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Since 1946, Camp Robin Hood has been more than just a place to spend a summer; it has been a foundation for character. As we celebrate our 80th Anniversary in 2026, we look back at how our mission has evolved from a pioneering day camp into a world-class environment dedicated to personal growth.
1946–1960: Pioneering Independence
In the post-war era of 1946, a group of educators and social workers saw a need for a new kind of childhood experience. The original mission was simple but revolutionary: provide Toronto children with a program focused on independence and outdoor growth.
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The First of Its Kind: Operating out of Sherwood Park, we were the first private day camp in Canada.
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Inclusion from Day One: Long before it was standard practice, our mission included the full integration of children with special needs—a core value that remains unshakable today.
1961–1990s: The Bell Era & The Power of Community
When Larry and Pearl Bell took the reins in 1961, they expanded the mission to focus on the “Camp Family.” Under their leadership, the mission shifted toward creating a permanent “camping complex” in Markham that could facilitate deeper social connections.
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Beyond Childcare: The mission became about providing specialized instruction, seen in the birth of the Robin Hood Sports Academy.
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The “Forever Home” Philosophy: Larry and Pearl instilled the idea that camp wasn’t just for a season, but a place where campers and staff alike could find a lifelong sense of belonging.
1990s–Present: The “Build Better People” Era
Under the current leadership of Sari and Howie Grossinger, and now entering a third generation with Jordanna Grossinger, our mission has crystallized into a singular, powerful North Star: Build Better People.
While the activities have modernized, our primary “product” is the character of our campers. We achieve this through:
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The 21st Century Skillset: Using the camp environment to teach empathy, resilience, leadership, and social intelligence.
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Professional Guidance: Led by a pediatric Occupational Therapist (Sari) and a Speech-Language Pathologist (Jordanna), our leadership ensures that every interaction is an opportunity for developmental growth.
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The Alumni Legacy: Our 80th-anniversary reflections from alumni confirm that the lessons learned at the pool or on the ball diamond have translated into success in adulthood.
2026: 80 Years of Impact
In 2026, we celebrate 80 years of this evolving mission. What began as a quest for “independence” in 1946 has blossomed into a sophisticated, heart-led operation dedicated to ensuring every child leaves our beautiful country setting in Markham as a more confident, capable, and kind individual.
“It’s an operation of love… a place where you learn life lessons that aren’t taught in school.” — Alumni Reflection, 80th Anniversary Tribute
