating, both early in the morning, when the fog rolls off the water, and at night when the stars fill the sky.

Motto of the moment: “Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a kayak and that’s kind of the same thing.”

What are your likes and dislikes? I love pesto pasta, a warm fire, and the smell after a short rainfall. I dislike warm apples and having cold hands.

Why do you work at summer camp? To pass on the knowledge and experiences I was able to enjoy as a child in a safe, but adventurous learning environment. It creates such a great sense of community and belonging in such a short period of time; it is hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself.

Part of the Kanawana family since: 2008

Field of study: Psychology (BA), Concordia University

Professional journey in the camp industry: I was summer camp staff from 2002 to 2008, working in a few different roles (summer 2008 at Kanawana), and in 2023 I returned to the Kanawana family.

Favourite spot at camp: In a boat on the lake! I love the peacefulness of being on the water with the views of the forest all around, and the sounds of children playing in the background.

Motto of the moment: “Everything happens for reason.”

What are your likes and dislikes? Likes: Spending quality time with my son  Dislikes: Mosquitoes! They tend to bite me over everyone else around.

Why do you work at summer camp? Summer camp is a place where you can truly be yourself, and where I have learned many skills, which have carried me through life. I have met so many amazing people and created lifelong friendships while working at camp.