written on Apr 14, 2022 by Anna Gerson

We have exciting news to share with you!

Justin Gerson and Anna Gerson are thrilled to be the new Owner-Directors of Canadian Adventure Camp.

Justin has been a staff member at CAC for over 20 years, and has been the camp director for over 12 years. Justin's background in gymnastics originally brought him to CAC as a summer camper and then as a coach. After several years as Head Gymnastics Coach at Canadian Adventure Camp, Justin began working full-time for camp in 2005 and was appointed Camp Director in 2008. He leads by example and fosters mutual respect resulting in a motivated and engaged staff team. His love for working with children inspired him to become a camp professional, and the children remain his first priority. He is committed to building a positive relationship with each and every camper.

Anna first arrived on Adventure Island back in 2002 and became the counsellor of the youngest campers, she continued working as part of the Leadership Team and has most recently filled the role of Assistant Director. As a teacher, she is able to apply her experience from the classroom and understanding of child development to help create a safe, supportive, and nurturing camp environment. She fosters the special youth-centred community feel of camp by supporting and empowering staff members who bring the magic to CAC. She is committed to developing a positive environment that promotes self-confidence, independence, and meaningful social connection.

For the past 20 years, Canadian Adventure Camp has been a central part of our lives. The CAC community, connections and traditions have helped shape us into the leaders we are today, and have brought purpose and joy to our lives. We are extremely grateful for the impact that Skip Connett had on our development as camp leaders, and for his vision and dedication to create such a fun and impactful place for campers!

We both passionately believe in the power of summer camp to shape the lives of young people, and can think of no better direction to invest our energy, enthusiasm and creativity. We are driven by our experience of knowing the powerful impact of a strong sense of community, meaningful social connections, new experiences in a supportive environment, and the grounding influence of nature.

As many of you know from personal experience, Adventure Island is a truly magical place. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate that life’s adventure brought us to this precious corner of Lake Temagami, and we are honoured to have the opportunity to keep the CAC campfire alight. Our hearts are full to know that many more generations of campers will have the opportunity to experience the place so many call their summer home.