Variety’s Camp Brereton
Each summer, Variety’s Camp Brereton provides the “gift of camp” to children in need.
About Camp Brereton
Variety’s Camp Brereton is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary nestled in the heart of Whiteshell Provincial Park, just two hours northeast of Winnipeg. It stands as the only purpose-built, group overnight camp between British Columbia’s Fraser Valley and the Muskoka Lakes in Southern Ontario—an irreplaceable resource for children living with disabilities, critical illnesses, or facing other life challenges.
For decades, Camp Brereton has been a place of transformation. Each summer, more than 1,000 campers come here not just to experience the outdoors—but to find freedom, joy, and belonging. Surrounded by pristine boreal forest, glacial lakes, and wide open skies, campers have the chance to explore nature, build lasting friendships, gain life skills, and grow their confidence in an environment that nurtures both heart and spirit.
Originally established in 1937, Camp Brereton carries a rich history of service to children. In 2002, it was gifted to Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba, in recognition of our unwavering commitment to empowering children of all abilities. Since then, we have invested millions of dollars to modernize the camp’s infrastructure—ensuring that it is safe, accessible, and equipped to meet the unique needs of every child who sets foot on its trails.
Camp Brereton is more than a camp—it’s a lifeline. A place where children who are often excluded elsewhere are not just welcomed, but celebrated. A place where memories are made, and where lives are changed.
Our Facilities
At Variety’s Camp Brereton, we’re proud to offer a safe, comfortable, and fully accessible wilderness camp experience. Every aspect of our facility is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of children living with disabilities, critical illness, or facing social barriers—while ensuring a fun, welcoming environment where every camper can thrive.
Clean, Safe, and Reliable Water System
Our fully potable water system provides clean, chlorinated drinking water to every tap and fixture across the entire camp. As a certified semi-public facility, we go beyond minimum requirements—testing water quality daily onsite and biweekly through a government-approved laboratory to ensure it consistently meets or exceeds the highest safety standards.
Activities
Modern Activities Lodge – The Heart of Camp Life
Our climate-controlled and fully insulated Activities Lodge is the social hub for all camp groups. With a stunning floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace as its focal point, the lodge features a comfortable games area, a cozy snack kitchen, and inclusive amenities such as a fully accessible washroom, a private shower, an on-site laundry station, and a dedicated nurse’s room to ensure the health and well-being of every camper.
Welcoming Dining Hall & Commercial Kitchen
The Dining Hall is a bright, spacious, and climate-controlled facility where campers and staff gather to share delicious meals and build community. Designed with comfort and inclusion in mind, it includes accessible washrooms, a large attached deck overlooking the natural surroundings, and a commercial-grade kitchen where fresh meals are prepared daily.
Eight Fully Accessible Camper Cabins
Our eight insulated, climate-controlled camper cabins offer a warm and comfortable retreat at the end of each day. Ranging in capacity from 8 to 20 campers, each cabin is equipped with ramps and handrails for full accessibility, ensuring that every child can experience the joy of cabin life—regardless of mobility needs.
New Centralized Washroom & Shower Facility
Located conveniently near the camper cabins, our main washroom building is fully insulated and features climate and humidity control for year-round comfort. This new facility includes private, fully accessible washroom stalls and roll-in showers, offering dignity, independence, and safety for all campers.
At Variety’s Camp Brereton, every corner of our natural wilderness setting is designed to inspire adventure, connection, and unforgettable memories. Our facility offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities that support both structured programming and free exploration:
- Private Beach & Swimming Area
Enjoy exclusive access to our beautiful, private lakeside beach—perfect for group swims and waterfront activities. Safety is a top priority, with a designated swimming area and clear guidelines to ensure a fun and secure experience for all. - Water Adventures
Campers can take to the water with our fleet of canoes, kayaks, or utilize the “so fun” camp boat with a qualified operator. Each outing includes properly fitted life jackets and essential safety gear—including whistles and waterproof flashlights—so leaders can facilitate safe and enjoyable excursions. - Multi-Sport Outdoor Court
Our outdoor, all-purpose sports court is fully equipped for basketball, badminton, floor hockey, tennis, and more. It’s a dynamic space where campers of all abilities can engage in team-building, friendly competition, and active fun. - Rock-Climbing Wall (in a Natural Cave Setting)
A standout feature of the camp, our indoor cave-style rock-climbing wall lets campers build confidence and test their skills in a truly unique and sheltered environment. - Disc Golf Course
Campers can enjoy our scenic 6-hole disc golf course, with an expansion to a full 9-hole course underway. It’s a relaxed yet engaging activity that offers fun for all skill levels. - Accessible Playground
Designed with inclusivity in mind, our accessible playground provides a welcoming and safe play environment where all children can laugh, play, and connect.
Plan Your Camp Your Way
To ensure each group receives a customized and meaningful experience, we proudly operate on a “camp your way” model. Camp Brereton provides the infrastructure and environment; your organization brings the heart.
Groups are responsible for providing their own qualified staff, including:
- Lifeguards and program leaders
- Medical and support personnel
- Food services and kitchen staff
We welcome camp groups of 50 or more campers, and our facilities are designed to accommodate the unique health, dietary, and programming needs of diverse populations—including youth with disabilities, critical illnesses, or at-risk backgrounds.
Location: Block 7, Lot 9, Brereton Lake, Whiteshell Provincial Park
Breaking Barriers at Camp Brereton
“Each year, the camp participants look forward to the beautiful grounds and environment that is offered at Variety’s Camp Brereton. The buildings are so accessible and safe for all, we look forward to visiting again in the near future We certainly did have an incredible time at camp.” – Can U Canada
“I loved the inclusiveness of it all. Even with a wheelchair I was never put down, people even danced with me in my chair at the dance. I never have felt more accepted and loved in not only a camp but any place. I hope this camp never shuts down, this is forever going to be my safe haven and a big place in my heart.” – Rainbow Resource Centre
“As a parent to a very cautious child who often would not be left alone without a familiar face present, Circle of Hearts family camp allowed him to grow and thrive with new friends and telling us See you later mom and dad, I’m going to hangout with my heart friends was a huge step in development.”– Circle of Hearts
If you are interested in renting our facilities and learning about the camp, contact us at 204-982-1050, or click the button below
The Vision for Variety’s Camp Brereton Multipurpose Hall
Overnight camp is an amazing childhood experience that can open doors to new experiences, lifelong friendships, increased independence, unforgettable memories and incredible joy. For many young people, it plays a large role in shaping who they become.
Over the last decade, Variety has been upgrading, repairing, and modernizing the Camp to ensure every space can meet campers’ needs. Now there’s only one more revitalization left to give kids with special needs an incredible camp experience.
The project is planned to create a new dining and activity hub, add a new outdoor recreation and sport field, and renew the fire pit and beach areas. The renewal will make Camp more efficient and environmentally friendly and extend the camp season by 15 weeks. This means thousands more children and youth can experience the joy of camp.
Stay tuned for more information to come as the vision comes to life.