Our Mission
Waupoos Family Farm offers respite to those who need it most. Open to low-income families, Waupoos provides a family camp experience away from the pressures of daily life.
Our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming community environment where families can find rest, fellowship, and hope.
The farm is supported by The Waupoos Foundation, a Christ-centered community whose mandate is to integrate prayer, work, and play into their service of families in need.
History
The Waupoos Foundation was created in 1975 by Fr. Fred Magee of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Fr. Magee and a team of volunteers transformed the Oblate family farm on Waupoos Island (near Picton, Ontario) into a vacation place for low-income families.
The name Waupoos is an Ojibway word for rabbit and was given to the island because of its rabbit-like shape. In 1980, it was determined that a location closer to Ottawa would be more accessible to families. The island facilities were closed and work began on the Oblate farm on Rideau Road.
In 1982, Waupoos Family Farm opened at its current location. The Waupoos Foundation is run by a volunteer Board of Directors in collaboration with the Farm Management Team.
The Farm Management Team is comprised of three families who reside at the farm full-time for a term of 2-3 years.
Since the foundation of Waupoos Family Farm, over 8000 families have vacationed with us and over 35,000 people have used our facilities.
Waupoos Board of Directors
The Waupoos Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated group of individuals who work to ensure the farm's effective governance, manage fundraising and communications, and oversee operations.
The Board includes a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, as well as the heads of various committees, such as Maintenance and Fundraising.
Members are elected at The Waupoos Foundation's General Meeting (now usually held in September) and commit to a one-year term.
Board meetings occur monthly on location or virtually.
Financial Statements: (click to view)
Waupoos Farm Residents
The Farm Management Team consists of three volunteer families who live on site. These families collaborate closely with the Board of Directors. work together to maintain the farm grounds and facilities, and most importantly, provide a warm and welcoming presence to our visitors. Each family commits to a 2-3 year term of residence
The Farm Management Team is guided by the Farm’s motto of “Pray, Work, Play” They pray together, share the work of of managing the farm, and enjoy a rich community life. They are the face of Waupoos to our visiting families, and as such, strive to embody the spirit of Christian charity and service.
Meet our Farm Residents
Aaron and Emily moved to Waupoos in the Spring of 2023.
One of their favourite parts about being involved with Waupoos is the opportunity to create a warm and hospitable environment for guest families, groups, and volunteers.
Sophia and Guillermo and family arrived at Waupoos in Spring 2024.
Summer Staff
Each year, with the help of funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program, we hire students to help run our summer program.
The positions are:
- Pool Lifeguard
- Program Coordinator
- Vacation Camp Counsellor
- Maintenance & Animal Care
Summer Volunteers
Candidates are encouraged to apply for a position and to commit to volunteering one day per week (Monday to Saturday) for 6-8 weeks Tasks include assisting with programming, cottage clean-up, laundry, animal care, gardening, weeding, painting, crafts, outdoor games etc.
Must be a minimum of 14 years to apply.
