Camp Madawaska

Camp Madawaska is a former Salvation Army camp in Nipissing District Ontario, Canada, located near the entrance to Algonquin Provincial Park. It was named after the Madawaska River as the Opeongo River, one of its tributaries, flows through the camp. The main lake on the property was Victoria. Two islands are located in the lake, known by the former caretake of the property as The Big Island (Weston Island) and The Small Island (Brownsea Island).

History

Camp Madawaska was owned by Edward Curtis Smith's family. Edward kept a 4-inch Clark portable telescope at the camp. Soon after World War II, the Smiths sold the camp, along with the telescope, to Garfield Weston, owner of the Canadian company, George Weston Limited. When Weston died, he bequeathed the camp to the Salvation Army.[1]

For the following years, it was used as a camp for inner-city kids for most of the summer and was also rented for various retreats. Salvation Army Scout and Guide groups made frequent use of the camp. Week-long camps were held each summer and weekend camps occurred in spring, summer, and fall. A 12-day Scout camp was held (1986?) that was attended by Scouts from the U.S., England, and from Canada. Camps were usually held at Camp Madawaska from May until October and sites around Lake Victoria could be rented at any time during those months. The camp was returned to Weston ownership in 2005. The remaining camp Camp Rainbow, which served teenagers after they became to old for the Camp at Jackson's Point (Camp Wabana). This group was transferred to Camp Newport and continues to operate there.

Structure

The grounds include 32,000 acres (130 km2) of land, much forest and wildlife, nine lakes, and several lodges and cabins. Common activities include swimming, camping, biking, and hiking. Camp sites used included: The Paddock, Folke's Point, Gilwell Beach, South Bay (chalet), multiple camp sites on Weston Island, and one site on Brownsea Island.

References

  1. ↑ Leigh, Linda (2010-03-31). "The Weston Family’s Continued Generosity". Salvationist.ca. The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Coordinates: 45°36′57″N 78°01′14″W / 45.615839°N 78.020611°W