Haliburton, Ontario– Kilcoo Camp, an overnight summer camp for boys aged 6 to 16 founded in 1932, is entering a new chapter as it transitions to alumni-led ownership, with a syndicate of passionate alumni and supporters coming together to acquire the camp.
The organization, KCA Ownership Corp., was founded by Dave Spindler, an entrepreneur with 13 summers at Kilcoo as a camper and staff member. Dave will take on the role of Executive Director, working with Co-Director Patrick Tingley and the current camp leadership team. Together, they will carry Kilcoo’s traditions forward while bringing renewed energy and vision to the 95-year-old institution known for building confidence, character, and lifelong friendships.
Since its founding by the Plewman family, Kilcoo has operated under the care of successive stewards. In 1956, ownership of the camp transitioned to the Latimer family, who have overseen operations for the last two generations. “As Kilcoo approaches its centennial, the Latimers are proud to pass the torch to Dave Spindler and this group of alumni and community supporters,” said the family. “Dave is the passionate and energetic leader that this institution deserves.”
With this acquisition, ownership will transition fully to KCA Ownership Corp., with a renewed focus on long-term sustainability and structured governance. The organization will be overseen by a newly appointed Board of Directors composed of alumni and supporters Peter Sharpe, Craig Smith, John Grant, and Sandi Fischer (details below), with experience in management, finance, education, and youth development.
Programming for 2026 will proceed as planned. Moving forward, Kilcoo is well positioned to build on its legacy and ensure future generations experience the same unique sense of belonging, personal growth, and adventure that have defined Kilcoo for nearly a century.
“As a Kilcoo parent and an educator, I’ve seen firsthand how Kilcoo helps campers build character, resilience, and friendships they carry throughout life,” said Sandi Fischer, Board Member and education sector leader. “This transition represents both continuity and renewal. We are preserving what families value most about Kilcoo— its traditions, community, and leadership development—while strengthening governance structures for the long term.”
“Camp creates space for young people to step away from their screens, form real connections, and grow in a setting that is both fun and deeply meaningful,” said Spindler. “Places like this matter now more than ever. It is the privilege of my career to work with this new group of passionate alumni owners to guide Kilcoo into its next, exciting chapter.”
To learn more about Kilcoo, including availability for summer 2026, please visit our website and don’t hesitate to reach out to our office inquiries@kilcoo.com.
To read an Open Letter from our new Executive Director, Dave Spindler, click here.
Kilcoo Camp’s Board of Directors:
Sandi Fischer – Sandi is Head of School at Richland Academy and a former principal at RoyalCrest Academy and King Heights Academy. With strong family ties to Kilcoo, she brings extensive experience in educational leadership, governance, and youth development.
Peter Sharpe – Peter is a longtime Kilcoo camper from the 1960s. He is the former President & CEO of Cadillac Fairview and current Chair of Postmedia, among others. Peter brings extensive large-scale asset management and corporate leadership experience.
Craig Smith – A camper and staff member through the 1970s-80s, Craig built and sold a successful commercial real estate brokerage before serving as Executive Vice President of Capital Markets and Head of Eastern Canada at Cushman Wakefield. He brings decades of real estate dealmaking and capital markets experience.
John Grant – A Kilcoo alumni from 1968-1980, John currently serves as a Senior Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor at RBC with 30+ years’ experience in finance, corporate strategy, and client advisory.
Dave Spindler – A camper, counsellor, and canoe tripper from 2001-2013, Dave is the founder of KCA Ownership Corp. and will be Executive Director of Kilcoo Camp. He brings over a decade of experience in consulting, entrepreneurship, and business development.
Contact: Dave Spindler, Executive Director, Kilcoo Camp & KCA Ownership Corp. dave@kilcoo.com