Cadicasu History

94 years of creative thinking has made our camp the perfect combination of tradition and responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of today’s youth.

What makes us unique is that people accept each other here unconditionally, for their likeness as well as their differences.

Multiple generations of campers come here because they know that it is a special place where they can fully be themselves.

The old Cadicasu we have known for many years continues to inspire new generations of campers and staff.

Photos of the original Cadicasu site located in Bragg Creek from 1930 – 2007 where over 60,000 children went to summer camp.

DATE	EVENT
1929	St. Mary’s Parish in Calgary was donated land in Bragg Creek.
1930	Cadicasu opened in Bragg Creek as St. Mary’s Boys Choir Camp.
1951	Bishop Carroll turned it into a general summer camp for boys.
1952	Girls were welcomed at camp for the first time during separate weeks.
1955	The official name of the camp was changed to Camp Cadicasu.
1956	Camp Cadicasu became a registered non-profit charity.
1950s	A new chapel, dining hall, swimming pool, and cabins were built.
1961	Mrs. Violini (a.k.a. “Mom”) started a 20-year relationship as the cook.
1965	Fr. Eric Nelson began an almost 50-year run as Chaplain.
1970s	A co-ed program was initiated that reflected the cultural trends.
1980s	Camp freshened itself up with some new buildings and upgrades.
1989	Mike Nelson embarked upon a multi-decade journey as the Director.
2006	The mess hall burned down and talk of how to continue emerged.
2007	The business association with the Calgary Catholic Diocese ended. Camp Cadicasu became an independent non-profit charity.
2008	A new location was found with Frank Walsh as the Board Chair.
2009	Margie Schuett was elected Board Chair of Camp Cadicasu.
2010	The new Camp Cadicasu opened for campers in Kananaskis Country.
2012	An off-season Rental Program was created to build financial autonomy.
2013	Mike Nelson retired, and Heather O’Neill became the Executive Director.
2014	Our first Winter Camp was held in December to expand our program.
2015	Outdoor Education and Leadership School Programs were launched. Specialty Camps were created. Clan Families were introduced to strengthen teamwork and camp spirit.
2016	Cadicasu joined the Birdies for Kids Shaw Charity Classic golf tournament.
2017	Cadicasu was named in the Top 5 Traditional Camps category as part of the Flight Network‘s Top 60 Camps in North America.
2018	Cadicasu was voted the Best Children’s Overnight Camp in the Calgary Area.
2019	The cabin names were changed from Indigenous tribes to animals. Cadicasu was voted the Best Children’s Overnight Camp again in the Calgary Area. Our first Women’s Retreat was created.
2020	Camp was closed for most of the year due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Forest School was developed as a safe space for children to build social connections in nature and to help families with their childcare needs.
2021	Campers returned for a successful summer season at a reduced capacity following AB Health restrictions with zero cases of COVID-19. A specific camp for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community was created.
2022	Cadicasu became a Registered Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award to offer their Adventurous Journey Trips. We began offering 40 Hour Wilderness First Aid Training courses to the public.
2023	Cadicasu was voted the Best Children’s Camp (out of all day and overnight camps) in the Calgary Area. Rock ‘n Roots, Family Camp & Day Camps were added for more program opportunities. Trick or Trail was developed as an annual fundraiser.

Rebuilding Cadicasu

In 2007, the construction of the new site began and the Board of Directors worked hard to fundraise and carry on the legacy that began over eighty years earlier.
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