Jocelyn Palm, President and Founder
Jocelyn’s lifelong commitment to leadership development, environmental education and social service is the catalyst behind the Near North Enviro-Education Centre. As the owner and Director of Glen Bernard Camp since 1977, Jocelyn has provided opportunities for generations of leaders to flourish. With 250 campers in each of three summer sessions and a staff of more than 100, almost all of whom are former campers, the GBC community includes generations of alumni connected and committed to ideals which foster independence and group belonging, coupled with environmental education. GBC also hosts co-ed school and adult groups and is a registered private school offering high-school credits. Jocelyn’s vision is to share GBC’s mandate into the community with the establishment of the NNEEC.
Jocelyn’s numerous philanthropic and community related endeavours were recognized with her appointment to the Order of Canada on December 30, 2012. Her Social Service work includes contributions to women’s health, youth development and aquatic lifesaving. She has been involved with Women’s College Hospital for over 25 years and was part of a group that worked to maintain the hospital as an independent institution. As event & project coordinator she has provided leadership and support to numerous events and initiatives at the hospital. Jocelyn was the first national executive director of the Lifesaving Society, a position she held for 15 years. The Jocelyn Palm Cup has been established as an annual award to recognize her outstanding contributions to the National Lifeguard Service. She is the former president of the Ontario Camps Association, the Canadian Camping Association and the Professional Society of Camp Directors. She has also lent expertise to a number of organizations including Think First Canada and the Immigrant Women’s Health Centre. Most recently, Jocelyn is a founding member and current treasurer of Kids in Camp, a registered charity that provides financial assistance for families to send kids to camp.
The founding of the NNEEC is rooted in a commitment to the development of leaders and practices pertaining to environmental and economic sustainability. Jocelyn is a champion for the social and economic objectives of rural communities and is committed to their success for generations to come.