Directors & Staff

Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da Directors

Meet Our 2025 Senior Leadership Team

Pam Lamont (she/her)

Owner/Director

Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da is currently directed and owned by Pam Lamont and her husband David Smith. Pam directs the camp on a day to day basis and has been active with Mi-A-Kon-Da for over 30 years as a camper, staff member, Nurse and Director. She is passionate about the outdoor summer camp experience and is excited to provide an opportunity for other girls to share the joy. As Director, Pam is very committed to her staff, as well as ensuring that each camper has a positive camp experience.

Pam has a background in critical care nursing and holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing Education. She has held various teaching positions including on the faculty at the University of Toronto. Pam continues to provide leadership and guidance to the Ontario Camps Association’s Health Care Committee. Her educational background and significant experience in the camping field are great assets to camp life.

Brandon Smith (he/him)

Director - BASc, MBET

Brandon’s Mi-A-Kon-Da experience began as a one-week-old baby attending camp with his mother, Pam Lamont, who was the camp nurse at the time. Since then, Pam has become the Director and Owner and Brandon has grown into one of the longest standing employees at Mi-A-Kon-Da. With over 10 years on staff, he works to ensure that the camp continues to run smoothly.

In his current role as Director, Brandon oversees the operations of the camp to ensure there is tasty food to eat, the facilities are clean and all of the camp infrastructure is in working order. In the off season, Brandon continues to support the camp in a variety of roles including IT, construction and maintenance, inventory management, and new program development.

With a background in engineering and entrepreneurship, Brandon is passionate about building and designing a unique camp experience while maintaining the core philosophy that defines Mi-A-Kon-Da.

Catherine Dynes (she/her)

Assistant Director

Catherine has been a part of Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da for 13 exciting summers. From a camper in Driftwood to Swimming and Section Head, Catherine has eagerly counts down the days until she can return to her second family on Birch Island. Catherine is an adaptable team player who strives to spark joy and confidence within campers, parents, and staff of the Mi-A-Kon-Da community. After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and working in a variety of childcare roles, Catherine spent three wonderful years teaching abroad where she helped people of all ages, cultures and abilities gain confidence connecting with others despite language barriers. As a Vancouver local, in the off season you can catch Catherine going to the movies, visiting Vancouver Island or relaxing at Jericho Beach with her dog Vimy! Catherine’s favourite magical Mi-A-Kon-Da moment has to be tent time with her counsellors and tentmates at the end of each fun packed day.
 
Catherine has Mi-A-Kon-Da to thank for much of the joy in her life and can’t wait to help shape that same experience for those new and returning to camp! See you this summer!

Leah Cuff

Program Director, Waterfront Director

Leah is thrilled to be returning to Mi-A-Kon-Da for her 10th summer. She will be stepping into the roles of Program Director and Waterfront Director. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, fun, and memorable experience for every camper. Outside of camp, Leah is in her third year of studying Neuroscience and Law at Dalhousie University. One of her best camp memories is canoeing solo around the island next to her friend Sophie when they were 14. Leah can’t wait to return to Birch Island!

Kellan Mackenzie

CIT Director

Kellan’s going on her thirteenth Summer at Mi-A-Kon-Da, and she’s looking forward to all the great experiences she’ll have as CIT Director. She’s super excited to mentor young women as they bridge the gap between camper and counselor. Her best camp memory is one wild canoe trip she took as a CIT, and she can’t wait to create similar experiences for this year’s group. Kellan is so excited to be back for another summer at the fun and vibrant Birch Island!

Izabella Faryaszewski

Head of Driftwood Section, Head of Leadership

This summer marks 10 years of Izabella attending camp Mi-A-Kon-Da. Izabella is excited to be working as the Driftwood Section Head again in addition to being Head of Leadership. Izabella lives each day of the year to return to the magic of Birch Island in the summer. Izabella is studying Biology at the University of St Andrews in Scotland and is entering into her fourth and final year. One of Izabella’s favourite memories at Mi-A-Kon-Da is completing her Archery Red (level 5) alongside her friends. Izabella is so excited to be back to Birch Island and see everyone after a fantastic year. 

Abi Marshall

Head of Centre Section

Abi is so excited to return to Birch Island for her 9th year at camp and to take on the role of Head of Center! She is looking forward to seeing all the new and returning faces on the island this summer. She is hoping to make it as welcoming, fun, and memorable as possible! Outside of camp, Abi is studying kinesiology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her favourite camp memory is stargazing during Mi-A-Kon-Da night. Abi can’t wait for summer to come to see you all!

Jacqui Smith

Head of Senior Section, Head of Archery

Jacqui is ecstatic to be returning to camp for her 12th summer where she will be stepping into the role of Head of Senior Section along with Head of Archery. This has been a dream for her since she was eight and looking up to the SLT staff herself, and now hoping she can have the same effect on the seniors this summer. Outside of camp Jacqui is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Outdoor Studies at St. Lawrence University in New York. Her favorite memory to look back on is when the Herons won the Birch Cup her last year as a camper. Jacqui can’t wait to see everyone this summer, and make new memories!

Terms & Conditions

Fees

  • All fees are subject to 13% HST.
  • All fees are in Canadian Dollars.
  • A $50 discount is applied to each new sibling registered for a Summer Camp Session.
 
We accept the following payments:
  • Cheque (Mail to Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da, 756 Mineral Springs Road, Dundas ON, L9H 5E3)
  • Interac e-Transfer (Send to plamont@miakonda.com; please indicate who payment is for)
  • Families with US bank accounts can send a US Cheque (Please account for exchange rate) 
  • International Campers will need to use a wire transfer service
 
If you have any issues with payment, please contact us at info@miakonda.com.
 
Final Payment Due Date: May 1st (July 1st for Women’s Wellness Weekend)

Deposit

Each registration must be accompanied by a deposit to secure your spot. Submitted deposits are applied towards your camp fee total. 

  • Session 1-8: $500 deposit is required
  • Stepping Stones: $50 deposit is required
  • Women’s Wellness Weekend: $50 deposit is required
 

All camp fees and taxes must be paid in full by May 1st (July 1st for Women’s Wellness Weekend).

Inclusions

Camp Fees Include:

  • All food and accommodations
  • Tuck allowance for snacks and essential items
  • Use of all activity equipment 
  • All trips and excursions
 

Camp Fees do not include: 

  • Bus transportation fees
  • Camp merchandise
  • Any special travel arrangements
  • Medical work and prescription drugs beyond the scope of the camp healthcentre
  • Swim test fees for Bronze Cross, Medallion and Star
  • Select specialty instructor programs (Women’s Wellness Weekend) 

Cancellation Policy

If cancellation occurs for any reason before May 1st (July 1st for Women’s Wellness Weekend):

  • Session 1-8: $450 of deposit is refundable
  • Stepping Stones: $50 of deposit is refundable
  • Women’s Wellness Weekend: $50 of deposit is refundable
 
Cancellations made after May 1 will result in your deposit being forfeited. 

Discounts

Each additional sibling will receive $50 off of their registration fee. 

Campers registered for multiple sessions will be eligible for a discount specific to the sessions they are registered for. 

For sponsorship information, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Arts & Crafts

Summer camp would not be complete without a fun and extensive arts and crafts program! Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da offers a wide variety of arts and crafts, including tie die, macramé, beadwork, hemp, mask making, painting and much more!

Creative expression is a wonderful way for a camper to enhance her sense of self. Our staff work hard to nurture a creative environment where campers can create unique crafts and express their personality. Campers can work on larger projects as well, such as paddle making. Guest Artists also lead Special Arts and Crafts workshops, such as Knitting 101, Cartooning, or Henna.

Archery

Archery is a sport everyone can be successful at regardless of age, size or physical ability. It develops hand-eye coordination, dexterity and teaches the importance of focus and concentration.

Mi-A-Kon-Da’s archery program offers campers a chance to learn fundamental skills as well as more advanced techniques, incorporating fun through theme days and archery games. Campers practice under the careful supervision of trained counsellors on our range which is safely tucked away at the far end of the island.