The Wenonah war b ler2025
Contributers: Rowan Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Jennifer “JJ” Jupp, Sarah “Sojo” MacPherson, Fraser “Tito” McOuat, Liz Mossington, Whitney Pratt, Mike Stewart, Eoin “Woody” Wood
Production: Madison Bradshaw
Editor: Renata Bradshaw
Table of Contents
Jeff’s Jottings...............................................
2024 Wenonah Games.............................
Where in the World...................................
Remembering Graydon............................
Explore the World of Wenonah...............
Period Five Returns in 2025 alongside ODYSSEY...................................
Highlights of Summer Camp in 2024......
Camper & Staff Awards............................
Wenonah Outdoors..................................
Women’s Weekend...................................
Property Perspectives...............................
Meet the Team..........................................
Wenonah Cares.........................................
Celebrating the Impact & Generosity of our CBC Donors................
Did You Know ?..........................................
Jeff’s Jottings
Welcome to the 24th edition of our annual news magazine for Camp Wenonah, “The Wenonah Warbler”. The Warber dates back to 1997 but this is our first print edition since 2019!
Moving forward, we’ll be producing an annual hard copy Warbler each Winter, plus an online version in May with seasonal updates, and finally, a Mini Warbler that campers will take home each Summer following their time onsite at Wenonah.
This year’s Warbler highlights include a tribute to Graydon Boyes; an update on major capital and program developments from 2024 and those
completed/planned for 2025 (and beyond); an update on Summer Camp from Jennifer “JJ” Jupp and Eoin “Woody” Wood (Senior Directors – Camp Wenonah); highlights from Wenonah Outdoors (Spring and Fall onsite activity); the 2024 Wenonah Games season in review; applauding our 2024 season camper and staff award recipients; “Meet The Team” with a spotlight on Wenonah’s Executive Chef María Fernanda Muñiz; celebrating the donors that made the Caron Brick Centre possible; a list of current countries represented by Wenonah campers and staff; opportunities in early 2025 for new families and those interested in future stays to learn more about Wenonah; a celebration of our Wenonah Cares partnership with Project: Humanity the past three years and, lots more.
We look forward to yet another wonderful camping season in 2025!
On behalf of our Senior Leadership Team, a HUGE thank you for your support of Wenonah.
Jeff Bradshaw Founder/Owner
Jeff Founder/OwnerBradshaw - Camp Wenonah
Wenonah Warbler
2024 Wenonah Games Aki takes
the Challenge Cup!
The “Decade of Zibbins” resulted in two Challenge Cup wins (total points from July Camp and August Camp combined) in 2022 and 2023. After another strong win in July Camp 2024, Zibbins was primed for a threepeat - but Aki had other ideas.
A dominant Aki victory in August Camp (their first since 2015!) resulted in a 2024 Challenge Cup win for Aki (their first since 2018!).
The final points for the 2024 Challenge Cup:
Aki...........6,745
Zibbins....6,630 Dawaa.....6,340
Since the Challenge Cup began in 1999, Dawaa leads with 12 Challenge Cups (including a stunning seven in the 2010s) while Zibbins and Aki, tied with six Challenge Cup wins each, look to close the gap in 2025.
The 2024 July Camp and August Camp Wenonah Games featured 358 Wenonah Games events during the final three days of each month.
Where in the World...
In 2024, Wenonah campers and staff joined us from:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec), Colombia, Costa Rica, France, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America (Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia).
Male Decathlon
Kyle Vinton (July)
Bryn Scott (August)
Pentathlon
Sam Brady (July)
Alexa Nassar (August)
Grace Manley, Geoff Wong (July)
Ainsley Sherwin, Ben Wang, Marcus Martin (August)
Graydon Boyes has been in our thoughts a great deal since his passing in August 2024.
Graydon, along with his wife Irene, are quite simply, the reason that there is a Camp Wenonah.
In 1877, Graydon’s great-great-grandfather first settled in nearby Vankoughnet. Ever since, the Boyes family have been synonymous with Muskoka, with a remarkable list of accomplishments and contributions to local life.
Graydon and Irene had the dream of starting a children’s Summer Camp, and that dream became a reality in 1965. After several years of property development and building construction, Camp Oak-a-Lea was born.
Graydon was at the University of Toronto pursuing a physical education degree in the late 1950s when he first encountered Kirk Wipper: a professor, a legendary figure in the world of Summer Camp, a trailblazer in the development of outdoor education in Canada and the founder of the Canadian Canoe Museum. Kirk was an early mentor to Graydon; providing input around property development and the operation of a Summer Camp.
Graydon’s father and two uncles established the saw mill which still sits on Saw Lake when you first turn
off Bird Lake Road. They ran it with a steam powered engine, up until 1965, when they switched to diesel. That was also around the time they started to build Camp. All the wood used for Camp’s early development was cut at the saw mill.
1965 was the first year of operation for Camp Oak-a-Lea. In 1968, Oak-a-Lea became a member of the Ontario Camps Association. Oak-a-Lea offered a boys camping program in July, and in August they leased to rental groups. Popular programs at Camp Oak-a-Lea in the 1960s included canoeing, canoe trips, logging skills, swimming, hiking, archery, baseball, regattas and Olympic days.
In 1972, ground was cleared to establish a campground next door. A decision was made that year to discontinue running the summer program at Oak-a-Lea and to move fully to rental groups.
Fast forward to the early 1990s. I had spent 14 years working in Summer Camp and directing programs in numerous settings in Ontario. I reached out and met with Graydon and Irene to discuss the possibility of launching a new Summer Camp operation at Camp Oak-a-Lea. We agreed that it wasn’t the right time for all of us but in 1996, that dream became a reality and Wenonah was born.
Graydon and Irene were everything to a young Camp Owner and Director hoping to establish a brand new Summer Camp and Outdoor Education Centre in the mid 1990s.
When we began Wenonah almost 30 years ago, it was with a handshake. Over the decades Graydon, Irene and I had dozens and dozens of kitchen table
Graydon & Irene Boyes
meetings at their home in Vankoughnet. We would always plan for an hour or two but then Irene would make a delicious meal, and we’d find ourselves talking not just about Camp but about life, family, hopes and dreams. And the time always flew by.
I knew and have known all these years, that building Wenonah was equally continuing Graydon’s dream. Nothing was ever too much. No idea too outlandish. Graydon and Irene were never anything but enthusiastic, thoughtful and kind. They trusted me. They trusted us. I’ll never be able to truly express what that meant.
Most of the current campers and staff at Wenonah never knew Graydon. There’s perhaps a passing acknowledgement of the Lodge being named for Graydon and Irene Boyes. Perhaps you were a WCIT during the “Ask Me Anything” session each month when I would speak about Graydon.
But, let me put it another way. Every last connection that we’ve all had at Wenonah can be traced back to Graydon and Irene. Everyone that is now connected in this massive community of ours that stretches around the world, it’s all because of Graydon and Irene. It all started with them.
Since the early 1990s, Graydon and I walked every inch of the property many times together. Graydon’s stories of success and struggle were equally shared.
Over the years, more than anything, I just wanted
Graydon to be proud of me, of us and of what so many have built over all these years with Wenonah.
In late August 2023, Graydon, Irene and their daughter Sue joined Tito and I for a tour of Wenonah. A full circle moment that celebrated an unbelievable bond. That moment will remain with me, close to my heart, always.
On the day of Graydon’s funeral, I thanked Graydon. For a lifetime of love and laughter and for the legacy that he left to so many. For being many things.
Especially, the example of a life lived extremely well.
Remembering Graydon, I know one thing; every step I take at Camp in the years ahead, Graydon will be there, walking beside me. Everything that has happened on the shores of Clear Lake and Saw Lake over these past three decades at Wenonah is because of Graydon and Irene. I’ve said these words many times over the years: we are here, because they were there.
Thank you Graydon. For everything. A treasured friend. A mentor.
Explore the World of Wenonah
Each year, Wenonah hosts numerous opportunities for registered first time families and anyone that would like to join, to hear more about the Wenonah Summer Camp program and experience. There are three distinct opportunities planned in advance of the 2025 camping season:
‘Sunday Snapshots’ via ZOOM
Jennifer “JJ” Jupp & Eoin “Woody” Wood (Senior Directors –Camp Wenonah) will host Sunday Zoom presentations on:
Sunday, January 12, 2025
7:00 - 7:45 pm EST
Sunday, February 9, 2025
12:00 - 12:45 pm EST
Sunday, March 2, 2025
7:00 - 7:45 pm EST
Sunday, April 6, 2025
12:00 - 12:45 pm EDT*
Jennifer “JJ” Jupp & Eoin “Woody” Wood (Senior Directors –Camp Wenonah) and the Senior Leadership Team will host in-person presentations on: ‘Welcome to Wenonah’ in-person
Thursday, February 27, 2025
7:00 - 7:45 pm EST at the Old Mill Toronto (21 Old Mill Road)
Sunday, April 27, 2025
2:00 - 2:45 pm EST at the Oakville Conference Centre (2515 Wyecroft Road)
Period Five Returns in 2025 alongside ODYSSEY
A new Senior Camper Experience
A staple at Wenonah since first introduced in 2002, our Period Five program returns in 2025 after a five year hiatus alongside a brand-new opportunity for 13-14 year olds (ODYSSEY). Both programs will be held during the final week of Summer Camp (Monday, August 25 to Friday, August 29, 2025).
Period Five is a short stay, introductory Wenonah experience for 7-12 year olds which includes cabin-based experiences in major program areas
Jennifer “JJ” Jupp & Eoin “Woody” Wood Senior Directors - Camp Wenonah
& Family
A fantastic opportunity to experience Wenonah firsthand, including full Camp tours, a complimentary lunch buffet and extensive program area use. Hosted on:
Sunday, June 22, 2025
11:00 am - 3:00 pm EST onsite at Camp Wenonah (1324 Bird Lake Road, Bracebridge)
Please contact info@campwenonah.com to RSVP for all orientation opportunities.
Unable to attend? Please contact our Camp Wenonah Main Office at info@campwenonah.com to make other arrangements with our Senior Directors.
plus a “Wenonah Greatest Hits” package including CWLT (Camp Wenonah Little Theatre), campfires, wide games, a Theme Day and GO Time options.
We’re very excited to launch ODYSSEY, a senior camper focused program alongside Period Five. Designed for 13-14 year olds, ODYSSEY features robust learning and engagement in a variety of Wenonah programs such as sailing, canoeing, tennis, climbing, kayaking, archery, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), creative arts, mini golf and outdoor living skills.
Registration for Period Five and ODYSSEY begins on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with Priority Registration discounts available until February 4, 2025.
‘New Camper
Open House’ onsite at Camp Wenonah
Highlights of Summer Camp in 2024
10 Ways Wenonah Hasn’t Changed
Recently, the Summer Camp Society shared an article entitled, “The 10 Best Ways Camps Haven’t Changed” and it got us thinking about Wenonah and our efforts to maintain the timeless nature of our own experience.
As we looked back on the incredible Summer of 2024, we considered how this past Summer was full of so much that is enduring and constant at Wenonah. Many of the highlights are relatable to campers and staff members from five, ten, and 20 + years ago!
1
Fun is Happenin’
Skits and costumes at Morning Watch, fantastic theme days, and staff getting in costume for seemingly no reason are the norm. At Wenonah, FUN is a requirement and always has been.
2 We Belong
There’s nothing like the Wenonah community. When we come together at Watch’s, celebrations, and Sing-Along Lunches, we see how special it is to belong to Wenonah’s history and future.
3
You Can Be Yourself
Face to Face Connection
We unplug, we walk together and we talk. We sit on benches, Muskoka chairs, around tables and converse. When we are idle, we look around us, engage with others, or simply be in the beauty of Wenonah instead of turning to a device.
5
We are Outside
We value outside activity. It’s remarkable to be in a place where we spend our time amongst the rocks, trees, and clear waters.
6
How many of us say “I’m my best self when I’m at Camp”? Without societal and peer pressures, we enter a “Wenonah World” where we shine without fearing criticism. We find ourselves and we 4
Competition is Friendly
The spirit of every competition is friendly. We play hard and do our best, but never at the expense of others. When winners are announced, we all cheer. People’s feelings and having fun matter most.
7
Friendships Last
Friendships we make at Wenonah last over time and great distances. Forged through shared experiences, the unique quality of these connections can only be understood by “Camp people.”
8 Staff Give Back
Campers become leadership, and leadership become staff. They remember their favourite staff and keep that culture of care and fun. Along with the contributions of FOW, Wenonah has an unbreakable culture of giving back.
9
Wenonah Games
Aki, Dawaa, Zibbins. Shall we go on?
10
We Hug, We Cry.
At the end of every session, we see on each other’s faces how much Camp meant to us. We know how unique and special our experience was. We don’t want it to end and have to wait a whole year before we are together again.
Camper & Staff Awards
Spirit of Wenonah Award
In 2012, the Spirit of Wenonah Award was created and presented for the first time to acknowledge campers that have helped to further the ideals of community, leadership and citizenship during their time at Camp.
Each month we select two campers that have made positive, thoughtful, considerate and lasting contributions to life at Wenonah. Recipients are selected by members of the Wenonah Summer Management Team.
2024 Wenonah Staff Awards
Each year, we are pleased to acknowledge outstanding contributions to the Wenonah community. Our 2024 recipients include:
Distinguished Service Award
Maia & Josh Bradshaw
Schaefer Scholarships
Donal Lynagh
Sydney Gray
Michael Upton
Simon Wells First Year
Staff Leadership Award
Service Without Recognition Award
Simon Wells
International Staff Award Of Distinction
Michael Upton, Donal Lynagh & Sydney Gray
Staff Milestone Years
In 2024, close to 200 leaders offered their time and talents on a year-round, seasonal or occasional basis in support of our programs and experiences. We’re pleased to acknowledge the following staff members that reached milestone years on staff in 2024:
10 Years on Staff
Erica Childs
Sydney Feore
Carey Forget Dr. Phyllis McCord
25 Years on Staff
Caron Brick
Maia & Josh Bradshaw
Celebrating Wenonah Leaders:
Wenonah Leadership Celebrated by the Ontario Camps Association
At the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) Awards Banquet in February, Wenonah was proudly represented by four of its outstanding leaders, each recognized for their significant contributions to the camping community.
Jennifer "JJ" Jupp (Senior Director - Camp Wenonah) received one of the OCA’s highest honours, the Dorothy Walter Award of Excellence, celebrating individuals who have made lasting contributions to Ontario camping. JJ’s nearly 30-year connection with the OCA was highlighted, with her peers celebrating her commitment to mentoring and leadership. JJ was additionally named an OCA Honorary Life Member.
Addison A.
Aidan B.
Aila C.
Alex B.
Alia K.
Alistair W.
Andrew R.
Ava N.
Avery C.
Bennett P.
Ben W.
Blake F.
Blake M.
Brooklyn S.
Callum B.
Cameron D.
Carter M.
Cate P.
Charles C.
Charlie S.
Chloe Z.
Chloe M.
Clare M.
Connor M.
Connor Mc.
Conor C.
Cruz G.
Dylan P.
Dylan S.
Eleanor M.
Ella P.
Ella A.
Ella Rose E.
Elliott D.
Elsie R.
Emmett H.
Evan S.
Evan G.
Fiona C.
Francesca M.
Geri O.
Gideon G.
10 Year Campers
Adam S.
Aenea L.
Artyom C.
Ava N.
Benjamin G.
Caitlyn C.
Charlotte D.
Ela J.
Hanna C.
Jake K.
Jordyn A.
Kyle V.
McCartney B.
Reed D.
Robbie N.
Sadie S.
Gretchen M.
Hannah D.
Harper B.
Henry C.
Henry E.
Iris M.
Jack F.
Jack S.
James Y.
James D.
Jonah S.
Julia P.
Katherine A.
Kayden L.
Lauren M.
Leah S.
Levi Z.
Lucas S.
Luke C.
Magnus C.
Maja B.
Margaret L.
Mateo T.
Mateo G.
Matthew S.
Max W.
Oliver C.
Paige S.
Peter C.
Peter C.
Piper E.
Ruby L.
Samantha M.
Sebastian N.
Tavish B.
Toby T.
Tyler C.
Vada H.
Wesley L.
Willa B.
Willa W.
Zoe L.
Sam R.
Sophia A.
Stella M.
Violet J.
Fraser "Tito" McOuat (Senior Director - Camp Wenonah) was awarded the Volunteer Recognition Award for his dedicated service to OCA. Tito played a pivotal role as Co-Chair of the 2024 OCA Conference, and as a Senior Standards accreditation visitor. His passion for the power of camp to shape young lives has been a driving force throughout his career.
Catherine Ross (Honorary Director) was honoured with the Brian Blackstock OCA Archives Award for her efforts in preserving camp history through her contributions to the OCA Archives at Trent University.
Eric "Shendy" Shendelman (Honorary Director) was named an OCA Honorary Life Member for his leadership within the camping world, including serving as OCA President from 2017 to 2019.
We are so proud of JJ, Tito, Catherine & Shendy!
Wenonah Outdoors
Wenonah Outdoors operates every Spring (April, May & June) and Fall (September & October). We welcome schools, community and corporate groups and specialized training programs along with two very popular Women’s Weekends each September.
As we look back over the 2024 season, we welcomed 2,000+ participants from the following:
Anderson/McOuat Wedding Weekend
Ascension (Vaughan)
Camp Keaton (childhood bereavement program)
Cayuga Secondary School (Cayuga)
Central French Immersion (Grimsby)
Challenges Unlimited Wenonah Staff Training
École Secondaire Étienne-Brûlé (Toronto)
Éé Laure-Riése (Scarborough)
FOWndationals Weekend (Wenonah Staff Alumni)
Glad Park Public School (Whitchurch-Stouffville)
Hudson College (Toronto)
Jamie Kennedy Scholarship Fund (ORCKA Wenonah Staff
Certification Courses)
Lakeview Montessori (Windsor)
In September 2024, Wenonah Outdoors was pleased to host a unique corporate group, Camp re:Connect, that was facilitated by Toronto’s Orchestra Marketing
Wenonah was an incredible place to host our retreat. The unique atmosphere got everyone off their phones and engaging with each other
Lycèe Français (Toronto)
Mapleview Elementary School (Dunnville)
Munro/Harrison 40th Birthday Weekend
Oneida Central School (Caledonia)
Orchard Park Public School (Niagara Falls)
Orchestra Marketing - Camp re:Connect (Toronto)
Originals Weekend (Wenonah Staff Alumni)
Royal Oak Community School (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Seaway District High School (Iroquois)
Senator O’Connor Fall Trip (North York)
Senator O’Connor Spring Trip (North York)
Seneca Hill (North York)
Spring Builds Opening Weekend (Friends of Wenonah Alumni)
St. Anne’s School (Aurora)
St. Mary’s High School (Woodstock)
Stephen Saywell (Oshawa)
Vandenbergh Family & Friends Weekend
Waldorf Academy (Toronto)
Wenonah Summer Management Training Weekend
Wenonah Summer Staff First Aid Courses
Wenonah Summer Staff Lifesaving Courses
West Ferris Intermediate (North Bay)
Women’s Weekend #1
Women’s Weekend #2
For more information about 2025 opportunities
From Jocelyn Butler, CEO at Orchestra Marketing
Women’s Weekends
Camp serves as a powerful anchor that keeps people connected, transcending time and distance. For former campers and staff, the memories forged in shared experiences create bonds that last a lifetime. Each year during Women's Weekends, there's an undeniable sense of familiarity.
This past September, we hosted two amazing Women’s Weekends that brought together former campers, seasoned women’s weekend participants, and newcomers, creating a beautiful mix of familiarity and fresh faces. These weekends forged new connections while rekindling old friendships.
Despite the unpredictability of the weather, the anticipation and enjoyment of these weekends is evident. The camaraderie cultivated over the years shines bright - it’s not just about the activities, the food or the setting (all of which are amazing!), it's about the shared joy of being together in a space that feels like home.
Seeing a group of former Wenonah Campers return to Camp after many years, to experience their first Women's Weekend, reminds us that no matter where life takes us, the spirit of Camp remains a cherished part of our identity. We hope you carry the spirit of Camp with you until we meet again soon! We can’t wait for more incredible weekends next year!
Due to a huge demand, we’re thrilled to announce three Women’s Weekends in 2025:
So Long Summer
September 5-7, 2025
Relax & Rejuvenate
September 12-14, 2025
Autumn Splendour
September 26-28, 2025
Registration begins Tuesday, January 21 for all 2025 Women’s Weekends.
Property Perspectives
Wenonah’s PROPS Committee (Senior Directors Tito & Woody, Director of Property Rowan, and Founder/Owner Jeff) work year-round to provide overall direction to capital development, refurbishments, major purchases and enhancements at Camp. Over the past three seasons, this has resulted in a $1.4 million investment into our property and programs.
Following the completion of the CBC (Caron Brick Centre) in 2023, the 2024 season saw several major initiatives completed:
• The first major addition to the Health Centre since 2006. Nicknamed “The Motel”, the expansion includes 11 beds, a Quiet Room for consultation with our wellness and health care teams and a laundry facility
• The reimagining of ROOTS & WCIT Villages (permanent location switch)
• The purchase and installation of a commercialgrade composter for our Food Service department
• Refurbishment of staff accommodations that allow for three-season staff commitments
• The purchase of several vehicles (Toyota Tacoma, John Deere Gator) to increase the effectiveness and responsiveness of our property team
• Replacement of all cabin doors
• Replacement of all Health Centre beds
• Purchase of a new cooler unit and a new freezer unit in the General Store to provide additional options for Summer Camp tuck (snacks)
• New insulation for the walk-in fridge in the Lodge
• Purchase of an AquaEye for water rescue
• Purchase of two Honda fire pumps
• Purchase of new Langford Prospector canoes
• Purchase of a 10-person Stand-Up Paddleboard
In advance of the 2025 season, numerous initiatives are underway including:
• New flooring and stalls for the Bayside washrooms and showers
• Leadership Washroom & Shower refurbishment
• Interior refinishing of Gilead and Basswood
• Driftwood 2.0 featuring a new Verandah, Studio and a covered Porch
• Replacement shingling on four camper cabins and the original Health Centre expansion
• Repainting of all cabin floors
• Health Centre updates (floors refinished, walls painted, new furniture)
• Clubhouse installed at Wenonah Pines
• The creation of “Parry’s Point” (an outdoor gathering space near the Upper Deck)
• The installation of six permanent umbrella tables at North Point (a new space for WCIT sessions)
• Purchase of two additional RS Zest sailboats
• Purchase of two additional 10-person Stand-Up Paddleboards
• Additional Muskoka Chairs and picnic tables purchased for Villages (ROOTS, POLARIS, WCIT)
• Replacement of Lodge Deck umbrella tables
• Beginning in Fall 2025: a robust refurbishment of turf at Wenonah Pines
• LeaderCHIP, our large marquee tent, will become a five-month space beginning in 2025 and will have drop down sides for Spring and Fall use
We’re also pleased to announce that our 5-year plan includes the conversion of every washroom and shower at Wenonah to private, all-gender facilities. This includes the construction of a new Shower House by the Cuthbert Beach, rebuilding the current Bayside washroom and shower facility, and a redesign of the current Lakeside washroom and shower facility.
Meet the Team
Executive Chef – Fernanda Muñiz
María Fernanda Muñiz (Fernanda), a seasoned culinary professional with a strong passion for cooking, grew up in Querétaro, México. Her journey into the culinary world began with summer cooking classes at the age of ten.
During her academic years, Fernanda's leadership skills began to grow as she assumed roles as a camp counsellor in México and began coordinating large-scale catering events to audiences ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 attendees.
Upon the completion of high school, Fernanda embarked on a journey to Canada to hone in on her English language skills. She then returned home to pursue her passion for the culinary arts at university, earning a Bachelor's degree as an Executive Chef in 2007. Throughout her academic tenure, she gained practical experience by immersing herself in various restaurant settings and undertaking professional training in Argentina for three years.
dedicating her expertise to restaurant kitchens. In 2020 and 2021, she broadened her culinary horizons at the Art of Living Ashram in Quebec, delving into the intricacies of Indian and vegetarian cuisine.
In 2009, Fernanda began her camp career at Camp Kodiak before moving to Camp Pathfinder in Algonquin Park. Over the next seven years, she embraced the challenges and joys of camp life while enriching her culinary skills.
Taking a hiatus from camp endeavors from 2016 to
Wenonah Cares
Making an Impact with Project: Humanity
Wenonah Cares is proud to partner with Project: Humanity (PH), an organization that is dedicated to empowering youth through the arts.
Led by PH Executive Director Dan Chapman-Smith, a Friends of Wenonah (FOW) alumni, this partnership continues to make positive change by bringing life-changing opportunities to youth.
Driven by a desire to rekindle her love for camp life, Fernanda made the decision to re-enter the camp community in 2023 and joined us at Wenonah. She embraced the opportunity to join a new adventure and call Muskoka her home once again, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her professional journey. We are thrilled that Fernanda is part of the Camp Wenonah family and look forward to her delicious food and dedication to our Food Service experience for many years to come!
Wenonah Cares volunteers, including Andrea Mager, Ryan Mueller, Carley Moore, and Mike Stewart have supported the Project: Humanity partnership. For the past three Summers, Wenonah has sponsored a youth through PH to attend the Wenonah Counsellor-in-Training (WCIT) program, providing them with leadership and growth experiences.
In addition, the Wenonah community has raised over $20,000 during our partnership, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to meaningful change.
Celebrating the Impact & Generosity of our CBC Donors
Wenonah has committed to major capital projects during past anniversary seasons, resulting in the Health Centre addition (2006), the Lodge addition (2016) and the building of the Caron Brick Centre (CBC) as part of our delayed 25th Anniversary (from 2021). The CBC functions as our Welcome Centre, Main Office and General Store. Construction began in mid 2023 with finishing touches applied in advance of the 2024 season.
Special thanks to our CBC donors who provided $104,000+ at various levels towards the overall cost of the CBC:
TOGETHER
25th Anniversary Gala Silent Auction FOW Golf Pool
The Bradshaws
The Originals 2022
ON THE LAKE
Camp Runamuk
Jane McCutcheon & Ted Tiemessen
Mary Grant, Lucas, Declan & Gord
The Bennett Family
The Originals 2023
The Uptons
PADDLE
25th Anniversary Raffle
George & Wendy Cuthbert
Jason, Tanya, Julia & David Monteith
Liz, Stella & Bryare
Luca Marzola
Peter, Alison, Miles & Theo Cuthbert
Renata Bradshaw
The Harrison Munro Family
The Kennedy Family
The Sidey Welsh Family
Wenonah Honorary Directors & Friends
With Love, The Donelans
SUMMER
LAUGHTER
Andy, Oliver, Shai & Ronen Kremeris
Hannah Grace, Jack, Ben, Ella Rose
Maia, Josh, Zosia & Celia Bradshaw
Marie-Eve L'Anglais
Rob & Bettie Kloet
Sydney and Tom
The Malloy Family
Troy D. Glover
STARS
Colin Knott & Stephen Jones
Jon Bradshaw & Shealyn Clare-Bradshaw
Lysenko Family
Meredith Jean Buchanan
Mike Stewart & Gemma Killick
Nancy Vandenbergh (FN)
Rianne and Mieke Barette
Rudy & Brit
Tanya, Will, Ramona & Tommy
The Davis Family
The Dickson Family
The Joliat Family
The McDonald Family
The Ogden Family
The O'Grady Family
The Wilder-Mariciaks
Tom Appleyard & Susan Woolhouse
Abby and Ruby Landell
Alex Kozlov
Allison Bennett, Kent & Miles Schultz
Chelsea Bradshaw
Chloe Park
Dave & Amanda Donelan
Euan & Callum Russell
Jenn (McKye), Ray & Sawyer Herbert
JJ, Woody, Anna and Charlie
Leanne, Mara, and Kate
Liz & Jason
Madison Bradshaw
Patricia Bradshaw-Schaefer
The Deyells
The Fortins
The Kirkpatrick Family
The Leddys
The Meaghers
The Mehta Family
The Ogg Family
Thomas Lukacs
Did You Know?
Wenonah’s New Website
We were excited to unveil the new Summer Camp website (CampWenonah.com) in 2024. Special thanks to Space Creatorz Founder and Friends of Wenonah (FOW) alumni Janette Downie for her expertise and support in creating this dynamic platform. The website features video content, offering a glimpse into life at Summer Camp, and improved navigation to find information on programs and registration.
30th Anniversary Plans
2026 will mark Wenonah’s 30th Anniversary season! Wenonah’s 10th, 20th & 25th Anniversary Co-Chairs, Associate Director Liz Mossington, Associate Director Jason Monteith and Founder/Owner Jeff Bradshaw, return to lead the 30th Anniversary celebrations. Building on Wenonah’s 20 initiatives for 20 years in 2016, 2026 will feature 30 initiatives to mark 30 years, highlighted by an Anniversary Luncheon on Sunday May 3, 2026, at the Oakville Conference Centre. Stay tuned for more information in 2025, including a 30th Anniversary page on the Wenonah website.
2025 Spring & Summer Warblers
Watch for two “in-season” Warblers in 2025. A web-based Warbler will be shared with Wenonah families in May 2025 and each 2025 Wenonah camper will return home with a hardcopy Mini Warbler following their Summer Camp stay.
Amici's Canoe Heads for Kids
Wenonah is a proud member of the Amici Children's Camp Charity that sends children aged 7-17 from low-income households to overnight summer camps. In 2024, Wenonah supported the annual ‘Canoe Heads for Kids’ event as a lead sponsor and with participating paddlers. Special thanks to Mike Stewart, Gemma Killick, Sydney Feore, Maia Bradshaw and mattburke for leading the way (along with a special appearance by Josh Bradshaw). The 2024 event raised $311,336 in support of Amici campers!
SWOC Partnership
Wenonah has many partnerships with summer camps and camping associations. We are very proud of our connection with Camp Summit in Squamish, BC. SWOC (Summit Wenonah Outdoor Centres) was created to share resources and perspectives to improve and evolve the outdoor education experiences at Summit and Wenonah.
Wenonah’s Program Retreat
On a regular basis, we review our Wenonah program experience. In late 2024, we gathered 50+ members of the Wenonah community in Oakville for a full-day Retreat to review all aspects of our program (both Summer Camp and Wenonah Outdoors). The Retreat was facilitated by Honorary Director Andy Rodford with participants representing Wenonah staff, senior leadership, educators, Summer Camp professionals, parents and many others.
Wenonah’s Leadership in the Camping Community
Founder/Owner Jeff, a Past President of both the Canadian and Ontario associations, continues his long involvement with the International Camping Fellowship (ICF). Jeff is currently serving his 10th three-year term on the ICF Board as ICF Vice President. Senior Director “JJ” is the new Treasurer of the Canadian Camping Association and Director of Administration “Sojo” continues as Secretary for the Ontario Camps Association Board of Directors.
Jeff Hosts the International Camping Fellowship (ICF) Board in Canada
ICF, celebrating the diversity of the global summer camp and outdoor experience, has 5,000+ members from over 110 countries worldwide. Jeff, the current ICF Vice President, hosted the 2024 annual meetings of the ICF Board in late October 2024 (the first time in Canada in 16 years!).
Wedding Bells
On occasion, Wenonah hosts weddings for members of our Friends of Wenonah (FOW) alumni. In September 2024, Senior Director Fraser “Tito” McOuat married Katie Anderson
