Island Camps
Owned and operated by YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, Camp Stephens is located just over 200 kms from Winnipeg, Manitoba and situated on a private island in beautiful Lake of the Woods, Ontario. The overnight island camp is the foundation of the Camp Stephens experience. Campers are encouraged to challenge themselves through a wide range of daily activities such as kayaking, sailing, high ropes, rock tower climbing, swimming, mass games and more. Youth will learn about outdoor living, gain a respect for the natural environment we live in and develop friendships that last a lifetime.
- One Week (8 - 12 years): Campers will experience a sample of all the activities island camp has to offer with an emphasis on building independence and personal confidence. This program caters to the first time overnight campers who may be nervous about being away from home.
- NEW FOR 2024! 5-Day Camp (8 - 15 years): A 5-day island camp experience at the end of summer! Campers will stay in cabins sorted by age and will spend their days enjoying a wide variety of skill-building activities, participating in group games, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and everything else the island has to offer.
- Two Weeks (8 - 15 years): Our most popular program! Campers will spend their days enjoying a wide variety of skill-building activities, participating in games as a group and will enjoy an overnight wilderness canoe trip. Length of wilderness canoe trip (1 - 4 days) will vary depending on camper's age and experience.
- Four Weeks (16 - 17 years): Campers will develop and master skills while earning badges on traditional camp activities. Skill areas include sailing, swimming, kayaking, climbing and more! Four week campers or "Quatros" will also participate in a 6-day wilderness canoe trip taking them to a number of different campsites in the surrounding area.
Cabin Life
Camp busses will depart from Winnipeg and travel 2.5 hours by highway coach to Kenora, Ontario where they will then take a short boat ride to Camp Stephens.
Campers will live in rustic cabins with up to 10 campers, sorted by age group, along with two experienced counsellors. Cabins are equipped with electricity, bunkbeds and storage space. A separate, shared washroom and shower facility is located in a central area of the camp and separated by gender. All camper’s meals are served “family style” in the main dining hall, with campers eating with their cabin-mates, helping set and clear the table and serving the food as a team.
Island Life
The Lount Lodge is home to many indoor games, skits, fireplace chats and quiet reflection. Just a few steps away is the Bonnycastle Wellness Centre, run by a trained coordinator who is responsible for the care and well-being of everyone on the island.
Last but not least, the magnificent water front - we are on an island! Campers can enjoy jumping off the designated swim docks and floating rafts, learn about the local aquatic life or practice their skills on a range of water crafts. Swimming (try the Polar Bear plunge!) is a daily activity and all campers are required to wear supplied PFDs.
- 7:20 AM Wake-up and Polar Bear Plunge
- 8:15 AM Hasher Bell and Flag-raising
- 8:30 AM Breakfast
- 9:30 AM Counsellor-led Program Activities
- 11:30 AM Free time/Fun Time
- 12:15 PM Hasher Bell
- 12:30 PM Lunch
- 1:30 PM Rest/relax back at your cabin with your counsellors
- 2:00 PM Counsellor-led Program Activities
- 4:00 PM Clubs - This is a chance for children to sign-up for hard and soft skill clubs so that they can continue to build their skills in an activity that interests them. Clubs include anything from climbing to swimming to arts and crafts to drama and everything in between. Campers will stay in the same skill club for one week.
- 5:15 PM Hasher Bell
- 5:30 PM Supper
- 7:00 PM Counsellor-led Program Activities
- 9:00 PM Snacks
The Parent Handbook will serve as your complete guide on everything Camp Stephens. Inside you will find information on camp policies, travel arrangements, health and wellness, program overviews, camp mail, food and nutrition, tips on preparing for camp and so much more!
Are you 16 - 17 years old? Consider registering in our Leadership Development Program!
If you’re looking to become a leader at camp and in your everyday life, then the 6-week Leadership Development Program (LDP) experience is for you! The co-ed LDP program includes a wilderness canoe trip, skill development, camp program training as well as job-shadowing. We are committed to training young people with the personal skills and leadership abilities that will be the foundation throughout their lives. It is our hope that campers who experience our Leadership Development Program will become leaders wherever life takes them.
