ABOUT US

The Hollows Family

Two generations working together

Stephen Fine, PhD., Founder and Co-Director.

Dr. Stephen Fine has dedicated much of his life to the furthering of organized camping. He is the recipient of the 2008 Canadian Camping Association’s Award of Excellence, and in 2019, he received the Ontario Camps Association’s most distinguished honour, the Dorothy Walter Award, for his many years of academic research into the phenomenon of camp and associated youth development benefits. As a camp director and an educator, he recognizes the current pressing need for increased face-to-face interactions and nature-based learning experiences. Active in the day to day routines of camp life, “Steve” is always available to encourage and mentor both campers and staff throughout their summer adventures.

Janet Fine, A.R.C.T., Founder and Co-Director.

Janet Fine is an alumnus of the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, London, England, and began her pre-camp career as a stage and television actor. Her broad theatrical background is evident within the drama program but also in her encouragement of positive camper to camper and camper to staff communication. Seeking campers’ input is her style and a time-tested approach toward keeping camper experiences relevant, stimulating and motivational.  Janet treats each camper like one of her own and is often seen golf carting to and from the various activities ensuring everyone is safe and most importantly, having fun!

Veronica Fine, B.A., Events Director 

Veronica spent her formative years at The Hollows and growing up at camp gave her a love of the outdoors and an awareness for how the camp setting could be a common draw for all age groups. A former logistics manager for international sporting events and live music festivals, she brings a wealth of practical operational knowledge to The Hollows. Her endeavours in the areas of camp events  programming, IT and marketing have moved The Hollows Camp into the 21st century. 

The Hollows History

In 1981 The Hollows Camp officially opened its doors as a full-service children’s day and overnight summer camp. Located in the historic “Hollows of West-Gwillimbury”, The Hollows Camp has welcomed thousands of youth and adults for the past 39 years with one important goal; to share the natural environment with others.

Over the years campers and staff have come to The Hollows from countries all over the world. They have brought with them a wealth of cultural and personal experiences that have by extension contributed to the growth of our camp programs and our camp community. Lifelong friendships are a part of the Hollows experience and we are always primed and ready to welcome old camp friends and second-generation campers. Today, we host retreats, events, and weddings in addition to our summer camp and The Hollows Camp remains under the management of the Fine family.

The Hollows Directors Note

A Letter from Dr. Stephen Fine & Janet Fine

Back in 1981, our incentive to start a camp was based on our personal experiences as campers of many years combined with our love for the natural world. What better place for children to express their innate desire for curiosity and exploration than in the outdoors? Twenty years later, it was now our campers and staff at The
Hollows that motivated the pursuit of a PhD in education focused on the learning that takes place here at camp.

Today, our continuing involvement in camp research further validates the benefits provided to young people since our inception. Camp provides real life situations that teach co-operation and sharing of responsibility where children can express themselves in a safe setting. Summer camp has much to offer in the successful development of well-rounded, productive, thoughtful, and compassionate adults. We hope to see your camper at The Hollows this summer.

Janet Fine and Dr.Stephen Fine recevie life time honorary membership awards at the 2019 Ontario Camping Association

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