Camp Ozanam Journal
Camp Ozanam’s Waterfront and Anatari. An illustration created by Teddy Lutman and Devlin Macpherson.
I hope to share stories and insights about how Boys Camp has evolved and how it has stayed true to our rich history.
For all inquiries, please email me, Devlin Macpherson at dev.macpherson@gmail.com
Nearly Wonderful
Counsellors get four nights off total across the summer. One night a week, every week. For most staff, it is a quick escape. For the DOC and CIT Director, it’s a regular routine. Three or four nights a week, Jamesy and I would load up our cars and head into South River. This gives us a slightly different perspective on the place compared to the staff who only make the trip a few times.
Setting the Stage
There is a broken paddle at Camp Ozanam that has been spray-painted gold, with a burned circle on the blade. Every morning, to the chanting of "Oar, Oar, Oar, Oar" (like the sound a seal makes) the Program Director bestows it upon one cabin, who earns the highest honour the day has to offer: they go first at every meal. The Oar matters enormously.
The Spirit lives on
I am one of a handful of guys that have worked on all three properties. It’s been fascinating to be a part of this move to Deer Lake and help maintain the spirit of camp that I learned from the giants who preceded me.
Seek And Ye Shall Find
Every summer at Camp Ozanam, there is a theme that embodies our effort to make sure every camper has a positive experience during their week spent with us. For the summer of 2025, the theme for the summer was “Seek, and ye shall find”.
Nursing at Camp
There always will be the time to treat these campers with the care and compassion that all these kids deserve whether the kid fell off their bike and hit their head or they are trying to get out of going to bed at bed time.
the great impact of a little effort
Over the course of my career as a counsellor I reflected often on the subtle efforts put in by my counsellors from when I was a camper. These little things that can dress up something simple like a bedtime story or arts and crafts into the regaling of ancient legends or an exclusive once in a lifetime experience.
Faith at Boys’ Camp
Our faith is the core of our Camp's identity. Although not all who come to us are Catholic, as we welcome a diverse group of staff from many backgrounds and beliefs, the core teachings of brotherhood, solidarity, empathy, and love transcend those differences and are universally essential in guiding our youth.
A Tour of camp ozanam
When the Society purchased the property in South River, ON in 2016, it wasn't simply a move, it was a mission. We finally had a permanent home again to reset our roots and define our camp. A chance to build a legacy, and a true sense of belonging. In this post, I'd like to give you a tour of the home we’ve worked so hard to grow and solidify.