2025 will mark the 94th year of Kilcoo Camp on the shores of Gull Lake. Kilcoo is 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.

We strive to build campers’ confidence, develop their sense of independence, and allow them the opportunity to grow as individuals. The memories and friendships made at Kilcoo last a lifetime, as proven by our robust and active alumni community. Whether it is for two weeks or four weeks the experience a camper will have at Kilcoo is full of excitement, fun, tradition, enthusiasm, energy, competition, creativity and more. A summer at Kilcoo provides memories for life.

Every summer we try to build off the last; we learn from our challenges, lean into our successes, and always remember the traditions that have brought us so far over the past 93 summers. We strive to ensure that every camper has a safe, fun and unique summer camp experience. We rely on our strength of Staff, a high percentage of whom have been campers themselves and completed our Leader-In-Training Program. We also hire committed and enthusiastic individuals whom bring an important outside perspective to summer camp.

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.

Our History

In 1932, Charles F. Plewman of Toronto founded Kilcoo Camp on the shores of Gull Lake in Haliburton County. Kilcoo is named after the Plewman family homestead in County Kildare, outside of Dublin.

John “Chief” Latimer began his career at Kilcoo as an 8-year-old camper in 1938 and continued as a leader-in-training, counsellor and program director until the fall of 1955, when he purchased the camp from Mr. Plewman.

Chief, along with his wife Peggy (“Mrs. Chief”), directed Kilcoo until 1981 when they passed the leadership of Kilcoo to Hal Hannaford. Hal had been at Kilcoo since 1967 and was a very popular and respected Section Director. Hal was director of Kilcoo for three successful summers, 1982 – 1984. Hal then spent a long career in education and was Head of School at Kingsway College, Royal St. Georges College and Selwyn House.

John and Peggy’s oldest son, David “Lub” Latimer, was Director from 1985 through July 2023. He and his wife, Beth, have three children. Their two boys began as campers in 2008, growing up at Kilcoo before becoming Staff in 2019. They served as members of the Senior Staff until 2023.

Aldrin “Buzz” Primaylon, a full-time educator and longtime Camp Gay Venture staff member, joined Kilcoo in 2017.  He was Director for August 2023 and then returned to his role as seasonal Assistant Director.

Former long-time Staff member (1995-2021) Patrick “Tingles” Tingley returned to Kilcoo in September 2023 and is now the sixth Director in Kilcoo Camp’s history.

Our Philosophy

What makes Kilcoo unique

At Kilcoo, our mission is to create a dynamic and supportive environment where boys aged 8 to 16 can thrive. We are dedicated to fostering independence and building leadership skills through our diverse program of activities, sports, and tripping. Kilcoo emphasizes both fun and personal growth, providing a safe, well-maintained space where boys can explore their interests, develop lifelong friendships, and gain the confidence to navigate the world outside of camp. Through teamwork, adventure, and positive role modelling from our experienced Staff, we strive to nurture well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead and excel in all aspects of life.