These swim camps have an exceptional history.

Camp Chikopi (373 Chikopi Rd, Magnetawan, ON P0A 1P0) and Camp Ak-O-Mak (240 Ak-O-Mak Rd, Ahmic Harbour, ON P0A 1A0) – boys’ and girls’ camps, respectively – are among the earliest competitive swimming camps in the entire world, laying directly across the lake from each other.

Camp Chikopi, Algonquin for – the land of white birch – was founded in 1920 by U.S. Olympic Coach Matt Mann II. Chikopi is acclaimed for being the world’s first “All Sports Camp” with the esteemed honour of also being the world’s “First Swim Camp.”

In 1928, Matt and his wife Lea purchased a piece of land on the other side of the lake from Chikopi. There, they established Chikopi’s sister camp and called it Ak-O-Mak, Algonquin for “across the water.” It was the world’s first swimming and sports camp for girls.

Many campers have gone on to become All-Americans and even Olympians.

Photos: campchikopi.com, campakomak.com