Camp Walden

11/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ryan Zaldin, a beloved member of the Camp Walden community. A Walden camper and counsellor, Ryan was known for his welcoming smile, positive spirit, and the meaningful impact he had on those around him. His time at Camp was part of a lifelong connection to a community that shaped so many of his early memories and relationships.

Walden has always been a place where friendships, connection, and a sense of belonging extend far beyond the summer months. Ryan’s connection to Camp continued through his children, Ben and Lauren, who are Walden campers themselves. It is a reflection of the special place Walden held in Ryan’s life and the traditions and experiences that continue to connect generations of the Walden family.

Camp Walden extends its heartfelt condolences to Ben and Lauren, Ryan’s family, and friends. We hold them in our hearts during this difficult time and remember Ryan as an important part of the Walden family.

11/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of John Baird, who served as Program Director in the early years of Camp Walden. John left a lasting mark on our Camp community, and his warmth, thoughtfulness, and dedication touched the lives of so many campers and staff over the years.

Although John did so much for Camp, perhaps his greatest and longest-lasting contribution was bringing to Walden one of its most cherished and beloved traditions — the Walden Games. What he created has become a defining part of the Camp experience, carried forward by generation after generation of Walden campers. A year-round educator, John understood at a fundamental level how much the summers between school years can contribute to a child’s growth. His spirit lives on in every summer that the Games continue to bring our community together. His children — Julie, Jeff, and Joel — were all Walden campers themselves, a reflection of just how much Walden meant to the Baird family, and how much they meant to Walden.

Camp Walden extends its deepest condolences to John’s wife Jo-Anne and to their children and grandchildren. We hold the entire Baird family in our hearts during this difficult time.

09/02/2026

08/31/2026

The David Stein Award honours a 4 week camper who enriches Walden through creativity and achievement at Walden’s specialty areas. It commemorates David Stein, a beloved camper and staff member who founded Walden’s video program and brought humour, spirit, and artistry to camp before pursuing a career in film. This award was given at the end of our July session to the incredible Claudia Menkes! Congratulations Claudia!!

08/30/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 David Ehrlich Rookies of the Year Award winners Jack Hershenfield, Sarah Markus, and Ezra Stein!

In 2018 we introduced the David Ehrlich Rookie of the Year Award. As David Ehrlich said goodbye after 15 unbelievable years at Walden, the Leadership Team introduced this award in his honour to recognize some outstanding first year staff who have graduated from our CIT program. David’s immense impact on the CIT program has helped shaped so many of our incredible Walden staff members.

08/29/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 AJ Newans Newcomers of the Year Award to Luke Cookson, Tyla James, and Ella McIntosh!

In 2021 we introduced the AJ Newans Newcomer of the Year Award to honour our dear friend AJ. Unlike many staff members who begin attending Walden at a young age, AJ began his career at Walden in his adult years. He came dressed to his interview in a suit and tie. His success at Walden is a testament to the welcoming community that Walden is, bringing in people from all around the world unified around the common goal of providing meaningful camp experiences to children. The award will be given to staff members, who best exemplify the criteria and standard that AJ held himself to each summer.

08/28/2026

We’re excited to announce the recipients of this year’s Bill Macdonald Staff Members of the Year Award! For 16 summers, Bill was Walden’s Head Chef, known for his huge smile, Staff Jeopardy championships, and for making everyone feel welcome. He cared deeply about camp, education, and the people around him. After his passing in 2004, the Bill Macdonald Award was created to honour his spirit and recognize staff who carry forward his values. Each year, the award goes to staff who make a visible positive impact, put campers first, work with energy and enthusiasm, and inspire their peers through reliability, initiative, and care. After many thoughtful nominations, the Leadership Team is proud to announce this year’s winners: Maya Fuerstenberg, Lawrence Grossman, and Lielle Lichtman!

08/27/2026

Congratulations to this year’s Ted Cole Award Winners, Maya Dunn and Joey Grossman, and Elaine Cole Award Winners, Jonah Greenbaum, Teddy Gertner, and Chloe Karp!

The Ted and Elaine Cole Campers of the Year Awards are given to campers that best exemplifies everything that Walden stands for and treasures by meeting the following criteria: A 7 week camper; An active participant in all camp programs (including specialties, evening programs, camp wide programs, arts, sports, water, land, competitive, and cooperative); An enthusiastic, spirited, and positive camper yet one who demonstrates humility at all times; One who embraces all aspects of the Walden experience (both cabin- and camp-wide); One who has a unique imagination and/or vision and who is a strong “camp citizen”.

08/25/2026

Thank you to the incredible staff of 2026!!!!