Ontario Camps Association, North York, ON

Although there were very few children’s camps in the 1930s, a small group of camp visionaries took it upon themselves to meet regularly to discuss issues of common concern, such as the importance of offering a well-balanced program, providing a good diet, properly maintaining facilities and equipment, developing an appreciation for our environment and building character. At the time, the forefathers of Ontario’s camp movement operated privately owned camps. But because their backgrounds included time spent at the YMCA, YWCA and Canadian Girls In Training (CGIT), they were quick to also include agencies and churches that operated camps. As this group of camp professionals grew so did their vision, and, as such, in 1932 the Ontario Camping Association (OCA) was formed.