Camp Simpresca, located on the shores of Georgian Bay near Midland, is a summer camp for boys and girls that shares the joys of camping with its participants. This United Church camp has been in operation since 1949 and is an inclusive community that extends a warm welcome to all campers. Camp Simpresca is blessed with a large private sandy beach and a beautifully treed property. There, campers stay in comfortable rustic cabins close to nature.
This camp aims to provide a safe and healthy camping experience promoting friendship, fun, camping skills and self-awareness, while all members of the Simpresca community challenge themselves physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially.
Camp Information
The grounds of Camp Simpresca contain 12 rustic cabins. Cabin sizes range in size to accommodate between 8 and 12 campers, sleeping in bunk beds with camping mattresses. Each cabin has screen windows, wood shutters, and electricity. There is a separate washroom building that is accessible to all. Regarding safety, camp staff have training in first aid and CPR, there is a First-Aider on-site at all times, plus the camp equipment includes an AED device.
The counsellors and program staff sleep in the cabins with the campers. Every cabin houses at least two staff members, a cabin counsellor and a program staff. The program staff help with the cabin duties when not running their daily program. As well, the cabin counsellor accompanies the campers to all programs. To ensure that skills are up to date, the entire staff participates in a week-long training program before the arrival of campers that covers all aspects of camper safety and security. Furthermore, all camp staff members are hired through an application and interview process and must supply a vulnerable sector check before employment.
Cabin assignments are based on age and gender though campers get to know all the other participants. Throughout the day, cabins rotate through our programs with those of similar ages and opposite genders. During the registration process, you can specify if you would like your child to be housed with a friend. However, if there is a sizeable age gap, it may not be possible to place them in the same cabin.
Camp Programs
Mini Camp
This four-day, three-night camp is designed to introduce the younger children, ages 6-10, to the joys of camping. Programming includes storytelling, singsongs, crafts, swimming and campfires. Staff members accompany campers at all times and maintain a minimum of a 1:8 staff-to-camper ratio. The mini-camp keeps a small number of campers, with only 45-55 participants.
Regular Camp
This seven-day, six-night camp is designed for children ages 8-16. A daily rotation of activities, evening programs, and three hearty meals a day keep campers engaged and active. On average, a week-long camp includes 60-80 participants.
Leadership Camps
Camp Simpresca offers the leadership programs, Leadership in Training (LIT) and Counsellor in Training (CIT). The LIT program is a three-week-long program for those aged 15, focusing primarily on the hard skills needed to become an effective and conscientious camper: canoeing, swimming, fire and shelter building, and how to plan trips and function as a group. Training also includes a week-long backcountry camping trip.
The CIT program is a six-week long program for those ages 16, focusing primarily on the soft skills needed to become a quality summer camp counsellor: how to form friendships, lead a group of children, plan activities, and deal with conflict. Training also includes a week-long backcountry camping trip.
Camp Simpresca
When: July 5 — August 26, 2023
Where: Camp Simpresca, 51 Simpresca Road, Midland
Website: www.simpresca.camp
Don’t forget to check out our full Summer Camp Guide!
