Our story

A Place for Boys to Grow

Campers carry the large black and orange Kilcoo Camp banner across the field during flag raising, with a Canadian flag and the whole camp gathered behind.

"Once a Kilcoo Camper, always a Kilcoo Camper."Charles Plewman, Kilcoo Camp Founder, 1932

2026 marks the 95th summer of Kilcoo Camp on the shores of Gull Lake, just south of Minden in beautiful Haliburton County, Ontario. Thousands of boys and young men from across Canada and around the world have come to Kilcoo for the summer to build memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

There's nothing like Kilcoo Magic.

At Kilcoo, we focus on building confidence, fostering independence, and helping each camper grow into the best version of themselves. The friendships formed here are lasting, and the impact of a summer at camp carries well beyond the season, something that is reflected in our strong and deeply connected alumni community.

Whether for one, two or four weeks, each camper experiences a summer filled with energy, challenge, creativity, and fun. Your days will be active and engaging, grounded in tradition, and designed to help every boy find his place and thrive.

Each summer builds on the last. We learn, we improve, and we stay rooted in the traditions that have shaped Kilcoo for generations. Our goal is simple: to provide every camper with a safe, supportive, and unforgettable experience.

That experience is facilitated by our team of dedicated staff, most of whom were once campers themselves and have grown through our Leader-in-Training program. The staff and LITs serve as guides and incredible role models for our campers, demonstrating compassion, empathy, creativity and an infectious energy that carries our incredible summers.

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

A row of dark cedar cabins with white trim among the pines at Kilcoo Camp

Boys walking past a cabin porch at Kilcoo Camp

Our Mission

To foster an environment that helps boys develop into confident, compassionate, and principled young men through community, mentorship, camp traditions, and growth-focused outdoor programming.

What makes Kilcoo unique

Our Philosophy

At Kilcoo, we believe boys thrive when they are given the opportunity to explore, be challenged, and feel a part of something bigger than themselves.

Our program blends outdoor adventure, sports, arts and canoe tripping with a strong sense of community stewardship, rich tradition and positive role modelling. In a safe and supportive environment, boys build confidence, develop independence, and forge friendships and memories that they will carry with them throughout their lives.

The goal is not just a great experience, but meaningful growth that helps to shape well-rounded and respectful young men who are prepared to lead and excel in all aspects of life and community.

Character

Kilcoo is guided by the OCA's core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Inclusiveness, Caring, and Openness, values our staff, many of them Kilcoo alumni themselves, model every day at camp.

Community

"Once a Kilcoo Camper, always a Kilcoo Camper." Cabin groups and decades of shared tradition connect campers to an alumni network that stays close long after the last campfire.

Adventure

From canoe tripping on Gull Lake to the waterfront and climbing tower, boys try, fail, and try again, the same hands-on challenge that has shaped Kilcoo campers for generations.

95 years on Gull Lake

Our History

1932
In 1932, Charles F. Plewman of Toronto founded Kilcoo Camp as a place where boys could grow into confident, respectful young men in an outdoor setting. The camp is named after the Plewman family homestead, Kilcoo House, in County Kildare, Ireland.
Chapel Point, 1933
Chapel Point today
1955
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. In 1955, he purchased the camp from Mr. Plewman with an aim to carry forward its rich traditions.
1981
Chief, along with his wife Peggy ("Mrs. Chief"), directed Kilcoo until 1981 when they passed the leadership of Kilcoo to Hal Hannaford. Hal was director of Kilcoo for three wonderful summers, 1982 to 1984. Hal then spent a long career in education and was Head of School at Kingsway College, Royal St. Georges College and Selwyn House.
1985
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.
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.
2023
Beloved long-time Staff member Patrick "Tingles" Tingley (1995-2021) returned to Kilcoo in September 2023 to serve as the sixth Director in Kilcoo Camp's history.
Today
In the spring of 2026, a group of Kilcoo alumni and camp supporters banded together to acquire Kilcoo Camp with the aim of preserving the heritage and safeguarding the future of the beloved institution. The group is led by Kilcoo alumnus Dave Spindler (01-'13), who is the new Executive Director guiding this exciting new chapter.