Redevelop

our Y camps

Target: Ensure that future generations can benefit from leadership training, outdoor education, environmental appreciation and outdoor activities.

For over a century, the day and summer camps of the National Capital Region Y have inspired kids and young people, helping them escape the city, develop new life skills and form lasting friendships.

Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Centre

This well-known camp covers 130 acres along the Ottawa River and first opened its gates to area kids and families in 1947. Thousands of kids and adults have spent summer days or winter weekends here.

We plan to convert Bonnenfant from a residence camp to a new Centre of Excellence for Outdoor Education serving more than 5,000 kids a year. Features will include:

New centre to accommodate up to 300 people for food services and conference meetings;
Winterized sleeping accommodation for up to 200 participants and 70 staff, suitable for adult and youth groups;
Redeveloped waterfront, including boathouse, bathrooms, boating and swimming areas;
Day camp building to accommodate up to 200 campers;
Four day camp buildings to deliver core programs;
Improved roads, pathways and signage;
Upgraded washrooms and showers for day and residential programs;
Year-round family housing for site manager;
Improved sports field, ropes courses and nature education facilities;
Ski Centre to be used as a day camp building in summer.

Camp Davern

Girls have been exploring and growing in the great outdoors since 1946 at Camp Davern. Located on 200 acres west of Perth, Davern offers a traditional summer camp experience for girls aged 6 to 16. From drama and creative arts to leadership training and outdoor adventures, Davern has activities and programs that engage every girl.

But Davern’s aging facilities are urgently in need of renovation. It’s not fully accessible for those with physical challenges, and it lacks the flexibility for new programs that meet the changing needs of the community.

We plan to expand and revitalize Camp Davern to meet and exceed today’s standards.

We will:

Build a new dining hall to include office and program space as well as eating space for 150 campers and 60 staff;
Convert the existing dining hall into a creative arts and program delivery centre;
Develop 10 new camper sleeping cabins with electricity;
Develop a wetlands and natural sciences instruction area;
Redevelop the waterfront, adding a boathouse and docks, reclaiming the beach and improving the boating area;
Redevelop rail, road and signage throughout the site;
Renovate existing cabins and build a new family-style cabin to accommodate staff;
Upgrade ropes and high course elements;
Develop a Medical Centre with family accommodation for nurse;
Add new equipment for all program spaces;
Include appropriate maintenance storage and workspace.

Your gift will ensure that future generations of girls can enjoy all the benefits of leadership training, outdoor education, environmental appreciation and outdoor activities.