Child 1 Age 10 - 13 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
Child 2 Age 8 - 11 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
Child 3 Age 7 - 8 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
(4.5) Overall experience
When my kids were getting ready to go to Lone Prairie for the first time they were nervous but also really excited. They were really looking forward to being able to try out many new activities and especially canoeing, and climbing. Their first year was still during the pandemic so we dropped them off and were not able to take them to their cabins. This made me nervous as a mom but the staff welcomed us as we arrived and put my mind at ease answering any of my questions and assuring me that they would contact me if there were any problems. By this point my kids were nearly vibrating with excitement and were off for an amazing first week of fun and growth at summer camp. When they got home they were immediately talking about how much they were looking forward to next year and had so many wonderful stories of everything they did at camp. They were able to make some great friendships and really loved their staff councilors!
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
I had not been aware of Lone Prairie camp before the summer my kids began attending. I had met the director and his family and getting to know them set me more at ease with the idea of sending my kids to overnight camp for the first time. When looking into the camp I was pleasantly surprised at all the variety of activities they could expect to do while there. I really loved that learning about God seemed to be important and not an afterthought like some other camps I had looked at. I really liked that the facilities looked nice, clean, and adequate while not being over the top of luxury… I still want them to feel like they are at camp! I was also happy that the cost of camp was on the lower end of the Camps I looked at. I feel like it is definitely worth the investment to send my kids but I also appreciate the availability of the campership assistance program for when the cost was more than we were able to manage. The fees were clear and upfront and I was thankful for no surprises! I also loved that my kids could get a credit at the tuck shop for registering early!
(4.5) Program quality and activities
My kids have loved the wilderness activities. They have really enjoyed learning about fire building and being able to cook a meal on their fire. One of the highlights is the canoeing. I get to hear close to weekly about how much my son is looking forward to getting back on the lake in the canoe at camp. He loves how peaceful and beautiful it is giving great opportunities for conversations with his friends. Rock climbing and crafts are also really popular with my kids as well.
(4.5) Social dynamics and experience
My kids have really enjoyed making new friends each year. They have loved getting to see camp friends each year. Last summer two of my kids were able to be in the same cabin as a friend and I loved seeing how their acquaintance turned into a deep friendship outside of camp as well. One year one of my kids was upset about sitting not being fair in a game they were playing . It was addressed and the kids were able to be walked back into friendship and having fun together again.
(4) Skills and growth
My kids loved learning wilderness skills like fire starting. They did a fire starting course a few years ago and were thrilled to get to practice this skills. They were introduced to sports they had not played before and encouraged to play for fun even though they they were not initially skilled at them. They really enjoyed learning rock climbing as well.
(4.5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The communication prior to camp was extensive. I would be happy if the amount of emails were decreased as it was easy to loose important messages in all the confirmations. I did however like that there was clarification on how to support kids with behavioural/medical challenges. I also liked that I could email and check in on my kids mid week the first year they attended.
(5) Preparation and packing
My kids really wanted to take snacks to share with their cabin which turned out to be completely unnecessary. There is so much food, snacks, and tuck that they ended up bringing their snacks home with them at the end of the week. It was nice for them to take a flashlight for late nights or bathroom trips.
(5) Advice and tips
If you’re considering Lone Prairie I would encourage you to give it a try! It is a wonderful camp that is affordable compared to many other options and had great facilities without losing the camp feel from high-end accommodation. It is a comfortable, fun place for kids to learn and grow while making wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!
Sending my children to Lone Prairie Camp has been a great decision. Both have learned independence in being away from home for a week and I feel good about them being in a safe environment. They’v...
Prior to moving to Edmonton, we lived in Fort McMurry where we did not have access to a local camp. As a result, when we moved to Edmonton, we did not take the ability to attend camp for granted! Our ...
My daughters thoroughly enjoyed this camp. They were both nervous their first time attending as they had never stayed at an overnight camp before. Right away the staff made them (and me) feel comforta...
