Introducing your 2023 Staff

Ron, Program Director, Facilities Manager & Programmer

Ron is an essential part of the MKDC team who is ready to take on his 9th summer at camp! Known for his EPIC programs, Ron takes creativity to a new level. From exciting games to new twists to camp classics, there’s a strong chance Ron was involved in making it happen. As our Program Director, Ron is responsible for the quality control of all programming (including special events) and in the off-season, many campers may see his familiar face as an educator at local schools.

Emma, Assistant Director & Programmer

Emma is returning for her 9th summer at MKDC! As our Assistant Director, Emma is responsible for many different things that make camp run smoothly, from our FIREFLY program to our campfire bead tradition, and so much more. Emma is known for her creative programming, attention to detail, and knowledge of all things camp. In the off-season Emma works as an elementary teacher with the UCDSB. She holds a BA in Child and Youth Care and an MA in Child Study and Education, and brings a wealth of knowledge on working with children and youth to our camp team!

Gethyn, Heartwood Cabin Leader & Spirit Leader

Gethyn is returning for his 5th summer at MKDC to the role he loves the most, Heartwood Cabin Leader. Gethyn brings an energy like no other to camp every day and is known for his ability to build relationships and connect with our older campers. In the off-season Gethyn works as a professional drummer and barista. Welcome back Gethyn!

Brad, Saplings Cabin Leader & Lifeguard

Brad is returning for this 3rd summer at MKDC as our Saplings Cabin Leader. Brad is known for his safety-conscious mindset, attention to detail, and how carefully he looks out for others around him. As one of our lifeguards, you will often find Brad on the water with a group of kids paddling up a storm. Brad is a dedicated student who plans to pursue ConEd and Science with a focus in Kinesiology next year at Queen’s University. Welcome back Brad!

Ashley, Program Support

After many years as a camper and coming up through the ranks of Firefly, Ashley is returning for her 2nd staff summer at MKDC. This year Ashley is taking on a new role, supporting campers and helping to bring our creative programs to life. Known for her enthusiasm and camp dance skills, we are excited to welcome Ashley back again this summer!

Emma, Heartwood Cabin Leader

We are thrilled to welcome Emma back for her 2nd summer at MKDC!  As the other half of the Heartwood cabin leader team, Emma is known for her ability to support others around her and build strong relationships with her campers. Emma always has a smile on her face and brings a positive perspective to everything she does. Welcome back Emma!

Graham, Guest Programmer

We are excited to welcome Graham back part-time for his 2nd summer at MKDC! Full of passion for all things Arts, Graham is enthusiastic to create fun experiences and awesome memories this summer at camp. During the school year he works as an Ontario Certified Teacher and private music educator. Graham loves making and eating delicious food, spending his time exploring the outdoors, and playing the flute making music with friends. Welcome back Graham!

Mikayla, Programmer

We are excited to welcome Mikayla to her first summer at MKDC! Mikayla will be working as a programmer, bringing fun and creative activities to campers. Mikayla loves the outdoors and working out. She is looking forward to meeting all the lovely campers this summer. Welcome to the team Mikayla!

Oliver, Programmer

This is Oliver’s first year at MKDC and we are thrilled to add another musician to our 2023 staff team! Oliver has a deep passion for music and is working on his first music project. He is looking forward to spending lots of time outside this summer and getting to know all the wonderful people at camp. Welcome to the team Oliver!

Katie, Sprouts Cabin Leader

In her first year at MKDC, Katie is joining our team as one of our Sprouts Cabin Leaders. A 3rd year Concurrent Education student at Brock University, Katie enjoys going to the gym, visual arts, and nature. She is looking forward to spending the summer outside and making some lasting memories. Welcome to the team Katie! 

Jaime, Sprouts Cabin Leader

We are excited to welcome Jaime in her first year at MKDC. Jaime will be one of our Sprouts Cabin Leaders this summer! Outside of camp, Jaime enjoys playing hockey and doing theatre. She is looking forward to the energy of camp and is excited to meet everyone at MKDC. Welcome to the team Jaime!

Chante, Shoots Cabin Leader

This is Chante’s first summer at MKDC and she will be our Shoots Cabin Leader! Outside of camp, Chante enjoys sailing and she is looking forward to creating amazing summer memories with her campers. Welcome to the team Chante!

2023 Camp Calendar

Please bear in mind that posted schedules are always considered drafts during the spring set up time –
adjustments may be made to accommodate any changes to staffing, supply availability, etc.

Camp Wide Events

Camp Auction: An annual favourite! Campers complete games and tasks to earn tickets – and then use those tickets to bid on a variety of special activities.
Carnival: Carnival has been our last-day tradition for many years. Campers play carnival games to win prizes and treats.

Themed Tuesdays

Tuesdays are dress-up days!


Fire & Bead Ceremony Friday

The bead program is an important part of the Friday Campfire tradition at MKDC. Every Friday we hold a closing campfire, the bead ceremony is used to recognize campers for all kinds of different positive behaviours, actions, and skills (among other things). Staff determines ahead of time the campers/beads they wish to give out and then writes a “bead card” explaining why the camper earned the bead.

Heartwood Weekly Majors

Our Heartwood Program (Age 9 and up) is full of imaginative programming that sparks creativity and provides lots of opportunities for choice, which means campers go home with more confidence in themselves and their abilities. Read more about individual Majors here.

Younger campers will get a taste of the majors, too – Sprouts & Shoots have the themes included into their regularly scheduled activity periods, while Saplings will experience a specialty period in each theme.

Battle Bots

Campers will create and decorate their very own working battle robot, including controller, and put them through a series of trials.

  • Due to the cost of the robot kits (which each camper will get to take home) there is a surcharge of $35 for this special major.

Click here to return to the Heartwood program.

Art Attack: Camp Edition

Add your own lasting mark on camp by creating permanent art installations. Use a wide variety of different techniques to create weather-proof artwork for camp spaces.


Click here to return to the Heartwood program.