In the early 1970s, it became clear that there was a growing opportunity to make Camp Kahquah more accessible by providing accommodations for guests throughout the entire year. That vision took an important step forward with the construction of the Lodge in 1972.
Over the past fifty years, the Lodge has become central to camp life. In addition to allowing campers and guests to enjoy all four seasons at Kahquah, it serves as the heart of the camp—where people gather to eat, meet, worship, and stay.
In the winter of 2023, we began a major renovation of the upper Lodge, creating private suites in each room and improving the comfort of our accommodations. After completing updates to the main floor and adding a welcoming new porch, we are now excited to begin the next phase: renovating the lower Lodge and Ahmic View to provide modern guest rooms with their own private suites.
Modern, welcoming facilities play an important role in helping us continue the mission of Camp Kahquah, and the Lodge remains at the centre of that vision.
Prior to 2024, the upper Lodge was often guests’ last choice for retreat accommodations; today, it has become one of the most sought-after places to stay. Building on the year-round needs of Kahquah, we see creating new spaces, updating existing facilities, and maximizing the potential of each building as a high priority for the long-term strength and sustainability of the camp. Our next two projects will help provide even more attractive and welcoming accommodations for guests throughout the year.
“Before the renovations, Kahquah’s facilities kept us from coming. After the lodge was renovated, we couldn’t wait to visit.”
WHAT’S TO COME
LOWER LODGE RENOVATIONS
Renovate each bedroom to include a private bathroom.
Transform the open area into a dedicated meeting room, with a separating hallway to enhance flexibility and minimize noise between spaces.
Add a new staircase to the lower level to improve accessibility.
Design the staircase area to allow for a future stair platform lift.
Renovate the washrooms to include one accessible washroom and two universal washrooms.
Add soundproofing to the lower-level rooms.
Install new windows, doors, flooring, insulation, plumbing, electrical, and heating systems.
Add new furnishings for all the bedrooms.
Complete the main floor washrooms to include one accessible washroom and two universal washrooms.
AHMIC VIEW
Lift Ahmic View and install a full foundation to support year-round use.
Create a lower-level space to initially function as a meeting room, and allow for future conversion into four additional motel-style units.
CURRENT VIEW & PROPOSAL
SEPTIC SYSTEM
The septic system was installed in 1992 and is functioning well and supporting the current infrastructure of the camp. The Ministry of Environment has asked that as we continue to move forward with renovations we apply for an amendment to our system. The goal with this process is to ensure we are fully compliant and can accommodate future additions like the four lower Ahmic View units.
The exciting news is we already have $375,000 of our $750,000 goal. Together we know we can make it the rest of the way.
One-time gifts, monthly gifts, annual gifts. Every gift, big or small, moves us forward.
“I did not grow up in a Christian home and did not attend church. My journey to Kahquah all started because of a simple act from a friend. He invited me and another friend (also not raised in a Christian home) to Camp one summer when we were kids, around 10 years old. The rest was history. I continued to attend for the next 5 years as a camper, then 2 years in the leadership development programs and the next 12 years on staff. In that time, I devoted my life to Christ, was baptized at Kahquah, got married and started a family of 4 kids. Our family now attends family camp every summer, and my oldest and I will head to kids camp this year in the Kubbies program.
“Without Kahquah, I have no clue where my life would be. I can confidently say I would not be anywhere close to the man, husband, and father I am today without Kahquah. To say that Kahquah “Makes memories and changes lives” is an understatement. One friend inviting a few people to camp changed the trajectory of so many lives, which will continue to change our lives and those around us. My friend took the call to “plant seeds” and Kahquah was one of the core reasons those seeds were watered and had everything needed to grow for years.
“My name is Matt Reist and Camp Kahquah played and continues to have an immense role in my life and faith journey.”
— MATT REIST, Camp Kahquah Staff (2010-2021)
Together, we can prepare Camp Kahquah for the next generation by creating spaces where people grow in faith, community, and life.
