Evidence does not support the fact that Bathurst Manor Day Camp was the first day camp in North America and it is uncertain who made this determination in presenting the award.

While it was certainly one of the earliest in Canada, it was preceded by Camp Robin Hood, which was established 10 years earlier, in 1946.

Some history of US day camps can be found here: https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/years-adventures-challenges-history-day-camp

Update: 2026

There was also an alternate version of this article:

There was a correction made to each of articles – specifically changing “First” day camp to “Largest”: