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!.

This upcoming summer will be my 8th year coming to camp and my third 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.

This summer will be my twelfth at Ponacka and my third on staff. Ponacka has been such an important part of my life since my first year in Lakeview when I was seven; the friends and memories that I have made at camp are truly unique and so special. Ponacka has taught me confidence, leadership, patience, 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 twelve years cannot be overstated. I am so proud to be able to help give the boys at Ponacka the magical experience that I have had.

During the school year, I study political science at the University of British Columbia. At camp I spend most of my time teaching canoeing. It is 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 glad to be continuing the great tradition of Ponacka canoeing as a Co-Head of Canoeing this summer. Ponacka 2025 is going to be so special.

This summer will be my third at Ponacka, and my third as the camp nanny! My job involves taking care of Ponacka’s littlest campers, who are every bit as integrated into camp life as the big kids and the staff. We love spending time with the horses in the barn, swimming at the beach, drawing and painting in crafts and going on big adventures up to High Flight and Bushcraft. Every day at camp is full of fun, happy memories and working here really is like being part of one big family. I’ve learnt so much from the time I’ve spent at Ponacka, and the friendships I have made are some of the strongest in my life.  

Outside of camp, I have been working with Laura in Toronto. I am originally from Scotland and after graduating from my Pharmacology degree at the University of Glasgow in 2023, I decided I was not yet ready to leave Canada! So I carried on nannying in the city after camp ended, and have also been working in the Ponacka office, making sure everything is set for another successful summer in 2024

2022 was my second summer at Ponacka. I worked as an assistant cook in the kitchen and thoroughly enjoyed learning transferable skills, working with the rest of our wonderful kitchen staff and getting to personally know staff and campers outside of the dining hall. Each year I am surprised by how mesmerising the camp environment is, both in terms of our beautiful physical surroundings, and the caring attitude everyone holds. Throughout the rest of the year, I study at Queen’s University in their nursing program (BNSc.), yet I never miss an opportunity to tell an anecdote from camp. That’s one of my favourite parts of summers at Ponacka, actually. No matter how quickly the summer goes, when I leave I have an endless amount of life changing stories to tell and feelings so unique that they cannot be put into words. Camp Ponacka is truly timeless and I cannot imagine another place to have grown and made such influential connections, even during my short time here.