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spirit

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friendship

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adventure

Camp Bil-O-Wood Ontario Canada EST.1946 Camp Bil-O-Wood is a traditional, co-ed, summer camp for children ages 7 to 17. Our 2, 3, 4, and 7 week sessions provide a comprehensive in-camp activity program and an unsurpassed wilderness canoeing and camping program.  Our location in the pristine North woods of Ontario offers an endless playground for children to learn, to grow, and to play in an outdoor setting.  The property, located in Blind River, Ontario is surrounded by three clear Canadian lakes. Originally consisting of a few small fishing cabins and a lodge, Camp Bil-O-Wood has agrown into an expansive multi-recreational facility. Our History Camp Bil-O-Wood began in 1946 as the dream of Uncle Woody and Aunt Dottie Ludwig, and their parents Mom and Pop Ludwig, and continues today under the care of the fourth generation of the Ludwig family. The initial group of thirty-seven campers, all from Pennsylvania, has grown into a camp of 130 children, during each session—many of whom are from second and third generation families. Our campers come from all across North America and the world.
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24 hours ago

Camp Bil-O-Wood

In honor and memory of Pat Mulkerns, one of Camp Bil-O-Wood's most beloved, generous, and beautiful spirits that graced us with his presence for fifty marvelous years. Uncle Pat, you will live on in our hearts and memories until the rivers run dry.

On June 1st, 2026, Patrick Mulkerns "Uncle Pat" passed away peacefully at home with his family in Evart Mi. Patrick was born May 10th, 1954, in PA to John and Flora Mulkerns and big brother, John. Patrick graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy Junior College in 1975 with plans to move forward with a military career but after a freak tennis ball accident that caused him to lose sight in his right eye, that all changed. His parents sensed his need for direction and as fate would have it, introduced him to Woody Ludwig (owner of Camp Bil-o-Wood) where he spent his first summer as a camp counselor. And the rest, as they say, is history. Camp Bil-o-wood was his passion for the next 50 years. His love for the outdoors and for helping others was born. He met the love of his life at Camp Bil-o-Wood, Chris, and with her they started their lives together. From Hersey Mi, Melwel Lodge, Kingston Ontario, Sault Ste Marie Mi, and Tonopah Nevada, he had a life well lived as a teacher, and school counselor and then finally moved back to Mi where their lives together all began. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, John and Flora Mulkerns. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Christine, his two children Elizabeth (Daniel) Campbell, Seon (Beth) Mulkerns, his brother, John (Sharon) Mulkerns, four grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

To honor Uncle Pat’s memory, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Allen-Bass Fund, Inc in lieu of flowers or other gifts. The Fund supports scholarships for children attending Camp Bil-O-Wood, helping make the camp experience possible for future generations.
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In honor and memory of Pat Mulkerns, one of Camp Bil-O-Woods most beloved, generous, and beautiful spirits that graced us with his presence for fifty marvelous years.  Uncle Pat, you will live on in our hearts and memories until the rivers run dry. 

On June 1st, 2026, Patrick Mulkerns Uncle Pat passed away peacefully at home with his family in Evart Mi.  Patrick was born May 10th, 1954, in PA to John and Flora Mulkerns and big brother, John. Patrick graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy Junior College in 1975 with plans to move forward with a military career but after a freak tennis ball accident that caused him to lose sight in his right eye, that all changed.  His parents sensed his need for direction and as fate would have it, introduced him to Woody Ludwig (owner of Camp Bil-o-Wood) where he spent his first summer as a camp counselor.  And the rest, as they say, is history.  Camp Bil-o-wood was his passion for the next 50 years.  His love for the outdoors and for helping others was born. He met the love of his life at Camp Bil-o-Wood, Chris, and with her they started their lives together. From Hersey Mi, Melwel Lodge, Kingston Ontario, Sault Ste Marie Mi, and Tonopah Nevada, he had a life well lived as a teacher, and school counselor and then finally moved back to Mi where their lives together all began. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, John and Flora Mulkerns.  He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Christine, his two children Elizabeth (Daniel) Campbell, Seon (Beth) Mulkerns, his brother, John (Sharon) Mulkerns, four grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

To honor Uncle Pat’s memory, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Allen-Bass Fund, Inc in lieu of flowers or other gifts. The Fund supports scholarships for children attending Camp Bil-O-Wood, helping make the camp experience possible for future generations.Image attachment

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Every strum of Uncle Pat’s guitar and every story shared helped weave the true Bil-O-Wood Spirit. Uncle Pat’s gentle guidance and joyous music will echo in my heart forever. I know his legacy will live on in every camper lucky enough to have known him and that love will pass on for generations. Until the rivers run dry

Fondly remember Pat when I served as a camp counselor and assistant athletic director back in 1979. May he rest in peace.

Really enjoyed having Pat as a friend he was a true ambassador for the Billowood lifestyle!

RIP Uncle Pat

Condolences to the family. He will be missed by many.

Uncle Pat will be missed-loved him. I can hear his laugh, music and song! A true l legacy of Camp Bil O Wood and for all who knew him. ❤️

He was one of a kind, he lead the music and I can still hear his voice. Prayers to his entire family

I’m truly sorry to hear this. Uncle Pat’s smile, joy and music were the heart and soul of BOW that I will forever remember. Thinking about his entire blood and BOW family.

Our sincere condolences to all of Uncle Pat’s dear friends and families ....such an incredible part of so many of our children’s lives..they will remember him always ♥️🕊️🪽🛶🦅🇨🇦 We all have a new bright star 🌟 in the night sky to lead us ❤️

All Honor to his Name !

Rest in peace. Prayers for the family and friends.

What a loss for his Family & the Bil-O-Wood Family. Rest in Paradise Uncle Pat💗

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1 day ago

Camp Bil-O-Wood

Thankful every stroke of the way 🛶🏕️ ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

Camp Bil-O-Wood

The BOW summer camp merch store is open 🇨🇦🛶⛺️
Link in bio to shop ✅✅ closes JUNE 2nd
All orders will ship directly to camp
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Our Pledge & Mission

The mission of Camp Bil-O-Wood is simple. Our primary focus is to provide experiences, through which children develop new skills, build friendships, and create lasting memories, all while having an awesome summer experience.  As campers learn and grow they gain self-confidence, self-awareness and self-determination. We believe in the importance of sharpening each camper's physical and mental capacity for successfully embracing lifes' challenges and adventures. While the world around us becomes more and more complex, Camp Bil-O-Wood emphasizes the importance of getting to know oneself and learning to understand and accept the differences between ourselves and others.  We believe the skills gained in a summer camp experience provide a child with a superior advantage throughout their lifetime. We call this the camp advantage.

It is with great satisfaction and a lifelong commitment that the members of the Bil-O-Wood family, and its personnel, dedicate ourselves to the improvememnt of the children on a physical, emotional, spiritual and social level so that each child may have a more satisfying and successful future.

 

Why Choose Bil-O-Wood

Safe and Nurturing Surroundings - Our trained and mature counselors have a genuine interest in and compassion for children. All counselors are carefully chosen to be positive, effective role models. Our surroundings nurture and challenge each child so they can develop a greater level of self-confidence and self-awareness. By learning a greater sense-of-self, camp shows children how to contribute to their surrounding community.

Enriching Environment - Our staff understands that a child first needs to feel secure before they will explore and try new things. Camp Bil-O-Wood’s supportive staff, structured activity program, and guided outdoor living and wilderness program helps campers develop skills, foster independence, and build self-confidence while having fun in a safe and energetic environment. Through daily interaction with fellow campers and staff, children learn to problem solve and to help others.

Friendships Forever - Living, laughing, sharing, and playing together bonds our campers in ways that form lifelong friendships. Camp Bil-O-Wood provides a community where every camper feels comfortable and safe whether they are a first time camper or returning camper.

A Flexible Camp Experience - Attending Camp Bil-O-Wood allows options in planning your summer for campers from ages 7 to 17. Choose from a two, three, four, or seven week session. Whenever your child attends, he or she will be welcomed and made to feel at home. They will have the opportunity to experience everything the Bil-O-Wood program has to offer.

A Dynamic Program – Bil-O-Wood offers outstanding activity choices in four major areas..

• A premier outdoor-living, wilderness exploration, and canoe-trip program.
• Athletics and sports featuring skill development in 15 major activities.
• Extensive aquatic and waterfront activities with instruction in swimming, sailing, waterskiing, lifeguarding, & more.
• A creative program including art & crafts, drama, nature study, outdoor exploration and education.