Child 1 Age 11 - 14 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Wilderness Out-tripping, Water Sports (multi), Canoeing
Child 2 Age 13 - 16 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Wilderness Out-tripping, Wilderness Skills, Canoeing
(5) Overall experience
Naomi was a little nervous about going to overnight camp her first season. She was a shy child, and a bit introverted, and we weren't sure how she would respond to a completely new social environment. However, my own memories of being a Northway camper almost 35 years earlier were some of the happiest of my life, and I trusted that Northway was still a place where a shy child would find a warm and caring welcome and make fast friends. Still, as it was her first time, we just sent her for a two-week session. Well, when she got off the bus at the end of two weeks, the first thing she said was 'Next year, I want to go for the whole time!'. I remember bawling my eyes out on the last morning of camp, hugging all my friends goodbye on the docks, so I was happy but not surprised that Naomi had also had the time of her life. She came back with noticeably more social confidence, and real pride in the skills she had developed canoeing, sailing, and swimming. And it has been four summers of Northway now, and every summer she comes back saying 'this one was the best yet!'.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
I had been at Northway as a camper 35 years earlier, and my summers there were some of the happiest of my life. Unlike other camps my friends attended, Northway was not regimented or overly-programmed. There were always lots of options available, but we were free to choose what we wanted to do, and when. I knew that Naomi would love that freedom. The days were so relaxed and peaceful, in the most beautiful natural setting.
(5) Program quality and activities
My daughter is in love with the natural world, so I knew that the opportunity to do some serious canoe-tripping and discover Algonquin Park would be a wonderful experience for her. She also discovered that she enjoyed kayaking and sailing. Just spending her days in the woods and on the water in such a beautiful intimate setting was magical for her. But while she loved being in the woods and in the lake, she also enjoyed the arts and crafts opportunities, and, despite her shyness, was excited to participate in the camp musical. I think best of all was that she could choose what she felt like trying on any given day, in very small groups, rather than there being a more regimented program with larger groups of kids. She loved that freedom.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Naomi, despite being quite a shy girl, came home feeling that she'd made lots of friends. In the four summers she has been there, she has never mentioned any kind of social exclusion or bullying. Having such a small camper: counsellor ratio (3 campers in a tent with one counsellor) means that there are lots of caring young adults who can help the girls get to know one another and have fun together.
(5) Skills and growth
Naomi became more confident in a canoe and as a wilderness tripper. Being in the lake every day was also great for her swimming. And she discovered sailing and kayaking as well. Socially, she developed noticeably more confidence. She seemed especially proud at having been able to help younger campers on canoe trips, be it putting up a tent, or helping them with a heavy bag. She even came back with better table manners and -- my favorite part -- discovered she liked having a tidy room!
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
I had only very brief exchanges with the counsellors at the bus drop-off and pick-up, but since my daughter is their biggest fan, so am I! They really do seem to do a wonderful job of creating a warm, caring atmosphere where the girls feel comfortable being themselves and are able to make close friendships. In terms of communication before and after the session, I found that everything was very clearly explained and the few questions I had were responded to quickly. We really appreciated the letter and photo of our daughter with her tent mates and counsellor that we received early on during the session, since there is no phone/internet communication during camp (which we 100% love!).
(5) Preparation and packing
The camp packing list is excellent. They really do have it down to a fine art. We didn't find there was anything missing, or anything unnecessary. Having said that, our daughter was really happy this past summer when we sent her with a mosquito net to hang over her bed (which is not on the list...)!
(5) Advice and tips
Summers at Northway were some of the happiest of my childhood -- and now they're the happiest of my daughter's childhood. If your daughter enjoys being immersed in the natural world and relishes the freedom to choose her own activities in a beautiful setting as part of a small, caring, fun-loving community, then send her to Northway! It really is a magical place.
Having never been to this camp before, or an overnight camp for this long, my daughter was both excited and nervous. I attended this camp as a counselor for two years in '91 and '92, so she's heard m...
