Child 1 Age 8 - 19 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
(5) Overall experience
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 paddling a canoe, building a campfire, and pitching a tent are wonderful, but the life skills she has developed over the years are even more important. In addition to the quiet confidence and independence camp has helped to foster, she has developed into an effective leader recognizing the importance of empathy, teamwork, and inclusivity. As an alum of the camp myself, I am so grateful that we have had this shared experience. The sense of community camp has created and the lifelong friendships she will have will are invaluable. Unfortunately, there will come a time when "life/school" get in the way of summers at camp. Until then we will support her decision to attend.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
As an Oconto alumnae, Oconto was first on our list. Admittedly all my talk of days at camp likely influenced her decision. I felt confident sending her there as I knew safety was a top priority. Further, most of the staff had been former campers and would bring their love and enthusiasm for camp to their campers. I also appreciated that the camp has been owned and family operated, for over 70 years. Although there have been changes over the years, it remains a traditional overnight camp. After attending the information session my daughter was sold and has never looked back and did not feel the need to explore other camps. I think her experience has been well worth the investment.
(5) Program quality and activities
There are so many options for campers to choose from when it comes to activities on both land and water. Staff who teach activities are skilled and qualified. Swimming lessons at camp are mandatory which I believe is extremely important. Having gone through all of her levels at camp my daughter was able to lifeguard and instruct swimming lessons during the school year. The way the day is structured allows campers to try everything, and if they find a favourite they are able to.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
My child has made lifelong friends from camp. These are new girls outside of her friend groups from school or sports teams. I love that after every summer there are new camp friends added to the mix. I know the camp staff are trained to deal with issues of bullying and they do an excellent job of ensuring everyone feels included. The camp community is supportive and I have noticed that they have instilled in the girls the importance of being kind and lifting each other up rather than tearing each other down.
(5) Skills and growth
My daughter's swimming skills flourished at camp. She attained all of her life-saving qualifications and has used those skills during the year as a lifeguard and swim instructor. She also has the confidence in leading campers on canoe trips to getting in front of a few hundred people to perform a fun dance routine. She has also gained an excellent sense of independence, learning that she was ok without mom and dad.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The majority of the staff at Oconto have been long time campers as well. I think it speaks volumes that counsellors come back year after year. The Directors demonstrate how much they value the counsellors and in turn, the counsellors really give 110%. We did not deal with any conflicts as a camper, so there was little communication with the camp. As they say, "No news is good news!". At the end of the summer, it was always nice to get a letter from my daughter's counsellors describing how she enjoyed her summer, the activities she loved best and how she interacted with her peers.
(5) Preparation and packing
The packing list the camp provides is fairly thorough. Dress up is big at camp so packing fun costumes and accessories will always come in handy. In counselling a first-time camper I would tell them it was normal to miss home and they are capable of doing hard things. I would refrain from telling them how much I was going to miss them and instead frame the situation as being super exciting for my child!
(5) Advice and tips
If you are looking for a welcoming and supportive traditional camp for your daughter this is an excellent choice. Make sure to speak to the Camp Directors and go to one of their information sessions to familiarize yourself and your child. If your child is hesitant I would consider having them go with a friend that is also interested in the camp experience.
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...
