Child 1 Age 5 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Adventure (multi)
(4.5) Overall experience
Registration Process:
So far I found the registration process was very easy and was very thorough, as well as customizable based on each family's needs. Through the registration process, you were able to choose a mode of transportation and determine which bus route is closest to you or if you prefer to drive your camper, you could also select a Friday pizza lunch, as well as before and after camp options.
The registration process also included emergency contact info, allergies, and even went as far as to ask if your child has ever been stung by a bee and also outlined what their policy is for bee stings which can easily happen at an all-outdoor camp.
The contact forms also asked for any other important information about your child which I thought was a helpful section, especially for young and first-time campers. Lastly, through the registration process, there were a few survey questions to help staff get to know your camper before they even arrive.
Bus Transportation:
The bus arrived on time for both departure and arrival every day and was super convenient as the stop was actually located at Thumper’s school which was 3 minutes away. Counsellors checked attendance every time they entered or exited the bus for safety.
The bus always left with counsellors singing and arrived back with the music playing on the bus and kids with HUGE smiles on their faces.
Camp Activities:
Overall I was super impressed with all the different activities that Thumper came home talking about all week long. She talked about playing games in the forest such as The Jewel Game where there were two teams and they had to hunt for their colour gem, and camouflage which is king of like hide and seek in the forest.
During crafts, she created some bracelets and quite a few pictures. She enjoyed open playtime when junior campers got to play with toys and she got to build a zoo with blocks. Three days a week they had waterplay in the pond, where the water was waist-deep however every child wore a life jacket which made me confident about their safety regulations. They also had the opportunity to go down a waterslide on a few of the days. She also enjoyed playing at the playground and even mentioned I wanted to go in the morning but we had to wait for our turn in the afternoon.
She was super excited to attend this morning, Friday as she knew it was Pizza and Popsicle Day and the camp had some planned special events. Communication from camp was good with emails and documents a few days before she attended to remind me what she needed to bring and all the procedures etc.
My only feedback would be that they should communicate the theme of the week better as we didn't hear anything about it until we arrived at the bus stop Friday morning and were told by others that it was Olympic Day… but honestly, this is very minor.
(4.5) Reason for choosing the camp
I had heard excellent things from others about this camp so I wanted to send my daughter to experience it herself last summer. I was attracted to the fact that the entire camp was outdoors and that my daughter would get such a wonderful outdoor education experience - the owner has a background in Early Childhood Education.
This camp was definitely worth the investment as my daughter loved Kids Inc Camp and is continually talking about how she can't wait to return for 2024.
(4.5) Program quality and activities
Camp Activities:
Overall I was super impressed with all the different activities that Thumper came home talking about all week long. She talked about playing games in the forest such as The Jewel Game where there were two teams and they had to hunt for their colour gem, and Camoflauge which is king of like hide and seek in the forest.
During crafts, she created some bracelets and quite a few pictures. She enjoyed open playtime when junior campers got to play with toys and she got to build a zoo with blocks. Three days a week they had waterplay in the pond, where the water was waist-deep however every child wore a life jacket which made me confident about their safety regulations. They also had the opportunity to go down a waterslide on a few of the days. She also enjoyed playing at the playground and even mentioned I wanted to go in the morning but we had to wait for our turn in the afternoon.
(4.5) Social dynamics and experience
My child spoke about meeting a variety of new friends at camp during her time at Kids Inc. She had never attended camp on her own without friends, so Kids Inc supported her in developing new friendships and social skills during her time at camp. The counsellors ensured she played with different friends and always had someone to eat lunch with.
(4) Skills and growth
My daughter got to try new things, learn independence, and reach for the stars as she built new skills and confidence! She experienced natural experiences in the forest and even practiced swimming in the camp pond. She was scared of the waterslide at the pond but ultimately by the end of the week, she conquered her fear and loved it.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
Qualified Staff: Staff range in age from junior counsellors 15-16, and regular counsellors aged 16-25 years old. All staff who are over 18 years old have a vulnerable criminal records check on file. Staff have Emergency First Aid and CPR C as well as High Five – Foundations of Healthy Childhood Development Certification.
I appreciated how the staff took the time to call ahead to discuss my daughter's medical issues and that the counsellors took the time to support her with it while she attended camp.
(4.5) Advice and tips
Pack lots of sunscreen and bug spray as this camp is entirely outdoors and my daughter got lots of bug bites. I recommend sending your child on the bus to camp as it was also one of the highlights of the whole camp experience. I wish I knew the camp theme for the week ahead of time as I could have purchased or found clothing to wear ahead of time.
My shy little one blossomed from day one onwards at this beautiful outdoor adventure camp. She literally ran from the car every morning when we arrived, so excited for another day of swimming, fort bu...
My children look forward to going to camp every year and Kids Inc. is the first camp we book. They can't wait to get on the bus and meet their friends. They come home singing new songs, playing new...
