camp director Justin Gerson at Canadian Adventure Camp

Camp Director

Justin Gerson (he/him), BBA

Justin has been a staff member at Canadian Adventure Camp 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.

co-director Anna Gerson at Canadian Adventure Camp

Co Director

Anna Gerson (she/her), MA, MRes, BEd

Anna G first arrived on Adventure Island back in 2002 as a Scottish University student in search of a summer job which could combine her love of working with children and the beautiful Canadian outdoors. It turned out to be an even more incredible summer than she could have imagined, and she has worked at CAC almost every summer since.

She began as a counsellor of the youngest campers, continued working as part of the Leadership Team and is now the Co- 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.

sports program director george andrews

Sports Program Director

George Andrews (he/him), B.Sc

George has been a part of our community since 2015 where he began his CAC journey as the counsellor of Adventure Land. After 3 years in Adventure land, George moved into a Leadership position in 2019. He has a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science and a background in social care and social work settings.

George's biggest asset is his drive and ambition. His mission is to bring about positive change and smiles to the faces of children. He believes wholeheartedly in the value of camp and is intent on empowering others to maximise their potential.

Director of Youth Leadership at Canadian Adventure Camp, Anna B

Director of Youth Leadership

Anna Brady (she/her), BA, M.Ed

Anna B is from Dublin, Ireland. Anna’s passion for working with children first brought her to CAC in 2016 as the counsellor of our youngest girls in Twinkieland.

After three years in the Twinkie castle, Anna transitioned onto the Leadership Team in 2019 as the Section Head for Twinkie and Junior Girl cabins. In summer 2020, Anna co-coordinated Internet Island, our online summer camp. Along with Assistant Director, Anna Gerson, Anna re-developed the Leader-in-Training summer into our new Youth Leadership Program, which she will oversee this summer.

Since her first time experiencing a Canadian summer camp, Anna knows how invaluable the camp environment is to children gaining independence and self-esteem. Her nurturing character ensures our campers feel safe and at home at CAC while understanding how it feels to be far away from home. As a primary school teacher at home, Anna loves to bring the camp spirit into her classroom - promoting positivity and lots of musical bingo!

Executive chef at Canadian Adventure Camp

Executive Chef

Josh Fredericks

Since his high school years growing up in Peterborough, Ontario, Josh has been fully immersed in cooking and the culinary arts. Having attended George Brown Culinary School, Josh’s career went from strength to strength. With extensive experience across many settings, including 8 years as an executive chef at another overnight summer camp, Josh is well equipped with the knowledge and skill set to provide outstanding food at volume. A family man with an amazing wife, two teen daughters, and a baby son Theo, only his love for his family outweighs his passion for cooking. Josh and his family are very excited to begin the next chapter of the journey here at CAC.

senior director and founder of Canadian Adventure Camp, Skip Connett

Our Founder

F.B. (Skip) Connett

As the founder of Canadian Adventure Camp, Skip turned his vision into reality in 1975. His dream was to create a place where children could grow and develop within the fun and friendly environment of a supportive camp community. For those of us lucky enough to experience the magic of Canadian Adventure Camp, we are deeply grateful for the special community he created on Lake Temagami.

Skip’s reach and impact extended throughout the Canadian camping community. He was an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Ontario Camps Association. He took great pride in his continued dedication to the important work of the Canadian Camping Association, and the Temagami Community Foundation.

As Skip did for almost 50 years, we look forward to returning to Canadian Adventure Camp this summer. Together, we will honour his legacy as we reunite once again on Adventure Island.

Leadership Team

The Leadership Team at Canadian Adventure Camp are a dynamic and experienced group that make up our section leaders and programming coordinators. Our Leadership Team comes from all over the world and have spent many years at CAC before moving into a leadership position.

Their number one priority is the campers and their well-being at camp while also providing excellent support to our counsellors and specialty staff. Our Leadership Team pride themselves on knowing each and every camper and bringing a special dedication and understanding to make camp activities exceptionally fun!

What our parents say...

  • Many thanks for the strong support of the leadership team when the bag pack of Manon stayed in France (thanks to Air France) and arrived 4 days later at the CAC. Very professional handling/solving.
    Denis, Parent

What our campers say...

  • Canadian Adventure Camp is the best place you could go to for the summer! You make so many lifelong friends with the best staff here to make your time even better.
    Shira, camper (14)