Originally built as an educational institute for wayward boys, Camp 30 had its brush with fame during the years of 1939 - 1945... in World War 2. During this time period, it instead served as a POW camp for German officers after the perimeter was fortified. The buildings originally built for the school were incorporated into the POW camp.

Housing officers from the Afrika Korps, Luftwaffe, and Kriegsmarine, Camp 30 was generally quiet and uneventful, save for a 3-day standoff known as the Battle of Bowmanville; and in keeping with the "quiet" tradition of the camp, ended with only minor injuries.

Following the war and the removal of the prisoners, it reverted back to its educational roots. During this period it went through many stages, first as a wayward boys school again, then later being rented out to various school boards such as Peterborough and Clarington.

In 1999, Great Lakes College purchased the property and used it as an international school for Asian immigrants seeking to eventually move to post-secondary institutions. Owned by Thomas Ku, the school has sat abandoned since he was killed in a botched ransom attempt by two of his students due to the poor standards at the school, as well as Ku's failure to render services promised.

Now it sits, a hangout for local kids to cause trouble. Most of the buildings are in decent shape, save the Classroom Building, which has seen a fire. Security is fairly lax, although parts of the property are extremely visible from county roads and the locals will slow down and call you in if spotted.

As far as history is concerned... Camp 30 has it all. And that alone makes it worthwhile for a visit.