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About Camp Smitty
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Camp Smitty exists to provide an exceptional camping experience for young people, with an emphasis on those who would not otherwise have access to such.
Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life.
Our vision is for all children and youth to discover and achieve their dreams and grow up to be healthy, successful and active participants in society.
Camp Smitty aims to be:
- The camp of choice for families.
- The employer of choice for top-character camp Staff.
- The charity of choice for potential camp donors, sponsors and supporters.
- The partner of choice for external youth-serving agencies.
Camp Smitty is a non-profit residential camp that believes in enhancing the self-development and quality of life of our Campers.
We believe this is best achieved through safe, fun and unique programs in a healthy and natural outdoor setting, facilitated by dedicated and caring Staff.
We provide an environment that allows Campers to feel good about themselves and achieve different forms of success during and after their camp experience.
Camp Smitty History
We make concerted efforts to ensure that all children and families, regardless of their financial situation, feel welcome and included at Camp Smitty. We have curated a registration process that is barrier-free and will actively attempt to provide information that is supportive to the cultural and socio-economic diversity we strive to serve.
Register1920s & 1930s
In 1923, the Ottawa Boys Club opened on Laurier Avenue and Fred C. McCann, a social worker from Montreal, is appointed as Executive Director.
In 1924, “Camp Minwassin” is founded by McCann on Mink Lake. The benefits to the youth, including getting away from the city, experiencing nature and building social skills through group living are immediately evident, encouraging the continued commitment to the camping experience.
By 1936, approximately 160 boys had the opportunity to spend at least two weeks at the camp, with the Club picking up the bulk of the actual cost to attend.
2000s
In 2001, a new kitchen and dining hall opened. This beautiful, modern facility became an excellent focal point for the camp, alongside the bell… “Ding, Dong”!
Later in 2001, “Camp Minwassin” was renamed the Brian Smith Outdoor Education Centre, and the summer program became known as “Camp Smitty.”
In 2002, the Ottawa Police Youth Centre merged with BGC Ottawa to reduce costs and eliminate program duplication. Through the more effective use of Staff and by sharing resources, they are now creating opportunities for new or expanded programs and enhanced services at Camp Smitty.
Brian Smith
Brian Smith was a popular CTV Ottawa sportscaster and former NHL hockey player, who met a tragic end, leaving the television studio on his way to speak to the Children’s Wish Foundation in 1995.
Smith attended “Camp Minwassin”, and at only 13 years old won two Best-Athlete Awards, and the Most Courteous Camper Award. He later became an outstanding camp counselor providing Campers incredible memories to last a lifetime.
Smith was an Ottawa boy who cared deeply about his city and BGC Ottawa, and always thought that children and youth benefit greatly from having easy access to sports and recreation like he did as a young person.
BGC Ottawa was always his favourite charity, and the Camp was renamed Camp Smitty to honour his many contributions to the Ottawa community.
1950s - 1990s
During the 1950s, the Boys Club built permanent cabins and a fully equipped medical lodge at “Camp Minwassin”.
In the late 1970s, coed programs were established, cabins for girls were added and the camp officially became coed in 1979.
In 1980, programs for children with special needs were offered, providing opportunities for Campers with certain physical, mental and developmental challenges to be included in the programs and to benefit from the camp experience.
During the 1990s, an exciting ropes course was installed at camp, offering low and high elements that provide superb program options for trust exercises, teamwork and personal growth.
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Camp Smitty History
We make concerted efforts to ensure that all children and families, regardless of their financial situation, feel welcome and included at Camp Smitty. We have curated a registration process that is barrier-free and will actively attempt to provide information that is supportive to the cultural and socio-economic diversity we strive to serve.
Register1920s & 1930s
In 1923, the Ottawa Boys Club opened on Laurier Avenue and Fred C. McCann, a social worker from Montreal, is appointed as Executive Director.
In 1924, “Camp Minwassin” is founded by McCann on Mink Lake. The benefits to the youth, including getting away from the city, experiencing nature and building social skills through group living are immediately evident, encouraging the continued commitment to the camping experience.
By 1936, approximately 160 boys had the opportunity to spend at least two weeks at the camp, with the Club picking up the bulk of the actual cost to attend.
1950s - 1990s
During the 1950s, the Boys Club built permanent cabins and a fully equipped medical lodge at “Camp Minwassin”.
In the late 1970s, coed programs were established, cabins for girls were added and the camp officially became coed in 1979.
In 1980, programs for children with special needs were offered, providing opportunities for Campers with certain physical, mental and developmental challenges to be included in the programs and to benefit from the camp experience.
During the 1990s, an exciting ropes course was installed at camp, offering low and high elements that provide superb program options for trust exercises, teamwork and personal growth.
2000s
In 2001, a new kitchen and dining hall opened. This beautiful, modern facility became an excellent focal point for the camp, alongside the bell… “Ding, Dong”!
Later in 2001, “Camp Minwassin” was renamed the Brian Smith Outdoor Education Centre, and the summer program became known as “Camp Smitty.”
In 2002, the Ottawa Police Youth Centre merged with BGC Ottawa to reduce costs and eliminate program duplication. Through the more effective use of Staff and by sharing resources, they are now creating opportunities for new or expanded programs and enhanced services at Camp Smitty.
Brian Smith
Brian Smith was a popular CTV Ottawa sportscaster and former NHL hockey player, who met a tragic end, leaving the television studio on his way to speak to the Children’s Wish Foundation in 1995.
Smith attended “Camp Minwassin”, and at only 13 years old won two Best-Athlete Awards, and the Most Courteous Camper Award. He later became an outstanding camp counselor providing Campers incredible memories to last a lifetime.
Smith was an Ottawa boy who cared deeply about his city and BGC Ottawa, and always thought that children and youth benefit greatly from having easy access to sports and recreation like he did as a young person.
BGC Ottawa was always his favourite charity, and the Camp was renamed Camp Smitty to honour his many contributions to the Ottawa community.
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