A life changing legacy
Our story started in 1867, when John McPherson was granted the land now known as Camp Wahanowin and built the Stonehouse using limestone from our site on Lake St. John. The Stonehouse was the first settlement and post office in Simcoe County.
Nearly a century later, in 1955, Harold Nashman and his mother, Anne (Bubby Nash), discovered the site and knew it was where they were meant to make their camping dream a reality. Camp Wahanowin welcomed its first campers in the summer of 1955, beginning a life changing legacy for so many children and their families that continues today.
Land Acknowledgement
Camp Wahanowin respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Ojibwe, Odawa and the Pottawatomi nations. These are collectively known as the Three Fired confederacy.
We also recognize the contributions the Chippewas of the Rama Mnjikaning First Nation, known as the “people of the deer,” have made in shaping and strengthening our community.
Camp Wahanowin’s surrounding area is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to share this land. We are committed to a relationship with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity and collaboration the spirit of reconciliation.
50th Anniversary Reunion Slide Show
Harold Nashman
(1927-2011)
Camp Wahanowin’s Founder
Harold Nashman was born in Toronto in 1927 and was a graduate of the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School. During his final year of law school, Harold and his mother, Anne Nashman (Bubby Nash), rented Camp Hiawatha. That first successful camping season at Hiawatha sparked what became both Bubby Nash’s and Harold’s lifelong passion and purpose – to open and run a camp of their own.
Harold practiced law for five years. At age 30, he took an “early retirement” to devote all his energy to running Camp Wahanowin. From its opening season in 1955 to now, Wahanowin continues to grow and innovate, honouring Harold’s original vision while evolving it to meet the needs of today’s campers.
Harold brought a special blend of showmanship, charisma, compassion and warmth to everything he did. He always made those around him feel special. His passion for Wahanowin and his love of camping remained a constant throughout his life. He often said, “being a camp director is not a job; it is a way of life.” That way of life created a special place filled with wonder, friendship and memories for thousands of children.
Harold Nashman Tribute Video
Bruce and Patti
Nashman
“It’s hard to know where to begin… In 1955, my father, Harold Nashman, and my grandmother, Anne Nashman (Bubby Nash), founded Camp Wahanowin. In 1958, my mother, Yetta Nashman, married Harold and joined the team. Out of my five siblings, I was the lucky one to have experienced camp at every stage of my life – as a baby and young child, as a camper and then as staff, director and owner.
My luck continued when my life partner and spouse, Patti, joined me in 1994 to play a vital role at camp. We feel fortunate to have raised our three children at camp, similar to my own precious childhood.
I’ve always described camp as a place where campers and staff become their best selves. For 67 years, my family and I built a loving community, established important traditions and watched children grow, achieve and flourish. Witnessing the camp life cycle of many generations of campers and staff has been a privilege for Patti and I and an experience we will always cherish. Thank you to the wonderful Wahanowin community for your support, love and devotion for so many fantaberaneous years!”
