Our story

A Beautiful Beginning 

In 2013, Denis Blanchette along with the generous support of the Bodnarek family founded the first ever “Arch GM Summer Camp”.

There had been no Catholic summer camps held within the Archdiocese since Shaw’s Point belonged to the Oblates – not since the 1970s.

The primary motivations for a summer camp were:
a) a week vs a weekend experience gives them time to leave their comfort zones and enter into a more spiritual adventure.
b.  we wanted good kids to hang out with each other and create strong friendships, to create community.
c.  we wanted our priests to get involved and support future vocations.
d.  we wanted to offer an attractive view of Catholicism to the future generation.

In 2016, “Arch GM Summer Camps” was renamed “Camp St. Martin” by a camper after the patron of the Archdiocese, St. Martin of Tours.

Since this time, Camp St. Martin has remained a growing summer camp for Catholics and youth across the Archdiocese, taking place each summer at the grounds of Camp Artaban.

We offer our greatest gratitude to Denis for his dedication to starting the camp and to the generous support of the Bodnarek family in honour of Norman Mercier who passed away Aug 15, 2007. Without this contribution Camp St. Martin would not be possible.

Camp St. Martin Parent/Camper Handbook
Camp St. Martin Rule of Life
Camp St. Martin Prayer Card

Videos about Camp St. Martin

General FAQ for parents and campers

Q: Is this an overnight camp?

A: Yes, all of our camps are overnight.

Q: What are the accommodations?

A: Campers sleep in segregated cabins with other campers and two or more counsellors. The beds are bunks with a mattress.

Q: Are there washrooms in the cabins?

A: No, the running water washrooms are a short walk from the furthest cabin.

Q: What if my child is worried about staying overnight?

A: Many first time campers worry about this, it’s perfectly normal.

If your child gets homesick at night, we will call or text to let you know. You can pick up your child and bring them back in the morning before programming starts for the day if you choose, through most homesick campers are fine after talking to a counsellor and fall asleep.

Q: Where do the campers eat?

A: They eat in the camp hall located on the property. We gather in the hall for breakfast, lunch and supper. Snacks are usually had outside at the campfire picnic tables. 

Q: What is a typical meal at camp like?

A: Meals are all homemade by our cook.

Breakfast ranges from bacon and eggs to cereal, fruits and muffins. 

Lunch consists of FRESHLY baked bread, homemade soup and sides such as veggies or salad. 

For Supper, we have chicken pot pie, spaghetti, chilli or other similar dishes and homemade desserts! In short, the food is delicious!

Q: My child has allergies, can you accommodate them?

A: Yes, provided that any dietary needs are listed on the registration. We have experience with lactose and gluten intolerant campers. Please ensure you list if it is a sensitivity or allergy.