Hollows Camp
This week, we have the pleasure of hosting Hollows Camp and its owners, Janet and Stephen Fine. We have recently done an event at the camp and everything was amazing - the food, the hospitality and the activities - definitely one of our favourite partners.
Tell us a little bit about the camp
The Hollows Camp is owned and operated by Stephen and Janet Fine since 1981. Janet is a former nationally recognized stage and television actor, and Stephen is a Ph.D. in environmental education and an outdoor curriculum specialist.
A lot of things have changed in 4 decades of existence, and what has become increasingly apparent in the past decade is that young professionals crave the outdoors and long for carefree summer camps. Additionally, new Canadians that never experienced summer camps are curious about the camp mystique of canoeing, kayaking, and campfires, which sound like a lot of fun and a good way to meet new people.
How did you decide to start this business?
After a successful 10-year stint in our native Toronto, and with our first born on the way, we decided to build a home and establish a kids’ summer camp on the family farm north of the city. An 87-acre "farm" with a large kettle lake was the ideal setting for such an enterprise. After over 40 years, The Hollows Camp is itself a testament to its enduring success.
What's the coolest thing that happened during an event you hosted?
Hard to choose the coolest thing but some recent coolness has come in the form of some of the over-the-top add-ons that we have been asked to provide. These include acrobats, illusionists, laser light shows, jazz musicians, and a flotilla of stand-up paddle boards. But if we had to choose…
An outdoor clothing company served a 5-star plated meal at long tables under our 150-year-old maple tree in the very centre of camp. Afterwards, the entire group went mushroom hunting in the forests followed by a fashion photo shoot!
What's unique about your service/venue?
The Hollows is the venue for those seeking fun and challenging outdoor activities. We offer team building games and activities such as paintball, archery, skills development, canoeing and kayaking, and the reconnection with nature through forest walks. The only thing here that does not reflect traditional camp is our legendary 4-star menus - fabulous meals that are curated to satisfy each guests specific dietary requirements and preferences!
What's the best-kept secret about your area that more of your guests should take advantage of?
While most believe that to truly experience the great outdoors one has to travel hours from an urban centre, The Hollows Camp is a mere 40 minutes from Pearson International Airport and only one hour north of Toronto. As a provincially recognized nature preserve, once within the camp boundaries it is a true immersion into nature. In addition to its proximity, The Hollows offers its guests exclusive booking, ensuring that only one group of participants will be on site at any given time.
Where do you see the business in 5 years?
5 years is only a moment in time given our lengthy history. As we move forward in providing more corporate designed events, we remain committed to our philosophy of providing a true nature experience to all who visit us here at The Hollows. The Hollows is a place for those who look beyond the hotel settings for their company gatherings and seek an inspiring outdoor location. In the autumn, our authentic converted stables provide countrified indoor dining along with an open area studio loft for group meetings and presentations.
