Join our next info session.

Learn more and have any questions answers by joining our virtual information session on Thursday, May 4th.

Since 1923 we have cultivated youth leaders, empowering them to live in a world not just created for them, but by them.

Camp Shomria is the only truly youth-led summer camp in North America, where young people live an immersive communal lifestyle and develop their identities as activists and Jews.
Camp Shomria is the only truly youth-led summer camp in North America, where young people live an immersive communal lifestyle and develop their identities as activists and Jews.

​​At Shomria, the campers shape their own experience whatever their passion, whether that is playing team sports, acting in a play, doing arts and crafts, making music, practicing scouting skills, writing stories or letters, doing yoga, or taking a dip in the lake.
 
Our campers come back year after year, and most continue on through Yedid (our counsellor in training program), where they get the chance to travel to Israel and meet other Shomrim from around the world. This powerful experience is just the beginning of their journey, as they take on the role of shaping our camp into the place they want it to be, and carry that forward into their adult lives, creating the world and life they imagine. 

See what's possible ​
​when youth lead youth.
camping
sports
gardening
​creative arts
beach fun
learning

M O S H    K A Y I T Z

Summer Camp - 4 weeks

​​Make relationships that will last a lifetime. Develop skills you didn't even know you had. Spend the summer playing and learning at our lakefront campsite. 
​

​M O S H    C H O R E F

Winter Camp

​​We’re proud to be Canadian. That means that when the snow falls, we don’t hibernate. We lace up our boots and dive in. Come build forts, throw snowballs, toboggan, and skate!

T H E    K E N

Saturday meetups  in Toronto

​​We bring our community together for great programming throughout the year. Come to reconnect with camp friends or to get a taste of our summer program. This is no ordinary after-school program. ​

It's the ideal place to grow up; the most fun place on earth.
And not that superficial kind of fun. I mean the good stuff,
where you learn new things ​about yourself every day.

​- Joseph Weissgold (at camp from 1998 to 2010)

Our Campsite.


​Our camp is located halfway between Toronto and Montreal, and is a short one hour drive from both Ottawa and Kingston. Located on beautiful Otty Lake, with forest on three sides and a private sandy beachfront on the other, there’s no better place to make the most of a beautiful Canadian summer.

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​click on the map to see it enlarged >

Counting the days 'til summer camp? We are.

We are part of the international and historic youth movement, Hashomer Hatzair (the Young Guard).

Since 1913, Hashomer Hatzair has made space for youth to take ownership over their education, culture, values and community. It's in our DNA. Being part of a youth movement is what makes Shomria so much more than a summer camp.

​What makes us different.

  1. We’ve chosen to stay small, taking in only 120 campers at a time.
    Because of this, all campers, from youngest to oldest can get to know one another.
    ​
  2. We are part of an international community, and welcome campers from around the world.
    Our campers come from Israel, France, Germany, Italy, Colombia, and the United States.
    ​
  3. Our head counsellors are all former campers, all under the age of 25.
    Our counsellors get practical experience that will serve them for many years to come.
    ​
  4. We are committed to reducing financial access barriers. See our sliding scale rates.
    We are proud to provide needs-based scholarships to over 40% of our campers, ensuring everyone can be part of our community.

  5. We are committed to inclusion.
    We are committed to ensuring that campers and staff of all identities feel safe, welcome, and represented. We are proud to offer girls, boys, and all-gender cabin and washroom options as part of our inclusive environment.


66% of Jews who attended a Jewish camp considered
their Jewish identity “very important,” as opposed to 29%
​among those who never attended a Jewish camp.

- Foundation for Jewish Camp

Let's talk!
Join our community today.

​​copyright © Hashomer Hatzair Canada. 2023.
​​All Rights Reserved.