_edit.png)
Since 1963, Camp Gesher
Since 1963 Camp Gesher has been part of the Dror Hachalutz Hatzair Zionist Youth Organization, merging two previous camps—Camp Revivim from Huntsville, Ontario, and Camp Kissufim from the Laurentians—to better serve the Jewish communities in Toronto, Montréal, and Ottawa. In 1962, the current site was purchased from Clarkson Duck Lake Lodge and named Gesher, meaning "bridge" in Hebrew, reflecting its role as a central connection for these communities.
The transition occurred in stages:
Camp Revivim closed in 1961, and the membership moved to Camp Kissufim for the summer of 1962. Camp Kissufim closed after the summer of 1962, and the first summer at Camp Gesher occurred in 1963. The Hachalutz Hatzair name was dropped in 1963 and Camp Gesher was a Dror Zionist youth organization summer camp. In 1974, a historical joint meeting of parents, leadership and Shlichim of both Habonim and Dror local organizations took place in Ottawa, wherethey agreed to “operate as one Youth Movement which will combine the membership of both bodies.”
In the summer of 1975, Camp Gesher was the first camp to test the merger of the Habim and Dror Youth Movements, which successfully led to their full merger in 1980. As a proud member of both Habonim Dror and the Ontario Camping Association, Camp Gesher fosters an environment for campers to grow as individuals and community leaders. The meaningful experiences and strong Jewish instilled at camp shape campers into the next generation of Jewish adults.
Register as an Alumni
We invite you to register as an alumnus and stay informed about all things related to Gesher and upcoming alumni events, including the 20-year Bogrim Reunion, community-wide gatherings, Havdallah services, and more!
We want to celebrate your special moments with you! Please share your simchas with us, such as Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, and the arrival of future Gesherites.
