Camp Winnebagoe is rich in both its history and tradition. The first co-educational camp in Canada, it was founded by the Danson family in 1933. The camp was initially located on Skeleton Lake in Utterson, Ontario and in 1960 the site moved to Maple Lake just South of Perry Sound.

History

In 1972, Camp Winnebagoe was purchased by Ben and Jill Lustig and is presently situated on Fox Lake, a few miles west of Huntsville, Ontario. And still the legacy continues. Ilyse Lustig is currently the Director under the guidance of Ben and Jill, who are actively involved as Senior Directors.

Who We Are

Camp Winnebagoe is a private, co-educational camp for children. The camp population consists of 300 boys and girls between the ages of 7-16. We have purposely kept the number of campers small so that we ourselves may know individual children well, so that our staff are familiar with all of the campers – big and small, old and new – and finally, so that children of all age groups come to know one another.

Through a unique system of daily communication from counsellor to Unit Head, Unit Head to Director, we are aware of each camper’s progress and participation.

We are constantly on the alert to see that each cabin group is functioning well and that each camper is adjusting to camp life. This helps to ensure that every child among us is enjoying a productive, happy time away from home.

100% Camp Winnebagoe

Every cabin group has 2 counsellors in charge with the exception of our younger campers who are mentored by 3 or 4 counsellors. Our counsellors do not double up as activity staff during the day, but rather participate with the campers throughout the daily schedule. Senior counsellors and heads of activity areas must be at least 19 years of age and are university students. Junior and Assistant counsellors are 17 and 18 and are typically selected from our CIT program.

With a nurturing group of staff that understand through their own experiences the joys of camping, your children are in the care of positive, caring, and capable leaders.

 

Testimonials

  • Camp Winnebagoe provides an all-around camping experience with a balance of unbelievable programming (Go Grey!), sports, activities, and arts. With this variety, each child is able to try new things and find who they are as they grow and develop. One of my favourite things about camp is its smaller size. As a camper I loved that I recognized everyone and as a Unit Head I saw that this made it possible to meet the needs of each camper.

    My summers at Camp Winnebagoe helped to shape who I am as a person. Now, 25 years after my first summer, my best friend are still my camp friends. I met my husband at Winnebagoe and discovered my passion for teaching. I developed independence, shed my shyness, and fueled my love of musical theatre. My summers at Winny were simply unforgettable.

    We are often asked if we would send our children to Winnebagoe. As a parentm as a teacher, and as someone who grew up at camp – the answer is always yes.

    - Robin Malach (1996 to 2013)

  • It is hard to describe the feeling that arises as you drive through the camp gates. Whether it is your 5th, 15th or 25th summer, we all experience this feeling. The feeling of safety, knowing we will be protected and supported by the Lustigs, our cabin mates, friends, counsellors, activity staff and those around us. The feeling of warmth, knowing that we will laugh, cry, dance, sing and cheer together. The feeling of growth, knowing that this special place and the memories we make will stay with us forever. The feeling of finally being home. It is that safety, warmth and growth that represents our Winnebagoe feeling.

    - Chloe and Tyya Lipson (Campers and staff since 2003)

  • I have been attending Camp Winnebagoe for the past four summers. Camp is my second home and I can always rely on it for my friends, the activities and the loving community. I know that when I watch the burning W on the last night of camp, I will return in just ten months. As I have made all of my best memories and best friends at camp, I go back each summer amped to make even more lasting bonds in the summers to follow. Winnebagoe has taught me so much about responsibility! I have been taught the right way to make a bunk bed, to clear dishes, to be a leader, and to be part of a warm and nurturing community in which each person has a role. I have been so fortunate that Winnebagoe has taught me how to be a great friend. I am proud to go back to Winnebagoe every summer knowing they will welcome me with open arms.

    - Annie Corrin (2016 to present)

  • Camp Winnebagoe is our large extended family built on unconditional love and support. Here each summer we have developed the wings of cooperation, leadership and respect that have allowed us to soar in our lives.
    The rituals, traditions and legacies of the programming at Camp Winnebagoe make each and every day spent here extraordinary. Grey blood will forever flow through our veins!!
    Winnebagoe’s incredible impact on each generation in our family is a true testament to this magical home of ours!

    - The Ossip-Richmor family

  • Before Winnebagoe I couldn’t even last a night away from home. Little did I know I could be away for a full two months with a smile on my face the whole time. Not only is camp my home away from home, the people at camp are my extended family.

    - Madison Bongard

  • Winnebagoe has given my eldest a summer home. It has helped boost her self-confidence and helped her mature and grow. She has tried things she never thought she would try and loved every single thing!

    - Penny Sherman

  • Winnebagoe has had an impact on me that will last a lifetime. I met the love of my life there and three of my closest friends that still remain. To me, there is nothing more important in life than friends, and family. Winnebagoe gave me the opportunity to surround me with both of those things. I miss camp every time June rolls around and it will be that way forever. Thank you Winny!

    - Jon Geller, Camper- 1997-2003; Counsellor- 2004; Tripping- 2005-2010

  • After being at Camp Winnebagoe for 14 summers, I can truly say that it has changed my life. The lasting bonds that are created not only within cabin mates, but between an Inter and a CIT, camper and their counsellor, a camper and their unit head, counsellors and the head staff, is a quality of Winnebagoe that cannot be replicated. Thank you Winnebagoe!

    - Emma Fogel

  • Camp Winnebgaoe is my life. I have the greatest time and am unbelievably sad when the summer ends.

    - Jamie Albert (2007 to 2016)

  • I can’t even begin to imagine how different I would be had I not spent the past four summers at Winnebagoe. There is no place that I would rather spend my summer vacation.

    - Jen Kestenberg (2006 to 2017)

  • My two years and counting as a unit head were the highlight of my years at Winnebagoe, because I can now pass on to the new campers how special camp is, and make them feel just as comfortable as I did when I was 8.

    - Elyssa Pivnick (1996 to 2017)

  • I’ve been going to Camp Winnebagoe since I was 9 and I love it there. Whether I’m at swimming, canoeing or playing basketball I’m always busy and having the time of my life.

    - Lucas Gold (2006 to present)

  • From the great activities and programs, to the amazing staff, the lasting memories created, and the life-long friendships that I have created, I cannot begin to count the number of reasons that I continue to come back each year.

    - Ryan Kichler (1996 – and still ticking)

  • Camp Winnebagoe continues to be an escape from reality, an opportunity for fun and great experiences, a chance to grow up and mature with others. It’s a home away from home – and it doesn’t get any better than this!

    - Ari, Marissa and Yonit Grossman (Campers and staff since 1988)

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