Directors & Staff

Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da Directors

Meet Our 2024 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!

Harriet Hylton

Program Director, Waterfront Director

This will be Harriet’s 9th year at Mi-A-Kon-Da. She will be fulfilling the role of Program Director and Waterfront Director this summer. She is beyond excited and grateful for this new experience, as she has always looked up to the SLT staff as a camper. When Harriet isn’t at camp, she is studying Nursing at Trent University, and is hoping to be Patch in the future! A magical Mi-A-Kon-Da moment for Harriet was her first time swimming around the island when she was 12!  

Sophie Hocevar

CIT Director, Head of Climbing

This will be Sophie’s 10th summer on Birch Island where she is super excited to fulfill the roles of CIT Director and Head of Climbing! This summer is a dream come true for her, and she cannot wait to make Mi-A-Kon-Da Magic with this year’s incredible CITs. One of the most fulfilling experiences of her life was (as a CIT) finally being on the other end of all the love and fun that camp has to offer, so being able to experience that again alongside a new group of CITs will be awesome. When Sophie isn’t at camp she is studying Math at the University of British Columbia. One of her favourite Magical Mi-A-Kon-Da Moments is discovering and swimming in a secret waterfall on trip with her tent when they were fourteen!

Izabella Faryaszewski

Head of Driftwood Section, Head of Archery

This year marks 9 years of Izabella attending Mi-A-Kon-Da over the summers. Izabella is excited to be working as the Driftwood Section Head in addition to being the Head of Archery. Izabella lives each day of the year to return to the magic of Birch Island in the summer. Izabella is studying Biology & Earth Science at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. One of Izabella’s favourite magical moments at Mi-A-Kon-Da is sitting on Front Rocks watching the sunset during the amazing talent shows performed by campers and staff. Izabella also has a good story to tell after each canoe trip so stay tuned!

Davis Dejean

Head of Centre Section, Head of Sailing

This will be Davis’ 10th summer at Mi-A-Kon-Da where she will be returning as the Head of Centre Section and the Head of Sailing. Davis is looking forward to being back at camp where every person on the island is encouraged to be themselves. Davis believes that Centre Section is an important time to get comfortable trying new things like canoe tripping and activity badges. She is excited to step into her role and create a fun environment where every Centre camper can have an amazing summer! When Davis isn’t at camp, she is a student at Queen’s University studying Civil Engineering. A magical Mi-A-Kon-Da Moment is when her team won the Birch Cup!

Leah Cuff

Head of Senior Section, Head of Guitar Club

This will be Leah’s 9th summer at Mi-A-Kon-Da. She is super excited to be fulfilling the roles of Head of Senior Section and Head of Guitar Club this summer! Leah is eager to create a welcoming, fun, and memorable environment for Seniors this summer. When Leah isn’t at camp she is majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Law at Dalhousie University. Leah’s favourite magical Mi-A-Kon-Da moment is going stargazing one night with her tentmates and counsellor!

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.