Child 1 Age 8 - 9 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Wilderness Out-tripping, Canoeing, Sailing/Marine Skills
(5) Overall experience
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 her age, but she also made connections with counselors, who she sees as mentors and friends (we just mailed off a card she wrote to one counselor she adored). The camp provides the opportunity for girls to stretch themselves by taking overnight canoe trips, where they navigate, set up camp, cook, and learn about the natural environment. These adventures build self-confidence and promote bonding. Singing, arts and crafts, swimming, other water sports, and learning responsibility not just for oneself but for the whole camp community round out the experience. The camp culture embodies the Northway motto of "The seeing eye and the willing hand." It's amazing to see how independent and responsible girls can be from an early age when given mentors to model and a culture that encourages intentional care for self and others. We look forward to many more summers at Northway.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
We chose the camp for the beautiful setting (Cache Lake, Algonquin Park), the emphasis on building confidence in the outdoors, and the long history of the camp. We appreciate the focus on service, responsibility, care for the natural environment, and developing confident young women. We appreciate the longstanding history as the oldest girls' camp in North America.
(4.5) Program quality and activities
Our daughter was at first a bit nervous about the overnight canoeing trips, but ended up with a sense of great accomplishment and adventure having experienced them. She enjoyed working towards "merits" in different areas, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and nature knowledge. Given how structured the school year is, we were looking for an environment that would foster a sense of independence and choice when crafting how she spent her time at camp.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Our daughter came home having strengthened existing friendships and built more from her time at camp. I appreciate that the older campers and counselors seem to go out of their way to build relationships with the younger campers and make them feel supported and included. Our daughter described an environment that intentionally modeled and rewarded inclusion, kindness, and helping others.
(5) Skills and growth
Our daughter had not previously camped before camp and returned knowing how to set up a tent, collect firewood, build a fire, navigate better with a map, and help prepare meals. She had been in a canoe a few times previously but strengthened her paddling skills. I believe camp also taught her greater responsibility around keeping her personal items and space tidy, as well as helping clean up from shared meals.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
Our daughter has expressed affection and appreciation for the staff and counselors at the camp. She has written letters to several counselors with whom she has bonded. The communication from the camp was clear, welcoming, and concise. Questions were answered and addressed promptly. We were not in a situation where conflict resolution was needed.
(5) Preparation and packing
We found the packing list to be appropriate and well-matched to what was needed at camp. I think if a first-time camper followed the packing list closely, they would have everything they needed. It is definitely important to have the recommended items for going out on canoeing trips (backpack, sleeping bag, hiking boots, etc.).
(5) Advice and tips
My advice would be to ensure that your daughter understands that there will be no electricity at camp. That is a huge gift to us all to be technologically disconnected and instead focused on in-person relationships and activities, but can be an adjustment if someone is used to frequent electronic communication or entertainment. I would also set expectations that homesickness is often part of the sleepaway camp experience - but that both things can be true: you can have a wonderful, fun time at camp AND miss your family, home, pets, friends, etc.
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