Our vision for the CCA in 2033
The CCA is established as the national leader in the camp sector, recognized for unwavering advocacy and deep industry insights.
Rooted in strong alignment and inclusive dialogue, we foster collaboration between members, organizations and governments, and nurture robust public and private partnerships. Committed to empowering our members, we are building a future where Canadian camps thrive from coast to coast.
Mission and Values of the CCA
Unite provincial camp associations, industry leaders and like-minded organizations to elevate and advocate for the Canadian camp sector.
Acting with Integrity
We prioritise transparency and consistency in all our actions to build a foundation of trusting and respectful relationships. We recognise and honour the sincere and dedicated work of each contributor.
Stewarding to be Sustainable
We strive to build an enduring organisation committed to quality and focused on professionalism, contributing to a thriving sector for generations to come.
Leading through Collaboration
We collaborate openly and generously with contributors, internal and external. We believe in the power of teamwork and collective engagement to reach our common goals.
Driven to Innovate
We are pioneers, drivers of change, proactively adapting to evolving needs and always seeking ways to better serve the camp sector.
Committed to Inclusion
We hold space for all voices and strive for diversity in all its forms. Within our organisation and across our national community, we champion inclusion and equity.
In service to our Community
We continuously endeavour to build strong, resilient and connected communities, locally and globally. Community building is core to our organisation's impact.
Membership
The Canadian Camping Association is a federation of provincial camping associations (PCAs). PCA member camps enjoy the privileges of membership in the CCA.
The following provincial camping associations are members of the CCA:
ONTARIO CAMPS ASSOCIATION
Executive Director: Joy Levy
Phone: 416-485-0425
Toll Free: 1-844-485-0425
ASSOCIATION DES CAMPS DU QUÉBEC
Executive Director: Eric Beauchemin
Phone: (514) 252-3113
Phone: 1-800-361-3586
Accreditation
All camps must comply with all relevant provincial and federal government legislation pertaining to health, food service, water quality, transportation, boat safety, building codes, fire codes, labour laws and human rights. However, accredited camps meet the additional standards set by their provincial camping association. Camping association standards always meet, but sometimes exceed the legal standard.
Knowing that a camp is accredited gives a parent confidence that the camp is qualified to care for their child.
Contact your provincial camping association to learn about the requirements for accreditation in each province.
Benefits for camps
The CCA is active in areas of research, advocacy, public awareness, networking, and outreach on behalf of Canadian camps and camping leaders.
Other benefits include:
Use of the CCA Logo
Membership in a Provincial Camping Association (PCA) allows accredited camps the right to use the CCA logo on all camp advertising. We welcome and encourage camps to do so to add further credibility.
Regular Email Communication
Camps receive regular e-newsletters with the latest in news and resources specific to Canadian camps.
A National Website
Camping leaders stay informed through current camping news published on the CCA website.
Database of Valuable Resources
Camps and individuals have access to the available resources including the National Abuse Prevention Guidelines, emergency procedures documents, committee reports, and more.
The CCA also makes relevant Canadian camping research available to camps.
Participation in a Free Tree Planting Program
In 2009, CCA began a pilot project with Andrea Koehle Jones, Executive Director of the ChariTREE Foundation and planted 2,300 trees in 12 camps in Ontario. In 2010, the program went national. In 2012, campers and counsellors planted a total of 23,495 tree seedlings provided by the ChariTREE Foundation at 75 camps in seven provinces. This opportunity continues to be open to all camps in Canada that will commit to planting tree seedlings with their campers to help to make the world a better place.
Special Conference Rates to attend Provincial Camping Conferences
Most provincial camping associations, the American Camp Association, and International Camping Fellowship offer the opportunity for CCA members to attend conferences and congresses at their member rates.
Access to the American Camp Association bookstore
The ACA Bookstore boasts numerous books and resources on many relevant topics in camping. Special low rates are available to CCA camps.
A network of supportive camping leaders
Thousands of leaders commit themselves each year to the growth and development of youth through camping. The CCA provides a network for camping professionals to connect with each other as peers, colleagues, and mentors.
Board of Director
The CCA Board is volunteer-based and draws upon the vast skills and experience of camping professionals from across Canada.
CCA Executive:
- President Shauna Joyce
- Vice President Olivier Lauzon
- Treasurer Stéphane Richard
- Secretary Kathleen Gurski
Provincial Representatives
- British Columbia Geoff Park
- Alberta Trent Diaz
- Saskatchewan Johnathan Dickey
- Manitoba Andrew Sevigny
- Ontario Kelly Mathews
- Québec Olivier Lauzon
- New Brunswick Tim Carruthers
- Nova Scotia & PEI Matt Sheriko
- Newfoundland & Labrador Vacant
Meetings
The Board of Directors meets monthly from September to May, The Executive may meet more frequently.
Funding
The funding for CCA is provided by fees from the Provincial Camping Associations, corporate sponsors and private contributions.
Archives
The archives of the CCA are housed at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario.
You can contact the Trent Archives by email: archives@trentu.ca
Past Presidents
CCA President’s List
Taylor Statten - Canadian summer camps, Canadian Camping Association
Taylor Statten (courtesy taylorstattencamps.com)
- 1936-1949 Taylor Statten, Ontario
- 1949-1951 Dais Gass, Quebec
- 1951-1953 Anne Vail, Quebec
- 1953-1955 Ted Yard, Ontario
- 1955-1957 Irwin Haladner, Ontario
- 1957-1961 F.M. Van Wagner, Quebec
- 1961-1963 Kenneth Murray, Quebec
- 1963-1965 Don Smith, Alberta
- 1965-1967 May Brown, British Columbia
- 1967-1969 Doug McEwen, Ontario
- 1969-1971 David Hartry, Nova Scotia
- 1971-1975 John Latimer, Ontario
- 1975-1977 Ron Johnstone, Ontario
- 1977-1979 Jack Pearse, Ontario
- 1979-1981 Cliff Labbett, Ontario
- 1981-1983 Jocelyn Palm, Ontario
- 1983-1988 Janet Adamson, Ontario
- 1988-1989 Ian Fowler, New Brunswick
- 1989-1992 Bob Smith, Ontario
- 1992-1994 Jane McCutcheon, Ontario
- 1994-1996 Margaret Seel, Alberta
- 1996 Wilf Jackson, Nova Scotia
- 1996-1997 Margaret Seel, Alberta
- 1997-1999 Mike Nelson, Alberta
- 1999-2001 John Jorgenson, Ontario
- 2001-2003 Donna Wilkinson, Saskatchewan
- 2004-2005 Leighana Shockey, Alberta
- 2006-2007 Simon Adams, British Columbia
- 2008-2011 Jeff Bradshaw, Ontario
- 2012-2013 Harry Edwards, British Columbia
- 2014-2016 Jill Dundas, Ontario
- 2017-2022 Stephane Richard, New Brunswick
Affiliations
The CCA works with several like-minded organizations to further its mission.
International Camping Fellowship
International Camping FellowshipThe International Camping Fellowship is a worldwide assembly of camping professionals interested in sharing their enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment to the camping experience. It was founded in 1987 amidst the energy of individuals gathered around the dream of a better world through camping and it is rooted in the belief that we can make a difference by “bringing together the world of outdoor experience.” The International Camping Fellowship welcomes all who foster international understanding through the organized camp experience.
American Camp Association
American Camp AssociationThe American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for 100 years, have joined together to share knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of the diverse 9,000 plus membership and exceptional programs, children and adults have the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else. As a leading authority in youth development, ACA works to preserve, promote, and improve the camp experience.
Our Kids Media
Our Kids MediaEstablished in 1997, Our Kids Media is the trusted source to help families find top private schools, camps and retirement living options. Both its consumer and industry magazines, online portals and consumer shows enhance the personal and professional lives of millions of Canadians every year. Powering the most comprehensive directory of schools, camps and retirement communities in Canada, Our Kids enables families to research and compare profiles to find the best choice for their loved ones, from birth to retirement. With five print brands, annual consumer shows, and more than 20 digital properties, Our Kids is the largest multimedia publisher within this sector. Our Kids multi-device channels enable families to access information on all platforms: in-person, print, online, tablet, and mobile.
The Roberta Bondar Foundation
The Roberta Bondar Foundation responds to the recognized need within society to educate and improve knowledge of the environment in a way that stimulates interest, excitement, creativity, responsibility, and for some, the desire to study in this area. The Summer Camp Bondar Challenge helps campers develop a lifelong affinity for the joy of photography and the love of nature by using the camera to “see” the environment, articulate their feelings about it and begin to understand the science.
CampSpirit
Dr. Christopher Thurber is a board-certified clinical psychologist and professional educator who enjoys sharing ideas with camps and schools around the world. He is the co-founder of ExpertOnlineTraining.com, a website that hosts instructional videos for youth leaders and the co-author of The Summer Camp Handbook, an award-winning preparatory resource for new camper families. Chris also wrote The Secret Ingredients of Summer Camp Success, a DVD-CD set that lowers the intensity of first-year campers’ homesickness by half. He serves on the faculty of Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, where he lives with his wife and two boys.
Expert Online Training
Expert Online Training is the world leader in video-based instruction for youth development professionals. Our faculty of 24 talented hosts has created a library of more than 100 modules covering topics in Safety, Child Development & Play, Supervision, Leadership, Behavior Management, and Creative Literacy. Now you can administer an entire day of pre-arrival training with a few simple mouse clicks! And by complementing your on-site training with EOT’s self-paced, online training, you will boost your staff’s confidence, increase their stamina, and improve the quality of the relationships they form with the young people you serve. Prevent accidents and promote excellence. For a free demo, visit ExpertOnlineTraining.com or call us toll-free (877) 237-3931.
Outdoor Council of Canada
Outdoor Council of CanadaThe Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) is a nationally incorporated, non-profit, practitioner-owned organization that has been founded to encourage, promote and facilitate safety-oriented outdoor education and recreation for every Canadian.
Historica Dominion Institute
The Historica-Dominion Institute is an independent, national, charitable organization dedicated to Canadian history, identity and citizenship. The Institute’s programs include My Park Pass, which encourages young Canadians to explore our national parks and The Canadian Citizenship Challenge, a contest based on Canada’s citizenship test.
Canadian Canoe Museum
Canadian Canoe MuseumLocated in Peterborough, Ontario, the Canadian Canoe Museum is a unique national heritage centre that explores the canoe’s enduring significance to the peoples of Canada.
SmartBoater.ca
SmartBoater.ca is a project of the Canadian Safe Boating Counsel in partnership with the SmartBoater.caNational Search and Rescue Secretariat. This website is a valuable resource for waterfront staff to teach the importance of lifejackets, the purpose of float plans, the necessity of boating safety equipment and the effects of hypothermia along with many other useful water-safety related topics. The free, fully downloadable, educational videos available on the site convey vital information to help staff teach their campers.
ChariTREE Foundation
The ChariTREE Foundation gives children an opportunity to connect with nature and contribute positively to the world by planting free tree seedlings
Media
Resources Explaining the History & Works of the CCA
This section provides general background information on the CCA to assist persons researching or writing about camping in Canada.