Program Focus Adventure (multi), Leadership (multi), Nature/Environment
Age (Gender) 10 - 16 (Female)
Job/Career Analyst for Government of Canada
(5) Overall experience
I attended the camp for many years and went on to work at the camp as well. Gracefield is not only a camp but a community and a family of people coming together and experiencing and enjoying God’s creation. My favourite activity is still the turtle rock swim where the whole camp swims to the other side of the lake and back. There is nothing like swimming with your friends on a hot summer day in a cool clear lake. I am also now a very good swimmer and went on to become a lifeguard!
(5) Unique value
Gracefield Camp is the most beautiful place and every year I am stunned by the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains. But it is more than a beautiful location, it is a beautiful loving community. It is the people who work at the camp, the visitors and campers that create memories and lifelong friendships. I am still friends with the kids who attended the camp with me to this day and I am so grateful to this camp for bringing them into my life.
(5) Program quality and activities
There are so many activities, experiences and traditions that make this place memorable. I especially love the ropes course area compose of team building activities like balancing a seesaw platform with your whole cabin. My last year as a camper we were able to keep it balanced for 15 minutes! I also enjoyed canoeing and was able to get ORKA flat water level 4 certification in my last year at camp. I also loved archery, crafts, ultimate frisbee, climbing the rock wall and capture the flag.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
I still maintain contact with many of my fellow campers and staff. I have created life long friendships at Gracefield Camp. I went to a housewarming party recently for four of my fellow campers who are now roommates! I still go up to the camp every year and enjoy catching up with them and giving advice to the current staff around a campfire.
(5) Skills and growth
I am a more confident person and a better leader because of this camp. The Leaders in Training (LIT) program was especially transformative. I learned how to build fires, canoe, navigate with a compass and roast perfect marshmallows. I learned about different leadership styles, how to organize and lead activities, how to handle conflict and work as a team and how to share all that I had learned as a camper. I am now better equipped to be a leader and work in a team in my professional life. In my personal life, I am a confident lifelong adventurer who has backpacked through Asia solo and loves being outdoors thanks to Gracefield.
(5) Reflections and advice
Going to camp for the first time can be scary and there were times when it was hard to be away from home. But trust me when I tell you it’s worth it to be brave. It’s so much fun to do crafts, sing songs at the campfire, learn about God, have dance parties on the boathouse dock, to run as fast as you can through the woods while carrying the other team's flag during capture the flag and staying up late talking with your friends when you are supposed to be sleeping. Every year I leave camp and all I can think about is going back. Be brave and have fun!
Our boys really love Gracefield Camp. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and fun. The staff and campers are supportive and caring. The food is delicious, and the facilities are always clean. Our ki...
