Maple Key Administrative Staff

Camp Owner/Director:

The family behind the camp family: Kristen, Ron, Gaelan & Doyle

Kristen Widenmaier, BA, B.Ed, OCT, NCCP Level II
Previous Camp Experience:

Kristen is an elementary school teacher with the UCDSB, but she has also been working in the camping industry (both day and overnight camps) for nearly 20 years. After working first as a counsellor and then director for the Perth United Soccer Club’s camp program, she officially opened Maple Key Day Camp in 2009.

Kristen is also very active in the local performing arts community, so you might recognize her from various Perth Community Choir, Orion Theatre, & Studio Theatre productions. She and her husband, Ron, welcomed their sons Gaelan in June 2014, and Doyle in May 2016.

Professional Affiliations:

  • Ontario College of Teachers – Member in Good Standing
  • Ontario Camping Association – Individual Member
  • American Camping Association – Individual Member

Program Director / Facilities Manager:

Ron Cosens

The unconventional road that brought Ron to Maple Key is also what makes him such an asset to the camp team. Professionally trained in theatre, he also has a considerable background in sales as well as creative writing, and operates his own woodworking business. Ron “inherited” camp when he married Kristen, and after several years working on the business side of things, he happily took on the role of Program Director when he started his new role as a stay-at-home daddy. When it comes to creating new games and programs that never existed before, Ron is truly in his element.

 

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Parents Say…

Can’t even express how wonderful this camp is! Staff are amazing and really took the time to get to know my son. My boy has a great imagination and sense of adventure, and this camp has done everything to encourage and tap into that for him. This has been one magical summer he won’t soon forget, and neither will I. Thank you so, so much! I honestly just love you guys!

 Jenn Chalmers, 2017

Great variety of activities. CYOA and majors are a brilliant way to add choice in a structured way. Good mix of indoor, sheltered and outdoor spaces allows kids to be outside, but not in the blazing sun all day.

 Name Withheld, 2016

[My son] comes home dirty and sweaty and tired! That is the perfect sign of the ideal camp experience! And he really enjoys the counsellors! And the location is EXTRAORDINARY! You know it’s a phenomenal experience when you think that he has been there since 2010, and hopes to be there for many more years! We both like the fact that you balance the fun and craziness of camp (and lots and lots of different activities) with character development (ie teaching the campers proper etiquette and that they are all accountable for their actions ….). They are learning important life skills that they can take away from camp apply in their everyday lives!

 Kim, 2016

I heard so many good things about Maple Key from other families. After a bad camp experience elsewhere, I was amazed at how well this camp was run.

My kids will be back next year because they loved it and since coming to camp seem more sure of themselves. I had total piece of mind about my kids being there. You make me feel that my kids are in a safe environment where they are encouraged be themselves. I will absolutely send other parents to MKDC. As everyone knows I am very protective of my girls and I loved their camp experience.

 Victoria, 2017

I want to thank you for the wonderful first camp experience that you provided my boys with this summer.
We were pretty nervous going into in and neither one wanted to go.
Jackson LOVED camp. Everything about it. Loved the activities, all of the counselors and of course Ron. He’s a pretty social kid and enjoyed being around so many great campers and staff. ‎ He told me yesterday that he can’t wait to return to Maple Key next summer and has no interest in ever trying any other camps. Says he might even work there when he’s old enough!
Although Nate had his struggles, by his last day he was loving it to. His counselors were amazing with him and with me. They were very patient and encouraging wh…

 Tammie, Summer 2016

What make me so happy with MKDC is that my son comes and goes with a BIG smile on his face, and that I get feedback from the counsellors. Thank you for understanding my sons needs and for accepting him into your program.

 Sarah, 2016

My son really enjoyed his first year at MKDC. Your leaders/counselors are upbeat and welcoming. He came home happy every night. the activities are well planned and age appropriate. Thank you for making my son’s camp experience great. He has trouble in new settings but seemed very much at ease. I am sure we will be back next year.

 Name Withheld, 2016