The crackle of the campfire. The ripple of the wind across the lake. The call of a loon at dusk. The soft cushion of pine needles beneath your boots.
For many of us, camping sings in our heartstrings. The sounds, sights, smells of our favourite parks are a balm for our tired minds.
We wish everyone could know the deep satisfaction found in the soft resistance of water against a paddle, or the smoky perfection of a fire-cooked meal.
But sadly, not everyone does.
Yet.
Sharing our love of camping
Many Ontarians have never experienced the joys of camping. They may never have visited a provincial park, even for a day.
That’s why we’re so proud of our Learn to Camp program. In eight years, we’ve guided more than 22,900 through their first camping trip. That’s 22,900 people who know how to pitch a tent, cook dinner over a campstove, and build a fire.
And we couldn’t have done it without our friends at Coleman Canada.
Our shared Learn to Camp story
Since the very first Learn to Camp program in 2011, Coleman has been with us every step of the way.
“We came to the campsite as a city-family and left the site as campers. Next day we went to look for camping equipment. We love camping now. Thank you for this opportunity. It was an amazing experience.” — participant testimonial
Coleman’s support of Learn to Camp ensures all program participants have a Coleman tent, air mattress, chair, stove, flatware, lantern, and just about anything else you can think of to complete a camping experience.
Each spring, a Coleman Canada team member joins our staff orientation, teaching our new crop of Learn to Camp Leaders everything they need to know about the equipment.
“This is an excellent program for family and friends to bond and do something new. As new immigrants, this was a wonderful welcome to life in Canada for my family. Thanks to Learn to Camp Program my family will be camping as an annual family activity. Wonderful program!!!” — participant testimonial
The Coleman dream
We make a great team.
For over a century, Coleman has been helping Canadians rediscover the joy of being outside.
It began with a flash of inspiration in 1900. W.C. Coleman saw the potential in a new type of lamplight, and a company was born.
In the 1940s, the Coleman Company designed a stove to be used by World War II soldiers.
In the decades after the war, Coleman produced stoves, coolers, tents and sleeping bags — everything a happy camper needs!
Each year, new innovations aim to make our outdoor adventures even more safe, comfortable and fun.
A heartfelt thank you
Our Learn to Camp leaders finish each season overflowing with stories.
A special little girl who braved a rainy weekend with a smile that could power the GTA. A single mom who started the weekend worried about keeping her little ones safe, and ended it brimming with newfound confidence. A shining moment around the campfire when a family came together in nature.
We want to thank Coleman Canada for helping create these formative moments for Ontarians, and fostering a love of the outdoors in so many of our newest campers.
Ontario Parks thanks corporate partners like Coleman Canada for their support.