Child 1 Age 13 - 14 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Cooking, Sport (multi)
Child 2 Age 9 - 10 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Track and Field, Swimming
(5) Overall experience
Our kids absolutely LOVE Variety Village. From the very first day, the camps have been incredibly well structured and offer a wide variety of activities that keep them busy, engaged, and happy. Before the first day of camp, we were all feeling anxious and worried, not knowing what to expect. But the moment we picked them up that day, everything changed, they were smiling, excited, and already asking when they could go back.
Throughout their time at camp, our kids felt safe, included, and truly part of something special. They made new friends, and the staff were so kind, patient, and wonderful with every child. You can really see how much care and heart goes into everything they do.
After attending camp, we noticed such a positive change in our children. They were more confident, happier, and proud of themselves. As a parent of children with and without special needs, this experience means the world to us. All you want is for your children to feel happy, safe, accepted, and like they belong, and Variety Village creates exactly that kind of environment. It truly feels like one big, welcoming community.
We would absolutely send our children back to this camp again, without hesitation and we’re already telling friends to join us. Variety Village has made a lasting impact on our family, and we are so grateful for the inclusion and care they provide.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
We originally chose this camp because friends and neighbours spoke so highly of it and consistently shared how wonderful their experiences had been. Hearing such positive feedback from people we trust made us feel confident that it would be a great fit for our family.
We also chose this camp over others because of its convenient location close to our home and the wide variety of camps offered. There is something for every interest and ability, which made the decision easy.
The experience was absolutely worth the investment 100%. There were no hidden or unexpected costs, which we really appreciated. Everything was transparent and well worth it for the quality of care, programming, and inclusion our children received.
(5) Program quality and activities
The camp itinerary aligned perfectly with both our children’s interests and our expectations when choosing the program. What we really loved is that there are so many different types of camps available, allowing both of our kids to find something that truly suited them. Our oldest son is very social and loves being active, while our younger son is especially passionate about sports — and both were able to choose camps that matched their individual interests. It made them feel excited and confident going each day.
The activities they enjoyed most were the wide variety of sports and the everyday swimming, which quickly became a highlight for them. These activities kept them active, engaged, and happy throughout the day.
The organization clearly prioritizes quality and safety. There are plenty of counselors, and there is always strong supervision from management. As a parent, this gave us so much peace of mind; we always felt that our kids were safe, supported, and genuinely well taken care of.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Both our kids made lots of new friends through the camp and are already looking forward to seeing them all again in the summer. Our younger son is very shy and quiet by nature, so we were especially touched to see how quickly he made friends. Before long, he was running around, laughing, and playing with them, which meant so much to us as parents.
There were no issues related to bullying at all. On the contrary, we felt incredibly included and supported. The environment was welcoming, respectful, and inclusive, and every child truly felt like they belonged.
(5) Skills and growth
Our children gained independence and confidence through attending this camp. Each child was challenged in ways that supported their personal growth. Our oldest worked on understanding boundaries, respecting others’ space and time, and developing self-regulation skills. Our youngest was challenged socially, learning how to walk into a new environment, feel comfortable, and build new friendships which was amazing to see.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
What really stood out to us about the staff and administration was how kind, warm, and patient they were with the children. You could truly feel how much they cared, and it made a big difference in our kids’ experience.
Communication was excellent. Before, during, and after the sessions, the staff kept us informed and would always share how our children’s day went, including any struggles or important moments. That level of communication gave us a lot of reassurance as parents.
We did not experience any conflicts, as everything ran smoothly. The management team was always present, attentive, and responsive, which made the entire experience feel well-organized and supportive.
(5) Advice and tips
I would highly recommend Variety Village to anyone considering this camp. It is a truly special place where everyone has a place and is encouraged to be themselves. Through this experience, my children learned that we are all different and that those differences make the world more beautiful. We need more inclusion and more kindness, and this camp shows how much better the world can be when those values are lived every day.
If there is anything I wish I had known before sending my children, it’s simply that I wish we had discovered this camp sooner. I also wish there were more Variety Village locations across the province so more families could experience what we have, because it has been truly life-changing for us.
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