Child 1 Age 11 - 13 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Wilderness Out-tripping
(5) Overall experience
As a parent, knowing the butterflies that come with going away to camp the first time, I was comforted by watching the phenomenal staff at NWL surrounding my daughter from the moment she was greeted at the landing. Then the same could be said about all of the campers she met. Warm and welcoming. I knew she would have a magical experience.
My daughter also had butterflies. Having spent many years at NWL as a camper and counsellor I only wished as the boat pulled away that I could go to NWL again too. I thought my daughter would love it and she did! She loved canoe trips, sleeping in tents, watching the moon reflect on the lake, the sound of the loons, and the NWL call.
She developed confidence, wilderness skills, and leadership skills.
Algonquin Park is a gift to be cherished its beauty and memories remain in your heart forever. The traditions at NWL remain the same: canoe trips, trip dips, trip songs, campfires, songs…a love of nature, and friendships for life.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
I went to Camp Northway myself and loved! Yes, Camp Northway is an experience that you take with you forever.
We chose Camp Northway because we valued the wilderness opportunity to build skills and confidence and friendships. There is no running water or electricity. I wouldn’t trade the nights spent at campfire for anything.
(5) Program quality and activities
My daughter loved the waterfront activities, specifically swimming, canoeing and kayaking. The staff was well trained and campers can earn camp merit certificates for their stages of accomplishment in canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and sailing. There were opportunities to participate in crafts and join the camp play. My daughter was given an opportunity to go on a canoe trip which was an incredible opportunity!
(5) Social dynamics and experience
My child made new friends at camp. Each year every child is given a new tent with tent mates and a counsellor. I didn’t hear of any issues related to inclusion.
There was always someone available to lend a helping hand or offer a good book to read or a new hairstyle. All the campers seemed to be welcoming and value the experience together.
(5) Skills and growth
My child learned how to kayak and canoe at camp. She was proud of her canoe tripping which was a completely new experience. It pushed her out of her comfort zone and proved to her she could do it! She loved the skit and had fun learning to act. Camp play is a great time to visit. Wear bug spray!
She was proud to earn a merit certificate in Forestry.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The counsellors were very friendly, warm, and welcoming. There were lots of emails before going to camp sharing information and a packing list.
They made my daughter feel as if it was her second home. The first summer my daughter experienced some homesickness and they had lots of strategies to help her. After returning home the counsellor sent a report. It was well written.
(5) Preparation and packing
NWL has a very helpful packing list. Campers should be able to carry their pack on their back because they will need it for canoe trips. A campfire chair will be an addition to next year’s kit. It might be helpful for a first-time camper to practice rolling up their sleeping bag. Make sure that everything is labeled. Pack waterproof sunscreen, a hat, and lots of bug spray.
(5) Advice and tips
I think that it’s a really great opportunity to go to Camp Northway in Algonquin Park. The wilderness at NWL teaches a love and respect for the environment that you can’t find anywhere else. A chance to unplug and connect allows campers to build friendships and connections for life.
The staff is really phenomenal and it’s a magical 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 N...
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...
