Meet the team behind Summer Camp YMCA Kanawana
A top-notch camp starts with a dedicated, dynamic and well-trained team.
Our experienced staff and counsellors receive more than 50 hours of training, are certified in CPR and First Aid and have completed the YMCA Healthy Child Development program in order to ensure your children receive the highest standard of care.
Justin Caldwell
Summer Camp Director
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.
Amy Thomson
Assistant to the directors
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.
Quinn Durand
Assistant Summer Camp Director
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!