Discover a summer adventure rooted in nature, culture, and connection at Mādahòkì Farm’s Summer Camp. Campers will spend their days exploring 164 acres of farmland and forest, caring for farm animals and the endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses, and learning through Indigenous cultural workshops, STEAM challenges, and guided outdoor play. Led by experienced educators, Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors, and certified Equine Assisted Learning professionals, this week-long camp offers a meaningful, hands-on experience that builds confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.
Our fun-filled week at Mādahòkì Summer Camp will include:
Outdoor, land-based adventures across 164 acres of farmland and forest
Hands-on learning with farm animals including horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and hatching chicks
Indigenous culture experiences through workshops, dance, arts, and food
Caring for an Ojibwe Spirit Horse, with Equine Assisted Learning activities that build confidence and life skills
Team-building and community through STEAM challenges that encourage collaboration and creativity
Learning respect, reciprocity, and responsibility to the Land
Plenty of indoor and outdoor free play
Weather Policy:
The majority of our programming will be outside, rain or shine. Campers must come dressed for the weather. In the case of extreme inclement weather, the loft of the barn, and the riding arena will be used as indoor play and learning spaces. Make sure to bring each day: bugspray, sunscreen, a sun-protecting hat, a water bottle, snacks.
Our Team:
- Our Camp Educators have vast knowledge in developmentally-appropriate practice, play-based learning, self-regulation, equity and inclusion, and experience in the field of early learning and education. Our educators are either Ontario Certified Teachers, Registered Early Childhood Educators, Developmental Service Workers, Child and Youth Workers, or have equivalent experience and education.
- Some camp groups may be supported by a Junior Camp Staff, who would work under the direct supervision of an Educator.
- The Indigenous Education within our camp will be led by the Cultural Ambassadors. The Cultural Ambassadors are professional First Nations Ambassadors with Mādahòkì Farm who have vast cultural knowledge and experience sharing it with children of all ages.
- Any hands-on learning with the horses will be led by the certified Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Canada Coach, and assisted by the certified EAL Canada Wranglers. The coaches have completed certification to lead sessions and activities in the practice of EAL which is a therapeutic and educational approach that involves interactions between humans and horses to facilitate personal growth and learning. The wranglers support the coaches to prep and handle the horses, ensure their well-being, and assist the coaches as needed.
- The camp will be supervised by the Camp Director, who will support the Camp Educators, Cultural ambassadors, EAL Coaches, and the Campers, throughout their fun-filled week of learning! The Camp Director is responsible for registration, managing staff, planning engaging programs/activities, ensuring camper and staff safety, handling administration, communication with parents, responding to incidents, and promoting a positive and safe learning environment,
Joey Persaud | Camp Director
Hello! My name is Joey Persaud, and I am thrilled to be in the role of Camp Director at Madahoki Farm!
I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator with years of experience in both childcare centres and full-day kindergarten. I am also an Ontario Certified Teacher, and I have experience teaching every grade from Kindergarten to Grade 8, and experience teaching all subjects! I have also worked in specialized programs such as Behaviour Intervention Programs and Learning Disabilities programs.
I have a huge passion for learning about the brilliance of Indigenous knowledge, wisdom, and perspectives, and love bringing that learning into my classroom through stories, community partners, art appreciation, experiences, and more.
I love animals, and always dreamed about working on a farm. I began as a volunteer at Madahoki Farm in 2022, and I have also worked both in the Marketplace as a First Host / Associate, and on the Equine Assisted Learning Team as a Certified EAL Wrangler. I absolutely fell in love with the Ojibwe Spirit Horses the first time I saw them here at Madahoki, I truly felt their healing presence and was in awe of their wild beauty. I am so thrilled to be leading a camp that brings children closer to these horses, the land, and authentic Indigenous learning, whilst building a strong camp community.
Evelyn Piñate | Lead Camp Educator
Hola! My name is Evelyn Piñate, and I am a passionate Registered Early Childhood Educator with over ten years of experience in the field. I have worked with children of all ages and have managed an Early Learning Centre serving children from toddler to school-age programs. I am skilled in encouraging and motivating educators to deliver excellence in care while fostering a high-quality, safe, and inclusive environment for all children and families.
I am currently living abroad, learning from a child-led school whose philosophy is guided by children’s natural curiosity to create meaningful, engaging, and innovative programming. Together with the team, I am excited to offer your child(ren) an enriching opportunity to learn from the land, care for animals, and experience a program that is both innovative and deeply engaging.
I look forward to meeting you and your family and to making a positive, lasting impact on your child’s learning journey.
Lynn Surette | Certified Equine-Assisted Personal Development Coach
Horses have been an important part of my life since I was nine years old. It was the influence of my two mares that taught me trust, respect, responsibility, and unconditional love.
My EAL journey started in 2017 when I volunteered to assist during a coach course offered by EAL Canada. Equine Assisted Learning Canada is a therapeutic experience that helps people “Heal Through Horses”.
In 2018, I became a wrangler and in 2022, I felt confident in taking the leap in becoming a Certified Equine Assisted Learning Personal Development Coach. I have since furthered my skills to include certification in stress, anxiety, and depression, trauma, grief, and bereavement.
I am going into my third year offering my services at Madahoki Farm. I encourage anyone to come and see what the Ojibwe Spirit Horses and I can do for you.
Stephanie Sarazin | Artistic and Experiences Director
My name is Stephanie Sarazin, and I am the Artistic and Experiences Director at Indigenous Experiences and Mādahòkì Farm in Ottawa, Ontario. I am a multidisciplinary Anishinaabe artist from the Algonquin community of Pikwakanagan First Nation, and I am passionate about sharing Indigenous arts, culture, and teachings through authentic tourism experiences for visitors from around the world.
For more than twenty years, I have been part of the Indigenous Experiences team, helping develop cultural programs, performances, and creative experiences. As a Cultural Ambassador and team leader, I take pride in mentoring youth and supporting dancers in the Pow Wow circle, helping many take their first steps and wear their first regalia while passing on teachings that were shared with me.
I am also a dancer specializing in hoop, jingle, and fancy dance, and have performed on national and international stages including Canada 150, the 2017 Juno Awards, the 2010 Olympics, and Bluesfest. I am grateful to share my culture and experiences with visitors and to continue creating meaningful opportunities to celebrate Indigenous traditions and community.
Awema Tendesi | Cultural Ambassador Lead
My name is Awema Tendesi, and I am an Algonquin member of Kitigan Zibi and a proud father of two. I have been a traditional dancer since I was a young child and also sing with my drum group, Eagle River Singers, a traditional drum group made up of Algonquin men from the communities of Kitigan Zibi and Barrier Lake.
I am passionate about traditional land-based teachings and grateful to the experienced hunters in my community who have shared their knowledge of ethical harvesting, preparing, and cooking from the land. These teachings continue to guide how I connect with culture and community.
I have been a Cultural Ambassador with Indigenous Experiences and Mādahòkì Farm since 2021, although I have shared culture and teachings within my community for many years. I am currently working toward my National Heritage Interpreter certification and am also a certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. I look forward to sharing these experiences and teachings with visitors.
Belle Bailey | Cultural Ambassador
My name is Belle Bailey, and I am a proud Algonquin woman (Kwe) and member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. I am passionate about Indigenous tourism and currently work at Mādahòkì Farm as a Cultural Ambassador, certified Equine Assisted Learning Wrangler, and as part of the Indigenous Experiences events and catering team.
I am currently studying in the Bachelor of Arts program at Carleton University, where I am majoring in Indigenous Studies. When I am not working or in class, I enjoy dancing at local pow wows and creating beadwork alongside my dog and sidekick, Luna.
Some of my completed beaded creations can be found in the gift shop at Mādahòkì Farm. I am also working toward my national certifications as a Heritage Interpreter and Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, and I look forward to continuing to share culture and experiences with visitors.
Lunch & Snacks:
- A farm-fresh, kid-friendly lunch will be provided by our catering team. The specific menu will be provided closer to the start date of camp, but it may include sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fruit, vegetables, cookies, and juice.
- Snacks will not be provided, so please make sure to pack lots.
- If your child has dietary restrictions or allergies, please contact our Camp Director so our catering team can provide alternatives for your child.
Ages:
The camp is for Kindergarten and School-Age campers (aged 4-12 years). For the kindergarten groups, we follow a ratio of 1 educator to 13 campers (with additional support for certain activities), and with the school-age groups, we follow a ratio of 1 educator to 15 campers (with additional support for certain activities).
Hours:
Our camp hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We do have pre and post camp care offered for an extra $25.00 per week for pre-camp care and post-camp care.
- Pre-Camp Care runs from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
- Post-Camp Care runs from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
If you have not opted in for Pre-Camp Care, you must drop off your child after 9:00 AM. If you have not opted in for Post-Camp Care, you must pick up your child by 4:00 PM.
Dates:
- July 27-31, 2026
- August 10-14, 2026
Fees:
Camp Fees (lunches included) – $475.00 (per week)
Optional Add-Ons
- Pre-Camp Care – $25.00 (per week)
- Post-Camp Care – $25.00 (per week)
Camp T-Shirt – Included
Commitment to Inclusion:
Our team strives to create a welcoming community for diverse beliefs, cultures, identities, and ways of being. We aim to promote a culture that respects and appreciates diversity, and celebrates the various identities and intersectionalities of our camp, and global, communities. We work to ensure we have provided a safe and equitable learning environment for all our campers and their families. We also want to make sure our camp is accessible to all campers, regardless of any exceptionalities that traditional camps may be a barrier to. If your student has any exceptionalities, disabilities, or needs we should know about, please contact our Camp Director. To help all our campers find success and be able to participate and engage fully in our experiences, when possible, an Inclusion Support Educator may be assigned to a camper (or several campers).