Welcome to Willowgrove

Willowgrove is a land-based, not-for-profit organization known for its focus on community building, outdoor experiences. Since 1968, it has offered outdoor education, and recreational camp programs from its 100-acre, working farm.

Our History

In 1955, Fraser Lake Camp was started by a program committee that included three Mennonite pastors: Emmerson McDowell, Glen Brubacher, and John Hess, alongside Salome Harrison, Helen Brenneman, Allan Smith, and Carson Moyer.

Together, they organized a bus and volunteers to take 53 kids from Toronto to a farm in Bancroft, providing a free, weeklong, authentic camping experience. Fraser Lake Camp was later amalgamated into Willowgrove’s mission.

Our Mission

Willowgrove is an outdoor oasis that provides recreational, educational and land-based services for children and youth for personal and spiritual development, play and learning, exploring nature, and connecting across generations. Willowgrove is rooted in Mennonite values which celebrate diversity while fostering justice, service, and reconciliation in our communities.

Our Vision

To spark discovery and appreciation of, and connection to nature, and to each other so that we might create more peaceful communities; where diverse people collaborate, heal, and connect to care for all and the land.

Our Values

Nurturing Growth: We facilitate physical, emotional, spiritual, and social development.

Welcoming Community: We embrace diverse relationships, accountability, acceptance, and belonging.

Building Peace: We champion justice, hope and healing.

Honouring Land: We participate in conservation, sustainability, reconciliation and conversation.

Cultivating Learning: We encourage inquiry, discovery and transformational education.

In 1968, Willowgrove was purchased by three Mennonite share-holders from the Markham/Stouffville community: Emmerson McDowell, Nicholas Dick, and Glen Brubacher.

Each founder had their own vision for the work of Willowgrove, which remain as the key arteries for our mission today. Together they drafted this statement: “Willowgrove’s purpose is to assist individuals, families, and groups to develop a sense of personal worth, community spirit, service to mankind, and to appreciate the world in which we live.”

For Emmerson, Willowgrove’s primary operation was to serve city children. He loved the woods and the stream, and saw the farm as a place to inspire wholesome values, and provide a setting for children to experience the majesty of nature.

Nicholas, on the other hand, saw the farm more as a retreat. A place where the community could come to garden, experience weekend camping trips, and receive respite from the stress and busyness of everyday life.

Glen saw Willowgrove farm as a place where troubled children could experience the love and care of responsible people. Where children could experience security, acceptance, and where nature and the great outdoors could bring healing to their pain.