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  • Mail at Camp | Pearce Williams

    Mail at Camp 1 Email your Camper Campers can receive two (2) emails per camp session. Make the most of your emails – write it exactly like a letter full of family news! Emails will be printed at 9am daily and delivered during the lunch hour. Please include the Campers Name, Cabin & Counsellor Name in the subject line. Emails can be sent to: campers@campisbetter.com . Please note that we are not able to process camper replies to email. 2 Sending Physical Mail Feel free to send your camper a couple of pieces of mail at camp! If you are sending letters through the mail, be aware of shipping times and ensure letters arrive prior to picking your child up. A more time conscious option is to bring pre-written letters in envelopes with your camper at the beginning of the week and hand them to your camper’s counsellor at drop-off. Their counsellor will distribute them to your camper throughout the week. Our address is: Pearce Williams c/o –CAMPERS NAME 8009 Iona Road Fingal ON, N0L 1K0 3 Campers Sending You Mail If your camper would like to send letters to you or anyone else in your family, you can send self-addressed and stamped envelopes with your camper! If you let your camper’s counsellor know you have sent one or more self-addressed envelopes, they will ensure that your camper sends some mail out. Your camper’s counsellor will collect the mail that campers may have and they will be placed in the mail daily. If your camper writes any letters to send out and did not bring pre-stamped envelopes, these letters will be handed to you at the deregistration table prior to taking them home.

  • Sample Schedule | Pearce Williams

    Sample Schedule Explore this page to gain a deeper understanding of the amazing week your camper will have! By reviewing this schedule together with your camper, you can help ease any pre-camp jitters and build excitement for the activities ahead. *Schedule may be different than what you see here. Some weeks have a slightly altered schedule: Wilderness & World Camps - Schedules follow a similar structure but are adapted to accommodate specialized programming. To read more about how these camps differ from Main Camp programs, visit their descriptions here: Wilderness , World Camp . Leaders-In-Training Camp - Shorter Week & the addition of night games for the older age group. First Timers / Primary Camp - Shorter week, earlier bed times & no sleepout.

  • 2025 Hot Water Tank Appeal | Pearce Williams

    Support our dining hall and the wonderful staff, campers, and guests who use it: Give Today Reach out to learn more: Louisa Flock Donor & Fund Development Coordinator 519-764-2317 donate@campisbetter.com Help keep us smiling in the Dining Hall for years to come! Emergency Appeal: Dining Hall Hot Water Heater Tank Here's what happened: After years of faithful service, the dining hall’s hot water tank has suddenly failed, making it hard to provide consistent hot water for cooking, cleaning, and daily use and causing large water output in the basement when we do use it. Due to the significant leaks and cracks, we now unexpectedly need a full replacement. We're installing a modern on-demand system that’s reliable, energy-efficient, and built to last -- a definite upgrade from what the dining hall currently has. It will provide instant hot water when it’s needed most, reducing waste and improving daily life in one of the most important buildings at camp. Why it matters: Campers and our staff rely on the dining hall daily for meals, dishes, washing up, and even showers in the accessible bathrooms throughout the whole summer. Beyond summer camp, this vital resource is used throughout the year by rental groups, school programs, retreats, and events. Reliable hot water is essential to keeping things running smoothly, safely, and comfortably so that camp can continue to host groups in the off-season while helping kids experience the magic of camp in the summers. Why your gift matters: Replacing the whole system efficiently comes at a significant cost—no less than $15,000—and we can't do it without you. With your help, we can ensure Pearce Williams remains a welcoming and well-equipped space for all who visit. Your gift will help restore comfort, safety, and functionality to an essential part of our camp operations. How you can become a difference maker today: Here are some examples of how your contribution can make a difference! $100 – Supports tools, materials, or connection parts needed to get the system running. $250 – Contributes to professional labor for safe, code-compliant installation. $500 – Helps cover a portion of the unit cost or plumbing upgrades. $1,000 – Funds a major part of the tank system or installation labor. $5,000 – Drives the project forward in a big way—powering hot water for years to come! Donate Today

  • Activities | Pearce Williams

    Activities Each day, campers get to shape their own camp experience, trying out new things, pursuing favorite hobbies, and having fun with friends. We make sure there’s something for everyone—whether it’s outdoor exploration, creative arts, sports, or unique themed activities. Discover all the possibilities that await! Camper Choice Sessions Choose Your Own Adventure Sessions Games in the Core Camp Wide Games Camper Choice Sessions Camper Choice Sessions At Pearce Williams, campers choose which activities they'd like to do for 4 1-hour long session blocks each day! Campers pick out of 4-5 sessions lead by our amazing staff team. We have core, camper-favourite sessions such as swimming, bracelet making, and archery that run more often. We also have passion-based sessions that are created by our staff! These type of sessions bring so many cool opportunities to our campers such as crocheting, different sports, and wilderness skills. Each session block you can typically find an athletic session, a crafty session, a wilderness based session, and a wild-card! We do our best to make sure there is something for everyone! Explore some of the sessions we have run in the past: Tie Dye Salamander Searching Rocket Building & Launching Chalk Art Basketball Swimming Bracelet Making Soccer Pond Exploring Water Games Charcoal Art Crocheting Soccer Ball Making Cup Stacking Gymnastics Dress Up Board Games Dance Beach Volleyball Noodle Sword Pirates Stuffed Animal Tea Party Fire Building Archery Shelter Building CYOAs Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) Sessions One of the four daily session blocks is called Choose Your Own Adventure, or better known as CYOA! What makes this block different from the other session blocks? CYOA is a session dedicated to helping campers build a specific skill. Instead of choosing different CYOA's each day, at the beginning of the week campers pick which CYOA they would like, and they will go to that CYOA every day during this time block. The goal being to build and expand on a specific skill throughout the entire week. Choose Your Own Adventure sessions are based off of skills that our diverse staff team have and we think campers would love. Explore some of the Chose Your Own Adventure sessions we have run in the past: Bird House Building Basketball Bracelet Making (Make different kinds each day) Soccer Art Workshop Crocheting Gymnastics Dance Outdoor Survival Skills Games in the Core Games in the Core These games are offered during transition and free-time periods. There are occasionally sessions based around these activities because they are so popular. 9-Square Gaga Ball Stilting Giant Connect Four Carpet Ball Corn Hole Wall Ball Basketball Camp Wide Games Camp Wide Games There are many times during the week where the entire camp comes together to play large games! Here are some of our favourites: Capture the Jugs Survival Smugglers & Spies Circle Rules Football Sponge Warz Satchel & the Sword Horses, Knights, Cavaliers Counsellor Hunt

  • 2026 Weekly Themes | Pearce Williams

    Weekly Themes Each week at Pearce Williams has a special theme! These themes are woven into exciting games and challenges where campers take on special roles or quests. A highlight of the week is our themed dinner on Thursday, where everyone dresses up in costumes and enjoys a fully decorated feast that brings the theme to life. Check out this year's themes down below! Summer 2026's Weekly Themes Summer 2025's Weekly Themes Summer 2024's Weekly Themes

  • World Camp | Pearce Williams

    The only program in Canada of its kind, World Camp immerses campers in the cultural circumstances of several communities from around the globe. This includes food preparation and accommodations specific to Thailand, Mongolia and several regions that have large Shanty Town populations. WORLD immersive CAMP Archieved During World Camp, your 11-15 year old camper will have the opportunity to see buildings that showcase what life looks like in Thailand, Mongolia and a Shanti Town. Your camper will get to choose from a variety of programs that are offered each day, all while learning about poverty and social justice issues and ways they can make a difference in the world around them! The overall goal at Pearce Williams is to allow your camper to gain self-esteem, self-confidence, and learn how to live in community, and how to interact with others. Activities at camp include: swimming, nature, sports, teamwork/team building games & initiatives, Makerspace, archery, chapel, drama, dance, hiking, cook-outs & sleep-outs, rocket building, gaga ball, 9 Square in the Air, campfires and so much more! Did you know? There is no other program like World Camp in all of Canada! t1:$640 T2:$615 T3:$580 Cancelled

  • Monthly Giving | Pearce Williams

    Monthly Giving Monthly giving is an easy way to ensure that Pearce Williams Summer Camp continues to change the lives of kids through unforgettable summer camp experiences. By becoming a monthly donor, you are investing in the future of our campers, ensuring they have the opportunity to build lasting memories, develop new skills, and form lifelong friendships. What are the benefits of Monthly Giving? You will NEVER forget to give. Choose the amount you want to donate, and on the 15th of each month, this amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card. (Unless it falls on a weekend and then the withdrawal will occur on the following Monday.) You can change your gift amount at any time. You can easily amend your gift amount, put it on pause, or cancel by calling the Pearce Williams office. There are no hidden fees or charges. You will receive a consolidated tax receipt with giving statement at the end of the year - so convenient at income tax time! Become a Monthly Donor Become a Monthly Supporter Give Today Reach out to learn more: Justine "Jolly" Donor Relatations Coordinator 519-764-2317 donate@campisbetter.com

  • Recognition | Pearce Williams

    Thank you to our Donors Recognizing Grants On December 1st, 2023 we recognized $253,700.00 in Grant Funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Resilient Communities Fund. Check out below our media release and some photos from this event! Media Statement MEDIA RELEASE December 1st, 2023 $253,700 Capital Grant & Resilient Communities Fund lead to New Improvements at Pearce Williams Fingal, ON – On Friday, local MPP Rob Flack will meet with the team at Pearce Williams Summer Camp to hear more about the $253,700 they received through two grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in November 2022. “The investments in Pearce Williams Summer Camp by the Ontario Trillium Foundation are well deserved,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin—Middlesex—London. “The history of this facility is extensive, and the impact that this camp has had on countless children and families is testament to the good work that they do.” In March 2022, Pearce Williams was awarded a $143,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant to fund the purchase of solar panels to lessen our carbon footprint and reduce fixed cost and create a fundraising action plan. These improvements will make sure Pearce Williams can rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the can be there for future campers in the years to come. A $110,000 Capital grant was also awarded in November 2022 to fund accessible renovations the main dining hall and replacing doors and windows to extend the useful life of the building. These new improvements will allow camp to remain accessible and inclusive to all who come. "This deck has allowed us as a facility to become more accessible.” Joe Richards says, “These improvements have allowed us to increase what we can use the space for from summer camp to rental facility opportunities.” Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility is committed to preserving this space and ensuring that it remains accessible and environmentally conscious. If you wish to enquire about using the space for rental events, or sending your child to summer camp please visit the website at: https://www.campisbetter.com/ The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more. Organization Contact for Media Inquiries: Joe Richards, Executive Director Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility 519-764-2317 info@campisbetter.com Check Out the New Deck! Here is a photo of our new accessible deck on our dining hall. We also were able to put up solar power around our facility thanks to these grants!

  • Here From The Beginning Exhibit | Pearce Williams

    “Here from the Beginning” is an exhibition that showcases the contributions and experiences of Black people within the church, amplifying voices that have long been overshadowed by the dominant narrative. Here From The Beginning Exhibit @ Pearce Williams March 5-10, 2026 Black people have played a significant role in the history of The United Church of Canada, but their stories have often gone untold. As we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada we invite you to join us in bringing these untold stories to life. This is a celebration of faith, history, community and The United Church of Canada. Here From The Beginning Website Broadview Magazine Article Schedule: Thursday March 5 - Open from 9:30am to 3:00pm - Self Guided Friday March 6 - Open from 9:30am to 3:00pm - Self Guided Saturday March 7 - Open from 9:30am to 5:00pm - Self Guided Sunday March 8 - Open 12:00pm to 5:00pm - Self Guided, Summer Camp Chapel Service (preaching by Thérèse Samuel) at 1:30 p.m. Monday March 9 Open from 9:30am to 3:00pm - Self Guided Tuesday March 10 Open from 9:30am to 3:00pm - Self Guided

  • Staff | Pearce Williams

    JOIN OUR STAFF TEAM FOR SUMMER 2026! Positions Apply Now APPLY NOW POSITIONS WHY CAMP APPLICATION DETAILS Pearce Williams is looking for 40 students (ages 16 to 25) who want a work adventure and experience like no other for the summer of 2026. Must like children. Must be willing to try new things. If this is you? Read on… We are also hiring an Indigenous Support Person - Click here to see that job description WELCOME TO A SUMMER UNLIKE ANY OTHER Pearce Williams is planning to hire 40 summer staff this year to run our traditional overnight sleepaway camp programs. We encourage you to apply early so you can be included in our group interview in January 2026. Those who attend our in-person group interviews have a much higher likelihood of being hired. The summer of 2026 will be awesome as we continue to bring campers and families back to this place they call home for amazing adventures and fun! We are looking for students (high school and post-secondary) to work this summer. You must be ready to give it your all, which includes living on site, Sundays to Fridays, each week of work you are granted. Apply Now WHY WORK AT CAMP? Why Camp If you're ready to embark on an unforgettable summer adventure, you're in the right place At Pearce Williams, our mission is simple but powerful: to do what needs to be done to give campers the most amazing experience. It's a motto we live by, and it shapes everything we do. Variety of Summer Positions: We're on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join our diverse staff. From counseling positions, where you'll nurture and guide six to eight children per session, to the adventurous Wilderness Camp, we offer a range of roles to suit different interests. Yes, you might find yourself sleeping in tents, getting wet, and doing all sorts of wacky and wonderful things—because that's what camp is all about! Training Opportunities: If you're worried about being thrown into the deep end, don't be. We provide paid training in May and July, including a work bee day, a training weekend, and a training week. Your development is important to us, and we invest in your success. Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of balance. At Pearce Williams, you work from Sunday afternoons (on-site by 3 PM) until Friday evening (around 5 or 6 PM). This means you get Saturdays off to recharge, explore, and make the most of your summer. “Because of camp I get to surround myself with people, staff and campers alike, that inspire me every single day. These people have also allowed me to discover myself, and to grow into the best me I can be.” “I feel like even though I was mature before camp I feel even more mature now. The way I look at people, respond to things, and deal with stress has changed and I think that’s because how I grew this summer!” “Because of camp I am able to get in front of any crowd and feel relaxed. I have been able to grow in confidence , and can firmly say that I know what I want to do with the rest of my life.” Apply Now! APPLICATION DETAILS Camp will ask you to commit to the following dates. All training is paid. Training day & site orientation on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 9am - 3pm (lunch provided) Training weekend - Friday, May 22, 2026, at 7:00 pm to Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 5:00 pm Training week - Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 7:00 pm to Friday, July 11, 2026, at 5:00 pm We then run 6 weeks of camp in 2026 from July 12 to August 21. You would live on site while you work at camp, from Sunday afternoons to Friday afternoons. We do not house staff on weekends and you need to have reliable transportation to camp each week Note that you do not have to work all 6 weeks of camp - it depends on the number of campers who sign up and your own availability. Preference is given to people who can attend all training and work all 6 weeks of camp. New Staff Application - If you are new to Pearce Williams as a staff member. Returning Staff Application - If you are applying for a job at Pearce Williams and have worked at PW before - use this form - even if you have missed a year or two. Counsellor-In-Training Application - We accept 15 engaged youth into our CIT program each year. Please fill out the online staff application by clicking the button below, then have your parents fill out the Camper Application for the Counsellor-In-Training Adventure Week, and have two of your references fill out the reference form. Volunteer Application - If you would like to volunteer at some point at Pearce Williams. Reference Form - The reference form for new staff and CITs can be found here. Apply Now! App Details

  • Contact | Pearce Williams

    Contact Us Please reach out if you have any questions or inquires about our summer camp, rental facilities, outdoor education or general info! We are happy to help. Let's Chat Phone 519-764-2317 Email info@campisbetter.com Social Media

  • How to Pack | Pearce Williams

    Packing Guide View our printable packing guides and keep scrolling to read about our favourite packing tips to prepare for a great week at camp! Tip #1 Pack in One Bag Packing all your camper’s belongings, including their sleeping items, in one bag keeps everything organized and easy to manage. It reduces the chances of items getting lost or left behind and helps campers keep track of their things throughout the week. Having everything in one place simplifies unpacking when they arrive and makes it easier to pack at the end of camp. Plus, it’s more convenient for transportation and for campers to carry! Tip #2 Put Daily Outfits in Sealed Bags (Younger Campers) Packing outfits in individual Ziplock bags is a great way to keep campers organized. It simplifies getting dressed each day by providing a complete, ready-to-go outfit—no searching for missing socks or matching shirts! Plus, it helps keep their bags organized throughout the week, making it easy to see what’s been worn and what’s still fresh, reducing mess and stress at camp! Tip #4 Send a Laundry Bag Packing a laundry bag for summer camp is essential for keeping dirty clothes separate from clean ones. It helps kids stay organized and makes it easier to keep track of what needs to be washed when they return home. Tip #3 Roll Your Clothes (Older Campers) Rolling clothes is a great way to save space and keep things organized. It helps maximize luggage capacity, making room for all the essentials. You can even roll outfits together, making it easier for kids to grab a complete set of clothes for each day, keeping the suitcase neat throughout the week! Tip #5 Label EVERYTHING Labeling everything helps prevent lost items by ensuring that each piece of clothing, gear, and personal belongings is easily identifiable as your child’s. With so many campers sharing common spaces, labeled items make it easier for counsellors to return misplaced belongings. By clearly marking each item with your child’s name, you can give yourself peace of mind, knowing that their belongings are less likely to get mixed up or lost! Tip #6 Pack a Comfort Item Packing a comfort item for your child can significantly enhance their summer camp experience. Familiar objects like a stuffed animal or blanket provide security and reassurance in a new environment, helping to ease homesickness. Having something familiar to cuddle or hold onto can make the transition smoother, allowing your child to focus on making new friends and enjoying their camp adventures!

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