A camp that marked the youth of many women
The emancipation of young women and the development of their self-confidence has always been the central focus of the YWCA Montreal. Since 1915, it has been our firm belief that young women must acquire self-confidence and the ability to “laugh and have fun” in order to perform well at whatever they endeavour. With this in mind, in 1917, two years before the founding of Camp Oolawhan, the YWCA extended its services to older women, allowing female workers to benefit from a summer vacation at a modest price. It was the first initiative of its kind.
From 1917 to 2005, Camp Oolahwan welcomed thousands of girls, helping them develop healthy minds and bodies by offering a variety of activities designed to encourage self-esteem and build friendly, healthy and lasting relationships.
It was the longest sustained initiative in YWCA history.
In 2005, Summer Space Day Camp came into being sharing the same objectives of Camp Oolahwan, but in an urban day camp environment.
Are you a former camper of Camp Oolahwan ?
The Camp Oolahwan Centennial Committee, composed of former camp participants, invited the former campers to join their reunion event. The meeting took place from September 8th to 10th, 2017 on the enchanting site of Camp Ouareau in St-Donat, Quebec.