Charles F. Plewman founder of Kilcoo Camp
On my walk through Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto, I visited the grave of Charles F. Plewman, founder of one of Canada’s most respected boys’ summer camps, Kilcoo Camp.
Charles Plewman was an important early figure in the Canadian summer-camp movement. He attended his first camp in 1903, when organized camping was still new in Canada. Six years later, he was running short day camps for boys. Plewman was part of the first generation of leaders who believed that outdoor life helped develop character in young people.
With a deep love for the North and the wilderness, Charles devoted his life to the development of camps. He directed YMCA camps and served as Executive Secretary of the Ontario Boys’ Work Board, which organized many church camps across Ontario.
It was in 1932 that Charles founded a camp he called his own that would impact young men for generations. He found a beautiful piece of property on Gull Lake in Haliburton County just north of Toronto and called it Kilcoo Camp. The name “Kilcoo” came from his family’s Irish home Kilcoo House in County Kildare, Ireland.
The camp follows the traditional philosophy that boys should develop independence, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and respect for nature. Even today, Kilcoo remains technology-free, with no phones or social media.
Charles Plewman operated the camp for over 23 years, leaving a lasting mark on its culture and traditions. He sold Kilcoo in 1955, but the camp continues to uphold the values and traditions he established.
Charles Frederick Plewman died in Peterborough, Ontario on December 28, 1981. He was 91.
1890-1981
His obituary as it appeared in the Peterborough Examiner (1981)
PLEWMAN CHARLES FREDERICK —- Founder of Kilcoo Camp established 1932, in his 92nd year, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Peterborough, Mon. Dec 28 1981. Beloved father of Margaret ( Mrs. G. S. Macpherson ) , Hazel, ( Mrs. C. A. Appleton) and Betty-Ann ( Mrs. W. E. Brohm) all of Peterborough. 5 grand children and 3 great grandchildren. A sister Kathleen Anderson of Toronto. Former secretary of Ottawa & Winnipeg Y.M.C.A., secretary of Ont. Boys’ Work Board, Executive Secretary of Toronto Red Cross. Life member and Past President of Forest Hill Rotary Club, Honorary member & Past President of Ont. Camping Association. Morley Bedford Funeral Home in Toronto
