Who We Are
The Peterborough Jr. Lakers are a proud part of the Peterborough community and have a long history of leadership, mentorship, and commitment to youth sport. For generations, the Jr. Lakers have helped shape positive experiences for young athletes by emphasizing teamwork, respect, and a love for the game.
The Jr. Lakers Summer Camp has been part of the community for many years and has evolved alongside the local lacrosse landscape. The camp was originally created and operated by the Jr. Lakers as a community based program designed to introduce young athletes to the sport in a fun and supportive environment. As lacrosse programming in the area continued to grow, the camp transitioned and was carried forward under the Nationwide Lacrosse banner, allowing the a fantastic program to continue serving families while the Jr. Lakers remained focused on player development within the organization.
Today, the camp proudly returns under the Jr. Lakers name, reflecting a natural progression and a shared commitment to providing high quality summer programming for local families. The camp continues to build on the same values that have guided it from its inception with Nationwide Lacrosse, with a strong emphasis on mentorship, inclusion, and community connection.
A defining feature of the Jr. Lakers Summer Camp is its tradition of giving back. Many of the coaches and leaders involved are former Jr. Lakers players who once attended the camp themselves and later returned to support the next generation. This continuity helps create a welcoming environment where campers feel supported and inspired.
In 2025, the camp entered a new chapter under the leadership of Curtis Conley, who takes over as Camp Director from Turner Evans. Curtis has spent the last 8 years in the local lacrosse community and brings a strong background in education, coaching, and high level sport.
Curtis is a four time CUFLA Defensive Player of the Year and was named Trent University Athlete of the Year in 2024. He is a secondary school teacher and a graduate of the Trent University Bachelor of Education program. Curtis currently serves as an Assistant Coach with the Peterborough Jr. Lakers and is a former professional lacrosse player with the Albany FireWolves and the New York Riptide. He also works as a scout with the Oshawa Firewolves, supporting athlete development and helping young players continue their growth in the sport.
Under Curtis’s leadership, the Jr. Lakers Summer Camp remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for all participants. The camp focuses on skill development, confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong enjoyment of sport and physical activity. It continues to reflect the values of the Jr. Lakers and the community that has supported it throughout its evolution.
What We Do
The Jr. Lakers Summer Camp is a multisport summer program for children ages 6 to 12, designed to promote physical activity, confidence, and enjoyment through structured play and skill development. Camp runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and welcomes participants of all experience levels in a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Each day includes dedicated lacrosse instruction led by experienced coaches, along with a variety of complementary activities that support overall athletic development. These activities are designed to encourage teamwork, coordination, and creativity, while keeping campers engaged and active throughout the day. By combining lacrosse with other sports and games, the camp helps children build well rounded movement skills and a lasting love of being active.
In 2026, the camp proudly returns to the Peterborough Memorial Centre at 151 Lansdowne Street West, a facility regularly used by the Peterborough Jr. Lakers. Campers benefit from training and playing in the same space as Jr. Lakers athletes, while learning from current and former players who serve as coaches and mentors. This connection helps create a fun, inspiring experience rooted in community, leadership, and positive role modelling
Mission and Goals
Mission
The mission of the Jr. Lakers Summer Camp is to provide an accessible and cost efficient multisport experience for children ages 6 to 12, where all participants have the opportunity to stay active, try new sports, and learn in a positive and supportive environment. Through quality programming and strong mentorship, we aim to create meaningful experiences that build confidence, encourage participation, and foster a lifelong enjoyment of sport and physical activity.
Goals
Offer an affordable multisport camp that is accessible to families across the community
Provide daily opportunities for children to try a variety of sports, including lacrosse, in a fun and welcoming setting
Give campers direct exposure to high level athletes who serve as positive role models and mentors.
Promote confidence, teamwork, and respect through age appropriate instruction and guided play
Create a safe, inclusive environment where children of all abilities feel supported and encouraged
Strengthen community connections by linking youth sport experiences to the Jr. Lakers organization and local athletes