Working as a team, Ron and Mickey Johnstone made significant contributions to the Ontario Camps Association and the Canadian Camping Association, permanently enriching and enhancing both Associations. Their continued commitment to the development of camping across Canada and their skills in the area of youth leadership development, have left us a lasting legacy.
This award is presented to camp leaders who meet the following criteria:
The 2025 Recipient of the Ron & Mickey Johnstone Youth Leadership Award is John Hannant-Minchel.
John began his camp career in 2013 as a counsellor at Olympia Sports Camp and joined Camp Tamarack in 2015, where he spent eleven years in various roles, including Counsellor, Unit Head, Director of Outdoor Education, and Summer Assistant Director. Across these roles, John became known for his people-centered, values-driven leadership and his ability to design programs and systems that supported campers and staff with diverse ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
At Camp Tamarack, John provided innovative leadership by revitalizing the Outdoor Education program with skill-based learning, developing mission-driven staff training, and creating onboarding and support structures that helped new and international staff feel connected and prepared. His leadership emphasized relationship-building, intentional programming, and honest feedback, fostering a culture where campers and staff felt safe, supported, and seen. In November 2025, John joined Camp Robin Hood as Assistant Director, where he continues his commitment to youth development and community building.
Beyond camp, John is an active volunteer with the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) and the Canadian Camping Association (CCA). With the OCA, he serves as a standards visitor, member of the Conference and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committees, Co-Chair of the Outdoor Education Committee, and contributor to the Young & Emerging Professionals group. With the CCA, he serves on the Communications and National Partnerships Committees. Whether leading youth at camp or supporting the broader camp community through volunteer service, John is driven by a deep belief in camp’s power to positively shape young people’s lives through connection, purpose, and intentional leadership.
