About Camp

Artistic Director’s Message

Dale Hirlehey - We hope that you plan to make Camp OK a part of your summer. Brian Dittmer and the Administration Team are ready to go! The shows are terrific, the artistic and counseling staff are first-rate and Camp OK 2010 is Out of This World!

Camp Director’s Message

Brian Dittmer - Are you ready for fun and excitement that’s out of this world? Well Camp OK 2010 promises to be better than ever! We’ve got 11 different worlds to explore and we invite you to experience as many as you wish. With 4 two-week sessions to choose from and a different playbill every other session, I hope you will join us for 2, 4, 6 - or even all 8 weeks of pure excitement. Read through the brochure, visit our website, pick your shows, and get ready for the summer of a lifetime. New friends, familiar faces, a huge range of camp activities, and a summer full of memories are waiting for you at CAMP OK! IT’S OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Who We Are

Our first camp operated out of Alma College, St. Thomas in the summer of 1992 with 72 campers in attendance. Now, in 2010, we are operating on the grounds and buildings of Huron University College with nearly 800 campers enjoying our summer camp. Camp OK is a safe and nurturing environment where young people can grow and flourish. It is a total theatre experience where children can blossom as performers. Theatre however is not the only aspect of Camp OK… We also offer lunchtime games, sports activities, water events and lots of whole camp fun. Camp OK is an attitude - an atmosphere of support. It is an environment in which kids and young adults can express themselves openly. After all, they’re among friends!

Our Venues

We are thrilled to announce that this summer Camp OK will be returning for our fifth year to the scenic grounds and the heritage buildings of The University of Western Ontario’s Huron College. Campers will love the fifty acres of spacious, secluded, shady lawns, the quaint period houses and facilities. Parents will appreciate the peaceful pastoral atmosphere, security of the setting and the easy access and parking off Western Road opposite the main UWO Campus (refer to map). Performance Days in 2010 will be held at the Faculty of Education on Western Road. These are perfect settings, uniquely equipped to encourage creativity and safe, exciting summer fun!

Administration Team

Brian Dittmer - Camp Director
Brian is thrilled to be back for his 11th summer at Camp OK! He is an alumnus of the Original Kids Main Cast and has performed internationally with The Young Americans - a performance company dedicated to educating youth through music and dance. After returning to Canada, Brian completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a specialization in Theatre and Development at Concordia University. For the past five years he worked as an educational tour guide, taking students from across Ontario to Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa and New York with Keating Educational Tours. Brian has completed his Bachelor of Education at the University of Ottawa and cannot wait to be back for another fun-filled summer at Camp OK!

Meaghan Furlonger – Program Coordinator
Meaghan is overjoyed to be returning for her 8th summer at Camp OK! Music and theatre have been important in Meaghan’s life from a very young age and continue to be her passion. As part of the Original Kids Main Cast for more than five seasons, Meaghan was privileged to experience many different roles both on and off the stage. Currently she is completing her degree at MacMaster in Music and Geography, and hopes to teach in the London school system. Meaghan cannot imagine what summer would be like without Camp OK and cannot wait to help make this summer the best one yet!

Jannaia Arthur – Leadership Coordinator
Jannaia is delighted to be working at Camp OK this summer! As a former camp counselor and camp director with the City of London, she brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the Camp OK team. Jannaia completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree at Brescia University College and was a candidate to represent her graduating class as valedictorian. Last year she worked as a Language Monitor in Edmundston, New Brunswick where she acted as Drama Advisor for the production of FAME and created the Writer’s Club for young creative writers. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Ottawa and aspires to be a teacher and author. Jannaia is looking forward to an exciting summer at Camp OK!

Our Staff

Our talented, dedicated, and enthusiastic staff (approximately 1 staff to every 4 campers) consists of an Artistic Team of trained actors, singers, and dancers who run sessions in the mornings and direct the shows in the afternoons. It also contains a Counseling Team whose primary focus is to ensure that all of our campers have the time of their lives. We, as a staff, pride ourselves on having as much fun as the campers!!!

SAFETY FIRST

Although accidents and injuries are rare, we have trained staff members with a variety of qualifications. Our designated staff is trained in first aid emergency procedures specifically designed for the unique environment of Huron University College. Our first aid equipment and supplies are located throughout the facility. Camp OK is a nut-free organization.