CAMP KEE-MO-KEE
Camp Kee-Mo-Kee Virtual Tour
Camp Kee-Mo-Kee was established in the late 1950's on property donated to the United Church of Canada by Harvey and Emily Wales. Just a few minutes west of London, the camp is well situated to serve London and Middlesex county (check the London Conference web pages for information on other United Church camps in southwestern Ontario).From the highway (Glendon Road), follow a winding narrow dirt road back into a secluded clearing in the woods. The main camp buildings are found in the clearing, with the cabins nestled back among the trees. Far from the noise and bustle of our usual lives, Kee-Mo-Kee offers a simpler way of life: where campers and staff can learn and grow through community living in a Christian camping environment.
The main camp buildings are the focal point of many camp gatherings. Take a look in the Dining Hall, where our professional cook prepares thousands of tasty and nutritional meals every summer (special diets can be arranged with advance notice). For a fun twist, sometimes the meals may have a special theme - like a "monk's meal" or a one-utensil meal (just try eating your whole supper with only a spatula!).
At the other end of the breezeway is Beck Hall (named after one of the founders and long-time supporters of Kee-Mo-Kee). This hall is used for crafts and nature sessions. The focal point of the hall is the large stone fireplace, which is often used for campfires when the weather turns rainy. At the back of Beck Hall is the tuck shop, where you can pick out one or two treats each day.
Also among the main buildings you will find the Office, the shower shack, and the Health Hut where our on-site health care worker tends to the inevitable bumps and scrapes of camp life. Also note the new cement pad that's been installed between Beck Hall and the Dining Hall - just the spot for a pick-up basketball game, or perhaps a moonlit dance for the older campers (can't you see the patio lanterns swaying in the breeze?).
Back in the trees you'll find the 8 cabins where the campers sleep. There are bunk beds in each cabin - do you want the top or bottom bunk? There are mattresses, but to ensure a comfortable rest you may want to bring an air mattress or foam pad for sleeping on.Past the lower cabins you'll find the sports field - perhaps you'd like to play a little soccer, or beach volleyball? Out here you'll also find the main campfire pit. Most nights will include a campfire, with lots of songs and skits.
Circle back along the top of the ravine and you'll come to the pool (and don't worry about the ravine; thanks to the Optomist Club, we have secure fencing all along the top to ensure no one takes a bad step!). Most days will include a refreshing dip in our sparkling pool, which is maintained by our 2 certifed lifeguards.
Follow the path past the pool and you will find our outdoor chapel - a quiet place among the trees, just right for reflection or meditation. Most weeks will include a couple "chapel times" with a story and some songs. Although Kee-Mo-Kee is owned by the United Church, we try to maintain a non-denominational program so that all will feel welcome. We do not teach a particular doctrine or theology. Our goal is to have a camp community based on Christian values, where God can be experienced in everyday activities. Through Morning Watch, grace before meals, chapel times, and songs around the campfire, a sense of the spiritual is made a part of camp life. For more information please read our section on Spirituality at Camp.As you continue past the chapel you come to the upper cabins area. Also in this area is the volleyball court, and the archery range. Past the upper cabins trails lead back into the woods and down to "the forks" where 2 small streams join together. Camp wouldn't be complete without a hike into the woods and a bit of nature study.
That covers the highlights of our tour. By now you should have a taste of the types of things to see and do at Kee-Mo-Kee. Our responsible and energetic staff will serve up a balanced program which includes a wide variety of traditional camping activities. Lots of games, music and drama, crafts, sports, nature, swimming, and campfires all adds up to lots of fun!