FAQs

Kilcoo provides valuable experience in group living and community-building. Campers learn to become more independent, responsible, tolerant, understanding, and cooperative, traits which cannot be developed to the same degree at a summer cottage. Time away from parents also allows campers an opportunity to gain insight into their own strengths and weaknesses and grow their confidence and sense of self as an individual. Of course, we also offer a wide range of activities and programs kids aren’t likely to find at their cottage, including archery, high ropes, and full size sports fields and courts.

Cabins generally have between 8 to 10 campers, as well as a Counsellor and LIT (Leader in Training) who stay in their own private quarters at the back of the cabin. Campers sleep in bunk beds and have their own cubby for clothes and other belongings. 

Our two-week program is a great way to introduce younger kids to the idea of summer camp and provides a great taste of what Kilcoo has to offer. While our overall camp program is built around our month-long sessions, two-week campers will still try all of the activities available to them and will still take part in a short canoe trip out of camp. The two-week program is only open to kids 12 and under. The year your son turns 13, he must go for a month.  

The majority of our counsellors and instructors are between 18 and 22. Most are in University or just completing high school. Nearly all of our staff are former campers themselves and have successfully completed our two-year Leader in Training program. 

Our day is broken into six periods – three in the morning and three in the afternoon. Every cabin is assigned a mix of instructed and uninstructed activities for the day, including a daily swimming lesson. The campers, LIT, and counsellor all travel together and complete the activity as a cabin group, sometimes paired up with a second cabin in the same age group. Every camper is encouraged to fully participate in every activity. After dinner, we have Evening Program, where the activities are all open and campers may choose what they want to do that day. This system allows campers to experience everything Kilcoo has to offer while still allowing them freedom to focus on their favourite activities and really hone their skills, with many activities offering levels campers can earn over time! The last three days of each session are all in this Open Program format, allowing campers to focus on their special interests and wrap up and levels they may be working on. In addition to our regular programming, there are lots of planned special events like Section Sports, regattas, skit nights, campfires, and more! 

8:00 – Wake-up and optional Polar Bear dip in the lake
8:30 – Breakfast
9:15 – Cabin Clean-Up
9:45 – Period 1
10:40 – Period 2
11:35 – Period 3
12:45 – Lunch
1:45 – Rest Hour
2:45 – Period 4
3:40 – Period 5
4:35 – Period 6
5:45 – Dinner
6:45 – Evening Program
8:30 – Campfires & Bedtime  

Kilcoo is a non-denominational summer camp; we are proud to have campers from many different religious and cultural backgrounds. On Sunday morning, we hold a service at Chapel Point delivered by members of our Senior Staff. These are based on moral and values-based lessons like the importance of team work, accepting failure along with success, and the importance of personal growth and reflection. Chapel Point becomes a very important spot for many campers and staff over their time at camp. Sunday afternoon is usually dedicated to a camp-wide game or theme day. In the evening, the entire camp gathers together for ‘Kilabaloo’, Kilcoo’s songs and skit night. Both campers and staff are encouraged to perform in front their peers… more than a few careers in the entertainment world have been launched on the Kilcoo stage!

Absolutely! We have operated as an outdoor education and retreat centre in the spring and fall seasons for more than 40 years.  Please visit the Rentals page to learn more about booking your school group, corporate retreat or private event.