Child 1 Age 11 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Survival skills, Wilderness Skills, Instructor lead (group)
(5) Overall experience
Phoenix participated as a day-camper at LCS summer academy in the summer of 2023. She had an incredible time and made some really great friends and memories. She was thrilled when I was able to register her for another program summer 2024! I must say the camp coordinator went above and beyond to accommodate Phoenix's limited availability. The program that she was registered in was called "Waterfront Exploration Intensive". The focus was to be on practicing lifesaving skills working towards bronze cross and CPR certification. I was unsure how well Phoenix would do in this program, but she was so excited to be on the school campus, that I did not let this concern hinder our program choice. I am so glad that we went with this option as she absolutely thrived in this environment! She came home the first afternoon with study material and was creating her own homework assignments although the camp assured me it was not necessary. She was enjoying the camp education content so much that she wanted to continue her learning at home. The leader of her group made each day fun and challenged Phoenix both physically and mentally. She came home from camp each day exhausted, but so so happy. At the end of the week, they had their certification testing, and I'm so proud of the work that the group and Phoenix put in because she passed all qualifications. Not only did she have a fantastic week and made amazing friends and memories once again, but she came out with some really wonderful life skills too. I would register Phoenix for this program or similar, again, in a heartbeat
(5) Reason for choosing the program
The camp co-ordinator directed me to this program for Phoenix based on her very limited summer availability.
There was a choice of 2 programs the week that Phoenix could attend. The Waterfront Exploration Intensive seemed like the best option. I was not prepared for how much Phoenix would enjoy, excel and thrive in this program. It was well worth every penny and all costs were made clear up front
(5) Program quality and activities
I was informed by Phoenix, that the camp program leader is an athletics teacher at LCS. This education platform gave the leader the academic ability to teach and challenge the campers with ease. Phoenix loves physical and mental stimulation and competition. This program hit all those expectations 100%. Going above and beyond expectations, Phoenix was even able to get her lifesaving certification at the end of the week.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Phoenix truly enjoyed the social and cultural differences found in this camp atmosphere. She loved chatting and making friends with campers from Germany, Mexico, the Caribbean, etc. They had some downtime at one point during the week and one of the overnight campers invited her to tour their accommodations in one of the campus houses. She now wishes to attend an overnight at LCS so that she can participate in some of the evening programming and bond further with these international campers
(5) Skills and growth
Phoenix had not taken a formal swimming lesson for many years before attending this camp program. Although she could swim, I was a bit unsure that her skills would be up to par in this 'intensive' program. The first day, Phoenix informed me that they did a swim test and she did 'alright'. They were given some corrections and areas to improve on and continued to practice all week. At the end of the week her stroke skills and endurance had improved dramatically. The icing on the cake was achieving certification in CPR and Bronze cross
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The communication and responsiveness of the camp was above and beyond expectations. From registering and cancelling to re-registering in a different program to post-camp follow up, there was support and dialogue all the way through. I never had any concerns or hesitations. I was also very impressed with the level of involvement with all staff (administrative and camp leaders). They made sure that every camper (and their family) was made to feel important. That alone goes a long way to making everyone feel at ease
(5) Advice and tips
If you are considering registering, my advice is to do it! The programs are fun, instructional, mentally and physically stimulating! Everything a child needs to thrive. We will absolutely be looking for program options again next summer 2025, as Phoenix cannot wait to go back! I'm so thrilled to share my daughter's experience with you and hope that others will be so lucky to be involved with the LCS Summer Academy
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