YWCA Camp Tapawingo offers an extraordinary environment in which girls and gender diverse youth explore, achieve, play and grow.
Our campers thrive as they develop leadership skills, gain confidence and try new things at our camp on Georgian Bay. At Tapawingo, we meet the specific needs of campers 6-15 years old in a diverse, inclusive environment .
Special needs:
Yes, mild support. A few of our campers have special needs.
The camp says that “if your girl is 6 to 15 years old, she needs to be at Camp Tapawingo this summer.” And, actually, there’s more than a bit of truth to that. The program on offer is storied and, for more than 90 years, has provided an example that other camps have consistently looked to when developing their own programming. The camp has all the hallmarks you’d expect from a Y camp, including a strong foundation in traditional activities and camp craft, as well one in the spirit of camping: conservation, leadership, mentorship, growth. The environment allows girls to grow together, and into a sense of their abilities, in ways that other environments simply don’t allow. Tapawingo has a legacy of developing young girls into confident, spirited, engaged women, something which continues today. Sessions, busing, staff, programming, balance—all are as good as it gets.
Transcript of our interview with Anu, Camp Tapawingo, YWCA: Parent Interview with Anu and Ken Clark
What were you looking for when searching for camps?
Anu
I would say a safe, supportive, inclusive environment, and we got that at Camp Tapawingo.
Camp Tapawingo had a really great, welcoming introduction-to-camping night in Toronto, which is where we live. By going there, we got to see so many counselors. We saw the camp director. The slideshow was narrated, and it was just a lovely, welcoming experience, and it gave us a flavour of what the camp was all about.
Ken
Camp Tapawingo was also the traditional camp experience: playing games outdoors, meeting people, fire pits, canoeing, and all that kind of stuff. So I think that's what we were looking for.
What’s unique about the program at Camp Tapawingo that made you want to enroll your children there?
Ken
Camp Tapawingo is an all-girls’ camp. I think that was unique. That was something that resonated with us.
I would say it’s the wide breadth of activities. They were things that they don’t normally get to do around here. All of the water sports and water activities were great. So just giving them exposure to activities they wouldn’t normally be exposed to in a regular setting, that’s what I would say.
Anu
I felt like Camp Tapawingo was one of the very few that had campers of all sorts of different identities in their photos. When I was looking for a camp, we looked at a whole bunch across Ontario or Southern Ontario. Being a racialized family, we found that that was pretty important to us. I just wanted our kids to be comfortable. We’re not there with them, and I wanted to make sure that they felt like they belonged, and that was certainly the case.
Even some of the staff were racialized, and that really helped us because we never grew up with camps. It’s something we would have liked to have done, but it wasn’t in the realm of possibility when we were younger. So the fact that they were able to participate in something that was so inclusive and they really had that sense of belonging made us feel really comfortable.
It’s also a break from us. At this stage in their lives, we pretty much program every aspect of their lives, right? Their extracurriculars, we’re taking them, and then school, and obviously they get a say in what they do, but the independence from that time at camp is so valuable. I really like how they dictate what they’re going to do that day, and they make decisions, and they collaborate with their friends about what they’re going to do and what activities they’ll participate in. And I really like their sort of personal growth as a result of that.
They also have things like rock climbing.
What would you highlight about Camp Tapawingo’s programming or counselors?
Ken
All the counselors at Camp Tapawingo, as well as the senior counselors and management, were really good, positive role models. They were very enthusiastic and motivated when they were running the activities. They gave the kids options and didn’t really dictate to them what they wanted, but they were really encouraging cooperation and collaboration in terms of the activities that they wanted. I think the whole experience gave them a sense of freedom, and that really helped enhance the overall experience for them.
Anu
There’s a real push towards independence. For example, when our kids came home, they talked about the Sunday program where the kids all gather on this big granite rock, and they talk about being able to set goals and how you can do anything you want to do. So there’s this real, encouraging, motivating message in a completely non-denominational way, which is also very important to us.
That really resonated and made me feel like it’s not just about being outdoorsy and doing all the activities. It’s a real culture where they connect with kids who have similar interests, and the counselors are really, really wonderful role models.
They have a newsletter that we read every so often, and they have updates about where the counselors are. They’re just these superstar young women who are really doing fantastic things. They’re studying in so many different disciplines all over the world, and it just seems like it’s such a great experience for our girls to get to know leaders like them.
What do your children like best or find most exciting about Camp Tapawingo?
Anu
They loved it at Camp Tapawingo. You hear from popular movies and TV about kids dreading going to camp. That wasn’t the case with our kids at all. We camp as a family, going to provincial parks and whatnot, so they were familiar with that kind of experience, like tent camping.
When they were introduced to the idea of an overnight camp in cabins with other girls, they were super excited about it. That intro night that I was telling you about and all those photos really helped them conceptualize what it would be like. So they were very excited about going in, and then the experience was great.
Ken
Overall, it was very positive. We sent them there for a week, and they came back asking to be sent for multiple weeks. It was the highlight of the whole year. They absolutely love it.
When and how did you know that Camp Tapawingo was the right fit for your children?
Ken
I would say it was right after they came back. We had concerns and reservations, obviously, about sending them away for a week. But when we picked them up from the bus, they were so happy, and they had a million and one stories to tell us and experiences that we hadn’t even thought about. It was like, “Yeah, this is the right place to send them.”
Camp Tapawingo is a great environment. They love it. And they’re being exposed to so many things, all of our kids’ expectations and more.
Anu
It’s not just a job for the people who work there. They really, truly love it, and it shows, and the kids pick up on that too. So they just loved it so much.
Was there any change or noticeable personal growth that you saw in your children after their time at Camp Tapawingo?
Anu
I think the message of empowerment that they got that Sunday right before they left stayed with them. It really showed them that they were around people who’ve achieved so much, and they spent an entire week with people, making friends. I think it really put that message in their minds that they could really do anything, and they were independent.
In terms of whether I saw immediate growth, I can’t think of a particular instance that would make me think that they did, but the sheer amount of experience that they gained in such a short amount of time—I mean, how could that not change you?
I would say they were very tired when they got home from all their swimming and everything that they did, staying up late with their friends and whatnot.
Ken
I think they were also more open to different things because they had been exposed to so many experiences. So they came back with more of a willingness and acceptance of trying new things.
They were also exposed to different people, people whom they wouldn’t normally see in their schools. So just that type of exposure is what I would say was long-term growth.
If you hadn’t sent your children to Camp Tapawingo, what’s the most important personal growth that they would’ve missed out on?
Ken
I would say being surrounded by all these really good examples of role models and women. I think that would have been a tragedy had they not been exposed to that.
They saw what possible options exist for them in the future, not even specifically related to camp, but careers, universities, different walks of life, and different lifestyles. So I think that would have been a big thing that would have been missing had they not been to camp.
Anu
I would say it’s more tangible skills. Where would they learn to sail if they hadn’t been to camp? And there’s all the paddling they do and the swimming and everything. So there are some real skills that they picked up that they would not have been exposed to if it were up to us to introduce them to things.
How can a parent support their child to get the most out of this camp?
Ken
I think constantly enrolling them in Camp Tapawingo year over year is a great way we can support them. Also, being engaged with what types of activities they like to do and what they learned from camp.
Throughout the year, when they get birthday cards and Christmas cards, and when some of the counselors came during the pandemic to say hello, just supporting that and encouraging that and asking our girls what they think of the whole experience, whether they’re at home or at Camp Tapawingo. So I think those are different ways we can support them.
Anu
I would add that being engaged throughout the year, even when they’re not physically at camp, is important. They did virtual programs, like virtual arts and crafts. And there’s a fundraiser that happens, like a bowl-a-thon, and all those things. We can do better to keep engaged throughout the year to really build that excitement for those weeks that they’re at camp in the summer.
How would you describe Camp Tapawingo to another parent?
Ken
Camp Tapawingo is a great, supportive environment that exposes children to new experiences and activities. There are positive role models. They get to meet girls from all over the country, as well as the world. There are people who come in from outside of Canada.
It’s a very nurturing environment, very supportive, and it’s very collaborative. It allows our girls to be leaders and figure out what it is that they want to do day to day. So it gives them a little bit of independence and freedom.
Anu
I would stress the inclusiveness. Camp Tapawingo is a different camp because it is YWCA. It’s really different from a privately owned camp somewhere in Muskoka, where you’re really seeing one type of family or child. At Camp Tapawingo, you get people from all different spheres.
I feel like there’s a lot more diversity there than I’ve seen through brochures and websites of other camps and from what I’ve heard from some of my friends who have their kids in camps as well. That reason alone is a big draw for me about Camp Tapawingo.
What do your children say about the camp?
Anu
Camp Tapawingo is the highlight of their lives. It kind of hurts a little bit because they’re so happy to be apart from us. But when you really think about all the different experiences that they have there, it makes me really proud that I could provide that experience for them.
Our girls both had such high expectations of camp (role playing what it would be like when playing in the backyard!) and I'm happy to say that Tapawingo exceeded their expectations in every way. They had a wonderful, magical time. Thanks to you, Jo, Liz, Charlotte, Emilie, Ella, Emma, and all your wonderful staff!
See you next year!
Anu (Camp Parent)
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Sarah, Parent
Highlight of the Summer
Dear Liz and Jo,
Thank you so much! Camp is the highlight of Sydney's year, and receiving these photos is the highlight of ours. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication creating the most amazing experiences for these girls.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Sarah
...Show More
Explore,Achieve,Play,Grow. For 95 summers girls and gender diverse youth have had the unique opportunity to explore, achieve, play and grow at YWCA's Camp Tapawingo.
General Delivery, Parry Sound, Ontario, P2A 2X1, Canada
Property Details
Sports facilities
Archery Range
Climbing Wall
Rope Course
Soccer Field
Landscape
Beach
Forested Area
Lake/Pond/River
Nature Trails
Open Field
More details about property: Located on Georgian Bay just south of Parry Sound, our 175 acres are ideal for camp program. The sand beach is unique on Georgian Bay and a small river winds through the property ideal for adventures by canoe or kayak. We have our own mountain biking trails and are adjacent to the Seguin Recreational Trail
Accommodations
Sleeping Accommodations
Cabins
Amenities
Electricity in Sleeping Area
Washrooms Facilities
Flush Toilets
Showers (indoor)
Are meals provided?
Yes.
Is Camp Tapawingo, YWCA technology free?
Yes. Our campers enjoy the freedom of setting aside cell phones while at camp. We ask campers not to bring cell phones or other forms of technology. We have chosen to post pictures of campers after the session so they may be first to share with you their camp experience. Parents do receive a cabin photo of their daughter in the first couple of days of the session.
Rentals & Services
Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
In the spring and fall we offer our own programs featuring our Spring and Fall Women's weekends,
Available for private rentals: Yes
The site is also an ideal space for Weddings in September and other rental groups, retreats
Camp Friends: where do I begin? The memoris I've made and the summers I've spent here have been made possible by all the incredible people I've met at camp. The people you bond and live with become more than your firends, they become your family. They've helped me become the person I am today and have changed my life even with the small things they do. Camp is a place where you cam be who you are and feell accepted, mostly because everyone here is genuine and you know you can trust them. Some of the people I've met are people I hope to be close to for years down the line, because they've become my best friends, and I'm closer to them then the people I see every day. These are girls who see you are your best, and still love you through your worst, ans support and believe in you through everything you do. They believe in you and give you the confidence to believe you can succeed in everything you do. They are true friends. Each summer is something I look forward to because I get to spend 3 weeks with people who know me better than my friends at home. I've learned more about the people here in the sort time I spend here than I ever could about other friends from home, because you really show your true colours. It takes a special kind of person to enjoy and make memories that last a lifetime at camp and I am proud to call them all my friends.
Something special happened while riding the subway this morning. There was a group of women next to me talking about the summer. One of them started talking about how this past summer was the first time her daughter went to an overnight camp and mentioned it was located near Parry Sound. This is when my ears perked up. The woman said that it was a great camp, she had heard about it from a colleague at work, and that it was an all girls camp. That is when I knew she was talking about "Tap". She went on to say how her daughter had has a really tough year and needed something to boost her self-esteem. The daughter came back different, changed in a good way. She was much more confident and had really grown and even tried things at camp that she would never have tried before like the low ropes course. What she liked about camp is that she could tell that the director and the camp staff really cared. She had been to the camp on open house day. By the sounds of the conversation it seemed her daughter was only 7 or 8. The mother was very excited to have found the camp. The daughter made some good friends during camp that she cant wait to see next year. The woman listening asked if maybe her daughter would change her mind and want to try a new camp next year. The mom's answer was " Are you kidding, there is no way she'll change her mind after making such good friends!"
They moved on to another topic after that but I really wanted to share that story with you. Funny how a perfect stranger can remind one of fond memories. When the lady mentioned being at camp during the open house I could picture Tap as she described it. Thanks for the memories.
"...fire and magic on the water..."
Unique memories involving the whole camp are created by campfires. Our welcoming campfire and our candle lighting ceremony at the end of camp involve torches, fire and magic on the water. Special Programs such as Regatta, held at the end of camp allow for camp teams to compete against each other in swimming, canoeing, running and a variety of fun games such as "sink the counsellor". Programs involving all of the campers are offered several times in a session. Generally, these involve themes and our own very popular Mission Impossible.
Girls participate in evening programs that are section based. These are age-group focussed activities. Two or three times a session we offer a change of pace and the afternoon program becomes "Cottage". This is a laid back, waterfront area program with a variety of options offered where campers can swim all afternoon, hang out under the trees with friends or be involved in "lazy afternoon at the cottage" activities - playing guitars, cards, kayaking, water-slide, badminton, hair braiding etc. A nice change of pace on a hot summer's day!
"...our counsellors work hard to build a community..." The centre of YWCA Camp Tapawingo is the cabin group. Our campers live in a cabins of 8 with 2 counsellors. Campers plan fun cabin activities in collaboration with their counsellors. They will also be part of the life of a cabin - whether it's cabin clean-up, meals together in the dining room, cabin songs, or a campfire at bedtime. Our counsellors work hard to build a community, establish trust between individuals, teach them how to allow each other to be unique and work within the needs of the group. Our 15 year old campers have the opportunity to work as a group to come up with a list of things they would like to do. Then they schedule it and take responsibility for making it happen.
"...kids take responsibility..."
I was a camper at Camp Tapawingo for a year when I was 15 years old. I remember being scared and shy and not knowing the difference between a canoe paddle and an oar. But at camp I was made to feel welcome and the other girls were so nice and friendly that I loved it right away. The only time I was upset was when I had to get on the bus to go home.
I have now been on staff at Camp Tapawingo for two years as a Tripper. Watching girls help each other on a portage always brings a smile to my face. My favourite part is when they start to take control and responsibility, like making the fire, preparing breakfast, leading to the next portage, or deciding for themselves we need a lunch stop. I think that trip gives kids more opportunities to do things for themselves without an adult saying "Now it's your turn to make the fire". Trip allows girls to challenge themselves as much or as little as they wish and teaches them that a challenge for one person is different than a challenge for someone else.
"...laughter around the campfire..."
The opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of Georgian Bay, the challenge of working as a group, and the laughter around a campfire are all offered to girls 10 years or older who want to try canoe tripping. Our girls can choose to go on day trips ranging from 1-5 days. Some of these trips are cabin based and some are sign-up trips depending on the girls' choices.
We are fortunate that all of our canoe trips can leave and return directly from our camp beach, without the need to be transported elsewhere. We are on the edge of Massassauga Provincial Park and virtually all our trips are at sites within the park. Some girls will choose to do a day trip and will have a lunch and supper cook-out before returning to camp.
"...the food is really good..." The weather has been very hot, we have had a lot of dips and people have slept outside in tents. This year we got to go mountain biking, climbing and low ropes. We really enjoy camp, we really enjoy swimming, canoeing, sailing, and kayaking. We love Georgian Bay. We also love all the canoe trips we have at camp, there are day trips, overnights and trips up to 5 days long. One of our favourite days at camp is Sunday where we have a sleep in, picnic lunch, and a turkey dinner with ice cream for dessert. The food has been "really" good this year. Our favourite meals have been fajitas, spaghetti, beefaroni, chicken burgers, shepherd's pie, and for dessert strawberry shortcake, and chocolate pudding. We've had a great year at camp and hope that there will still be a Camp Tapawingo in another 87 years.
"...Yip de ninigo - that's the song we sing..."
Every September I miss and think about being at camp and in May I can't wait for camp to start. In the wintertime, we get together with our camp friends and reminisce about camp.
When we think about YWCA's Camp Tapawingo the words that come to mind are: fun, friends, swimming, canoeing, chocolate pudding, trips and chicken burgers. When we get on the bus to leave camp what we think about are the friends we are leaving, the next year and summer to come.
We still follow the traditions of the camp's many years - "We are the Tap girls, Tap girls are we...." Yip de ninigo - that's the song we sing when we are returning to camp or leaving camp on a canoe trip and it is something that all our alumnae remember when they come back to visit.
"...for "Tap" girls, it's like a second home..."
For some people, camp is just a place that you are sent in the summer but for "Tap" girls, it's like a second home. YWCA's Camp Tapawingo isn't just a place, it's an experience that teaches you about yourself and those around you.
Camp is about singing "Ging Gang Gooli" in the dining hall, sitting around the campfire before bed, and of course, cabin time. All these memories are attached to feelings which rush back to you when you think of Camp Tapawingo. You realize the connection you have with all these people and they aren't just random girls that reside in your second home, they are your sisters, mothers and guardians.
So, I want to thank all of you for making Camp Tapawingo my favourite place in the world. Cheers to 82 years of fun, laughter and friendship at Camp Tapawingo.
"...start building their independence..."
Camp can be a life-changing experience for Tapawingo girls. Camp teaches girls about friendship, its power and its importance. Just being surrounded by girls from other places, (not just their neighbourhood) makes girls more aware and more open to new experiences.
Camp teaches patience and perseverance - learning a new skill. Camp teaches thoughtfulness and kindness - doing something nice for a secret friend. Camp teaches tolerance - it is what you can do, not what you can't.
Camp can make girls appreciate what they normally take for granted. It gives them a break from life back home. Camp provides girls with the opportunity to develop their skills, enhance old skills, learn something completely new or try something really different, not what they would normally do. Because the environment is so positive, girls develop their self-esteem, and can be somebody they might not be able to be back home. When they try new things, they learn about themselves in the process.
Camp teaches respect for nature, the joy of simple things not affected by TV or computers. It allows them to take a chance on a new skill, or a new friend.
One of the greatest effects Camp Tapawingo has on girls is that they learn to cope with being away from home and start building their independence. They see that there is a big world out there and they have the potential to explore and contribute to it.
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