Directors & Staff

Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da Directors

Meet Our 2023 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.

Catherine Dynes (she/her)

Assistant Director

Catherine has been a part of Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da for 12 exciting summers. From a camper in Driftwood to Swimming and Section Head, Catherine has eagerly counted down the days until she could 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!

Brandon Smith (he/him)

Assistant 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 Assistant 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.

Assistant Director

Sarah Power (she/her)

Assistant Director

This will be Sarah’s 12th year at camp and she is looking forward to working alongside the staff and campers to make this summer memorable. Sarah is going to bring all of her teamwork skills to this role – most of which she learned at camp! When Sarah isn’t at camp, she is a high school science teacher in Vancouver, B.C. and when she’s not at school,Sarah is probably skiing or tending to her pet chickens. Sarah’s favourite magical Mi-A-Kon-Da moment over the past summers at camp has been cheering so loud for the loons that she lost her voice – She was surrounded by people that she looked up to, no matter their age and it was a very joyful moment. Sarah can’t wait to meet everyone and reconnect with the Mi-A-Kon-Da community.

Jaiden Terner

Program Director

This will be Jaiden’s 13th summer on Birch Island. She is very excited to use her past experience as Head of Senior Section to guide her in her new role as Program Director. When Jaiden isn’t at camp, she is studying Political Science and Education at Barnard College. A magical Mi-A-Kon-Da moment that is a favourite memory of Jaiden’s is seeing all of the campers in Showcase (our end of session event) demonstrate all of their hard work through the skits and performances they do.

Grace Rauch

CIT Director

Hi! I’m Grace, this will be my 14th summer at Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da, and I’m so excited to be CIT Director! I hope to bring and share all of the wonderful experiences I have had as a camper and counselor to this year’s CITs. When I’m not at camp, I am a student at St. Lawrence University, studying a double major in psychology and environmental studies with a minor in exercise sports science. One of my top memories at camp would be one of the Senior Section Sunday activities when we had a floating picnic in the canoes!   

Sam Shaw

Head of Driftwood Section, Head of Sailing

This will be Sam’s 11th summer on Birch Island where she will be fulfilling the role of Driftwood Section Head as well as Head of Sailing. Sam is looking forward to sharing all of her wonderful experiences over the past few years with the other counsellors in the section. Sam believes that Driftwood section is an amazing introduction for campers to Mi-A-Kon-Da and she is excited to be stepping into her SLT role and making sure that every camper in Driftwood section has the best summer ever! When Sam isn’t at camp, she is a student at Queen’s University studying Applied Math and Computer Science Engineering. A magical Mi-A-Kon-Da moment that is a favourite memory of Sam’s is sailing around the island when she was 15!

Evelyne Demers

Head of Centre Section, Head of Kayaking

This will be Evelyne’s 10th year on Birch Island where she will be fulfilling the role of Centre Section Head as well as Head of Kayaking. Evelyne is looking forward to spending this summer alongside all the wonderful and kind souls that go to Mi-A-Kon-Da. She believes that Centre Section is a really important time for campers as they start to build long lasting, meaningful friendships, and share memories that will be remembered for years to come. Evelyne is thrilled to be stepping into her SLT role and making sure that every camper in Centre Section has the best summer ever! When Evelyne isn’t at camp, she is a student at Concordia University studying psychology. A magical Mi-A-Kon-Da moment that will forever resonate within her is all the times she’s had stuffed animal teddy bear playdates with other campers and counsellors.  

Emma Cornell

Head of Senior Section, Waterfront Director

This will be Emma’s 11th summer at Mi-A-Kon-Da. She is super excited to be fulfilling the roles of Senior Section Head and Waterfront Director this summer! When Emma isn’t at camp she is studying Health Sciences and Biology at Western University. Some of Emma’s favourite magical miakonda moments are her memories from canoe trips over the years, campfires on Turtle Rock, and playing EP!

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: $300 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: $250 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.