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Outdoor Education Centres

The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario proudly operates two high quality Outdoor Centres in Northern Ontario.

Rotary’s YMCA Camp Tillicum

Rotary’s YMCA Camp Tillicum is located on the southern shores of Lake Nipissing. Tillicum is the perfect destination for Day Programs and training events in North Bay and the surrounding region. Features the newly constructed Redpath Youth Centre!

YMCA John Island Camp

YMCA John Island Camp is a historic Overnight Camp situated on an island in the North Chanel of the Georgian Bay (south of Spanish, Ontario). This idyllic 278 acre sight is boat access only and an ideal overnight destination for school trips, retreats, and conferences.

At Rotary’s YMCA Camp Tillicum & YMCA John Island Camp, we believe that the best learning experiences come from a close collaboration between visiting groups and our staff team. That’s why we work closely with you through every stage of your group’s pre-trip planning, visit, and follow up to ensure that your objectives are met. If you have any questions relating to the following information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please read the following terms of agreement and program reservation material and complete the information where applicable.

Our YMCA Outdoor Centres foster an environment that is both physically and emotionally safe for all participants. We stress the importance of respect for oneself, the community and the environment. Our programs are facilitated by experienced staff who are trained in our on-site programs, have a minimum certification of Standard First Aid & CPR and are equipped with first aid kits.

New Groups: We can deliver a presentation at your school or organization to answer any questions about our programs or policies that you may have. We are also able to send you a copy of a presentation that can be shared with your students or groups.

Returning Groups: We are happy to send a slideshow to inform your students, parents, or groups about their upcoming visit to camp.

If you are looking for educational-based learning experiences, or a fun grade 8 grad trip, you’ve come to the right place!

Rotary’s YMCA Camp Tillicum is the perfect destination for Day Trips and Training Events in the North Bay region.

YMCA John Island Camp offers 2–4-day Outdoor Education programs for students in grade 5-12. Offering a wide range of outdoor activities during the months of June & September, we work with you to customize your John Island experience to provide an exciting and rewarding adventure for your students to take part in.

Programs are facilitated by qualified YMCA Instructors. If you would like to discuss options, or have questions, please ask! Our wide variety of program options ensure that no trip will ever be the same.

Program Options:

  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Low Ropes
  • Iron Chef
  • Initiatives & Team building
  • High Ropes* (Vertical Playpen, Arial Leap, Bowsun Chairs, Jacob’s Ladder)
  • aRock Climbing*
  • Outdoor Living Skills (Fire Building, Shelter Building)
  • Nature Activities (Wetland Studies, Interpretive Nature Hike)
  • Beach Activities
  • Out lunch (Packed lunch to be cooked over a fire at a hike-in location)

*John Island Only

Large Group Activities:

  • The Ultimate Game of Survival
  • Cabinger Hunt
  • Capture the Flag
  • All-4-One
  • Running Pictionary
  • Action Auction
  • Skit in a Bag

You can submit a program inquiry by completing our Needs Assessment at the link below:

We look forward to building a program with you!

YMCA John Island Camp offers schools the option to participate in an overnight camping trip on/around John Island. Prior to departure, students will learn about backcountry safety, leaving no trace, food packing and paddling skills. This program is meant to challenge students to explore the limits of their comfort zone and work towards building character. YMCA John Island Camp provides camping equipment required (except sleeping bags).

During the spring and fall, our Outdoor Centres are available for conferences and retreats. Whether you are interested in recharging during our John Island Women’s Wellness Weekend, visiting your old cabin during our Alumni Weekend, or giving back to the YMCA at one of our Work Weekends, we have ample opportunity to get out to camp in the shoulder season! Email us today to see if we’re the right fit for you or your business.

YMCA John Island Camp designs Women’s Wellness Weekend as a health-based retreat with an extra focus on connecting with friends, enjoying the outdoors and exceptional meal service. A full complement of traditional camp activities such as canoeing, sailing, and hiking are here for you to enjoy.

During Women’s Wellness Weekend, YMCA John Island Camp partners with many volunteers to bring in exciting services such as Massage Therapy, Beach Boot Camp, Yoga & Meditation lead by certified instructors. With everything taken care of, participants can turn their full attention to trying new things, meeting new people and relaxing in the beautiful natural surroundings.

If Rotary’s YMCA Camp Tillicum or YMCA John Island Camp has positively impacted you or your family, consider giving back to your camp community by volunteering for one of our work weekends at John Island Camp or Rotary’s YMCA Camp Tillicum. Volunteers work closely with staff to improve our site, clean up and prepare for the summer. Work details may include painting, wood working and equipment storage. Help keep your camp the best that it can be!

Questions & Inquiries

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Director Team at the following:

johnislandcamp@ymcaneo.ca

camp.tillicum@ymcaneo.ca

Camping Services Office (Year-Round)
YMCA Northeastern Ontario
140 Durham Street
Sudbury ON, Canada
P3C 3K8
Phone: 705-674-6171 OR 800-465-9622

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