Camp Davern is excited to welcome campers from across the globe!
Camp Davern offers a classic Canadian overnight summer camp experience in a warm, inclusive, and highly supportive environment. While we welcome families from around the world, we are committed to maintaining strong English immersion and an authentic Canadian community.
Choosing a camp abroad is a big decision. With decades of experience and a personal approach, we create an environment where every camper can succeed.
Because international enrollment is limited to just 10% of our population, campers are surrounded by Canadian peers, helping them build confidence in English and form fast, lasting friendships. Our smaller size means we truly know each child and can provide support whenever it is needed.
From airport arrival to cabin life, from activities to wilderness trips, our staff focus on safety, encouragement, and belonging. Families often tell us their children return home more independent, more confident, and proud of what they have accomplished.
At Davern, campers don’t just visit Canada — they become part of a community.
Fees for international campers are the same as those for Canadian families. Transportation services and optional trips to Ottawa and/or Toronto can be arranged at an additional cost
FAQ – International Families
✅ What happens at the airport?
We understand that arrival and departure are often the biggest concerns for parents. Camp Davern provides full-service airport support to make travel smooth and worry-free.
Our staff meet campers upon arrival at the airport and remain with them until they are safely transported to camp. On departure day, we accompany campers back to the airport, assist with airline check-in, and stay until their flight has departed.
From the moment your child lands in Canada to the moment they head home, they are supported by our team.
✅ How do you support first-time international traveler’s?
We take extra care to ensure first-time traveler’s feel comfortable, confident, and welcomed into the community.
Whenever possible, we encourage international campers to arrive one day before the start of their session to rest, adjust, and become familiar with the environment. We also do our best to connect campers with staff members who speak their first language when available.
Traveling internationally at a young age is a brave and exciting step. Our job is to make camp feel like home from day one.
✅ How can parents communicate with their camper?
Parents of international campers can communicate with their child once per week during their stay. We find this schedule helps campers build independence while still maintaining an important connection with home.
✅ Can friends from the same country stay together?
Yes. If campers are traveling together and are of a similar age, we are happy to guarantee cabin mate requests so they can share the experience.
✅ What if my child feels homesick?
Homesickness is a normal part of growing, especially when traveling abroad. Our staff are highly experienced in helping campers work through these feelings with patience and care.
When needed, we also connect with parents to seek guidance and partnership in supporting their child. Our goal is always to help campers gain confidence and finish their experience feeling proud of themselves.
✅ What about visas and travel documents?
After registration, families receive an official confirmation letter from Camp Davern in the spring. This document is designed to travel with your child and can be presented to Canadian immigration officials if required.
Our team is always available to assist families and agents with any additional documentation questions.
International Camper Sessions
These are the typical sessions for campers travelling from abroad. These month programs also have additional options for tours of Toronto and Ottawa.
July Camp: June 29 – July 25
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As the session progresses, campers will have the opportunity to take part in an overnight camping trip with their cabin mates.
Spread the fun over 3 weeks and really find your outside voice with excursions and challenges that will stay with you a lifetime.
Dates:
July Camp: June 28 – July 17
Leadership Programs
Camp Davern’s leadership programs are designed to help teenagers grow in confidence, responsibility, and independence while still enjoying the best parts of camp.
Participants build real-world skills through mentorship, teamwork, outdoor adventure, and increased involvement in the camp community. From canoe trips and collaborative challenges to supporting younger campers, leadership participants learn how to communicate effectively, solve problems, and lead with integrity.
These programs are powerful, memorable experiences that prepare young people for life far beyond the summer.
LOT is an elevated leadership experience carefully designed for globally minded campers aged 12–15. It combines the best of traditional Canadian camp life, meaningful leadership development, and curated travel experiences. Participants are immersed in our English-speaking community while developing confidence, independence, and the habits of positive leadership.
During the first two weeks, campers live and learn at Davern, building decision-making skills, resilience, and the ability to lead by example. They are mentored by experienced staff and challenged through teamwork, outdoor adventure, and increased responsibility within the camp environment.
The program culminates with a shared travel experience to Ottawa and Toronto, where participants explore Canada beyond camp — visiting iconic sites, discovering culture and history, and celebrating their growth together.
LOT is more than a program. It is a transformative experience that expands perspective, builds lifelong friendships, and leaves young people better prepared for the world ahead
The LIT (Leaders in Training) program is a four-week leadership journey for teens ready to challenge themselves, gain real qualifications, and grow within a supportive international community.
Participants develop canoeing and wilderness tripping skills while working toward recognized certifications such as Emergency First Aid, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross. A defining highlight is a seven-day canoe expedition through Ontario’s iconic backcountry, where campers build resilience, teamwork, and independence.
Leadership candidates live together in Davern’s A-Frame village, forming a close cohort that encourages confidence, character, and empathy. Throughout the program, they are guided by a dedicated Leadership Director who mentors them as they progress into capable young leaders.
For international participants, additional opportunities may be available to experience Canadian tourism and shopping, adding an exciting cultural dimension to an already transformative summer.
For many campers, LIT becomes one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
The JC (Junior Counsellor) program represents the final and most advanced step in leadership development at Camp Davern. This four-week experience blends professional certifications with meaningful, hands-on leadership within the camp community.
Participants step into active mentorship roles while working toward Standard First Aid, & CPR Level C qualifications. In addition to nationally recognized credentials, JCs earn 40 hours of community service, making the program especially valuable for school and future applications.
Building on prior leadership experience, candidates refine communication, teamwork, and maturity while learning what it truly means to lead by example.
JCs live part of the session in Davern’s A-Frame leadership village and part integrated within camper cabins, gaining both peer connection and real-world leadership practice. Throughout the journey, they are supported by senior staff who guide their transition from camper to role model.
For international participants, additional opportunities may be available to enjoy Canadian tourism and shopping, adding cultural exploration to an already powerful leadership milestone.
For many teens, JC is where confidence becomes capability.
