Our History

Camp Tamarack is supported by the Tamarack Foundation, a duly registered Canadian charity, in existence since 1977. It is operated by a Board of Directors made up of professionals with varied business backgrounds, as well as parents, and grandparents, who have the common desire to make the world a better place for all children.

All of this would not be possible without the countless hours of service by volunteers and the generosity of corporations and individuals that understand our vision and mission to help children through Camp Tamarack.

Camp Tamarack was started in 1975. The first two trial-run camps were held at the YMCA, with Camp Tamarack being launched by two Saskatoon teachers. They believed a summer of structured academic programs would make a difference in the lives of children with learning disabilities.  Based on the success that they had with the first two camps, they felt we needed a camp that would be able to take children from across the province.

In l977, the camp was moved to our present location, 25km north west of Prince Albert.  We have 80 acres in the Nisbet Forest with the Shell River running through it.

  • Started with tents
  • 1980 – Log lodge was constructed by POW City & Saskatoon Kinsmen
  • 1980 – Wash-house, later became bathrooms, showers, laundry area. Supplied by various companies and built by Kinsmen
  • 1984-1989 – 3 cabins were built by the POW City Kinsmen and 3 by the Prince Albert Cosmo Club
  • 1984 – Resource Centre
  • 1991 – Purchase of property made possible by generous donations and fundraising
  • 1992 – Running water & electricity (SaskTel & various service clubs)
  • 1994 – Playground by United Commercial Travellers Saskatoon
  • 1996 – Industrial arts building/storage built by POW City Kinsmen
  • 1998 – Swimming pool by United Commercial Travellers Saskatoon
  • 2001 – Addition to lodge by Foresters Saskatoon
  • 2004 – Miracle Centre by Kinsmen Foundation, POW City Kinsmen, P. A. Cosmo Club, with various companies supplying product
  • 2006 – New well by Saskatoon Kinsmen
  • 2010-2013 – New tin roofs by POW City Kinsmen
  • 2011 – New pool liner and equipment
  • 2011 – Replacement bus and 3 new canoes by Potash Corporation
  • 2012 – New wash-house (Community Initiatives Vitality Grant), built by POW City Kinsmen & Prince Albert Cosmo Club
  • 2012 – New playground equipment by Potash Corp, installed by Prince Albert Cosmo Club.


Our history would not be complete without telling you about the people of Saskatchewan. Their love for children has kept this camp going for over 40 years.  Many service clubs, Saskatchewan businesses, individuals and community foundations have sponsored children to attend our camp program.

We have received federal and provincial employment grants over the years to help cover some staff costs. Saskatchewan people came together because they understood that these special needs children deserved and welcomed their support. The children and their families see that someone cares about them and are willing to provide this great experience so their child can experience success, find a friend, and realize that learning can be fun. These experiences follow them into their classrooms.