This summer at Camp Kintail - 2026
Updated: Sep 17
"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
This summer, Kintail was able to provide a space for learning, friendship, and play for thousands of children and young adults- and we couldn’t have asked for anything to have been bettter!
The beach was truly beautiful, and safely facilitated by an experienced team of life guards and waterfront supervisors. Every single day, every camper goes to the beach. Whether they choose to romp and jump on the aquamat, or read and make bracelets in the hammock chairs- there’s a perfect spot for every interest and energy level breathing the fresh air and listening to the waves.
It was wonderful to see the new mini putt course in use, it’s such a perfect way to chat with your friends in the shade on a hot summer day. The classic Kintail activities like archery, slide, slingshot, fire-building, bannock-making, fort-building, and arts and crafts all were hits!
The evening program at Kintail has brought back skits at dinner, and weekly themes! Banners depicting castles, the wild west, and more were put up each week in MacDonald Lodge with crafts thoughtfully chosen to match. Camp Wide Games featured villains and heroes with their costumes and personas to weave all of the magic and fun together.
FLASH focused on wearing love. Being so kind and caring for your neighbours and friends that anyone could see that love is the primary force in your actions and words. Campers chanted with enthusiasm at Chapel, and shared their thoughts on what it meant to wear love in their cabin groups during Faith, Learning, and SHaring. Volunteer chaplains were at camp each week to help explore life’s bigger questions, and provide leadership in the skits and stories shared- thank you to everyone who helped make God feel like a friend this summer.
Feathers cottage was open all day and all night when campers or staff needed help. Whether it was to investigate a bump or bruise, provide a bandaid, answer a question, or offer a hug- the team of Health Care Professionals helped keep everyone safe and cared for in big and small ways all summer long. Administering medications, assessing concerns, and helping to determine the best course moving forward is no small task, and Kintail wouldn’t be Kintail without the hard work and kind hearts of these knowledgable volunteers.
Everywhere you look there’s a flurry of activity- but the Kintail kitchen is always buzzing! Baking, snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and campfire treats- none of it appears by magic, even though sometimes it might feel that way. The team of chefs and staff who take their turn keeping things chopped and tidy is so important all year long. If you’ve come to Camp Kintail, the food is always a highlight- it is such a joy to make sure everyone has enough food at the table and in their tummies after a long day.
The look of pride that a camper gives you when they tell you they made it all the way to the red chairs at the top of the rock wall always leads to a crisp high five and an impressed “Wow, great job!” Some of the best moments are between the staff directly belaying a camper who makes it just a little higher than last time, but was so scared and is so glad they tried again.
The hugs and sometimes tears when campers say goodbye at the end of the week is one of the most cup-filling things a person could see after all of the work and organization it takes to have so many children and staff at Kintail. Camp is different from school or sports, you don’t have to be good at anything to feel valued. You don’t have to contribute or prove your worth. Just be here. Enjoy what you do. Be kind to each other, and all of the most important things fall into place. This summer was magical- each part of camp led by people who cared and made a difference, and each tiny pocket of the property filled with giggles, whispered stories, prayers, and thankfulness.
As campers return to their desks and continue on their academic journeys- Kintail will welcome school trips, community organizations, corporate retreats, bands, crafters, and more. We’ll fill the calendar and the site with people, but our hearts will be counting down the days until July, when we look forward to welcoming everyone back all over again.
