Child 1 Age 10 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Adventure (multi), Wilderness Skills
(5) Overall experience
I would recommend this camp. Really pleased with how much outdoor and on-the-water time the kids got. There is not much in terms of the clubhouse, but they consistently came home talking about interesting 'dry land activities,' and it was so great how much time they were able to spend in the water. All outdoors, on the beaches of Sunnyside with all the summer trappings (beach volleyball, boardwalk, Cafe) happening around them. There was a definite increase in paddling skills and general water confidence. Great that they have the opportunity to have their own craft (kayak or SUP); being your own captain is such a development milestone. They have structured a group chat for the parents, and it was a very convenient way to communicate daily with the camp, and it was super fun to get photo updates of their adventures. We plan on going back, even for a couple of days, and the split weeks are great for busy schedules.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
Wanted a water-based camp, as that is an area that needed a boost. Loved the location as there is both parking and TTC. And the pool being in the same building means if you spent the day in and out of the lake, you can have a refreshing swim and shower basically right after camp.
Looking at other camps, they did not offer the variety of crafts that Sunnyside does, and they didn't make it as clear as to how much on-the-water time to expect. Sunnyside goes out at least 2x a day, and knowing that helped me pick. Also like the location for proximity to lifeguards and emergency services; it is right at the lifeguard station and has an access road for emergency services.
(5) Program quality and activities
We had a bit of a different experience in that we had camp shut down due to the wildfire smoke, but until it closed, I was very impressed with how they were running it. I thought that the focus of the dry land instruction tied in with the on-water instruction really well. It was definitely nature-focused with a bit of STEM.
(3.5) Social dynamics and experience
It was a small group with existing friend groups enrolled together, so while my kid didn't make any particular connections, I could see from the photos in the camp chat that they all seemed to muck along together well and there were bunches of smiles. I feel like the age group was a bit large, but that is probably due to it being a small numbers week (9 kids).
(5) Skills and growth
They gained valuable knowledge and confidence. They liked when the canoe was "challenging" ( growth through hardship) and that they had their own craft (self-reliance and decision-making). Came home talking about different strokes and how to navigate wind and waves. I think it would be great strength training for them if you could do a couple weeks in a row.
(4.5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The team was responsive and easy to communicate with once the season started. Previous to the start of the season, it was harder to get in touch with someone. On site, they greeted and signed in every day and signed out. They also had a WhatsApp group where you could reach the instructors or management immediately. They would post daily updates and photos in this group, and it was a great touch.
(4.5) Advice and tips
Double your sunscreen budget and make sure you have some beach-appropriate shoes. This could be a good camp to get a group of people going together. You will need a thermal lunch bag as there is no refrigeration and they eat outside. Plan to pay for parking and need an extra 10min to find some (close lots were closed 2 days for a movie).
My daughter learned a lot and enjoyed the weekly camps. She had great mentors, and she enjoyed the time out under the sun and paddling on the lake. This is a great skill to learn. Thank you to the who...
My daughter enjoyed it, but I think they were a bit bored, as her and her friend were much older and there weren't a lot their age. We would have loved to see more paddle and more opportunities for st...
Neither of my boys have taken to sports across the different activities and programs that we signed them up for. This was the first program where they brought up signing up for multiple weeks to conti...
