For over fifty years, Camp Latona has been developing the confidence and life skills in our youth to prepare them for their future challenges and successes. The roots of Camp Latona and the Spirit by which it operates has remained unchanged over the years. As technology continues to attempt to influence our youth, we continue to build a foundation of character, respect and creativity.
Our limited enrollment, caring counselors and engaging activities allow our campers to feel safe, reassured and welcome. The active lifestyle allows all campers to learn new skills and try activities that they can't do in their own backyard or neighborhoods.
We believe in the Challenge by Choice philosophy where each camper is encouraged to participate but they set the level of challenge for that participation. We only offer positive encouragement and support with their decisions.
We know that you place a deep trust in us to nurture each camper's social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth. Our team values this trust and plans camp activities to provide maximum safety and learning.
There's no place like Latona. We hope you will join us in this summer's adventures - for memories, friendships and experiences that will last each camper a lifetime.
Welcome Back! Tibi!
At Camp Latona the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of our campers is our top priority. Our staff is skilled, committed and caring. The success of a camping experience is built upon the relationship between a camper and his/her counselor. We place great emphasis on the selection and training of our staff to ensure the inclusion, creativity and safety of all during camp activities.
We value our lands and preserve our camp as an ecosystem of natural beauty. We strive to be energy-efficient and green. We are a part of nature, enfolded in the beauty of Creation.
We will work together with respect and compassion, laughter and creativity. We will model and teach behaviours which demonstrate that every person at camp is special, and each person belongs; that embracing a new challenge helps us grow; that the best entertainment is the kind we make ourselves.
Spiritual wellness is supported in non-denominational morning and evening reflections which communicate spiritual values and inspiration consistent with Camp Latona’s Catholic roots, while ensuring respect for all religious traditions.
The Camp Latona Society is a non-profit group that organized and ran the summer 2008 camp sessions. Comprised of campers and staff who have experienced the magic of Latona over the years, we work collectively to recreate the magic for future generations. We are able to offer some financial assistance to those families who are unable to afford the entire camp fee. If you would like more information about the Camp Latona Society please contact the camp office. If you would like to donate to help others attend Camp Latona, please contact the camp office.
Around 1860, Captain Richards and the HMS Plumper surveyed the coastal waters of British Columbia, including Howe Sound. Captain Richards proceeded to name islands, points, bays, and channels in the Howe Sound area after officers and ships associated with the sea victory of the British Fleet over the French in 1794. Latona Passage (between Woolridge Island and Gambier) was named for a warship –HMS Latona, a thirty-eight gun frigate and Thronborough Channel was named after her captain.
Admiral Sir Edward Thornborough was the captain of the Latona, a signal frigate, which was stationed in the center of the British Fleet to pass on Howe's signals throughout the fleet. He took the frigate into the thick of the fight to assist the Bellerophon when that vessel was almost overwhelmed by the enemy.
Latona beach was eventually settled by an Edward Linfoot in 1914.
When the property was purchased for a naval training center in the 1940’s it was originally named Camp Georgia, subsequently, it was re-named Camp Latona.
The site of Latona Beach was originally used for a Navy Sea Cadet Camp. The federal government provided the original construction of the site in the 1940’s.
Camp Latona opened its doors to greet campers for the first time in the summer of 1959 after being purchased by the Archdiocese of Vancouver the previous year for $27,000. Thousands of children from all walks of life have passed through this camp; with the experience of Camp Latona offering something that each child would remember for a lifetime.
Latona Beach was sold in 1999 to an American Christian organization who continued to use our camp in the summers. The camp ceased to operate as a children’s summer residential camp and became a destination rental resort.
In 2007, our camp was privately purchased to return it to the original vision of establishing an inclusive summer camp for children. The Camp Latona Society leases the Latona Beach site and have returned it to it's fundamental origin as a summer camp. The Camp Latona Society is a non-profit organization comprised of campers and staff who remember and are thankful for the many ways our lives have been blessed by Camp Latona. We are working hard to ensure that the spirit of Camp Latona live on for future generations to enjoy.
