in 1937, the jesuits leased the site. in 1941, they purchased it and the surrounding five-acre area for $15,000. in 1953, the jesuits expanded the property by buying a nearby 1.5 acre garden. in 1971, camp ekon was started. fr. brian massie, s.j. was the founder and decided to call it 'ekon' because that was the name given to saint jean de brébeuf by the wyandot people. 'ekon' means 'the healing tree' and referred to jean de brébeuf's height. in 1978, the diocese of peterborough donated an old church building, which became the camp director's cottage, with the provision that it not be used for religious services. in 1991, the jesuits bought the shore road allowance, which previously separated the property from the lake. in 1993, renovations on the site began. in 1996, the arts studio was finished.