In 1932, Charles F. Plewman of Toronto founded Kilcoo Camp on the shores of Gull Lake, in Haliburton County.
John “Chief” Latimer began his career at Kilcoo as an 8-year-old camper in 1938 and continued his career as a leader-in-training, counselor 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. Chief stayed very active with Kilcoo through the following decades. On April 22nd 2003, Chief passed away after a short battle with cancer. His passion for Kilcoo is missed, but it will always be celebrated through the joy of time spent at Kilcoo. Peggy Latimer remains the owner.
John and Peggy’s oldest son, David Latimer, was Director from 1985 through July 2023.
Aldrin Primaylon, a teacher in the “off-season” and longtime Camp Gay Venture Staff member, was Director for August 2023, and will return as Assistant Director in 2023. Former Staff member (1995-2021) Patrick Tingley returned to Kilcoo in September 2023 and will be the sixth Director in Kilcoo Camp’s history.
Since 1932, Kilcoo has drawn campers from all over, from the greater Toronto area and across Ontario and Canada. Campers have come from the United States and Mexico, and across the ocean from all over Europe. They come looking for the quintessential summer camp experience that the Great Lakes basin provide. Gull Lake has provided the spirit of Kilcoo for over 90 years
Kilcoo Camp is excited for the future, and will continue to be a memorable summer camp experience for young men in the beautiful Highlands of Haliburton.