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WELCOME TO KINTAIL!

Over 95 years of summer camp

For over ninety five years Camp Kintail has had the wonderful privilege and opportunity of serving thousands of children, youth, campers and guests of all ages. The ministry of Camp Kintail has touched and changed lives by being faithful to the gospel and introducing people to the rewards and challenges of living in Christian community.

It is our pleasure to celebrate successful summer programs, full camps, energetic campers and dedicated staff. It continues to be our privilege to offer a classic summer camping program providing the opportunity to talk about God in a natural setting, to play hard, to meet lifelong friends, and to be affirmed in the love of God.

The small group experience at Kintail emphasizes co-operative living, team work and individual excellence. All campers gain a greater understanding and acceptance of diversity and respect for others and their community. Young people gain an important sense of belonging to a group in an emotionally secure and safe setting.

Exceptional year-round hospitality

Camp Kintail isn't just a summer destination—it's a year-round retreat centre offering a wide range of experiences for all kinds of guests. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate retreat, a school field trip, or a private event, the camp's stunning natural setting is perfect for any occasion.

Camp Kintail provides unique opportunities to develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences in every season. From the beach and high challenge course in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter, staff and participants gain invaluable experience that stretch across a variety of activities and environments. It's a place where personal growth and community-building thrive.

Guests can always expect great food, comfortable accommodations, friendly and helpful staff, and a great visit to Kintail no matter the season!

Territorial Acknowledgement

We acknowledge with gratitude the traditional territory upon which we live, work, and camp. Camp Kintail is on the traditional territory of the Saugeen First Nation. Treaty 45 1/2 of 1836 covers the area of Camp Kintail. We acknowledge this territory’s significance for the Indigenous peoples who lived, and continue to live, upon it and whose practices and spiritualities were tied to the land and continue to develop in relationship to the territory and its other inhabitants today.

We acknowledge that The Presbyterian Church in Canada has been a part of the residential school system. Camp Kintail, with the Presbyterian Church, seeks a new relationship with the First Nations of this land, one based in honour and deep respect.

Our Neighbours: Saugeen First Nation

A Brief History of Residential Schools and the PCC’s Healing and Reconciliation Efforts

The Confession of The Presbyterian Church in Canada

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Our Mission

Our Philosophy

Camp Kintail joyfully responds to God’s call by providing Christian hospitality and programming, forming a community where people play, live, and grow in God’s creation.

The GROW Philosophy:

God – Are we putting God first?

Responsible – Are we being responsible and safe?

Outdoors – Are we enjoying and taking care of God’s creation?

Welcome – Are we being welcoming to everyone?

Our Values

Our Vision

Safety – Kintail is a secure place, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Play, fun, and joy – We are at our best when we work together joyfully, and play together

enthusiastically.

Inclusion – We strive to include and honour everyone, regardless of background, abilities, or affiliation.

Growth and Learning – Persons are encouraged to learn new skills, grow in their relationships, and utilize their gifts.

Excellence – Whatever we do, we do to the best of our ability, and we strive too continually improve how we do things.

Stewardship – We make decisions which help all care for the world God has made.

We foster and reinforce Faith in God

All are invited to and strengthened in their relationship with God.

We are a Worshiping Community

All that we do at Kintail brings us together in a community that joins with Creation in praising God.

We Focus on campers and guests

We are wholly committed to being attentive to the needs of our campers and guests and make those our priority.

We Build up the Body of Christ

Our community is dispersed throughout the world, in ways that make a positive difference in local communities and congregations.

We cultivate and strengthen Leadership

Our community and our programs prepare and send leaders into the church and for the sake of the world.

Meet our Directors, Full-time Staff & Camp Board

Rev. Theresa McDonald-Lee & Johnathon Lee

Co-Executive Directors

Rev. Theresa McDonald-Lee and Johnathon Lee began their work as the Co-Executive Directors of Camp Kintail in November 2007. Theresa is a long time Kintail camper, LIT, and staff member. She attended the first Kintail Family Camp as a three year old and has spent part of every summer at camp since that first experience. Theresa filled several roles on the camp staff including Counsellor, Lifeguard, On-site Out-tripper, Leader in Training Resource Counsellor, and Assistant Director. She then spent three years as the Director of Presbyterian Camp Douglas in British Columbia. Theresa has an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Trent University with a joint major of Environmental Resource Studies and Women’s Studies. She has a Masters of Divinity degree from the Vancouver School of Theology. From 2002 to 2007, Theresa served as the minister of Knox Presbyterian Church, Monkton and Knox Presbyterian Church, Cranbrook. Johnathon is a University of Guelph Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business Administration graduate. He worked at the Royal Bank for seven years. As a child, Johnathon attended Camp Bimini, and then spent a summer working at Camp Kintail. When Theresa and Johnathon were out west, Johnathon served as the Administrator at Camp Douglas. Returning to Ontario, he worked at the Royal Bank for seven years in the area of agriculture. Together, Johnathon and Theresa are raising their three beautiful children Jay, Lucy, and Anna.

Christin Gillard

Associate Director - Communications & Events

Christin “Hydra” Gillard is the Associate Director at Camp Kintail, where she oversees camp communications and manages on-site events. Since first arriving at Kintail during the exciting groundbreaking of the Nest, she has loved being part of the camp community and contributing to its growth. Christin holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Media Communications and a Diploma in Media Studies. Originally from Mount Brydges, Ontario, she grew up attending North Caradoc Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Strathroy, where she served as a ruling Elder until she completed high school. At Kintail, Christin brings her energy, creativity, and leadership to registration, communications, and event management, ensuring that every guest and camper feels connected and welcomed.

Christina Walach

Summer Camp Director

Christina first joined the Camp Kintail team in 2016, serving in a variety of roles over the years including Camp Counsellor, Arts & Crafts Director, Day Camp Coordinator, and Assistant Summer Camp Director. After several impactful summers helping shape camper and staff experiences, she stepped away in 2022 to move out West for a few years with her husband. In 2025, she returned to Kintail as Summer Camp Director, bringing with her a deep understanding of camp culture and leadership. As Summer Camp Director, Christina is passionate about mentoring staff and creating an environment where young leaders discover their strengths and grow into confident young adults. She believes camp is a place where transformation happens - not just for campers, but for staff as well. Outside of camp life, Christina enjoys hiking and spending meaningful time with family and friends. Nothing beats a snack and board game night with the people you love!

Fern Johnson

Camper Care Coordinator & Hospitality Facilitator

Fern "Onion' Johnson has worked at Camp Kintail through the summers and has enhanced the community life of the camp year round. They provide resources to counsellors to ensure the highest level of care of campers with exceptionalities and additional needs while providing mentorship for the staff themselves.

Harry "Pigeon" Carey

Mark Mertens & Tracy Archibald-Mertens

Kitchen Managers & Housekeeper

Mark “Lobo” Mertens grew up near Peggy’s Cove Nova Scotia, but moved back to Ontario in 1989. He has worked in the Food Services industry for more than 37 Years, with 20 of those in the Camp and Conference Centre setting. While in Nova Scotia, he attended the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology and earned his degree in Food Services Technology. Mark developed his skills in university residences and restaurants, and received the Red Seal Certification in 1996. Working in the catering business, he had time to work in summer camps for summer, both large scale and specialized (Easter Seals). In 1997,Mark was approached by Fair Havens Ministries to become their Food Services Manager and Executive Chef, working there for 18 years in that capacity. Tracy “Luciolle” Archibald-Mertens started cooking at the Holiday Inn, working closely with the chef for 2 years. She then moved on to try different job opportunities such as accounts payable and receiving, cashier, and started her own cleaning business. 5 years later she worked as a lead hand overseeing a team of 10 at Schneider Foods. Tracy learned her passion for cooking and decided to work at a few restaurants and was given an opportunity to take over a restaurant as her own; a great opportunity to begin a new adventure. That new adventure gave her great satisfaction for her love of cooking. It was there that Tracy met Mark (Lobo) and fell in love. With that love and a great opportunity to move on to something new, Tracy came to work at Camp Kintail married Mark. She is now living happily ever after.

Becca "Myrtle" Reid

Interim Outdoor Education Director

Becca “Myrtle” Reid is the Outdoor Education Director at Camp Kintail. Originally from Dundee, Scotland, she first joined the camp team in 2024 and has since served as both a counsellor and Program Director. An elementary school teacher with an MA in Education, Becca brings extensive experience working with children of all ages. Passionate about outdoor learning, she believes Camp Kintail provides the ideal setting to foster meaningful relationships, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills. Through her leadership, enthusiasm, and care, Becca is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for every camper.

Chris Bridgwater

Director of Adventure-Based Learning

Chris “Eldur” Bridgwater is the Director of Adventure-Based Learning at Kintail! His first experience with camp was the summer of 2010 at Camp Westminister in Michigan. He spent the next 6 summers doing a variety of jobs – from Head Counsellor to Media Specialist and Expedition Coordinator. In 2019 Eldur joined the team at Camp Kintail as one of our Leader In Training Resource Counsellors (L.I.T. R.C.). Eldur enjoys rock climbing, cooking over a fire, and well – pretty much anything outdoors! If you are trying to find him, he can usually be found at the High Challenge Course with his Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever Rolo. Eldur encourages campers and staff to learn new skills and empowers them to grow.

Anabelle "Ginkgo" Brown

Lindsey Raymond

Office Manager& Registrar Copy

Hi, my name is Lindsey "Aura" Raymond, from Lucknow, Ontario. I’m the Office Manager at Camp Kintail, where I help keep things running smoothly by answering phones, helping with questions, and booking Sunday Supper reservations. I enjoy being a friendly point of contact for campers, families, and staff. When I’m not in the office, you’ll often find me outside tending to the flower beds and helping keep camp looking its best. I love being part of the Camp Kintail community!

Jill "Kowari" Fergusson

Wedding and Rental Coordinator

Jill first arrived at camp in 1991 as a family camper, alongside her parents—both proud Kintail alumni. She earned the title of “problem camper” early on… and while that streak remains, she now channels it professionally. Since joining staff in 2005, Jill has served as a counsellor, Arts & Crafts Director, and the camp’s first Rock Wall Director. After 14 years away as an alumni, she has returned as Wedding and Rental Coordinator, proving that some connections to camp are simply too strong to leave behind. Jill holds a Diploma in Visual Arts from Fanshawe College and an Honours BFA from the University of Windsor, with additional studies in horticulture at the University of Guelph and Mohawk College. Originally from Burlington, she grew up attending Knox Presbyterian Church. Outside of work, Jill likes to be creative and connected to the outdoors—whether through art, a good book, or time by the water—she is often in the company of her beloved golden retriever “Finn”.

Dean "Wind" Morris

Site Manager

Dean “Wind” Morrison first came to Kintail attending Pyps Events. During the ‘90’s he spent many summers in a variety of positions. Dean met his wife (The beautiful Sarah) at Kintail and were married at camp in 2000. They have 2 outstanding children Thomas (Gust) and Norah (Gale). While pursuing a career in manufacturing packaging machinery as a licenced machinist, Dean stayed connected to Kintail attending family camps and assisting with staff interviews. Kintail is where Dean discovered music. Singing and playing guitar has been a tremendous source of comfort and inspiration. Dean is a long-time member at Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church and is active with their choir & praise team. He enjoys canoeing, camping, mountain biking and teaching downhill skiing.

Daniel Hoogsteen

Development & Outreach Co-ordinator

Daniel 'Digit' Hoogsteen was first on Kintail staff as a counsellor in 2017. Since then, he has studied for degrees in physics and library science at the University of Toronto. Daniel also spent 2023-24 working as the Faith Formation Coordinator at the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Toronto. His father, grandfather, and uncle were all Presbyterian ministers, but he has no (current) plans to attend seminary. Daniel is joined at camp by his cat Frankenstein

Board of Directors

The Camp Board works year-round to further the ministry and mission of Camp Kintail. The board is responsible for the financial oversight of the camp and the policies and procedures that guide the work of the camp. The board members commit to supporting the camp financially, prayerfully, and through their time and skills. They represent the Presbyterian Church throughout the Synod and include both lay and clergy members.

Each year the board and Camp Directors report to the Synod of Southwestern Ontario. The Report for 2021 can be read here: Synod Report – 2023

Lela Burt (London Presbytery)

Rebecca Park (Lambton West Middlesex)

Rev. Rob Congram (Huron Perth Presbytery)

Katherine St. Louis (Waterloo Wellington Presbytery)

Allison Podio (Hamilton Presbytery)

Spencer Edwards (Hamilton Presbytery)

Rev. Michelle Butterfield-Kocis (London Presbytery)

Shaunna MacQuarrie (Niagara Presbytery)

Rev. Jeff Crawford (London Presbytery)

Anna McIntosh (Huron-Perth Presbytery)