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.

Part of the Kanawana family since: 2025

Field of study: Therapeutic Recreation with Honours, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Professional journey in the camp industry: Counsellor, Fall Camp Facilitator, Spring Camp Facilitator, Hike Guide, Sea Kayak Guide, Nature Specialist, Section Director, Program Director

Favourite spot at camp: Boating docks

Motto of the moment: “That's showbiz baby!”

What are your likes and dislikes? I love horror movies, swimming in really cold water, the moon, the colour lilac, and laughing really loudly. I dislike awkward silence and winter coats!

Why do you work at summer camp? There's no place quite like it. Summer camp has been a big part of my life, and I feel so lucky to be able to continue to share camp magic with so many generations before and after me. Camp creates an environment of trust in your community and yourself, where you can take risks and try new things, knowing that you'll find support no matter what. Camp encourages us to be our most authentic selves, and being a part of that really fills up my cup!

Part of the Kanawana family since: 2024

Field of study: Business Management and Psychology, Hochschule Furtwangen University, Germany

Professional journey in the camp industry: I’m a camp newbie, my first camp experience was working as staff coordinator in 2024. After that I was the trip and rentals coordinator and will be returning this summer as the program director (all Kanawana)

Favourite spot at camp: THE WIBIT! It’s the perfect spot to cool off, jump in the lake and forget about stress for a while. Here I feel like a camper myself!

Motto of the moment: “Maybe so. Maybe not. We’ll see.”

What are your likes and dislikes? I like warm summer mornings and enjoy making and listening to music. It just adds so much to life. I dislike grapefruits and my glasses fogging up when I enter a building in winter.

Why do you work at summer camp? At first, because I wanted to try something new. Now because I can feel the positive impact camp has on both campers and staff. It’s a great place to build and foster relationships with others, with nature, but also with yourself.