Our Directors
Anne Morawetz (BNSc.) & Don Bocking (MSW.)
Camp Owners & Directors
We are thrilled to be working alongside Laura and Graham as we transition to the third generation. Anne’s parents, known as Okimau and Oki, would be so delighted to know that their grandchildren are carrying on the traditions that were created decades ago.
Whenever alumni visit during the summer, they always say to us, “nothing has changed”. That is music to our ears as we work to maintain an environment where boys flourish by living simply in nature, developing strong friendships, learning lots of new skills and just having fun together.
We look forward to the summer of 2025, our 78th season!.
Laura Bocking (BNSc. RN)
Camp Director
78 years of Ponacka and counting! As I look towards the 2025 season I am so appreciative of the wonderful Ponacka parents, campers and alumni that keep the spirit of camp strong all year long. It is a joy to see so many returning campers register and I love connecting with new campers and hearing their hopes for the upcoming summer. Its always a joy to welcome our international campers and staff from the UK, US, France, Mexico, Switzerland back to Ponacka and of course our Canadian boys. Returning from Qualicum Bay to St. John’s Newfoundland and the many cities and towns in-between.
We’ll be kicking off the camping season with another alumni weekend. Alumni and Friends of Ponacka are welcome to bring their young families to camp on June 14-16th to experience a sample of the fun and timelessness that is Ponacka, to register click here.
I continue to feel fortunate to play a part in creating the same Ponacka experience for the next generation and look forward to welcoming the Ponackians of summer 2025!
Graham Bocking (B.Ed., M.A.)
Camp Director
With our 78th summer coming up, I feel more grateful than ever to be a part of Ponacka, and for the trust our families place in us to provide their boys a safe, fun, and lifechanging experience. Next summer I can’t wait to welcome back all our new and returning boys, as well as our staff, many of which have been coming to camp for a decade or more.
I am also really looking forward to our third annual Family and Alumni Weekend in June, which continues to grow in attendance and provide a special window into Ponacka for many new families.
I am also excited for Cal to be able to run around camp for the first time as he will be a year and a half old!
Our Staff
Read on to hear what our staff say about working at Ponacka:
Charlie Luke
2013-2026, Program Director
For the past thirteen years, Ponacka has been such an important part of my life. The friends and memories that I’ve made at camp are truly unique and special. There is something remarkable about this place and its ability to create meaningful friendships that last far after the summer ends. Ponacka has taught me confidence, leadership, patience, resilience, and so many valuable skills which have been applicable in my life outside of camp.
My time at Ponacka has made me into the man I am; the impact that this beautiful place has had on me over the past thirteen years cannot be overstated. I am so proud to call myself a Ponackian and to be able to help give the campers the magical experience that I have had.
During the school year, I study political science at the University of British Columbia. Over the last three years at camp, I have spent most of my time teaching canoeing. It was always a pleasure to watch the boys develop their skills; I know from being a camper that there are few feelings better than working on a tough skill for hours and then finally getting it. I am looking forward to taking on a new role in the office this summer and helping camp run smoothly.
Hunter Robinson
2018-2026, Activity Director
This upcoming summer will be my 9th year coming to camp and my fourth on staff. I’m also a second-generation Ponackian. I will be spending most of my time on the canoeing dock, where the boys work on a wide range of skills. The boys not only learn how to operate in a tandem and solo canoes, but they also learn the importance of hard work and teamwork. When I’m not at camp, I study economics at Florida Gulf Coast University.
I love my job as a camp counsellor with all my heart. I’m so privileged to work in such a beautiful environment—not just the physical beauty from the hills and the lakes, but also the spirit and the people. Everyone knows each other; everyone cares for each other. It is truly one big family. I’m so excited to see all the boys next summer and continue my work as a camp counsellor.
Cameron Lang
2009 - 2026, Assistant Director
This year will be my 15th year at Ponacka and my 7th on staff. My role as Assistant Director involves overseeing all aspects of the daily activities at camp. In previous years, I have been a counsellor, head of canoeing and Program Director.
In my opinion, the beauty of camp is that it is the most entertaining, fulfilling, enjoyable and healing aspect of my life while simultaneously being the biggest source of my personal growth and development. Even after 14 years at Ponacka, my parents still comment at the end of each August that it seems like I’ve come back as an entirely new person. On top of this, camp has provided me with an everlasting connection to nature and some incredibly strong friendships which I will carry with me forever.
Jack Ujejski
2014-2026, Counsellor and Co-Head of Sailing
Although it’s crazy to say, this next summer will be my 13th year at Camp Ponacka and my 4th year as staff. Most of the summer, you will see me at either the sailing dock, trying my best to build kids’ confidence as they learn new skills. As a counsellor, I make my mark with the 7-10 year olds who stay for a month for the first time. It’s tough work, but the development and growth you see in the boys as they progress through the month is what makes it worth it every time. Outside of camp, I am currently in a dual degree program called Concurrent Education at Queen’s University, where I major in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics all while being in the Primary and Junior stream of education.
Camp has been my home for more than half my life; it’s been a place where I have been able to grow into the person I want to be. As a result, I work hard to give the boys the amazing care I’ve received from the staff preceding me. The memories I make at Ponacka are always at the top of my mind and I wish time could go by faster so I can be back at Ponacka once again! Can’t wait to see the campers this summer! This summer is going to be fantastic! See you soon, boys.