About The 50 Acre Wood

Our Mission and Values

The 50 Acre Wood Day Camp Project is a unique leadership opportunity for teens who are interested in working with younger children.

The programs are completely designed and run by the camp counsellors who are overseen by the administration of Elmwood Community School.

It's a great way to help both the campers and counsellors have a fun and enriching experience outdoors throughout the summer months, and we are so happy to be able to offer this to our community.

Meet Gemma

CAMP DIRECTOR

Gemma de Vries is a 16 year old kid who loves camp! Gemma has been attending summer camp since she was 8 years old. She describes camp as "The highlight of her life" and she wants to share that with other kids too.

Gemma has completed her Leadership in Training as well as her Junior Programming course for camp counselling through Silver Lake Camp. She experienced two summers of overnight counselling as well.

Gemma is a natural leader and honour role student. She also runs a tutoring business for elementary aged children helping them gain strong literacy skills.

She is hoping to continue doing amazing summer camp programming as she finishes up high school. She aspires to work with children in a large capacity as she moves into her adult life.

Our Mission

At 50 Acre Wood, our mission is to create a joyful outdoor summer camp experience where children feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves. Inspired by the magic of traditional overnight camp, we cultivate friendship, imagination, and a deep connection to nature through playful adventures and shared experiences that become lasting memories.

Our Values

Our vision is to create a day camp where youth leadership and childhood wonder come together—empowering teens to lead with confidence and responsibility, while providing younger children with a joyful, safe, and meaningful outdoor experience rooted in play, connection, and discovery.

Safety First

Our camps are led by carefully selected teens who have demonstrated strong responsibility, leadership, and a genuine commitment to providing a positive experience for every camper. Each leader has prior experience working with younger children and is supported in their role to ensure a safe and engaging environment.

All camp activities and daily schedules are reviewed and approved by the administrators of Elmwood Community School. In addition, a school administrator is always present on the property during camp hours to provide oversight, guidance, and an added layer of safety for all participants.

Inclusivity and Respect

We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful camp environment where every child feels safe, valued, and welcomed. We celebrate individual differences and encourage kindness, empathy, and cooperation in all interactions. Our leaders model positive behavior and ensure that all campers are treated with dignity and respect, fostering a community where everyone belongs.

Environmental Stewardship

Spending our days in nature, we teach campers to appreciate, respect, and care for the environment around them. Through exploration and guided activities, children learn that even small actions can make a meaningful difference in protecting the natural world.

Personal Growth

Camp is a place where children grow—not just in skills, but in confidence and character. We gently encourage campers (and counsellors) to try new things, take healthy risks, and celebrate their progress, helping them discover what they are capable of.

Fun and Adventure

We believe that fun and adventure are at the heart of a meaningful camp experience. Through imaginative play, outdoor exploration, and engaging group activities, campers are encouraged to be curious, try new things, and fully enjoy the magic of being in nature.