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Wilvaken
Magog, Quebec, J1X 3W2
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Type:Overnight camp
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Focus:Traditional (multi activity)
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Cost:$2,450/2 weeks
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Ages:6 to 15
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Gender:Coed
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Main language:English, French
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Capacity:100
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Programs:
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Summary Profile
About Wilvaken
A third generation family-run camp est. 1958, Wilvaken offers a wide variety of free-choice waterfront and landsport activities in a bilingual environment. Campers visit us from Quebec, Ontario and internationally. We are proud of the sense of community and connection in our Eastern Townships setting, remembered by our families for years. Be a part of Wilvaken this year - a summer to discover you!
- Special needs: Not available
- LGBTQ+ friendly community
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
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Programs, Rates & Dates
Programs and Sessions Calendar
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Wilvaken currently has 3 programs available.
Filter activities available:
Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 6 - 8
Traditional (multi activity)$1,010 to $1,050Magog, QC
241 chm. WillisJul 26-Aug 01 $1,010 - $1,050 Magog, QC
241 chm. WillisAug 01-07 $1,010 - $1,050 Magog, QC
241 chm. WillisAug 08-14 $1,010 - $1,050 Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 8 - 15
Traditional (multi activity)$2,330 to $2,450Magog, QC
241 chm. WillisJul 26-Aug 07 $2,330 - $2,450 Magog, QC
241 chm. WillisAug 08-21 $2,330 - $2,450 Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 8 - 15
Traditional (multi activity)$4,150 to $4,360Magog, QC
241 chm. WillisJul 26-Aug 21 $4,150 - $4,360
Financial Aid & Payment Details
Payment Options:
Deposit required with acceptance Yes Discounts
Discount for 2nd child 5% Discount for 3rd child 10% Discount for 4th child 10% -
Insider Reviews & Perspectives
The Our Kids review of Wilvaken
Located in the Eastern Townships, Wilvaken offers a close-knit, traditional camp experience. Now directed by Lara Willis, the third generation of her family to head up the camp, it has had a long and very consistent leadership that remains true to the initial goals for the facility. When you arrive you feel that you’ve entered an ordered, welcoming, and safe environment, and indeed you have. Families are drawn to that, as well as the values that form the basis of the program. The camp maintains a bilingual environment, which is a draw as well, allowing campers to continue their language learning while experiencing different cultures. Days are active, and evenings quiet, calm, and centered around friendship, fellowship, and the core traditions of the camp, including a candle-lit walk on the second to final night of each session. It's fun, with all the skill-building and exercise that you should expect, though there's a bit of magic here, too.
Visit camp's website
Editor's Review
Editor’s Top 3: Wilvaken
Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at Wilvaken
User reviews of Wilvaken — Read all 4 reviews
Thank you from Spain
Marta & Ignasi (Parent)Dear Lara, We wanted to write to you to thank you sincerely for all you have done for Marc and Jana throughout the past 4 weeks they were at Wilvaken. They came back home very very happy, with many great memories, havi... Read More
First time parent
Sarah (Parent)Thank you for running such an amazing camp! My son, Matt (session J2), had the most amazing experience. He’s tried new activities, made some wonderful friends and improved his french. He seems a lot more independent too... Read More
Can I stay longer?
Elin (Parent)Thanks so much! Sarah had a fabulous time and will be signing up for next year. I also wanted to thank you for running such an amazing camp! Sarah had never been to a camp longer than 4 nights before and so it was a big... Read More
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Location & Site Details
Address
241 chm. Willis, Magog, Quebec, J1X 3W2, Canada
Busing
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Wilvaken Bus (Bus fee: 47 one-way or $80 round-trip)
Location Address Pick up Drop off Westmount High 4350 Saint-Catherine Street, Westmount, QC, Canada 9:00 am 12:00 pm
Accommodations
Sleeping Accommodations
- Cabins
Amenities
- Electricity in Sleeping Area
Washrooms Facilities
- Flush Toilets
- Showers (indoor)
More details about accommodations: Simple accommodations - 8 to 10 campers with a counsellor in every cabin - Bunk beds and storage drawers for each camper.
Are meals provided? Yes
Is Wilvaken technology free? Yes Here is a place where kids can get away from it all! We live in an "unplugged" natural environment that helps our children reconnect with nature. Take advantage of the beauty and life experiences that surround you.
Property Details
Sports facilities
- Archery Range
- Basketball Court
- Soccer Field
- Tennis Court(s)
Landscape
- Beach
- Forested Area
- Lake/Pond/River
- Nature Trails
- Open Field
More details about property: 100 acres of woodland and waterfront property! Wilvaken has maintained its natural environment so that campers feel, hear and live in the surrounding nature.
Rentals & Services
Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
Spring time outdoor education programs include trail walks, archery, fire building, survival skills, canoeing and ecology. Explore the outdoors with your students in our camp setting! Wilvaken staff members run activities that are educational, with an emphasis on appreciating the great outdoors.
Available for private rentals: Yes
Wilvaken has hosted weddings, scout groups, university weekends away. When you rent, we guarantee that the site is reserved entirely for you. Fall and Spring rentals available.
Associations
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Wilvaken Bus (Bus fee: 47 one-way or $80 round-trip)
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What's New
Director's Message
Maya, Dave and Lara Willis, Directors
Wilvaken is in its third generation as a family-owned camp. Started in 1958 by Dave's parents, the camp philosophy from the very beginning was to embrace the natural environment, while living in a small community. The opportunity to develop independence and nurture lifelong skills and friendships has always been a common theme in Wilvaken's approach to camp life.
Maya and Dave have been co-directors and owners since 1985, having taken over from Dave's parents at that time. Dave was involved with Wilvaken from the very beginning, when he helped build the first cabins on the property. He went on to being a staff member there and at other camps from the mid-1960's to the early 1970's. He then followed a career in computer software development before returning to Wilvaken. Maya was a Respiratory Therapist for several years, formerly department head at a hospital in Montreal and was also active in camping prior to joining Dave. When they took over Wilvaken in 1985, Maya made this her full time occupation and has become the camp mom.
Lara joined her parents as co-director in the summer of 2016 after having spent most of her childhood summers trying every activity at Wilvaken. Lara completed her Bachelor of Education degree at Bishop's University in June 2014. She discovered that time spent as both camper and counsellor allowed her to develop new skills as a teacher and adapt to the classroom in a way that might not have otherwise been possible. Her goal is to work with youth to encourage independent thinking and a sense of learning in everyday life.
Lara believes that learning can happen both in and out of the classroom; Wilvaken's values of community, cooperation, independence and inter-dependence go hand in hand with her approach to teaching.
As co-director, she hopes to instill these values in both the staff and campers at Camp Wilvaken. She is looking forward to seeing Wilvaken from a new perspective and help it move into the future.
In the News
September 24, 2018
Celebrating 60 years at Wilvaken!
Now in its 3rd generation as a family run camp, Wilvaken celebrated its 60th anniversary this past September!... Read More
May 2, 2016
Exciting News!!
Canadian Camping Association Award of Excellence... Read More
December 1, 2015
Lara Willis New Co-Director
The new year will see a change in our administration - we are happy to announce that Lara Willis will be joining us as co-director... Read More
Stories
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Hear it from our staff
I spent 11 summers on the shores of Lake Lovering. Three as a camper and eight as a counsellor. The days before the beginning of camp were always very exciting and never diminished during the many years I was at camp. Even today, 8 years, 10 months, 4 days and 13 hours after my official departure from the camp, each June I cannot stop thinking that another summer is beginning at Wilvaken. Even today 8 years later (and more), I reminisce with the same friends with whom I carried a garbage bag and a spatula for Talent Night!..(translated from French) - Marc, camper and staff
It is a wonderful feeling to know that you are all sitting around the campfire this evening, to start off another Wilvaken summer. Wilvaken is such a magical place, a place where people from all over the world come together to enjoy the summer. Wilvaken is truly a home away from home. It is a friendly, comfortable, secure place with so many friendly smiling faces. Although I never had the opportunity to be a camper at Wilvaken, I was fortunate to be a staff member for a few summers. I have to admit that when I first arrived, I had no intention of staying for many summers. I remember telling Dave that I liked to experience new things and that I never stayed in one place for a long time. Well, 6 summers later, I reluctantly said goodbye to summers at Wilvaken. The magical, warm feeling of Wilvaken kept me coming back year after year. - Michele, staff
“Being Italy's counsellor this past month has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I remember being a camper in Italy in 2012 and how much that summer meant to me and I never ever thought I could have another Italy experience that would compare to that summer. Yet here I am now, nearly 20 years old, and the girls I had the pleasure of spending the last weeks with have made me relive my most precious memories in this cabin.... Wilvaken has a habit of bringing the most incredible, kind, genuine people together and I'm thankful everyday I have this place to call home.” -Alicia, camper, CIT, staff
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Hear it from our parents
"I just wanted to say a big thank you from all of us. The boys had a phenomenal time at camp. The drive from Magog to Toronto was an almost non-stop recounting of camp activities, events and people. Both boys have been camping for several years but Paul and I don't remember this level of enthusiasm before. Our congratulations to you and your staff on an excellent job. When we asked the boys what the biggest difference was between Wilvaken and previous camp experiences, they said that it was the people connection. They loved the programmes and the riding especially but it was the sense that they got to know everyone and made good friends in a very short period of time. They are both eagerly talking about next summer." - First year parents of two boys (11 and 13)
"We think very highly of Wilvaken. [My daughter] has enjoyed every moment at the Camp and has made some close friends that she remains in touch with and meets with when visiting Canada.
Access to sailing, canoeing, water skiing and camping are all activities that I had a chance to do as a kid. As a proud Canadian living abroad, I was keen for [my daughter] to experience those same activities on a lake in Canada. Wilvaken came highly recommended and fit the bill." - Parent of a 15 year old girl
"She enjoyed the children in her cabin as well as other children that she met through the various activities. [My daughter] really appreciated having the freedom to choose her activities. She enjoyed the size of the grounds as well as the number of campers. [My daughter] thrives in smaller communities and looks forward to returning next year. She enjoyed everything at camp. We are very likely to recommend Wilvaken." - First year camp parent from 2016
"My kids are thrilled with their camp experience. A 10 from both - they loved their time at Wilvaken and are already building the case to spend 1 month there next year!" - Parent of two children- boy (13) and girl (10)
"I was very impressed by the camp, the staff and the activities. It is definitely a camp with a lot of spirit and camaraderie. My son went very unwilling at the beginning and left wanting to go back for 4 weeks and as he said, 'I had the time of my life.' " - Parent of first time camper (boy, 13)
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Hear it from our campers
“When I came here in 2010, I had no idea the kind of impact this place would have on my life. I truly have met my best friends here. Not only people who inspire and amuse me, but people who I'm 100% sure have changed me for the better. I know that I am a different person because of this place.... I've watched my [twin] sister come out of her shell in 2 weeks more than I ever have in her entire life. Wilvaken has also given me the confidence to leave and go out into the world with a different perspective. I don't know how Wilvaken managed to gather the most funny, kind, genuine and best people in the world, but I can definitely say that this place has changed me for the better and made me who I am today.” -Margaret, camper 2010-2016
“I don't know how to capture what has happened to me over the course of five years at Wilvaken, but I know for sure that it is more than the sailing or the theme days, or anything else; it cannot be summed up by the word fun. I don't know just where I'm going, and I'm scared, but this place takes me away like no person or song ever will be able to, and I thank it for that.” - Henri, camper 2006-2010
"HEY EVERYBODY! I had the best time at camp this year and I'm going to keep on coming back every year because I love Wilvy so much. It's fun being there with my best friends. When I first heard about Wilvaken from my friends, I was a little scared then I got there and it was like my second home. I can't wait till next year!" -Leigh, camper
“My experience at this camp was amazing. It gave me the opportunity to make new friends from other countries and I'm still in contact with some. It also gave me the chance to experience new things and develop new skills. Being part of the India [cabin] boys is an honour and each member has taught me different aspects that might even change my life, some may apply outside of camp. In the cabin India, a bond was created between each camper. It's called brotherhood. From now on, I consider them as brothers, which I will never forget.” - Vandad, camper 2013-2016
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Hear it from our staff
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The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in Wilvaken. They will be in touch with you shortly.
Thank you for using Our Kids.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in Wilvaken. They will send you information about this session:
Questions about Wilvaken?
