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to Kilcoo!
Minden, Ontario
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Kilcoo Camp

Summer camp for boys aged 8 to 16

2025 will mark the 94th year of Kilcoo Camp on the shores of Gull Lake, just south of Minden in beautiful Haliburton County, Ontario. Kilcoo is a private overnight summer camp, and since our founding in 1932, thousands of boys and young men from across Canada and around the world have called Kilcoo home for the summer.

Kilcoo is an accredited member of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA); adheres to the Code of Professional Ethics; and shares the core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Inclusiveness, Caring and Openness.

Engaging Staff

Beautiful Grounds

Fun Activities

Windsurfing at Kilcoo

Things To Do at Kilcoo

explore activities
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Archery provides campers with the ability to practice the proper use of a bow and arrow, including bow stringing, maintenance, and shooting safety.

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Campers can explore their creativity in a variety of projects ranging from bracelet making, tie-dyeing, and painting. 

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Campers of all ages can experience the exhilaration of mountain biking.

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Kilcoo strives to ensure that every camper can feel at home in a canoe; it is one of the foundations of our entire program.

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From mugs to wind chimes and anything in between, campers can create ceramic pieces they can take home.

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Boys can learn the basics of woodworking tools like hammers, drills, and saws creating projects.

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Campers can explore the Kilcoo bay and around Gull Lake as part of the Kayaking program. 

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Music offers campers a break from the fast-paced programming.

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Whether a relaxing trip around Kilcoo Harbour or a high-speed race testing balance and endurance, Paddle Boarding is a great way to spend some time on the water.

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Campers can climb one of four rock walls at our Climbing Tower, as well as earn levels for their knowledge of knots, belaying, and climbing safety.

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Campers can complete our three-level aerial ropes course.

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Younger campers are taken out sailing by experienced staff, while older campers are taught the skills necessary to set sail on their own.

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Each section of campers has a designated Section Sport, though campers of all ages can and do play a variety of sports.

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All campers take part in daily swim lessons from NLS-certified instructors, as well as many opportunities for free swim at our jumping tower, water trampoline, and beach area.

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From novice to pro, campers can practice their Tennis skills and earn levels as they work on their serve, volley, and groundstrokes.

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Archery provides campers with the ability to practice the proper use of a bow and arrow, including bow stringing, maintenance, and shooting safety.

Image

Campers can explore their creativity in a variety of projects ranging from bracelet making, tie-dyeing, and painting. 

Image

Campers of all ages can experience the exhilaration of mountain biking.

Image

From mugs to wind chimes and anything in between, campers can create ceramic pieces they can take home.

Image

Boys can learn the basics of woodworking tools like hammers, drills, and saws creating projects.

Image

Music offers campers a break from the fast-paced programming.

Image

Campers can climb one of four rock walls at our Climbing Tower, as well as earn levels for their knowledge of knots, belaying, and climbing safety.

Image

Campers can complete our three-level aerial ropes course.

Image

Each section of campers has a designated Section Sport, though campers of all ages can and do play a variety of sports.

Image

From novice to pro, campers can practice their Tennis skills and earn levels as they work on their serve, volley, and groundstrokes.

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Another foundational element of our camping program, Woodcraft teaches campers skills for living off the land.

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Kilcoo strives to ensure that every camper can feel at home in a canoe; it is one of the foundations of our entire program.

Image

Campers can explore the Kilcoo bay and around Gull Lake as part of the Kayaking program. 

Image

Whether a relaxing trip around Kilcoo Harbour or a high-speed race testing balance and endurance, Paddle Boarding is a great way to spend some time on the water.

Image

Younger campers are taken out sailing by experienced staff, while older campers are taught the skills necessary to set sail on their own.

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All campers take part in daily swim lessons from NLS-certified instructors, as well as many opportunities for free swim at our jumping tower, water trampoline, and beach area.

Canoe Tripping remains an important part of Kilcoo, as every cabin group will participate in a wilderness experience. For young campers it could simply be an overnight across the lake, where the oldest campers will have the opportunity to enjoy many different kinds of wilderness adventure.

From the Nahanni River to the Coulonge to the Petawawa to Kilarney to Algonquin Park and more, Kilcoo has had a long tradition of tripping. Canoe trip remains a unique and challenging endeavour, where campers will learn lessons of teamwork, perseverance and commitment.

Rates & Dates

Summer 2025

Four-Week Sessions

The month at camp is the ultimate experience at Kilcoo, the classic and traditional way for campers to learn, grow and mature. The four-week session is available to campers aged 8 to 16.

Two-Week Sessions

Two-week sessions are available through the summer. Campers turning 8 years to 12 years old in the calendar year are eligible. The two-week program is a great way to experience camp as a young camper and to build towards the Month at Kilcoo.

Testimonials

What Campers & Parents Are Saying
Sarah & Dana S.

Kilcoo isn’t just a summer camp; it’s a magical place where boys come alive. Here, they find the freedom to grow and the support to become their best selves, all while having fun and feeling celebrated for who they are. Our 11-year-old son just completed his third summer at Kilcoo and is already eagerly counting down the days until he can return next August for another month. On visitor’s day, he told us, “I miss you guys, but I don’t want to go home. This place feels like it was made for me because I love making friends, being outside, playing games and sports, and taking safe risks to challenge myself!” We are confident that when Henry looks back as an adult, he’ll tell us that Kilcoo was one of the most influential forces in shaping who he becomes. The camp’s leaders, the friendships he’s forged, the confidence he’s gained, and the traditions he’ll carry forward will have left a lasting impact far beyond what any school, coach, or university could offer.

Sarah & Dana S.

Stephanie & George W.

Our son has been at camp now for 3 summers and we’ve been so happy with the experiences and the fun times he’s told us about. I was a Kilcoo camper for many years as well, followed by 7 years as a staff member – Kilcoo remains very important to me. I was thrilled with Pat as the new director, as I can’t think of anyone that has given more time and effort toward the benefit of everyone at camp. The staff we met at Visitor’s Day this year were all friendly, and my son exclaimed how helpful his counselor and LIT were when he had a bit of homesickness at the start of the month. This is such an important thing for me, as I’m sure it would be for any parent who worries about their son struggling at times. Thank you all again for the work you do to give our boys such important life experiences and incredible memories!

Stephanie & George W.

Emma G.

As parents who didn’t experience summer camp growing up we knew we wanted to provide our boys this opportunity. We were looking for a camp that would build confidence, resiliency and independence. We found this in Kilcoo. Our sons absolutely love this camp!  Kilcoo is truly magical! Every summer, they come home more excited than the last, and they would happily stay at Kilcoo all summer if they could. The experience is not just fun; it’s been transformative for them. We’ve seen them grow in their leadership skills and maturity, thanks to the supportive environment and amazing staff. Each year, our boys return home more confident, independent, and filled with incredible memories. We couldn’t be more grateful for Kilcoo and the positive impact it has has on our boys and our whole family.

Emma G.

Photo Gallery

photos from camp

Rent Our Camp

School Groups

Kilcoo has offered spring and fall outdoor education programming to private and public schools, universities, and colleges for more than 40 years. We have an experienced team on-site to help deliver your program and meet your educational goals.

Corporate Retreats

Work with our experienced on-site team to customize your next corporate retreat or private event. We have exceptional facilities and amenities, and beautiful grounds, to host your relaxing getaway or team-building adventure!