About camp kee-mo-kee
A classic, down to earth camp where every kid, young and old, finds a home.
Picture a wonderland just beyond Komoka, Ontario, where the forest welcomes you and the sounds of laughter echo through the trees. This is Camp Kee-Mo-Kee, where cabins peek out from the woods and campfires are a rite of passage.
Each summer, Camp Kee-Mo-Kee welcomes hundreds of campers to our summer camp, where they learn, explore and make lifelong friendships. However, there’s more to Camp Kee-Mo-Kee than the summer camp programs. The Program Team also offers nature education and fun outdoor activities throughout the year to schools, community groups, and anyone looking for some adventure. Plus, our facility is available for rent to schools, churches, and community organizations when camp isn’t in session. The camp is generously supported by local organizations, churches and individual donors of time and resources and we truly are a community.
“To cultivate Camp Kee-Mo-Kee as an inclusive community open to all ages and circumstances, where opportunities are provided for physical, emotional and personal growth and development within a camping environment.”
Programs
At Camp Kee-Mo-Kee, we're dedicated to offering a safe and nurturing environment that encourages personal growth, connection and adventure. The summer camps, day programs, and community initiatives are designed to help participants try new things, build their confidence and become the best possible version of themselves.
The camp’s success is driven by the values and leadership principles that underly everything we do. These principles are the foundation for the exciting and enjoyable programs offered, creating a fun and engaging environment that encourages exploration and sparks wonder.
The summer camp program is at the heart of the camp’s mission, but we also offer a range of other programs and activities, including Open Houses, March Break Day Camps, PD Day camps, Evening Recreation, and Outdoor Education. Each program is designed to give participants new opportunities to experience the magic of camp.
The camp’s leadership is passionate about working with campers, and encouraging personal growth. We instill confidence, compassion, and a sense of wonder in all our campers, volunteers, and team members. We believe that connecting with nature and friends, creating adventures and projects, and venturing into new experiences are all essential parts of Camp Kee-Mo-Kee’s programs.
Values
Personal Growth: We strive to create an atmosphere that fosters curiosity and excitement, making it easier for campers to try new things, take risks and step out of their comfort zones. We believe that true growth and development happen when we challenge ourselves and push limits. When campers leave Camp Kee-Mo-Kee, they don't just leave with memories of fun activities and games, they leave with a sense of confidence, self-assurance and a belief in their own abilities. Camp is more than just a place to have fun - it's a place to grow, learn, and discover who you truly are.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We nurture an environment where everyone feels welcome and accepted. This forms a diverse group of campers and staff from all walks of life. We celebrate the unique qualities and characteristics that make each participant special.
Safety: Camp organizers work hard to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment, taking numerous steps to ensure that campers feel safe, secure and have the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe and healthy. This is an essential component of the camp experience.
Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is a United Church camp and models values of inclusion, diversity, truth, reconciliation, intercultural understanding, and environmental stewardship. The campers experience personal growth and development, leadership, community, friendships, and fun through programs that encourage an understanding of what it means to "be a good human." These values are integrated into every aspect of camp life.
Leadership
At Camp Kee-Mo-Kee, we believe in youth leading youth. The camp’s leadership is and always has been based on this principle with progressive leadership development starting with the personal growth experienced by campers.
The Camp Kee-Mo-Kee Future Leaders Program is designed to teach older campers valuable leadership skills. Campers progress through the leadership training camps (JLIT, LIT and CIT), and often transition into staff.
Camp counsellors and program staff are older teens and young adults who receive extensive training in health and safety, program facilitation, behaviour management, and more. Training is led by the Directors, Executive Director, board members, trained professionals, and community leaders.
Supporting the camp staff are many levels of leadership:
The Summer Camp Director ensures the summer camp program creates the magic that makes camp so special.
Full-time Executive Director works year-round to ensure camp programs and activities meet all standards and accreditations, provides day-to-day leadership, and oversees the camp's overall operations.
The volunteer Board of Directors provide the camp's vision and determines the path that it follows.
Location
Komoka, Ontario, Canada
Just 15 minutes west of London, Ontario, nestled in a beautiful Carolinian Forest are 8 cabins, a craft lodge, dining hall, swimming pool, outdoor chapel, sports spaces and a campfire circle. This is where the wonder of camp is created, connections with nature and others are made, and youth are challenged to try new experiences and explore their talents.
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the settlers came to Turtle Island, Indigenous people thrived; they lived, worked and played here. Their relationship with the land was at the centre of their lives and spirituality. As colonization ensued, the First Nations were forced from their territories and treaties were put in place.
Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is located in the region governed by Treaty 21 - The Longwoods Purchase of 1819, made between the crown and certain Anishinaabe peoples. Other First Nations in this area include the Haudenosaunee, Lunapeewak and Attawandaron. We wish to honour those who cared for the land our camp community gathers on by caring for it ourselves, sharing its heritage, and pursuing reconciliation in the face of Canada’s unjust treatment of Indigenous peoples in both the past and the present.
Similarly, we honour our relationship with the neighbouring communities of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware Nation, as well as the urban Indigenous population which includes First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples. We are thankful for the opportunity to live, learn and share with these and all Indigenous people with mutual respect and appreciation.
Camp Kee-Mo-Kee wants to be an active contributor in correcting the injustices of colonization by creating awareness and understanding through our camp programs, community events and organizational systems. We ask that you reflect upon this land acknowledgement, what it means to you, and your role and responsibility in the journey to Truth and Reconciliation.
In the spirit of equality and inclusion, if we can improve this statement, please contact us.