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Parents Review

Heather — Parent

Hi Grayson, It is with a heavy heart that I’m writing this email, the news that camps were closed, although expected took our breath away. I wanted to write you to thank you. Every night at the supper table Emily and Ben share stories of camp. The kids tell us all about cedar ridge, staff, campers, songs and games. They are so lively and loving in their reminiscing that it fills our dining room with joy and hope. Which is so needed at this time. Thank you. Emily and Ben argue often during the day as expected for siblings of their age, but dinner time comes and the reminiscing starts and they are the best of friends. The three younger kids are engaged in their stories, and love to learn the camp songs and games. Pam who just turned 6 is being prepped by Emily and Ben to be camp ready for 2021! They often give her a briefing on all camp activities and routines and why she will love Cedar Ridge as much as they do. Grayson, it’s amazing how every night Over dinner these two kids come together to bring us tales of Cedar Ridge. Thank you for providing a camp life so strong that the memories are carrying the kids through this difficult time. The kids and I were talking and while camp is closed, if at some point we we’re allowed the kids would love to come and help with repairs, cleaning, whatever needs doing. While this is probably improbable the kids wanted me to let you know we are willing to lend a hand in anyway we could. Lots of love to Cedar Ridge, Heather

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International Parent

Marcos — Parent

Hi Cedar Ridge, Thank you for your notes. Now looks better 😉 I would like to also thank you to you and to all your staff for the incredible experience you have provided to Alex. He came back home telling us that by large, it has been his best experience ever! He want to come again next year and this is the best think we can hear from him. The experience, good environment, great networking and relationships he has made and also the chance to meet with a lot of people from different countries, it has been amazing. And of course, all the ideas, respect and education the camp provide to the campers. Alex also enjoyed the time he was as a LIT. Let will see if next year he can come back again as a LIT or Staff (I am sure he will wish). Play hard, work hard and respect (Alex told me)! Thank you so much for all and hope to see you next year! Marcos

Grayson Burke, Camp Director

Hello Campers and Parents, My name is Grayson Burke and I am proud to be the Director of Cedar Ridge Camp. In 2005, Cedar Ridge was founded by Peter Ruys de Perez, who wanted to create a camp where children could develop both life and outdoor skills, while making new friendships and memories. Having grown up as a camper at Camp Mazinaw in Bon Echo Park, Peter understands the value and impact that camp can have on a child’s life and is committed to making this this experience possible for others. Cedar Ridge truly has a family feel, as almost all of our staff has grown up here as campers and Leaders in Training. I have always felt that camp is a great place to get away from the city and connect with the natural environment, all while learning a variety of new outdoor skills. At Cedar Ridge we focus on skill development in areas such as canoeing, swimming, horseback riding and climbing. Since 2005, it’s been a pleasure to watch the Cedar Ridge community grow and I look forward to another amazing summer in 2020. If you have any questions about the camp, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.

Happy Camping,  

Grayson Burke 

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International Campers – You’re Always Welcome in Canada

 

International Campers – You’re Always Welcome in Canada

Imagine you’re 12-years-old, you just finished school for the summer, and you’re about to go on an adventure: you’re headed to summer camp. Now imagine you live outside of Canada. So, you pack your bags, say “au revoir,” “adios,” or “Zài jiàn” to your parents, and you hop on a flight. Waiting at the arrivals gate, an enthusiastic – sometimes too enthusiastic – counsellor holds up a sign with your name on it and you embark on a summer full of fun, friendship, and lifelong memories.

For a growing number of international campers, this is a familiar story – a routine they excitedly anticipate every year. Thousands travel here from all over the world, speaking an array of languages, practicing a range of religions, and coming from a variety of cultures. And regardless of these differences, whether they’re from Lebanon, China, or just down the road, summer camp unites them all.

While certain countries talk about closing borders, Canadian summer camps await international campers with open arms. As they settle into their cabins, find their bunks, and meet friends old and new, they all find a shared home right here. These are places where kids are free to be kids, whatever their backgrounds.

International parents see how valuable this experience can be for their children, giving them a way to connect with the incredible Canadian wilderness, a chance to forge different relationships, and an opportunity to develop their English. In fact, some kids that arrive not knowing a word of English end the summer carrying out all manner of conversations. Similarly, local parents often request that their child bunk with international kids to expose them to new cultures and foster learning opportunities.

Of course, in canoes, on swim docks, atop rock walls, and across soccer fields, everyone speaks the same language: camp. They communicate through laughter, smiles, and in-jokes. They’re all in it together.

So, why does this work at camp? Camp is – and always has been – a safe-haven for children. It’s a place designed to bring people together and bring out the best in all of them. Here, they can learn and grow, free from judgement in an environment where diversity is celebrated and individuality is encouraged.

A camp’s culture may start with its staff and its traditions, but every year it is bolstered, enhanced, and redefined by the people that call it “home” – even if only for a couple of weeks. No matter where children come from, the languages they speak, or the customs they keep, they’re all in this together – they’re all summer campers.

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Camp Activities

Cedar Ridge campers participate in a full range of activities including canoeing, rock climbing, horseback riding, kayaking, archery, sailing, arts and crafts, woodcraft, swimming, and a wide variety of sports. Campers are encouraged to try every activity on a rotational basis, and lessons are catered to interest and skill level. Our location also offers excellent opportunities for more adventurous forms of recreation such as mountain biking, white water canoeing, and climbing/hiking expeditions. Each camper gets to experience an overnight camping trip guided by experienced and qualified staff members. Trips range from 1 to 6 nights depending on age. In addition, there are many special events such as camp games, regattas, and talent nights. ...

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Camp Location and Philosophy

Cedar Ridge Camp is located 28 km east of Bancroft, Ontario, close to the Little Mississippi, York and Madawaska rivers, while only 30 minutes from Algonquin Park. The site is a secluded bay with 3400 feet of beautiful beach shoreline on 150 acres of private terrain bordered by a 900-acre parcel of crown land. The private setting is an ideal environment for Canadian camp living and activities. Our site's diverse landscape offers opportunities for canoeing, climbing,swimming, biking and hiking. Cedar Ridge opened in 2007 as a traditional summer camp for boys and girls ages 6 -16 emphasizing personal development and team building skills. Our professional staff communicate these values through active participation in various outdoor activities. ...