Camp Katonim welcomes new campers for its 92nd year

By Michelle Poirier

Camp Katonim, a summer day camp for kids, is opening again for its 92nd year.

Although it has a long history in Georgina, the camp may be one of Lake Simcoe’s best-kept secrets.

Located at 92 Pine Post Road in Roches Point, it was founded in 1932 by philanthropist Rose Dunkelman and the Balfour Beach Association to serve cottages in the surrounding area.

While the association still operates the camp today, it is now open to children, aged 4 to 15, from all backgrounds, and from Georgina and beyond.

Rachel Malamed, a member of the camp’s Board of Directors, says Camp Katonim prides itself on being able to create a warm, supportive and inclusive environment for children.

“Camp Katonim is a place where kids get a chance to try things they may otherwise not have the opportunity to try and to make new friendships and connections. We see kids build their confidence and get into the spirit of camp,” she said.

Malamed adds part of the appeal of Camp Katonim is that it has all the features of an overnight camp, but kids get to go home at the end of the day.

This year, there are four 2-week sessions from July 1 to August 23, running Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. And one evening per week from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for specialty programs.

“As Camp Katonim is a waterfront camp, the bulk of our programming is waterfront programming and includes sailing, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pontoon boat trips, swimming, and fishing,” Malamed said.

She says a goal this year is to provide campers with sailing lessons certified by Sail Canada.

Campers can also earn swim instruction badges through the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Program.

“In addition to our waterfront programming, we also offer traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, nature, landsports, archery, performing arts and overnight canoe trips,” she said.

Malamed says many campers enjoy the camp so much, they end up returning as staff later.

She adds many of the parents who now send their kids to Katonim were once campers there themselves, herself included.

“From when I was three years old until I was 17, my parents sent me to Camp Katonim. Now, each summer, I fly with my two girls from Los Angeles, where we currently live, so that I can send them to Camp Katonim,” she said.

“Camp Katonim is where I met my best friends and made incredible childhood memories. For 40 years, I have stayed in touch with many of these friends, and it is beautiful to see our children now attending Camp Katonim together.”

There are still spots available for three of the four sessions. For more information or to register your kids, visit the Camp Katonim website at www.campkatonim.com or call (416) 907-9908.