The winding down of summer had us thinking about a summer tradition that was near and dear to Catholics in the Archdiocese of Vancouver for nearly 40 years – Camp Latona.
The popular Catholic summer camp on the north end of Gambier Island gave thousands of children over the years the opportunity to experience nature in a Catholic environment that was close to Vancouver – about 10 kilometres north of Horseshoe Bay – but accessible only by boat.
The archdiocese began operating the residential camp in 1957 and for decades offered Catholic youth a summer wilderness experience with swimming, boating, arts and crafts, camping, hiking, fishing, archery, campfires, skits and songs.
Archdiocesan priests offered Sunday Mass and spiritual direction, while seminarians led weekday prayers.
In 1995, the archdiocese ended operations at the camp due to declining enrolment and financial difficulties, although it continued to be used for archdiocesan youth ministry activities for several years afterward.
It is now under private ownership and operates year-round offering family camps, weekend retreats, and a summer children’s camp. Visit camplatona.com for more information.
