Why Pathfinder? Wilderness experiences for life

Pathfinder has been a wonderful boys' summer life since 1914. Here, our boys are active, they challenge themselves and experience success, they make terrific friendships, and they're cared for by counselors who were themselves campers, then highly trained to provide a safe and wholesome experience.

Our lifestyle in the north woods is the ultimate school break for growing boys. They eat well, they sleep well, and they’re in motion all day long. Paddling, swimming, climbing, hiking, sailing, field or court athletics, and even camp chores.

But instead of making it a workout, we make it an adventure. The boys head back to the school year with energy and self-confidence. They also get hooked on the active life and it becomes a lifestyle they continue as adults. It’s a lifestyle they will pass on to their own kids.

Leadership is another key element. Pathfinder counselors have been campers themselves. They empathize, and they are well trained to be providers of the great experiences they had as campers. With a staff to camper ratio of 1:2, there is a lot of personal attention. And the approach is positive and encouraging, which gives boys a  sense of security and success.

Finally, there is the camp's beautiful setting and its rich traditions. The island is shaded by old growth pines, and surrounded by a gorgeous northern lake. The sights, sounds and routines of life at Pathfinder harken back to a simpler time. Along with the camp's many traditions, the setting helps create a sense of belonging and of comraderie. Most important, perhaps, is the chance it offers for boys to feel close to nature, and at ease with its simple living.

"Any enduring tradition has to resonate with people across the generations. Pathfinder still resonates with parents and sons. The values and experiences are timeless. Those lakes and forests are still the ultimate setting for independence and positive life lessons. We’ve still got the best counselors, still paddle the wilderness all over Ontario and Quebec. We still give younger boys the very best care as they make their first independent forays from home. Boys at Pathfinder still learn to live with the bare necessities and be comfortable. They leave their iPods, video games and phones at home and reconnect to the natural world. They master muscle powered lifelong sports, and they do it all while making incredible friendships."
Mike Sladden, director