Kilcoo Camp

“Once a Kilcoo Camper, always a Kilcoo Camper.” – Charles Plewman, Kilcoo Camp Founder, 1932

A Place for Boys to Grow

2026 marks the 95th summer of Kilcoo Camp on the shores of Gull Lake, just south of Minden in beautiful Haliburton County, Ontario. Since 1932, 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.

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.

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 – 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.

2025

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.

Our Philosophy

What makes Kilcoo unique

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.