Gesstwood Camp

04/09/2026

Gesstwood Camp is now hiring Spring & Summer 2026 staff!

Spring Outdoor Education Staff (May–June)
We’re looking for post‑secondary students who want hands‑on experience working with children and youth. Spring staff work weekdays facilitating outdoor education programs for visiting school groups from JK/SK through Grade 12.
It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone pursuing early childhood education, teaching, recreation, or youth‑focused careers.

Summer Camp Staff (July–August)
We’re hiring high school and post‑secondary students (ages 16+) who want to build skills, gain experience, and spend the summer making unforgettable memories.
Summer staff live on-site from Sunday to Friday each week and bring energy, enthusiasm, and heart to every camper’s experience.

If you’re hardworking, positive, and excited to help create a summer like no other, we’d love to hear from you!

Visit our website to apply www.gesstwoodcamp.ca and click on the "MORE" tab and then the "JOIN OUR TEAM" tab

For over 60 years, Gesstwood Camp & Education Centre has been offering Windsor Essex youth the opportunity to learn leadership and outdoor skills, spend time in nature, and make new friends. We offer both Day Camp and Overnight camp.

03/03/2026

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

We can’t wait to welcome campers back to Gesstwood for another unforgettable season of adventure, friendship, and outdoor fun!
Check out our Day Camp & Overnight Camp schedules and themes on our website — there is something exciting waiting for every age.

NEW for 2026: Extended DAY Day Camp!
Get the full camp experience without staying overnight.
Arrive at 9:00am and stay right through to 9:30pm — perfect for campers who want all the excitement of evening programs, campfires, and big adventures, but still head home to sleep.

NEW for 2026: March Break Trailblazer Day Camp
For campers ages 6–10, this special spring program runs Monday, March 16, to Thursday, March 19, from 9am–4pm.
Kids will explore the forest, play outdoors, and dive into hands‑on activities that spark curiosity and confidence.

More theme week details are coming soon!

Follow us on social media for sneak peeks and updates as we get closer to summer.

Ready to register now? All the details are already on our website!
Visit www.gesstwoodcamp.ca, click “Camps” on the homepage, and choose Day Camp or Overnight Camp to learn more and sign up

For over 60 years, Gesstwood Camp & Education Centre has been offering Windsor Essex youth the opportunity to learn leadership and outdoor skills, spend time in nature, and make new friends. We offer both Day Camp and Overnight camp.

01/30/2026

Surprise your special someone with a Valentine’s gift that gives back 💕

Valentine’s Dinner Dance “Fun-raiser” at Gesstwood
Friday, February 13, 2026 at 6pm

Celebrate love in one of Essex County’s most romantic settings — Gesstwood’s rustic wedding venue, where countless couples have said “I do.” The twinkle lights, cozy lodge, and forest backdrop set the perfect mood for an unforgettable night out.

Enjoy a delicious dinner, live music by Lookin’ Back, a cash bar, door prizes, and dancing with your favourite human.

And here’s the heart‑tugger…

$60 from every ticket HELPS SEND A KID TO CAMP.
Your night out = a summer adventure for local children.
🎟️ $125/person
(includes dinner, one drink ticket, and a $60 tax receipt)
📍 Gesstwood Camp & Education Centre, Essex
👉 Tickets: www.gesstwoodcamp.ca or call 519‑776‑7119

Because love is sweeter when it changes lives. ❤️

11/30/2025

DECEMBER 2- GIVING TUESDAY- Give the Gift of Nature to Local Children

YOU CAN HELP CHILDREN DISCOVER THE WONDER OF THE OUTDOORS.

At Gesstwood Camp, childhood happens among the trees. In the laughter echoing through the forest, the confidence built on the high ropes, the curiosity sparked in our outdoor education programs, and the friendships forged around the campfire.

Your generosity helps send kids to:

Overnight Camp – independence, adventure, memories
Day Camp – hands-on learning, play, connection
Outdoor Education Field Trips – curriculum-based nature exploration

When you give, you’re not just supporting a program —
You’re helping a child write the best chapter of their childhood.
Your donation helps local children make the forest part of their childhood story.

DONATE NOW www.gesstwoodcamp.ca

08/04/2025

One of the many ways we're staying cool during these heat waves this summer! 🚒💦☀️

Thanks to the Essex Firefighters for helping cool us off every year!

07/31/2025

📢 SPOTS ALSO AVAILABLE (same week as peewee)

🎉🎃🥚 Junior Camp – Holiday Madness! 🎄🎆🍀
Why celebrate one holiday when you can celebrate them ALL?!

📅 August 5–8
👧 Ages 7–11
📍 Gesstwood Camp (overnight or day camp)

Get ready for a wild ride through the calendar as we bring the best holidays to camp in one epic week!
✨ Trick-or-Treating
✨ Easter Egg Hunts
✨ Canada Day Games
✨ NYE Dinner & Dance
✨ Luck of the Irish scavenger hunts..and plenty more!

Of course, there’s still time for traditional camp favorites like sports, bonfires, and s’mores! 🔥🌲

📲 Only a few spots left – register today! [link in bio]
Tag a family with a camper who LOVES every holiday! 🥳

07/30/2025

💥INCOMING NEXT WEEK

🎬✨ Pee‑Wee Camp: The Magic of Disney ✨🎬
Calling all mini‑mousers and princes/princesses!

🗓 Aug 5 – 7 |
👧🧒 Ages 5–8
📍 Gesstwood Camp (overnight & day camp)

🪄 Get ready for three enchanted days of:
• Disney‑themed games & crafts
• Sing‑alongs & storytime under the trees
• Magical surprises around every corner

Spots are vanishing faster than a fairy godmother’s wand! ✨
👉 Register now: link in bio 👈

Tag a family who needs some Disney magic this summer!

07/28/2025

Last week each cabin got to decorate their counsellor, and then watch them walk the runway strutting their new look ⭐✨

Way to go kiddos! Your counsellors look fantastic!

We can't wait to see what this week brings!!

07/21/2025

GessTwood is the proud recipient of OTF funding for upgrades to camp buildings. Upgraded electrical equipment and new energy-efficient HVAC systems now protect our campers from extreme weather conditions year-round!
Thank you, Ontario Trillium Foundation!

07/08/2025

Session #1, Overnight and Day Camp both start next week. Who is ready to splash into some summer FUN! There is space in both camps and bursaries available to help offset the cost of camp. Please visit www.gesstwoodcamp.ca to register and send an email to [email protected] to request a bursary if needed.
Week #1 Discount- Bring a friend to camp and both receive $125.00 off. Email [email protected] with both children's names, and the discount will be applied to the registrations.
Already registered for week #1, don't worry you can still bring a friend and the discount code will be added to your registration.

06/18/2025

Hey Parents...Do you have a child between the ages of 8-11 years of age who may be looking for something to do this summer? Register them for our first week of overnight camp, Session #1 Junior Colour Warz -July 13 - 18, then email [email protected] to get a $ 75 discount
Are you looking to register your child for a different overnight session? We have discounts and bursaries available. Email [email protected] to find out more information.
We currently have space in all of our overnight and day camp programs. To register, go to