Child 1 Age 5 - 6 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
(5) Overall experience
I was a camper at Camp Wenonah starting in the late 90s. I then worked on staff for many years, and I remain active as an alumnus. This year, I sent my child to camp for the first time. It was very impactful to experience this same place as a camper, staff, alumni, and now parent. It was incredible what remained the same—the mix of excitement and nervousness as you pull into camp, the smiling faces of staff ready to welcome you, the familiar views of the lakes and cabin lines, and the people- there were some alumni faces who continue to come back to camp to create amazing camp experiences decades later. What was new as a parent was having to leave. This was made easy knowing that you were giving your child a beautiful gift in being able to experience camp for themself, knowing that they would grow and thrive (even with the introductory two-night WEE-nonah experience). And they did! It was something else to meet them at pickup- seeing them singing and playing among staff and new friends and immediately saying "I don't want to leave, I want to stay for 100 days!". It was a fantastic first camp experience for my kiddo. They felt confident and happy and were thrilled to have canoed, rock climbed, had campfires, slept in a cabin, and to be cared for by wonderful staff.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
My connection to Camp Wenonah is long-standing. I continue to stay connected to this camp because of the positive experiences I had as a camper and staff, and continue to have as an alumnus and now parent. I am pleased with the continued investment in the facility and the people. Camp Wenonah continues to grow, adapt, and improve, while maintaining a traditional overnight camp feel.
(5) Program quality and activities
The two-night WEE-nonah program was a fantastic offering for 5-7-year-olds. They got to experience so many of the camp hits (canoeing, swimming, rock climbing, campfires, crafts, and more!). My child came home excited about the activities they got to do and was thrilled to share new things they challenged themselves to try in a safe and supportive place.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
My child made new friends at camp and got to better know a couple of kiddos whom they had met before. The staff were welcoming and ready to help the kids get to know each other and feel comfortable at camp. They shared that they felt safe and happy at camp, and they are keen to go back for longer to have more experiences and more time at Wenonah!
(5) Skills and growth
I was so pleasantly surprised that with just 2 nights at camp that my child came home with an increased sense of independence and confidence. They were proud of themselves for trying climbing, felt confident navigating the camp, and felt eager to have more experiences that let them practice and showcase these strengthened skills. It was exciting to see them already beginning to grow from camp, and I know that impact will grow as they continue to have camp in their life.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The administrative team was easy to get a hold of. Camp Wenonah hosted introductory virtual sessions for new families leading up to the summer (which was a great way to have questions answered and for my child to hear about camp and see some camp faces). The information leading up to camp was thorough, and it was great to receive photos after camp. At camp, I was very pleased with the staff—they were skilled, attentive, capable, kind, and FUN! I felt very reassured leaving my child at camp with the staff team Wenonah has.
(5) Preparation and packing
The pre-camp information was wonderful (there are emails, opportunities to join virtual calls, and a comprehensive family handbook). Additionally, the pre-camp forms allow you to share a lot about your child, which translates to staff being informed and ready to welcome your child into the program. It was easy to reach out if you had a question about camp.
(5) Advice and tips
Check out Camp Wenonah! There is lots of great information online to learn more. You can reach out to ask about the camp, and there are Open Houses to come and see the camp (and Women's Weekends if you want to experience camp yourself as a parent!) The staff team is very enthusiastic to share about camp and to answer questions you might have.
Juliet had some nerves ahead of going to camp because it was a new experience for her. Her mood during and after camp was very positive. Particularly, in the weeks after camp we can sense how she has ...
