Program Focus Wilderness Out-tripping, CIT/LIT Program, Water Sports (multi)
Age (Gender) 7 - 16 (Female)
Job/Career Psychotherapist
(5) Overall experience
I attended Camp Oconto for ten years from age seven to 16 and I now send my two daughters there. Oconto has offered myself and my daughters tremendous joy, friendship, and community. I gained independence, leadership skills, and so much confidence. I was a quieter kid who went to camp and felt adored and loved for exactly who I was.
I sent my kids to camp for the first time at ages 4 and 6 and they are still going, almost ten years later. They loved it as much as I did right away. They count down all year towards their return to camp. When they return home, they are bursting with confidence, singing songs, doing silly dances they learned, talking about their special friendships, how much they look up to their counsellors, and are full of amazing memories.
(5) Unique value
Oconto is an organization dedicated to lifting kids up and giving them confidence. The staff are extremely well trained and know how to make campers feel special and adored. The leaders prioritize connection with friends and with nature and are strict about campers not having access to any screens for the time they're at camp. Oconto gives campers a lot of freedom and independence to choose which activities they want to do each day; whether they'd like to go on extended canoe trips, participate in theatre shows, concerts, or be the quiet spectator. Every camper's needs are cared about. It's a family business and you can really feel the dedication of the leadership. The physical location of camp is stunning, and they take great care of the property.
(5) Program quality and activities
There are so many fantastic activities at Oconto - water activities, creative arts, expressive arts, rock wall, and many more. They offer canoe trips of various lengths which are challenging and rewarding for campers. They also ensure each camper is engaged in a swimming lesson at their level, and kids work their way up to the Bronze Cross by the time they are senior campers.
Oconto is full of traditions that the campers and staff love. I've been so impressed watching the current directors adapt to the times and find a balance between keeping old traditions but shedding outdated versions of them and updating them to be more in line with current understandings of inclusiveness and social justice.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
I'm still in touch with camp friends. Camp is an incredibly bonding experience, both with fellow campers and with staff who become like big sisters and role models. I learned at camp what it feels like to have friends who accept you fully and with whom you can truly be yourself. The all-girls aspect is especially empowering for female-identified kids and teens to experience.
(5) Skills and growth
I gained so much confidence at camp which I carry with me in my personal life and career. I learned that there are many ways to be a leader, including being a quiet leader. I am a better mother because of camp. I have more connection with nature and know this to be immensely important to my well-being. I take my kids on tough canoe trips because of what I learned about canoe tripping with Oconto.
(5) Reflections and advice
Camp is an immense privilege that I wish all kids could enjoy. I think it's especially important these days with kids spending so much time on screens and being disconnected from nature. I can't say enough good things about Camp Oconto in particular. The directors are fantastic leaders and they run the camp incredibly well and professionally. The grounds are beautiful, the food is great. Highly recommend!
My daughter loves Camp Oconto. She is a very artsy kid and she loves crafts, dancing, performing, and singing with her friends at camp. She has learned to live in a vibrant community with girls and yo...
Our daughter has been attending Camp Oconto for over a decade both as a camper and staff member. Summer is her favourite time of year. The traditional camp skills she has gained such as expertly paddl...
Both of my daughters were nervous and apprehensive about going to camp the first time. After the first year, I will never forget picking them up and one of them didn't really want to come home! That w...
