Since 1934, Camp Weredale has offered a sleepaway camp program to vulnerable youth. We are very proud that camp continues to provide exciting growth opportunities and enjoyable outdoor activities for youth aged 6 - 17. Most of our campers receive supportive social services and/or are facing family challenges. Camp Weredale provides a secure environment in a glorious setting close to nature where campers can learn new skills, build lasting friendships and gain a positive outlook on life.
Camp Weredale in History
Mission
Camp Weredale is a community based non-profit organization dedicated to providing a fun outdoor experience for campers aged 6 - 17 years, the majority of whom face social, economic or personal challenges requiring supportive services. We offer an experience in which they can learn new skills, build on their strengths, and develop positive relationships.
Vision
Since 1934 Camp Weredale has offered a sleep away camp for vulnerable underprivileged youth. Our vision is to continue this tradition for generations to come by providing an affordable, safe, supportive environment in which campers of all backgrounds, orientations and circumstances feel welcomed; a place where they can experience nature, escape ongoing life challenges and focus on their happiness and wellbeing. We aim to have a positive impact on the lives of our campers and foster a lasting bond with the Camp Weredale community.
Weredale Foundation
The Weredale Foundation opened Camp Weredale in 1934.
It continues to own and operate the Camp today to provide exciting learning opportunities and enjoyable camping activities for boys and girls aged six to seventeen who are receiving youth protected social services or facing family challenges from backgrounds with limited opportunities to build self-esteem, good social skills and a basic trust in life.
The Camp, an accredited member of the Quebec Camping Association, is located on Lac L’Achigan in the Laurentians.
It has capacity for eighty-five (85) campers during each of the four sessions offered from the end of June until the middle of August.
The camp program is highly structured and varied to take advantage of the lake, the forest and sports field for both large and small group activities.
The camp employs close to fifty seasonal staff, including two counselors for each group of seven campers.
No camper is refused because a parent cannot afford the registration fee, and foster children are able to attend as part of our respite program.
It costs the Weredale Foundation $700,000 annually to operate Camp Weredale, only about a quarter of which we are able to collect in camp fees, having to rely on donations and grants for the remaining balance.
The Weredale Foundation and Camp Weredale are grateful to all current and past donors for their support.
Board of Directors
President: Duncan E. Campbell
- Susan Barwick
- Constance Everson
- Howard G. Martin
- Anne Pertus
- Andrew Carter
- James Heward
- Judy Martin
- Elizabeth Pusztai
- Leigh Johnston
- Bill Molson
- Kate Shingler
- Timothy Wilson
- Claudia Mendes
- Jeremy Whitworth
Past Presidents:
- A. D. Webster (1981 to 1983)
- John Wilson (1983 to 1988)
- Paul Marchand (1988 to 2004)
- Judy Martin (2004 to 2011)
Alumni
Camp Weredale is an inclusive, close-knit community where campers form lasting friendships, return regularly, and stay in touch with each other throughout their lives.
In 2019, the Weredale "Old Boys" celebrated the camp's 85th anniversary with a reunion! Want to stay in touch?
Look us up on the Camp Weredale Facebook page.
If you are an Old Boy, join the Weredale Old Boys Facebook Group!