Child 1 Age 15 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
(5) Overall experience
My child totally enjoyed this camp. It was her first time at a camp and away from home for a week.
She enjoyed herself so much, she keeps talking about the camp to her friends, telling her friends that they should go to the camp, and that she wants to attend the camp again next year.
She even really wanted to go to the camp reunion, but unfortunately our finances would not allow her to go (being a single mom)
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
My daughter got sponsored by my work to go. She took some time and thought, and wrote up an essay on why my work should pick her to be "sponsored" to go to the camp.
My work chose her essay/application out of all the ones that my company received.
(5) Program quality and activities
She said the itinerary was good and very organized. She enjoyed "the reflections" that were every night before they went to bed. At first it was hard for her to open up, but she pushed through it, knowing that she is being supported. she even started implementing the "reflections" at home, with her camp mates (as she got their numbers)
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Yes, my daughter made great friends and friendships that will last. They all exchanged cell phone numbers on the last day before they all left. It definitely helped to share the experience with others and support each other after the camp. There were no issues at all the week my daughter was there - the opposite. My daughter could not stop talking about her experience.
(5) Skills and growth
The camp helped her get out of her comfort zone and speak in front of others in a respectful and supporting way. My daughter is a quiet teenager and does not open much at all to me. The camp gave her guidance to be a leader and help choose right and wrong ways of dealing with situations and how to show respect
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The staff were really friendly and welcoming and made all the kids comfortable during the week. If the kids had any issues or concerns they were comfortable approaching the staff members for help or guidance and respect their help. My daughter had built a really good bond with her leader.
(5) Preparation and packing
The packing list that we were given ahead of time for the camp was very detailed which in turn eased some of the anxiety that my daughter had before going to the camp. Explaining the no phone to the camp was tough for my daughter, but it eventually worked out for the better.
(5) Advice and tips
This camp was really good for pre-teen, teenagers.
Helps them branch out to meet new people and get to experience things that they normally would not experience being close to home/friends. Being forced to do something, along with other people the same age, and doing something that is an inspiration for the kids, is a good thing. My daughter wants to come back.
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