In 1958 the Synod of Toronto and Kingston discussed the benefits of adding a second camp to its Synod, and set up a committee to search for a site and plan for a new camp. The committee consisted of the Convenor of the Christian Education Committee, Rev. Grant Muir, and Rev. Donald Collier. The committee wanted something accessible by road but suitable for a wilderness setting and wilderness canoe trips. In 1960 the committee visited and recommended the Hart Lake site as an appropriate location for the camp; The first camps took place in 1962 and consisted of a Senior High Camp with 23 campers, and a Senior Girls’ camp with 29 campers. The Hart Lake site was accessible to the wilderness areas of the Moon and Musquash Rivers, and had a safe swimming area, which made it an ideal place to set up camp and have canoe trips. The dedication of the camp took place on June 23rd, 1963, the name was inspired by the community on the Island of lona in Scotland. Iona operated in the Hart Lake site until 2006, when it was moved to its current Baysville site. Camp lona offers a variety of programs for camp-ers, and it also hosts wilderness trips for Cairn Presbyterian Camps.