Child 1 Age 7 - 15 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
Child 2 Age 6 - 7 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
(5) Overall experience
My girls love this camp. It is the only camp that they have attended that has been engaging, educational, and interesting to them the entire time. In the past, we tried other camps/after-school programs, and my daughters would lose interest very quickly, but with Girls Inc Durham, they cannot wait to go. They learn and are engaged the entire time.
I will continue to send my youngest to the after-school programming regularly and the summer and March break camps.
My oldest has applied to be a counselor now after doing her counselor training at the camps as well.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
I sat on the board of directors and volunteered for Girls Inc Durham before I had any children in my life, and I knew it was something that I felt strongly about and knew that if I had girls one day, they would be attending. I wish that programs such as this one existed when I was growing up.
The programs and the camps are well worth the investment. There's never anything unexpected.
(5) Program quality and activities
The fact that they theme each month (for programming) and each day at camp made it even more engaging for my kids; there was always something new that they learnt and brought home, and they were so excited to share their day/evening with us afterwards.
Learning about all of the STEM activities is their favourite.
Their programming is intentional and research-based based and I believe in their mission.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Yes, both of them make great friendships with new girls at the camp and at programming every time they go. They foster an environment of positivity and inclusion at all times. My girls have always felt welcomed and incorporated in each and every activity. One oldest attended with a friend one March break camp, and she also found it very welcoming and engaging.
(5) Skills and growth
They have both built more confidence and esteem since attending, my youngest is definitely more mature and grown up each time she goes. She cannot wait to go every week and has asked me to ensure that she is signed up every month and every summer for camp. Getting in front of a crowd and speaking is definitely an area where they both have grown significantly, and neither of them is shy to speak anymore.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The fact that all of the counsellors and staff are trained really well and I knew that they would be engaging the kids at all times.
I always knew what to expect each day for both programming and camp, there were never any miscommunications.
The team is definitely on top of things at all times - I personally have never been involved in any conflicts, but there is no doubt in my mind that they handle them with professionalism at all times.
(5) Advice and tips
Try out the after-school programming before signing up for a full week if you are not sure, or volunteer for the organization or attend one of their events to get to know them and what the organization is about. I am a true believer that if you have a daughter or a young girl in your life that you will see the value of them attending a Girls Inc camp or program.
She always was happy to go to Girls Inc.'s space every week to be with her leaders and friends and have a space to have a voice and feel empowered by those her age and those older than her. She's beco...
