OUR STORY
A playground of endless forests and crystal-clear lakes.
In 1936 on a cool, misty morning, Lou Handler and Omer Stringer paddled a red canoe across the still waters of South Tea Lake in Algonquin Park. They had a vision for a special place. One with countless outdoor activities, a community of soon-to-be lifelong friends and a place where kids were encouraged to learn, play and grow.
They found a children’s village, they found Camp Tamakwa.
OUR VALUES
When you get the opportunity to spend your summers in the beauty of Algonquin Park you just can’t help but want to make the world around you a better place.
WE PADDLE IN UNISON
Tamakwans are proud individuals who understand the importance of community, family values and the power of working together as a team. A Tamakwan is a person who appreciates camp, strives to achieve personal growth, yet is also kind and willing to give a hand in order to see others also succeed.
LEAVE THE CAMPSITE BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT
Tamakwans are stewards of the land and understand the value of their surroundings and rich history in Algonquin Park. They are committed to leaving not just our campground, but any campground down the road, better than they found it.
FRESH AIR OPENS MINDS
Tamakwans believe that fresh air is fuel for the soul, and we’re not the only ones. Research shows that spending time outdoors not only boosts your immune system, it naturally increases energy too.
OUR FOUNDERS
Icons of Algonquin Park and lovers of the outdoors, our founders made Tamakwa a magical place.
LOU HANDLER
A strong man with a warm heart, Lou was a naturalist from Detroit with a deep-rooted passion for nature, camping and life on the water. Amorously known around camp as Unca Lou, the community he created on the shores of South Tea Lake with his friend Omer became a place of warmth and camaraderie that still rings true today.
OMER STRINGER
As one of Canada’s foremost canoeist and outdoorsmen, Omer along with his friend Lou, put their passion for canoeing and the outdoors at the forefront of what Tamakwa would stand for, resulting in a summer- haven built on a strong sense of optimism, resourcefulness, and making every moment count.
100% social, 0% media.
We believe camp should be 100% social and 0% media. That’s why we don’t feel campers or staff need cell phones, iPads or any other electronics at Camp Tamakwa. By fostering a sense of community without the use of technology, Tamakwans form friendships that tend to last a lifetime. And up here, in the beauty of Algonquin Park, they’ll learn how to live life with an open mind, an enthusiastic spirit and a willingness to grow. All without ever looking at a screen.
OUR TEAM
Carrying on the legacy and traditions of Camp Tamakwa.
These are our leaders who take care of our camp and make sure every Tamakwan’s summer feels like it lasts a lifetime.
DIANE BALD
CAMP OWNER
Diane spent her summers at Camp Wapomeo one lake away from Tamakwa. Her love of Algonquin runs deep. “Algonquin park was a large part of our family’s life and instilled in them a love of the outdoors, living simply in nature and their love for camp.” Diane is excited to preserve Tamakwa’s beauty and heritage based on her architectural background.
MICHAEL BUDMAN
CAMP OWNER
Michael first came to Camp Tamakwa in 1956. This is where he met many people who influenced and shaped his life including co-founder Don Green in 1962. Together they created the Iconic Canadian brand Roots. After spending his summers up at his cabin in Algonquin Park with his family, Michael has come back to his roots as Co-owner with his wife Diane.
VIC NORRIS
SENIOR DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Vic first arrived at Tamakwa in the summer of 1967 and under the guidance of Tamakwa’s founding owner Lou Handler, Vic rose up the ranks taking co-ownership of Tamakwa in 1980. Under his direction Tamakwa now offers more than twice as many activities, and maintains Tamakwa’s most revered traditions.
VIC NORRIS
SENIOR DIRECTOR
Vic first arrived at Tamakwa in the summer of 1967 and under the guidance of Tamakwa’s founding owner Lou Handler, Vic rose up the ranks taking co-ownership of Tamakwa in 1980. Under his direction Tamakwa now offers more than twice as many activities, and maintains Tamakwa’s most revered traditions.
LESLIE HARTSMAN
SENIOR DIRECTOR
Leslie “Hartsy” Hartsman is the Senior Director at Camp Tamakwa, bringing with him a lifelong love for the camp experience. His mom, who worked at Forest Valley day camp in Toronto brought him with her when he was 6 months old, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Aptly named H(e)art-man, Leslie’s association with Tamakwa dates back to 1996 when he first joined the camp, infused with his love for the outdoors and an unyielding spirit. As a Senior Boy counsellor in 1998, he and his campers famously crafted the Bayview Pride cheer, a testament to their shared enthusiasm for camp life – an enthusiasm Hartsy carries with him to this day.
With an unparalleled commitment to Tamakwa, Leslie holds the esteemed title of the longest-serving Tamakwa Program Director, having dedicated an impressive 9 years to shaping camp’s programs and experiences. Outside of camp, Leslie is an accomplished serial entrepreneur in the advertising and ecommerce space.
In 2020, Leslie realized a lifelong dream by assuming the pivotal role of Director, where he continues to foster meaningful connections with campers and staff alike, infusing each day with that good ol’ Tamakwa spirit.
JAMIE KUDLATS
CAMP DIRECTOR
Jamie Kudlats brings a unique blend of educational expertise and camp experience to his role as Director . His Tamakwa journey began as a camper in 1985, and over the years, he has taken on various roles, including counsellor, music director, section head, Assistant Program Director, and long-time member of the Tamakwa house band.
An educator since 2000, Jamie has served as a middle school teacher and principal, where he honed his skills in leadership and mentorship. Currently residing in Durham, North Carolina, Jamie is now a professor of educational leadership at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he conducts research on school administration and teaches aspiring school and district leaders.
In 2020, Jamie returned to Tamakwa as Director, combining his passion for education with his love for camp to support and mentor campers and staff. His expertise enriches the camp experience, fostering growth and learning in our unique Algonquin setting.
ERIN GLADMAN
CAMP DIRECTOR
Erin Gladman joined the Tamakwa family in 2020 and fell in love at first sight with every part of Tamakwa – from camp’s values and spirit to the majesty of Algonquin Park.
A lifelong camper, Erin turned her passion for camp into a career, spending 16 years running a day camp in Toronto. She joined Leslie and Jamie in 2020 as part of the leadership team, bringing experience, perspective, and a deep understanding of camp life.
At Tamakwa, she is a force that keeps the entire camp running smoothly. Her dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts significantly contribute to the success and warmth of the camp environment.
In addition to all her work planning behind the scenes, Erin is also deeply involved with day-to-day camp life. She is part operator, part camp mom, and an all-around epic Director, making her an invaluable member of the Tamakwa family.
OUR TAMAKWA LORE
Our alumni live the traditions of Camp Tamakwa, helping make the world a better place.
Bernie Goldman
Martine Schwartz
Charles Tator
Mike Binder
Linsey Beck Gold
CEO of WealthSimple
Acclaimed Writer, Director and actor
OUR CLAIM TO FAME
Immortalized in the iconic movie, Indian Summer, Camp Tamakwa was the inspiration and filming location for the popular film.
Written and directed by camp alumni Mike Binder, the film is about a group of friends that return to their old childhood camp. It perfectly captures Tamakwa traditions, songs and pranks. The movie is certainly a nostalgic depiction of days gone by, but a true-to-life representation of the Camp Tamakwa spirit we continue to live every single day, every single summer.
OUR FAMILY VALUES & TRADITIONS
Our Jewish traditions and history have molded many of our core family values.
Camp Tamakwa was founded as a traditional Jewish summer camp. Today, the majority of our campers and staff are of Jewish descent yet we are happy and excited to continue to welcome an array of backgrounds and beliefs to our Tamakwa family.
We are proud members of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA). This organization plays an important leadership role in promoting and encouraging children and youth camping in Ontario, as well as setting high standards for safety and care of campers.