Overview
Here's what makes Camp Davern stand out
Established in 1946, Camp Davern uses outdoor adventures & experiences to provide opportunities for kids to take safe risks, build independence and socialize with peers. Located 1 hour from Ottawa/Kingston we're an unforgettable experience that's close to home. At Davern, we think every camper should strive to make new friends, and try new things. Everything else will follow.

Special needs: Not available

LGBTQ+ friendly community
Visit the Camp Davern website

Programs, Rates & Dates

Programs and Sessions Calendar

At Davern, campers enjoy a balanced schedule that includes major activity picks and electives each day. Mornings are scheduled activities with their cabins. This rotation ensure all campers experience all the major summer camp activities, canoeing, ropes etc. Each afternoon campers participate in electives. Elective activities are picked each day on a first come first served basis. These activities change each day and offer campers daily variety as well as the opportunity to return to activities they are passionate about. This unique blend of programing allows for learning alongside cabinmates in helping to develop friendship and trust in the cabin as well as developing skills that are important and specific to the individual.

Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Camp Davern currently has 8 programs available.

Filter activities available:

Name

Type/Gender

Specialty

Location

Date

Bus

Cost

Family Camp Sessions

view details

Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 6 - 18+

Traditional (multi activity)

$725 to $895

Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jun 06-08		$725 - $895
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Aug 29-Sep 01		$725 - $895

1 Month Session

view details

Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 6 - 16

Traditional (multi activity)

$4,895

Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jun 29-Jul 25		$4,895
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jul 27-Aug 22		$4,895

1-Week Session

view details

Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 7 - 15

Traditional (multi activity)

$1,585

Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jun 29-Jul 05	$1,585
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jul 05-11	$1,585
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jul 13-19	$1,585
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jul 19-25	$1,585
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jul 27-Aug 02	$1,585
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Aug 02-08	$1,585
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Aug 10-16	$1,585
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Aug 16-22	$1,585

2-Week Session

view details

Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 6 - 16

Traditional (multi activity)

$2,485 to $2,595

Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jun 29-Jul 11	$2,495 - $2,595
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jul 13-25	$2,485 - $2,585
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jul 27-Aug 08	$2,485 - $2,585
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Aug 10-22	$2,485 - $2,585

LIT Program

view details

Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 14 - 16

CIT/LIT Program

$4,895

Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jun 29-Jul 25		$4,895
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Jul 27-Aug 22		$4,895

Camp Celiac Session

view details

Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 6 - 16

Traditional (multi activity)

$1,585 to $2,695

Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Aug 10-16	$1,585
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Aug 10-22	$2,595 - $2,695
Perth, ON 3555 Bolingbroke Road	Aug 16-22	$1,585

Davern Boys Adventure Week

view details

Overnight Camp
All Boys
Ages: 5 - 12

Traditional (multi activity)

$1,425

Perth, ON
3555 Bolingbroke Road

Aug 24-29

$1,425

Davern Girls Week

view details

Overnight Camp
All Girls
Ages: 7 - 14

Traditional (multi activity)

$1,425

Perth, ON
3555 Bolingbroke Road

Aug 24-29

$1,425

Registration Details

Our camp registration process is completely online using the CampBrain portal. For returning families, please navigate to our registration page using the same log in credentials as previous years, as this avoids duplicate family accounts (and also saves you time when registering!) If you are a new family to Davern, we can't wait to meet you! Our database registers in real time so when working through your registration, any selection you make will remain in your cart for 30 minutes. We hope the enrollment process is straight forward and fast, but if you have any questions, we're happy to help. Our registration portal opens in late fall each year & remains open until one week before the session starts as long as there is availability.

Financial Aid & Payment Details

Discounts

Discount for 2nd child	$50
Discount for 3rd child	$50
Discount for 4th child	$50

Reviews & Insider Perspectives

The Our Kids review of Camp Davern

Davern was established in 1946, and the values that it was founded with remain to this day. Of course, the world in 1946 was very different than today, but then, as now, there was a desire to get kids away from the stresses of life, to allow them to spread their wings a bit in a place beyond the concerns of school and home. It’s a place where kids have an opportunity to spend some time closer to nature and, by extension, through a different set of priorities and at a slower pace. The program is overseen by executive director Andrew Martin, who also directs Camp Can-Aqua, another great Canadian camp. He’s a champion of what traditional camping can bring to a young person’s life. The facilities are wonderful in that they continue to display the long history of the camp, while being up to date in all the essential ways. The site is gorgeous, which is a draw, though the values, spirit, and culture of the camp are the things that families and campers appreciate most.

Visit the Camp Davern website

Three Things: Camp Davern
Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at Camp Davern

More reviews of Camp Davern

Show all 5 reviews

Lisa Greaves, Parent

This Gorgeous Place
Read review

Vanessa, Parent

Best camp ever!
Read review

Parent, Parent

Camp Celiac Success!
Read review

Matt, Parent

Mosquito Bites Fade But the Memories Never Do!
Read review

Pat, Camper

A Great Experience
Read review

More reviews of Camp Davern

Lisa Greaves, Parent

This Gorgeous Place

Davern is a gorgeous place which will take kids away from the city and technology into a place where people get to know their best friends and their best selves. So thrilled to see Davern continuing to make magic and to se... Show More

Vanessa, Parent

Best camp ever!

Best camp ever! My son had an incredible experience. If you’re looking for an authentic, traditional camp with great activities and nothing but fun, this is the one. This will be our summer tradition.

Parent, Parent

Camp Celiac Success!

My daughter just returned from Camp Celiac hosted by Camp Davern and she is brimming with joy and confidence about her experience. She loved the counsellors, the cabins, the food, the “polar dip” every morning, the act... Show More

Matt, Parent

Mosquito Bites Fade But the Memories Never Do!

Our 12 year old daughter returned from Camp Davern yesterday exhausted, mildly bruised, and bitten (by mosquitos) after having the time of her life. She's told us she can't wait to return next year. From a parental perspec... Show More

Pat, Camper

A Great Experience

I wasn't sure about Davern initially, maybe it was just the thought of being away from my parents for the first time in my life. After my first night there my mind was changed. Amazing people, beautiful site, tasty food. Overall just a great experience ... Show More

Close window
Gallery
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Meet the Staff

Director's Message

Josie
Josie is a lifelong camper who has attended camps across Canada since she was a child. Committed to creating environments for kids that are both safe and dynamic, she feels that camp has the ability to encourage positive change in everyone. Josie’s creative flare and and love of the outdoors ensures that your kids will return home with experiences and adventures they will remember for a lifetime..

In her role as the summer camp director, Josie oversees administration, camper care and health and safety.

Matt

Originally from a small town in the United Kingdom, Matt has been working full time in camping since 2018. His passion for sports, climbing and the outdoors has brought him to Davern, where he oversees the implementation of our instructional programs and camper picks. In the winter, Matt spends his time at his home in Banff, Alberta, where he continues his passion for the outdoors on the slopes of Lake Louise.

In addition to his work on programming, Matt oversees the site and facility staff team at Davern.

They can be reached at [email protected]

Staff and Counsellors

The staff team at Camp Davern consists of passionate; child focused camping professionals who are devoted to passing on their love of summer camp to the campers in our care. We believe in exceeding qualifications standards set out by the Ontario Camps Association. As a result, as a minimum requirement, all staff must hold current First Aid and CPR certifications and all waterfront supervisors are required to hold their NLS (National Lifeguard certification). Additionally, each staff member is experienced and trained in the area of specialization they instruct while at camp. Davern is proud of our dynamic staff team. Each year we benefit from a core of returning staff, paired with new, dynamic and talented new staff.

Ask a question

Location & Operations

Address

Kingston, ON

623 Fortune Crescent #100, Kingston, Ontario, K7P 0E5

Perth, ON

3555 Bolingbroke Road, Maberly, Ontario, K0H 2B0

Busing

Kingston & Ottawa Buses (Bus fee: $40 one way, $50 two ways)

Location	Address	Pick up	Drop off
Ottawa	1385 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean, Ottawa, ON, Canada	2:00 am	1:00 am
Ottawa	120 Dalton Avenue, Kingston, ON, Canada	2:00 am	1:00 am

Property Details

Sports facilities

Archery Range
Basketball Court
Climbing Wall
Rope Course
Soccer Field
Tennis Court(s)

Landscape

Beach
Forested Area
Lake/Pond/River
Nature Trails
Open Field

More details about property: Camp Davern was established in 1946 as a traditional overnight residential camp for girls ages 6-16. With some equipment acquired from the War Assets Corporation and the former Service Canteens & Leave Centres, Camp Davern opened in July of 1946 on it’s stunning 200 acre site located just 25 kilometres from Perth, Ontario and just over an hour from Ottawa and Kingston

Accommodations

Sleeping Accommodations

Cabins

Amenities

Electricity in Sleeping Area

Washrooms Facilities

Flush Toilets
Outhouses
Showers (outdoor)

More details about accommodations: Traditional in its rustic facilities, our cabins have electricity along with most of our program buildings. Our brand new showe facilities and indoor flush toilets are just icing on the cake!

Are meals provided? Yes.

Is Camp Davern technology free? Yes. Campers are asked to leave technology at home! All cell phones, tablets, laptops or electronic gaming devices that accidentally get packed will be checked into the Camp Davern office, until your camper’s departure. Since campers are only here for a short period of time, we feel it is a great time to take a break from screen time. Summer camp is all about connecting with peers face to face. We encourage families to speak with campers prior to arrival about our stance on electronics, so they are prepared to spend time unplugged.

Rentals & Services

Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
Welcome to COEL @ Camp Davern~ The Centre for Outdoor Education and Leadership We are a growing outdoor and experimental education facility focusing on grade specific programs for students ages 11-15. Open your classroom to the dynamic learning platform nature provides. COEL @ Davern offers teachers safe, creative and fun educational opportunities for their students. We have a wide range of program offerings to support common interests in the learning scopes of leadership, team building and environmental education. Consider bringing your class or the entire school and let us provide a memorable learning experience that promotes personal growth, problem solving, cooperation and collaboration. In addition to our general program selections, we thrive in creative unique and group specific curriculum to meet and surpass the needs and interests specific to your school, group of company.

Available for private rentals: Yes
We have a multitude of private rental options for groups of varying sizes. Our site can accommodate a wide variety of needs so please contact us for more specific details regarding the facility.

Associations

What's New
In the News

November 23, 2023
2024 Registration Now OPEN!
Camp Davern invites returning families who registered in 2023 to register for 2024 at last year's rates.... Read More

May 26, 2023
Bussing Available in 2023!
2023 At Camp Davern will have some amazing new offerings, including some great bussing options!... Read More

October 19, 2022
Goodbye 2022!
That's a wrap on the 2022 season!... Read More
Stories

Kingston, Ont., summer camps prepare for potential season
On Sunday, Doug Ford announced that summer camps will be in operation by their usual start date of July 4th. But this statement left many organizers unclear of what they should prepare for as the province remains under tight restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Camp organizers in Kingston have started to set things up for potential programs in the summer months — maintaining the sites and reaching out to staff and volunteers. But even still, there isn’t a solid plan.

“The later it gets in the summer, the more difficult it will be for all summer camps,” says Camp Davern director Peter Vooys.

Camp Davern has started to prepare for the summer in the event that they are allowed to commence camps, as the premier suggested, with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

“We would have to have our campers present negative COVID tests prior to arrival, self isolate prior to arrival at camp. We’ll have picnic tables spaced out, individual meal times,” Vooys says.

Rapid testing is another tool that Camp Outlook in Algonquin Park is hoping to use. The organization hosts canoe trips for youth facing barriers in the Kingston area. They’ve reached out to government officials for help in screening for the novel coronavirus.

John Hissink, director at Camp Outlook says “we’ve signed up for a waiting list through the Red Cross, who might be able to provide us with some of those. That’s one of the things that we’re hoping to be able to get.”

At least one camp in the region will be pivoting to a different operating model this summer. RKY camp in Parham is planning to offer family cabin rentals with the possibility of offering some camping for counsellors in training towards the end of the summer.

Andrew Martin Takes Over Camp Davern
The organization announced in February [of 2017] that Andrew Martin, had purchased the property and would reopen the camp in the summer. Martin has made a career out of the camp industry for more than 15 years, and said he believes in the value of camping, “especially going into a future that is overwhelmed with technology and a lack of social integration for young people.”

He said he was attracted to the “remarkable property” and “amazing facility” because it holds a lot of history as one of Ontario’s older camps. He’s looking to find out the “silly things” that made the camp unique such as “the name of that hill or the secret path that takes you to Finnigan’s house where kids go and write letters if they’re homesick.”

Once A Davern Girl, Always A Davern Girl
It was on a warm July day in 1948 that nine-year-old Judy Coleman became a Davern girl.

Boarding a train at Union Station, she and some of her cousins and friends travelled to Maberly, near Perth. There, they put their bags on a horse-drawn hay wagon and, after being greeted by Camp Davern’s director and staff, began to walk to the all-girls YWCA camp on Davern Lake, a 7-km journey that would have taken at least an hour and a half to complete.

As one of the younger campers at Davern that year, Judy slept in one of two cabins on the site, while others slept in tents pitched on wooden platforms. It was the first of six summers she spent at Davern.

“There was something very magical, special and bonding about a summer at camp,” says Coleman (now Laughton), “and the friendships made … have continued to this day, almost 67 years later.”
Social Feeds