Our Staff is our Greatest Resource!
All of our staff have significant training and experience and strong backgrounds in the leadership of children and youth, and are committed to a safe, caring, and fun-filled camp experience.
Many of our staff are graduates of Leadership Development Camp - a training program run through 3 collective United Church Residential Camps. Each year, a great number return to camp to continue our traditions and positive camp experiences.
Most importantly, all staff take pride in individualizing all activities to suit the needs and abilities of their campers. All staff are certified and trained in First Aid, CPR and injury prevention, and are committed to the emotional and physical development of each and every camper.
Our Health Care Coordinator is a experienced first aiders, with additional emergency or health training, who supervises our health care centre (aka the MED SHED), the distribution of medication, and assist in promoting a safe and healthy camp environment. An on call physician in Simcoe offers guidance to our onsite staff when needed.
Trained Lifeguards supervise our Waterfront. We have 4 guards posted on each swim at the Campʼs Waterfront - at least 2 hold their NLS (National Lifeguarding Service) certificates and the other 2 hold a minimum of Bronze Cross. All our lifeguards hold a minimum of Standard First Aid.
Meet some our Camp Leadership Staff...
Cam and Cheryl Fraser
Cam Fraser reluctantly attended a Leaders in Training program in 1994: at the time he wanted nothing to do with camp or working with children. He changed his mind within the first week and has spent every summer since working at camp. He has worked for the Town of Milton, North Toronto YMCA and Trent Summer Sports Camp as a Counsellor, Mountain Bike Instructor, Section Head, Canoe Trip Leader and Site Supervisor. Just before coming to Ryerson, Cam designed and implemented the LIT Program at Trent Summer Sports Camp at Trent University - probably his proudest camp accomplishment. Cam came to Ryerson in 2007 as an Assistant Director and took over the Director role for the 2008 season. Over 17 camping seasons Cam has learned to combine innovative programming, a focus on safety with healthy child development knowledge and a love of creation and Christian Faith formation. Cam is a certified first aider and spent several years as a First Aid Instructor for the Red Cross. Cam has a BA in English Literature and a B.Ed, he has taught High School and Middle School and currently spends the off-season working as an Associate Minister for St. Paulʼs United Church in Milton. As the Camp Director Cam offers overall leadership to the Camp, supporting the whole staff and all Program Areas. Most importantly, Cam is married to Cheryl Fraser!
Cheryl Fraser began her Camping ministry in 1995 as a Counsellor at Day Camps run by her Church in St. Thomas, Ontario. After High School, Cheryl attended Summit Bible College in Muskoka earning a Certificate in Christian Leadership and Outdoor Pursuits. She then worked for Moorelandʼs Residential Camp for children from inner city Toronto where she served as a Sr. Counsellor, Canoe Trip Leader and Section Head. Cheryl spent one summer in Northwestern Saskatchewan co-Directing Pine Ridge Bible Camp for First Nation youth. She has recently been an Outdoor Educator and Program Instructor at Kinark Outdoor Centre and has served at Ryerson Camp since 2008 as a Youth Camp Counsellor, Wilderness Specialist and Assistant Director. Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Social Work and spends the off-season working as a Social Worker, several years of her career has been spent working with children and youth. She and Cam live downtown Milton, Ontario.
Nikki "Nicole" Hunter
Nikki Hunter who hails from Port Elgin Ontario joins the Leadership team this season as out Assistant Director supporting Wilderness Programs. A graduate of Leadership Development Camp, Nikki is a veteran of Ryerson Camp having worked as a Counsellor, Assistant Wilderness Section Head and Head Lifeguard. Nikki is a certified first aider and lifeguard with a NLS (National Lifeguard Service), Red Cross Instructor, AED and First Responder certificate. Nikki attends the Concurrent Education Program at Trent University in Peterborough where she working towards a BA in French and History and B.Ed in teaching. Nikki is an avid musician - she loves to play the piano, guitar and sing.
