In 1960, the United Church of Canada purchased what is now known as Camp McDougall, after operating out of Camp Wakonda for several years. During the early years, all of the staff except the cooks and the business managers were volunteers. Each camp session brought with it its own director, assistant director, waterfront director, nurse, chaplain, and counsellors. Counsellors took charge of arts & crafts, archery, canoeing, living & learning, and camp craft. Most of the activities were done in cabin groups.
Time passed and regulations changed . . . until there were several paid staff members on site. Full-time staff now includes: a Camp Director, Assistant Director(s), 2 Waterfront Directors, Recreation Director, Arts & Crafts Director, Cook, Assistant Cook, and a Caretaker. We also have other volunteer counsellors and volunteer Chaplains.
Building structures have also changed considerably. The lodge was enlarged and the kitchen was moved from the back to the side . . . and later a dining hall was added allowing the lodge to be used for indoor programming. In the early 70’s the Alma Lodge was built for staff housing as well as a Camp Office and First Aid/Health Room. Unfortunately in 2013 Alma Lodge was demolished. In the 80’s and early 90’s a new Craft Cabin and two new sleeping cabins were built, with the newest being wheelchair accessible. Prior to the 2000 camping season, a new roof was built over the lodge, a new water system was installed, and the kitchen was totally renovated. The main washroom building was completely renovated for 2003 . . . and the story continues.
In the summer of 2000, Camp McDougall became an accredited member of the Ontario Camping Association, and in 2004 became a fully accredited United Church Camp, verifying the high standard of camping which we offer our campers. Many people have given their time and talent to Camp McDougall as board members, congregations, staff, counsellors, chaplains, clean-up crews, and volunteers on all levels of operation. All of them have left a little bit of themselves at Camp McDougall and taken a part of Camp with them in their hearts.