You deserve a place where you can truly belong and thrive. At Camp Ten Oaks, we know that finding a supportive space can be tough for queer kids and teens. That’s why every summer, kids aged 8 to 17 come together at our camp for memorable adventures and unforgettable memories. From swimming to arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone. Camp Ten Oaks provides a safe, nurturing space where you can connect, grow, and develop your confidence. Don’t miss out on a memorable summer. Sign up for Camp Ten Oaks today.

What’s the Oak Tree program about?

The Oak Tree Program is designed for youth aged 16-17 who have a love for camp but also want to build leadership skills that they can apply in their day-to-day lives.

The Oak Tree Program allows campers to engage in a blend of activities designed to give them an understanding of the ins and outs of leadership, experiential learning opportunities, chances to explore social justice and some plain old fun! Special guests, camp staff, and participants themselves will share their talents and experiences, engage in an exchange of ideas, and grow as a community of leaders. The Program is an opportunity for participants to explore and grow their individual skills in all aspects of leadership.

It should also be noted that although presented with a unique opportunity to participate in many facets of the camp community, Oak Tree Program participants are not considered to be staff of Camp Ten Oaks.

Previously known as the Leadership Acorn Camper (LAC), the Program has expanded to meet the growing needs of campers! The program has a new name and two new specialized leadership streams: Roots and Branches!

Branches

  • Working together to make contributions to the camp community as a group
  • Focus on developing facilitation and event planning skills
  • Opportunities to lead and plan activities as part of the camp program
  • Developing leadership skills through experiential learning

Roots

  • Working together to reflect on and define personal leadership styles
  • Focus on developing personal awareness and group dynamic skills
  • Opportunities to work with younger cabin groups and take on leadership roles
  • Developing an understanding of your own leadership style through discussions, workshops and interactive reflection

Both Streams

  • Go on an overnight camp-out
  • Sleep in the same cabin
  • Participate in camp-wide activities
  • Assist with camp-wide activities
  • Model leadership for younger campers

Sample Schedule

We’re always shaking up our daily schedule, but here’s what a typical day at Camp Ten Oaks might look like:

Time
Activity
7:00-7:15
Early risers activity
7:00-7:45
Wake-up
7:45-8:00
Round-up
8:00-8:45
Breakfast
8:45-9:30
Camp cleanser
9:30-10:30
Weeklong choice activity
10:45-11:30
Choice activity
11:45-12:00
Round-up
12:00-12:45
Lunch
12:45-1:30
Bunk time
1:45-3:00
Cabin group activity #1
3:15-4:15
Cabin group activity #2
4:15-5:30
Free time
5:30-5:45
Round-up
5:45-6:30
Dinner
7:00-8:30
Evening activity
9:00
Lights out for Junior Acorn Campers (8-9 years old)
9:30
Lights out for Middle Acorn Campers (10-11 years old)
10:00
Lights out for Intermediate Acorn Campers (12-13 years old)
10:30
Lights out for Senior Acorn Campers (14-15 years old)
11:00
Lights out for Oak Tree Roots & Branches Campers (16-17 years old)

There’s loads to do at camp!

At camp, there’s so much to do and so much fun to be had while doing it! With the option to participate in outdoor adventure, waterfront, arts, social justice activities, and sports, our programming variety allows campers to receive instruction, strengthen old skills, and develop new ones.

The programming at Camp Ten Oaks is a mixture of unit activities and individual choice. Our activities are designed to empower campers through play that enhances self-esteem, life skills, independence, leadership and self-confidence.

Outdoor Adventure
The outdoor adventure program at Camp Ten Oaks includes overnight campouts, cookouts, hiking, nature exploration and environmental programming.
Campers may have the opportunity to participate in a campout, whether they hike to a spot to pitch their tents or canoe to an island for an overnight stay!
Arts
Fostering and exploring the creativity of campers happens through our well-rounded arts program. The Craft Shack, where a great mixture of activities takes place, is the hub of crafty creation. From printmaking and jewelry design to drawing and puppets, our arts program lets campers explore their originality and their ideas.
The arts program also includes dance, creative writing and drama.
Waterfront
At the waterfront, campers can dive into the lake for a swim, paddle around in a canoe or kayak, or gear up for a game of water polo. It’s one of the most popular areas of camp, especially during free time.
The waterfront is also the hub of other camp adventures such as the Oak-A-Lympics and campfire coffee house
Athletics
Whether playing volleyball or ultimate Frisbee, tackling the climbing wall or joining in a game of capture the flag, sports and activities are all part of the summer camp experience.
Social Justice
Our social justice programming gives campers the space to talk about issues like sexism, homophobia, transphobia or the media, and how these may impact their lives. Examples of age-appropriate activities include games like Four Corners. The social justice component of our programming is unique and provides campers with the space to critically explore big issues in their lives during their stay at camp.
Out of the ordinary
What would summer camp be without theme days or surprise events?
Special days, activities and guests are a great way to enhance the daily schedule and provide campers with exciting challenges, adventures and, of course, some mystery.

Camp Ten Oaks East

The location of the first week of Camp Ten Oaks is approximately two hours west of Ottawa. The site sits on 13 acres of scenic property. Highly forested, it is also home to a large waterfront with docks and a diving tower.

In addition to swimming, campers are able to enjoy a variety of high and low ropes courses. With names like the Flying Squirrel and Vertical Playground, there are lots of great adventures to be had. A double-sided climbing wall and Frisbee golf course add to the fun.

A natural setting for building community, the campsite offers accessible facilities including centralized washrooms with heated running water and showers. Take a virtual tour of the site by visiting our photo gallery.

Take a Virtual Photo Gallery Tour

Camp Ten Oaks West

Our second campsite has allowed us to nearly double our capacity for campers. It’s located on over 100 acres of land overlooking the Thames river outside of London, Ontario. This site offers up more accessible activities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, high ropes courses, sports, and an indoor climbing wall! The size of the campsite and the slope of the hills can pose a challenge to some folks with mobility aids. For registered campers who use mobility aids, families should contact us prior to camp to hear more about the accessibility of the site.

Given the large geographic area we serve, we are excited to offer a program closer to our Toronto and South-Western Ontario campers.

Make a Donation

We are an organization built on the strength of our community and we would not exist without the valuable contributions of our volunteers, staff, directorate, sponsors, community partners, and donors.

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