Child 1 Age 9 - 10 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Wilderness Out-tripping
Child 2 Age 8 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Wilderness Out-tripping
(5) Overall experience
My oldest daughter loved Northway and this past summer was her second year at camp. She made wonderful friends and enjoyed spending over three weeks in Algonquin Park. My younger daughter will go to Northway this summer for the first time.
Lucy appeared more confident after camp and proud of her accomplishments. Their experience is life-changing as it exposed her to another way of life and a part of herself she didn't know was there.
Lucy will be going back to camp for another summer.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
My family has been attending Northway for three generations. My father was a canoe-tripping guide and his sister a camper. My sister and I were campers at Northway and had wonderful experiences. My sister became a counsellor and Assistant Director. Now my daughters are campers.
The experience is definitely an investment and one that is worth making.
(5) Program quality and activities
My daughter loves the canoe tripping, swimming and the drama program at Northway. There is an activity for all interest groups.
Northway has counsellors who specialize in certain areas such as canoeing, swimming, sailing, and kayaking. The counsellors receive training to lead activities and are people who have passion for the camp experience. It is more than a job for them but a way of life.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
My child made many new friends. She is looking forward to reconnecting with them in the summer and making new friends. My daughter enjoyed the social dynamics at camp and that she had the opportunity to deepen friendships on canoe trips and as ten mates. She found that everyone was open to getting to know people while at the same time connecting with old friends.
(5) Skills and growth
My daughter's swimming skills improved. She is a noticeably stronger swimmer after taking swimming lessons at camp. The swimming levels do not reflect the lifesaving society levels however the same skills were taught. The play at the end of the first half was fun and a way to let my daughters creative side shine.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The small staff-to-camper ratio. There is one counsellor for every 3 campers. Lots of supervision and support is available. I believe this is particularly important for younger campers. A counsellor sleeps in the same tent as three campers. When the counselor is out on a canoe trip a counselor in training supports the campers. There are many mature counselors available for support.
(5) Preparation and packing
I found it important to label all the clothes, back packs, sleeping bags etc. We may invest in a trip back pack for the coming season as having a back pack with a strap around the waist keeps pressure off the shoulder which is helpful om portages. Also thick socks and an extra blanket is useful.
(5) Advice and tips
Send letters/care packages early to ensure your daughter receives them while at camp. Especially if they are going for a week or two it is important to plan ahead as post can be slow.
Northway is a unique summer camp. The experience can lead to loving the great outdoors, adventure and the simple things in life such as good friends, laughter, and fresh air.
My daughter has attended Northway for two summers (ages 8 and 9) and continues to talk frequently about how much she can't wait to go back. Not only did she develop and deepen friendships with peers h...
Camp Northway is the absolute best! There are so many great features of Camp Northway. My daughter speaks of the sheer beauty of the place and how it stays with her throughout the year. Mostly, she...
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