Our Directors

 
Anne Morawetz (BNSc.) & Don Bocking (MSW.)

Anne Morawetz (BNSc.) & Don Bocking (MSW.)

Camp Owners & Directors

In this everchanging world, camp is one of the few places where time really does stand still. Ponackians, some in their 70’s, gathered at Ponacka in June 2022 to celebrate Ponacka’s 75th season and to reminisce about their camp days decades earlier. Memories kindled laughter, wistfulness and a sense of community that remains strong over time.

The legacy of a camp experience includes happy memories, deep friendships, and a sense of belonging.

We continue to strive for excellence in providing the same experience for our campers in 2024 and beyond.

Laura Bocking (BNSc. RN)

Laura Bocking (BNSc. RN)

Camp Director

Ponacka’s 77th summer is on the horizon and I can’t wait! This summer we’ll be welcoming back our international campers and staff from the UK, US, France, Mexico, Switzerland and more! Our Canadian boys are coming from across the country; BC, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia and hopefully we’ll have a sunshine filled summer. 

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 15-16th 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 2024!

Our Staff

Our staff are our most valuable asset. Each counsellor grew up at camp, and many started at the age of 8. They keep the Ponacka spirit alive from generation to generation. Becoming a counsellor at Ponacka involves an intensive evaluation process – each counsellor spends one year as a CIT (Counsellor In Training), where they learn the skills needed to teach, mentor, and care for the campers. Being a counsellor at Ponacka is far more than just a summer job.

 

Read on to hear what our staff say about working at Ponacka:

Henry Paluch

Henry Paluch

2013-2024, Head of Sailing

For the coming summer, I will be the Head of Sailing. This involves running activities out on the water, and in general, making sure the sailing program is as exciting as it can be.
2024 will be my 11th year at camp and my 3rd year on staff. I am often a counsellor for the younger groups at camp. In this capacity, it has become especially clear to me how camp acts as a catalyst for learning in the broadest sense possible. There is something about the community at Ponacka that has always made it a place of growth. Ponacka has had a lasting impact on my family; both my maternal grandfather and my father (also a former Head of Sailing) were Ponackians.
Outside of camp, I study philosophy and law at the University of Toronto. I also compete as a bagpiper, both individually and as a member of a band in Aurora, ON.
Sebastien Poutissou

Sebastien Poutissou

2012-2024, CIT Director

This will be my 12th year at Camp Ponacka and my 4th on staff. This summer, I will be CIT Director and co-head of sailing. During my time at Ponacka, I have been a counsellor in the rover and master sections and head of sailing for parts of the past two summers. In my role as the head of sailing I delivered lessons, did ongoing repairs, put in orders for parts and boats and ensured the program promoted sailor development and progression. What I love most about Ponacka is that everybody knows your name. Whether you’re the youngest boy in Lakeview or returning for your 10th year, it feels like a home away from home for everyone. It’s a place where you can be your truest self and learn important skills that will last you a lifetime. 

Outside of camp, I am in my 3rd year studying Engineering Physics with a specialization in Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University. I love watching and playing hockey as well as traveling and exploring new places. At camp I can do these things and more by coaching league winning PHL teams and exploring the natural beauty Ontario has to offer on canoe trip. There are all kinds of experiences no matter what you are in to. Camp Ponacka has shaped who I am today and has taught me skills I use in my everyday life such as public speaking, thinking on your feet and living independently. In the years to come, as I continue with my career, I’ll always carry the memories and lessons from Ponacka with me wherever I go.

Evie Clarke

Evie Clarke

2021-2024, Nanny

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

Adelle Pagura

Adelle Pagura

2021-2022, Assistant Head Cook

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. 

Connor Fenkell

Connor Fenkell

2014 - 2023, Head of Climbing

This will be my 9th summer at camp, and my third on staff. This summer I’ll be returning as the head of climbing, making me responsible for the maintenance and facilitation of the climbing wall and aerial ropes course. In addition, I get to run the rock climbing cookout on Blueberry Island; arguably the coolest camper experience available at Ponacka. During my time on staff, I’ve primarily been a counsellor for the oldest groups, where I have been able to lead amazing canoe trips in Algonquin park with some great groups of campers. In my opinion the best part of camp (and the reason I keep going back) is the people. Camp is full of incredible people, which is the result of how camp encourages everyone to be their best self. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with some of my oldest friends, and with this amazing group of campers. Outside of camp I am in my second year at Queen’s University, studying mining engineering with a focus on improving industry sustainability. I love to climb, ski, and skateboard, and I can’t wait for this summer!

Peter Rowley

Peter Rowley

2009-2024, Assistant Director

This will be my 15th summer at Camp Ponacka and my 8th year on staff. This will be my fourth year working in our office, as the Assistant Director this summer. Previously, I was a counsellor for the youngest kids at camp, which brought me joy and many amazing memories. Additionally, I was teaching on the swim dock helping kids pass their swimming levels, in the beautiful waters of Lake Baptiste. The part I love most about camp is that there is an atmosphere where everyone is friends. Whether it’s a first-year camper or a seasoned staff member, we all know each other, and we all care about each other. Every year we return, it is like we have never left. I have been privileged in life for the opportunity to attend camp, and for the fact that most of my friends I met in my first year age 10, returned to camp year after year, with us all becoming staff together. We are still having fun and learning from the campers every year, as they teach us as much as we teach them. When I’m not at Ponacka in the summer, I live and work as a residence don at a boarding school in Lakefield. I will be going to teacher’s college this fall! However, my time at camp will always be the greatest education in life I will receive.

Cameron Lang

Cameron Lang

2009 - 2024, Program Director

This year will be my 13th year at Ponacka and my 5th on staff. My role as Program Director involves overseeing the staffing, enrollment and programming of the daily activities that campers sign up for. In previous years, I have been a counsellor, head of canoeing and Activity Director. When I am not at camp, I spend my time studying for a philosophy degree at the University of Guelph.

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 12 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.

Wyatt Belanger

Wyatt Belanger

2009-2024, Activity Director

This will be my 15th summer at Ponacka and my 6th on Staff. As Activity Director, I’ll be responsible for planning and running various camp wide activities including an evening program every night, as well as cookouts and Sunday games every week. Previously, I’ve taught Waterskiing and Sailing, and served as CIT Director. I’m beyond excited to return to Ponacka for another summer, which confuses some of my friends. I’m asked somewhat regularly why I continue to go back year after year on staff. The answer is simple: it’s the people. I spent 8 years at Ponacka as a camper, being taught amazing life skills by these incredible role models who gave up their summer in order to work at Ponacka. I didn’t realise until becoming a staff member that it wasn’t a sacrifice at all. I get to work alongside some of my oldest friends and continue to create meaningful new friendships every year and share skills I love with a remarkable group of young boys. Outside of camp, you’ll find me at Wilfrid Laurier University, Where I’m currently pursuing an Honours Political Science degree and daydreaming about being on the Ponacka Waterski dock.

Bibi Schreiner

Bibi Schreiner

2021 - 2023, Laundry Manager

2022 was my second year at Camp Ponacka. When I first came in 2021 I was originally only supposed to stay for July, but after only a few days of being at Ponacka I fell in love with the beautiful environment and amazing people. I decided to stay the whole summer. In only my short time at Ponacka I’ve grown so much as a person, gained strong friendships, and learned numerous social, work, and life skills that I utilize everyday. I’m Currently in my final year of high school and there isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not reminiscing about camp. Whether it’s a camper telling you what exciting thing they did at programs or a staff member asking how your day is going, Camp Ponacka is the type of place where everyone is family and you’ll never feel unwelcome. I’m forever grateful for the home that Camp Ponacka has provided and continues to provide for me each summer.

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