Transcript of our interview with Michelle, Mother

What’s unique about this camp?

Camp Presqu’ile is very inclusive. [Everyone] from children who are differently-abled to LGBTQ plus community involvement. 

Also, it's right on the shores of Georgian Bay. The scenery is beautiful. The location is perfect for us.

What would you highlight about the camp?

There’s lots of great programming, yet also downtime, so that kids aren't overwhelmed. The downtime tends to be more of an activity of their choosing. The programming is based around swimming, archery, trail walks, hikes, arts and crafts. They have music programs. So there’s lots of fun there. Because of the location, it’s a wide open space for just general unstructured play. 

How did you know that this camp was the right fit?

When they came home, it was the nonstop singing of the camp songs all the way home and the stories. And “I made this friend, and we're going to keep in touch, doing this” and other good things. I should mention that Dakota is usually very quiet. For them to be so verbal about their experience, I just knew, “Bam, this is the one we're going back next year.” We got one year as a camper, and then the leadership and training was where Dakota's age landed the next time, and it was perfect. 

Cameron, though, is very outgoing. Cameron went this year for the first time. She's eight years old, and she already knew where she was going because of coming to drop Dakota off. But she's that girl who, as soon as she saw there was a pool and all these activities, and she'd get to do crafts [she was in]. She's a singing and dancing kid, and there was going to be music. I didn't even have to stay! Some parents were there [as long as they could be]. I was like, “Okay, I'll see you later!” She was already making friends and having a great time.

Was there any noticeable personal growth in your child after time at camp?

I have the most to say about Dakota: Confidence, definitely. A huge change! Responsibility, too. 

You're going away for two weeks at a time. When they got into leadership and training, they were volunteering. They got volunteer hours for working with programming with the other campers.

But also because of the environment there, Dakota did a lot of self-discovery. Actually, they went to camp using pronouns she/her, and now actually would prefer to be called Dakota, and using pronouns they/them. The environment at their school, while very supportive, [makes them] feel too much like needing to fit in at school. At camp, they didn't feel the need to fit in. They just got to be themselves and explore who they were. That was really beneficial.

As for Cameron, it was the independence growth. The independence that came out was phenomenal. She wants to go back for two weeks straight next year or the summer. So she's ready for more.

How can parents overcome hesitancy to send their children away overnight?

Cameron did have a medical situation her first week there. The staff were phenomenal about it, but what was interesting to me is that Cameron was more upset that she had to come home than about what happened. I was really impressed with how everything was handled from start to finish, with follow-up and the whole bit. We’re lucky at this camp that there's a nurse and a doctor on call, which most camps have now. 

I was never hesitant or worried about either of them getting hurt. I was more worried about whether they’d get homesick, always the [thing] that I go to first. But the way the staff are trained and the tools and resources that they have at their disposal, your kids are well looked after. They're there to have fun. The counselors provide as much fun as possible in a safe environment.

Dakota was older when they went to camp, so I didn't have a lot of hesitation. So I already had one kid that had gone, so it wasn't so bad when I sent Cameron along. Knowing those things were in place, I would say, “Parents, send your kids. It's the best experience!” 

What would you tell other parents about the overall value of sending kids to this camp?

There's the personal growth they do very much on their own. As parents, we tend to guide when they're at home. This gives them a chance to do all those things we've been teaching them, as well as explore on their own and become their own person. 

And then the friendships! The mom of one friend of Cameron's reached out to me to know, “When are you sending Cameron next year?” They want the girls to go at the same time. That's really cool, too. 

What do your children say about this camp?

Dakota has already reapplied to work there again next year. So Dakota would be like, “Go!” And Cameron, like I said, is begging to go for two weeks straight next year. 

My kids love camp. I can't see them not going unless, unfortunately, something like a global pandemic, which happened to Dakota, stops them from going.

Final thoughts?

This camp is a Rotary-YMCA-partnership camp. During the pandemic, the local Rotary Club took the opportunity to fix, restore, and add new things to the facility, which is fantastic. This camp has been around for a long time [over 50 years] and is so well maintained, and with the support of the Rotary Club in the YMCA, it will be around for a long time. Its beautiful location on Georgian Bay provides such a wonderful opportunity. 

There's also a little lake for canoeing and kayaking. That may be a chance for your child to try something new. They'll try new things and have a blast. Summer camp memories are lifelong. I remember going to camp as a kid, and it was my favorite time.