Founded 1920
Camp Chikopi in Ontario, Canada, was founded in 1920 by Matt Mann II, legendary University of Michigan swimming coach and one of the most influential figures in North American competitive swimming.
But Chikopi was not built by one person alone.
His wife, Lea Mann, was the operational backbone of the camp from its earliest years. While Matt shaped the athletic philosophy, Lea oversaw the administration, daily structure, camper welfare, and the practical realities of running a summer institution. For decades, the stability and organization of Chikopi rested largely in her hands.
Together, they built what would become the first all sports boys camp in the world.
Mann believed boys should develop through broad athletic exposure, not early specialization. Structured sport. Measured competition. Daily discipline. The Golden Rule.
Chikopi became the practical extension of that philosophy, a serious summer environment built around multiple sports, physical standards, and character formation.
Under their leadership, the camp earned an international reputation aligned with Mann’s achievements at Michigan, where he led teams to 13 NCAA championships and coached numerous Olympians.
When Matt Mann II passed in 1962, Chikopi was already firmly established as a serious and enduring institution.
Today, that same philosophy continues across all of our summer sports programs for boys.
Following his father’s death, Matt Mann III assumed leadership of Camp Chikopi.
During this period, the camp continued its traditional multi sport structure and maintained its connection to the broader swimming and athletic community. The foundation built by the first generation remained intact.
In 1975, ownership transferred to RoseMary Dawson, daughter of Matt Mann II, ensuring the camp remained connected to the founding family.
Alongside her husband, William Buck Dawson, the Founder of The International Swimming Hall of Fame, the Dawsons provided continuity during a brief but important transitional period.
Pat Hayhurst served as camp director during part of this era, maintaining daily operations and program structure.
This period was short, but it preserved stability at a critical moment in the camp’s history.
In 1976, Big 8 Champion and World Record holder, Bob Duenkel joined Camp Chikopi as a coach.
By 1979, he became Director.
In 1981, he became Owner.
For over four decades, Duenkel protected the camp’s identity while strengthening its athletic reputation. The structure remained intentionally traditional.
Multi sport participation
Tech free cabins
Small enrollment
International representation
Measured competitive standards
Many campers advanced through our competitive swimming program and other sports to Olympic teams, NCAA championships, and professional careers.
Duenkel remained owner and director until his passing in 2019.
Camp Chikopi remains family owned and independently operated, rooted in the principles outlined throughout our About Camp Chikopi section.
Its structure and mandate remain aligned with the principles established in 1920.
Broad athletic development
Character through sport
Discipline without spectacle
Tradition without trend
More than a century later, Chikopi continues as it began, a serious summer environment for boys.
1920 to 1962 Matthew Mann II
1962 to 1975 Matthew Mann III
1975 to 1981 Buck and Rosemary Dawson Owner
Mid 1970s Pat Hayhurst Director
1976 to 1979 Bob Duenkel Coach to Director
1981 to 2019 Bob Duenkel Owner
2019 to Present Family stewardship
Registration for Summer 2026 is now open.
