meet the wizards that run the place
The Camp Can-Aqua staff team consists of a diverse group of individuals ages 17 to 70. All staff undergo regular criminal background checks, verification of certifications and thorough reference checks. When building our team each summer, we look first within our own community. The majority of our staff grew up at Camp Can-Aqua and return because they are excited to recreate the exceptional experiences they received as campers.
In addition to internal hires, Camp Can-Aqua brings in a small group of new staff from across Canada and abroad. We believe it is important to introduce fresh perspectives, diverse experiences and new energy to camp each summer. To support our staffing needs for specific program areas, we work with Camps Canada, an agency that partners with many OCA accredited camps to provide screened, highly skilled and professional staff members.
We know how critical our staff are to the success and well-being of your children, and we place great effort into assembling a passionate team ready to support every camper’s needs.
Think you might have the magic to join us? Check out the link below to apply:
The Grand Pooh-bahs
Andrew “Marty” Martin, Camp Director
Andrew brings over 20 years of camp management experience and a creative passion to his role at Camp Can-Aqua. A lifelong supporter of the camping movement, he believes deeply in the impact of summer camp in Ontario and is driven to ensure that every camper feels seen, supported and valued.
During his time at camp, Andrew has built a healthy blend of creative play paired with skilled instruction. He is a hands-on leader who is often found in the centre of the excitement, fully immersed in the programs he helps bring to life. A committed advocate for sustainability, he is passionate about teaching campers the importance of their environmental footprint and the role they play in caring for the world around them.
As a parent, you can be confident that under Andrew’s leadership, Camp Can-Aqua will continue developing new, dynamic and sustainable programs each year. His goal is to set a consistently high standard of excellence that is both innovative and exceptional for every child who attends.
Andrew can be contacted through his crystal ball or at andrewmartin@canaqua.ca
An Open Letter From Andrew Martin, Our Camp Director
Dear Prospective Parents,
I am thrilled to welcome you to Camp Can-Aqua and grateful that you’ve arrived on our website to learn what we’re all about. Can-Aqua is one of Ontario’s premier traditional summer camps, known for exceptional programming, individualized instruction, environmental stewardship and a deep commitment to every camper. As you explore our site, I am confident you will find clear, comprehensive information that reflects who we are. Our photo galleries, interactive map, detailed program descriptions and well-organized resources will give you a meaningful understanding of our camp community and what we strive to accomplish.
Camp Can-Aqua takes great pride in being a community camp. By that, I mean something very specific: our philosophy is rooted in spending time with each other, interacting, cooperating, compromising and creating. A successful camp begins with how its people treat one another. At Can-Aqua, we talk through challenges, celebrate achievements and support each other’s needs. Our structure also encourages independence, as campers are responsible for selecting their own programs each day and getting themselves to activities on time. This freedom and responsibility are key pillars in helping young people grow confident and self-sufficient.
After spending time at Can-Aqua, it is my firm belief that your child will leave with greater confidence, stronger independence and an enhanced sense of self. With the support of our dedicated and exceptional staff, your child will feel welcomed, encouraged and challenged to develop new skills and take positive risks. Our goal is simple: to bring out the very best in every camper.
Take your time exploring our website and discovering what Camp Can-Aqua offers. Choosing the right camp for your child is an important and meaningful decision. If I can support you in any way throughout this process, please do not hesitate to reach out by email or phone. I care deeply about the impact camping has on young people and would welcome the opportunity to talk about how Can-Aqua can become part of your child’s growth and development.
Andrew Martin, Director
andrewmartin@canaqua.ca
Anne Whitehead, Administration Director
Originally from the UK, Anne has been overseeing administration for Can-Aqua for over 10 years. She is a popular icon at the camp as in addition to bookkeeping and accounts, she also heads up our tuck shop. A food scientist by education, Anne possesses a wide range of skills and can be found helping out in any and all aspects of our camp operation year round.
A local resident of Cardiff, Anne lives a stone throw away from the camp with her husband Dan.
Anne can be contacted via smoke signal or at accounts@canaqua.ca
Mike Somerville, Associate Director – Summer Camp
A graduate of Laurier University, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role at Can-Aqua…and of course a lot of humour! His passive demeanour and positive attitude make him a leader campers are drawn to. An advocate for the summer camp experience, Mike began attending summer camp in Ontario at the age of 6 and has never looked back since. His love of camp is partnered with a love of reading and specifically of comics and graphic novels. At camp, his comic book club and conspiracy theories are a popular draw for kids during their free time period.
When summer camp is not in session, Mike has many pastimes. One notable to many of our campers is his love of gaming. While during the summer he advocates for a live outdoors, in the offseason, he competes as a professional gamer.
Mike can be contacted via email at info@canaqua.ca
Derek “D-Rock” Lukosius, Associate Director – NOFA
Derek is a camping professional who happens to also be an Award-winning Canadian filmmaker.
He has been a director at Can-Aqua for 10 years and in that time has assisted in the camps groth, innovation and critical improvements.
In his role at camp Derek takes on oversight of media, marketing, staffing and food service. If that is not enough, he is also the lead director who organizes and facilitates our NOFA film programs. His own films have screened at festivals around the world and in 2017, Derek completed his feature film directorial debut which premiered across North America.
Derek can be contacted via carrier pigeon or at derek@canaqua.ca
Simon Harminc, Waterfront Director / Alumni Coordinator
Simon Harminc is a lifelong Can-Aqua camper and staff member whose passion for camp is matched by his calm, capable leadership. A graduate of the University of Toronto and a successful commercial real estate professional, Simon brings strong organizational skills and real-world experience to his role each summer.
At Can-Aqua, Simon oversees the safe operation of the waterfront, leads staff skills training, and facilitates the National Lifeguard (NLS) course for the JRC program. As Alumni Coordinator, he also helps strengthen lasting connections within the Can-Aqua community. Known for his engaging presence and genuine enthusiasm, Simon is a trusted leader and a valued member of the camp team..
Simon can be contacted by email at info@canaqua.ca
