Camp Arowhon is one the best places on earth. I go back every year because camp is the place where I can be my truest self and where I know I am always loved and supported. The gorgeous lake, the sound of the loons every morning, and waking up beside your best friends is one my favourite things in life. Everyone at camp is so amazing and loving and it is clear that all the staff want to see you learn and grow. Everywhere you go people will smile and say hi. For a big camp, everyone seems to know you and every new camper is welcomed into the Arowhon family. Something that I learned at camp is how to push myself out of my comfort zone, open myself to trying new things, and learn to make friends as easily as I can now.
(5) Program quality and activities
Personally, my favourite activity at camp is either canoe tripping or arts and crafts. I love canoe tripping so much, because it makes me feel so connected to nature and it gives me a chance to push myself out of my comfort zone. I also love arts and crafts because it brings out my creative side even if I'm not the most artistic person. Something I tried for the first time at camp is windsurfing. While I'm still not very good at it the instructors were very kind during my learning process and I got a little better every time.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
At camp, making friends is the easiest thing in the world. One of the main priorities at Arowhon is making lifelong friendships and it's very clear how much effort they put into supporting building relationships. From the moment you step into your cabin, you have a guaranteed group of friends. One of my favourite memories of making friends is on the first night of camp when you have a "Candy Party." It's one of my favourite bonding experiences because you get to sit in a circle, eating treats and getting to know your camp family!
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The staff at Camp Arowhon are amazing! They are always looking out for you and doing their best to give you an amazing summer. It's very clear how much the instructors care about your success and how much they love to see you learn a new skill. The counsellors are also incredible. They're so well trained but also just naturally amazing people. They are always there for you and happy to spend time with you whether you need a shoulder to cry on or a person to laugh with. One of my favourite staff members is a counsellor I had two years ago and then was in my section again last year. We connected instantly and she was one of my biggest support systems at camp for the past couple of years. She cheered me on as I went on a two-week-long canoe trip two years ago and then actually helped lead my trip last year. My experience with her leading my trip was amazing because she was so supportive and made it very obvious how proud she was of me. Another staff member who has made a massive impact on my experience at camp is the director, Mara. She is so caring, kind and wise, and even if she seems very high up in the ranks, she knows every camper by name and will always stop to have a conversation with you.
(5) Advice and tips
Some advice I would give to new campers is to not worry too much about your first summer! It's natural to be worried about all sorts of things going into your first experience with camp but I would urge new members of the Arowhon family to shift those nerves into excitement. Camp is one of the best places on earth and you will be so well supported, that as soon as you get there, you'll never want to leave. Also, bring a warm sweater! At the end of the summer, it can get a bit cold at night so bring a hoodie and sweatpants to be as comfortable as possible at our weekly campfire!! My one insider tip is to never skip Sunday Brunch! You get extra sleep either way, so if you go around 8:45 am, all of the food is still there AND you get to sleep in! Don't miss the perfect Sunday morning!
Camp Arowhon had a huge and lasting impact on my life. My years as a camper made me more independent and resilient, and I am still best friends with many of the people I met at camp. I learned how to ...
