YMCA John Island Camp
Location
General Delivery
Spanish , ON, P0P 2A0
Phone 705-921-6583
An experience for the whole family. Family Camp brings all the best of John Island to parents, grandparents, and kids of every age — swimming, sailing, canoeing, high ropes, paddle boarding, arts and crafts, hiking, campfires, and evening programs.
Ages 0-99
YMCA John Island Camp
At the end of each summer, Family Camp brings everything that makes John Island special to parents, grandparents, and kids of every age.
Spend a few days on the island swimming, sailing, paddling, and exploring — then gather around the campfire at night. Daily programming is designed for each age group, so everyone stays engaged, and families can come together as much (or as little) as they like.

Family Camp includes all of the fun activities that John Island is famous for: swimming, sailing, arts and crafts, high ropes, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking and more! There are daily programs offered for each age group, open waterfront programs, games, campfires, evening programs, and overnight camping trips. Campers can participate in organized activities or relax and play on their own. Included in the camp fees are all meals, accommodation, and programs.
The cabins can accommodate up to 12 people each. All cabins are equipped with bunk beds, matresses and shelving to put all of your belongings. Families will need to bring their own sleeping bags, blankets, and linens. John Island’s cabins are not equipped with power save for some solar lighting.
Meals are served buffet style in the central dining hall. Families may choose to eat together or mingle with others. Please indicate any allergies or dietary restrictions within your group when you are registering for the program. Our kitchen staff work hard to provide high quality, nutritious meals throughout the week/weekend. If you have any questions regarding the menu, please contact us at the camp office.
YMCA John Island Camp utilizes composting toilets. Dubbed ‘Rub-A-Dubs’, each has handwashing sinks, and toilets. All Rub-A-Dubs are equipped with solar lights. There is also a centralized shower facility available for use. Families are welcome to use the washing machine during their stay if they encounter any unforeseen accidents.
Session 1: August 23–28, 2026
Session 2: August 31–September 5, 2026
Family Camp takes place at YMCA John Island Camp, located near the town of Spanish, Ontario on the North Channel of Lake Huron. The island is accessible only by boat — detailed directions to the Walkhouse Bay Docks will be provided upon registration.
Location
General Delivery
Spanish , ON, P0P 2A0
Phone 705-921-6583
Spots fill fast — register for Family Camp and give your family an adventure they’ll talk about for years.
Overnight summer camp and outdoor education centre on the North Channel of Lake Huron — where young people explore, grow, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Ages: 6–16
YMCA John Island Camp
The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario operates two exceptional outdoor education centres — each offering customized, curriculum-connected programming for schools, community groups, and organizations throughout the spring.
Ages 4-18
Rotary’s YMCA Camp Tillicum, YMCA John Island Camp