Camp Stephens
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YMCA-YWCA Camp Stephens, established in 1891, is one of Canada's longest-running summer camps, offering modern facilities and fun and challenging programs for families, men, women and young people ages 8 to 18. It is located on Lake of the Woods near Kenora, Ontario, Canada. It offers both resident camping and wilderness tripping.
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[edit] History
In 1891, the first Winnipeg YMCA Camp was held on Lake of the Woods, at Keewatin Beach. The camp was held from July 25 - August 7, 1891, essentially as a Bible camp for young adults. The camp continued at that site for the next two years, but as the number of cottages in the area increased, and with the building of a log mill, it became apparent that Keewatin Beach was not the best site for a resident camp.
In the summer of 1893, four men - Misters R.D. Richardson, C.M. Copeland, W.D. Bayly Sr., and Ball set out by rowboat in an ambitious search for a new site. For several weekends they rowed around Lake of the Woods until they located an ideal property southeast of Keewatin.
They selected a large island with a long, sweeping sandy beach as the new campsite, with three smaller islands in proximity, some three miles south of Devil’s Gap. The exact cost of the land is unclear, but it was around $250.
[edit] Islands of Camp Stephens
On October 23, 1896 these islands were named.
Copeland Island Named in honor of C.M. Copeland first General Secretary for Western Canada (Fort William to Calgary - 1890) and a member of the crew, which found the site.
Patton Island Named in honor of T.D. Patton, Secretary of the Winnipeg YMCA-YWCA from 1894-1901 and again from 1910-1916. Patton Island, on most maps, is not technically an island due to the sand bar joining it with Copeland Island. In 1893, it was above water, but since then has been submerged due to rising water levels.
Fleming Island Named after Mr. Fleming, Secretary of the Brandon YMCA-YWCA, just before and after the end of the 1900s.
Ball Island Named after James Ball, Secretary of the Calgary YMCA-YWCA, about that time.
Sir George Island Named after Sir George Williams founder of the YMCA-YWCA. Sir George was originally named after Mr. Gill, who fell into disfavour with the early group and hence the name of the island was changed.
[edit] Permanent Structures Erected
During the first few years, families would row to the camp for a short visit. By the 1900s there were a couple of permanent structures and the site was used by boys. 1910, saw the first all boys’ summer camp. By 1911, the first recreational hall was built and remained in use for 70 years. Boys’ camping continued to grow throughout the century with the construction of camper cabins and the development of different program areas. At the end of August 1963, the Wilderness Program was created and a girls’ camp began. By 1969, the boys’ six-week invitational trip was up and running and by 1977 the girls’ six-week trip was established. In 1980, the camp became co-educational and work had begun on Lount Lodge. In 1983, composting toilets were built along with new shower house facilities. Today, Camp Stephens continues to occupy the original site, providing a rewarding camp experience for hundreds of campers every year.
[edit] Other
One of Camp Stephens' most famous features is the six week canoe trip. This trip is the pinnacle of all Camp Stephens experience and it offten results in life-changing experiences of the participants. Participants are selected by invitation only, based on prior resident and wilderness experiences with Camp Stephens. These young leaders travel through remote northern areas that are inaccessible by road.
[edit] External links
Camp Stephens Official Web site: [1]
An overview of Camp Stephens's Facilities: [2]
