Child 1 Age 9 - 13 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
Child 2 Age 7 - 11 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
(5) Overall experience
We have two daughters at Mi-A-Kon-Da. This will be their fifth year. Mi-A-Kon-Da is a wonderful traditional all-girls camp. We feel safe with our kids there and know that they are building amazing outdoor skills, independence, and resilience.
Our kids are excited (and a bit nervous) to go back every summer. Our oldest daughter is already (at the age of 12) talking about wanting to work at camp when she is old enough. To us, this speaks volumes -- she can imagine being there for years, and looks up to the counsellors and staff.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
We chose Mi-A-Kon-Da because it is a small, traditional all-girls camp with an excellent history and reputation. We think the experience is absolutely worth the investment. It is a similar cost to other overnight camps in Ontario that we looked at, and we think it is worth the cost for our daughters.
(5) Program quality and activities
The camp activities are excellent and varied. Our daughters love working on skills, and telling us about different activities that they tried, tent activities, and camp-wide evening programs.
The camp seems to strike the right balance of giving kids choices and having some larger group activities that are planned.
Mi-A-Kon-Da also does a great job of special events, such as full moon campfires and banquets.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Our kids have made camp friends that they talk about all year, stay in touch with, and look forward to connecting with each summer.
The tent sizes are small - often 5 girls - which is super nice.
We haven't had any concerns about bullying or exclusion. The camp has always communicated well with us, and we trust that we would be notified if there were concerns.
(5) Skills and growth
At camp, we think both our daughters learn independence and resilience. They are away from screens and usual activities for two weeks, and we think this is awesome!
Sleeping in a canvas tent for two weeks and a canoe trip sure pushes their comfort zones in all the best ways. They come home from camp feeling capable, strong, and confident.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
On meeting counsellors on pick-up days, they have always seemed caring and attentive. Our kids have really liked all the counsellors they have had. It seems like many counsellors have been going to Mi-A-Kon-Da since they were young and there are many staff back year-after-year. This retention seems to be a very good sign.
Last summer, we called to check in about a minor medical issue, and the camp director was super attentive, calling us back right away and making sure our daughter was doing well.
(5) Preparation and packing
The packing lists and preparation package sent by the camp are thorough and clear.
Because they are sleeping in tents and walking to the washroom, our kids like to have extra things like small lanterns and a basket to carry their toiletries in when they go to the bathroom at night.
(5) Advice and tips
I don't think we have specific advice. Mi-A-Kon-Da is a wonderful small, traditional, all girls camp. There is no electricity in their tents. No screens on the island. The kids come back with bug bites, a sense of confidence, independence and lots of stories of all the awesome things they did.
I trust the staff and the camp to create a safe and welcoming environment.
I recommend the camp to lots of people.
