The Marc Cooper Award.

The Marc Cooper award was created to further extend the legacy of one of the Canadian camping industry’s most passionate, giving and dedicated contributors, Marc Cooper.

How it all started.

Marc was a long-time camper, counsellor, director at Camp Tamarack in Ontario and lover of camp. His energy, creativity and excitement about welcoming people into his camp’s community were second to none. Marc became a close friend to Camp Canada, attending job fairs overseas to find the most suitable staff for his camp, providing mentorship and guidance to Camp Canada team members and simply taking the time to call, check in and develop meaningful professional relationships with the Camp Canada team.

Marc’s dedication to Camp Canada was exemplified when he lost his Camp Canada (then called NYQUEST) Nalgene water bottle in a dumpster. He called the Camp Canada team in a panic and then spent a good portion of the day trying to find it and fish it out of the dumpster with a long stick. He proudly announced to the Camp Canada team when it was back in his possession :-)

Marc was also a steadfast advocate for proactively addressing mental health issues and breaking down the stigma of talking about mental health. Marc “Wow’d” everyone he came in contact with. His zest for life, his unique approach to camp programming, and staff training and his ability to find joy and entertainment in even the mundane was an inspiring gift that he gave to many.

A tribute to Marc Cooper.

If you think Camp Canada suits your young person, have a look at our full program timeline in our application guide. Regardless of how much or little your young person has travelled in the past, Camp Canada will support them throughout the whole process.

How it works.

Camp directors and/or members of a Canadian camp’s leadership team will use the following form during the summer to nominate as many first time Camp Canada participants, and up to two past first time Camp Canada participants, who have gone above and beyond in the following areas that exemplify some of Marc’s key characteristics that he brought to the camping industry:

Inclusivity and welcoming: A staff member who has gone out of the way to include others from diverse backgrounds, helping them feel supported, cared for and welcomed. This individual has placed a specific emphasis on seeking out campers or staff that may have trouble fitting in and the nominee has found ways for them to feel included, feel special and feel at home.

Creativity: Sharing a passion for art and other creative ways of self-expression within the camp community and using art, creative programming and other methods of self-expression to communicate, share and impact others in a meaningful way. All nominated individuals will have the opportunity to formally accept the nomination and optionally submit any supplemental materials to support their nomination.

A select number of applicants will be chosen as the award recipients and prizes and certificates will be presented at a virtual award ceremony .A donation will be made by Camp Canada on behalf of all nominated recipients to the Marc Cooper Memorial Fund.

Nomination form

Previous award winners.

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Sophie Moss

Sophie's winning submission is a song she has written and produced, detailing her experience as a music and drama instructor at camp in Ontario. Well done Sophie!

See submission

Ben Blake

Ben's video follows him through his summer and how camp made a huge impact on his life. From a back injury in 2020, to ending the summer running a marathon. Camp now holds a special place is in his heart, not only for the skills he developed but also for the memories he made with campers and new friends.

See submission

Andy Gordan

Andy shared his experiences of camp and the influence Marc had on this journey. Marc was someone who not only influenced Andy's camp experience, but also helped shape his life in more ways that he could have ever imagined.

See submission

Abby Lever

Abby recorded and produced a cover to the song “Apple Pie” by Lizzy McAlpine. A song which Abby felt perfectly encapsulated her time at camp last summer, how it inspired her, and why Abby found it such a meaningful experience.

See submission

Camp Participant

Writing a poem about her camp experience, this participant described 'this summer was the season of butterflies'.

See submission

Andy Bell

Andy submitted a heartfelt video speaking about his relationship with Marc and the impact summer camp has had on him.

See submission

Recognisable award submissions.

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Amber Pemberton

Amber has made a video speaking about how the people that are the most important thing of all and that make camp everything that it is!

See submission

Briahna Sheehan

Briahna wrote about her time at camp from booking her fights to the feelings she felt at the end of her summer.

See submission

Olivia Dallas

Olivia made a video as well as writing a testimonial about her summer and how nerves soon turned to excitement and confirmation that she had made 100% made the right choice to go to camp.

See submission

Isabella Ross

Isabella shares the beauty of summer camp and her experience through video and spoken word.

See submission

Ready to nominate someone?

Nomination form