Camp Tapawingo has been owned and operated by YWCA Toronto for over 94 years. The Eaton family originally owned the property and donated it to the Association in 1929.

Starting in the 1990’s, we have operated in three seasons, focusing on summer camp, as well as spring and fall programming. Many of our Camp Tapawingo alumnae remain active in the life of camp. Currently we have third-generation campers whose grandmothers also spent summers at Camp Tapawingo.

Today Camp Tapawingo is undergoing a new direction to ensure camp reflects the diversity of communities across the Greater Toronto Area. You can read more about Camp Tapawingo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion here.

While at camp children share a cabin with two (2) counsellors and eight (8) campers of the same age. Each cabin has bunk beds, as well as electricity. Washrooms are located in a nearby building.

At YWCA Toronto's Camp Tapawingo keeping your child safe and healthy is our priority. All staff are trained in first aid and receive comprehensive training on all facets of their job. Fully-qualified staff supervise our activity areas at the waterfront, climbing wall, on canoe trips and in the cabins. We ensure that staff have received anti-racism training and are able to fully support a racially diverse camp body.

Our on-site health centre (Aspir-Inn) provides clinic space for our nurse and the administration of prescribed medication. We have a doctor on call at the nearby West Parry Sound Hospital. We will require medical information to be completed prior to camp.

Camp Tapawingo's staff ensure that campers have a wonderful and safe camp experience. We aim to hire staff that reflect the diversity of the Greater Toronto area to create a warm, nurturing environment for our campers. Our counsellors are selected for their leadership abilities and dedication to their campers, and many return summer after summer. We ensure qualified specialists are hired to supervise activities.

Camp Director — Joanne Dwhytie (B.A., Rec. Dip., B.Ed.)
Jo Dwhytie has been the Assistant Director at Tapawingo since 1981. Jo has been a camper, counsellor and has held many senior staff positions at Tapawingo. She is an active member of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) and an Honourary Life Member of the OCA.

“Tapawingo welcomes a diverse community of campers and staff who learn to care and share with each other. In our supportive community, campers develop skills they need now and in their futures. Campers try things they never imagined they could. They take risks and learn the qualities of good leaders – good citizens. And critically, all of this happens with tremendous joy and great fun.”
— Jo Dwhytie, Camp Director

We recognize that campers have diverse food traditions and practices. By offering a variety of meals, we aim to promote inclusion and sharing of culture through food. All meals are served family-style with campers and their counsellors eating together.

Our food service is under the supervision of a qualified cook. Food allergies and special diets can generally be accommodated if we are consulted in advance (including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free diets, as well as accommodating various food allergies).

Birthdays are celebrated with a cake for your camper and their cabin-mates.

Sample Menu

• Breakfast — cold cereal, hot cereal, toast/muffins, yogurt, fruit, orange juice, milk
• Lunch — stir fried vegetables, fried rice, spring rolls, juice and fresh fruit
• Dinner — jerk chicken, rice and peas, tossed salad and cupcakes

Yes, through our Campership program, we offer financial assistance for campers based on need. Please note that funding is limited, so early registration is essential. For more information, and to register, email camping@ywcatoronto.org.

Camp Tapawingo is proud to be an Ontario Camps Association accredited camp. This means that we voluntarily meet a set of standards concerning every aspect of our camp operation.

“Every year the girls come back relaxed and feeling wonderfully confident and independent. And I feel good that they are being so well cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.” – Janet Biehn

“Counsellors were helpful and caring during my daughter’s stay.” – Renee Lee

“I have nothing but glowing things to say about this camp. Your orientation to parents and children was outstanding. I felt very comfortable sending her after the open house. You just get an overall warm feeling about the camp and that comes from the staff. Thank you so much for everything.” – Nancy Andrews

Camp Tapawingo is located on the protected shores of Georgian Bay, 6.5 km from the town of Parry Sound.

For more information please contact our Camping Department: 416.652.9374  |  camping@ywcatoronto.org