Child 1 Age 7 - 9 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
Child 2 Age 9 - 11 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Traditional (multi activity)
(4) Overall experience
My children were both extremely nervous on their ride up to Pine Crest. After they met their friendly counselors, their smiles returned. They both had even bigger smiles when we pick them up two weeks later! They were so proud on the way home to tell us about their battles with rainy weather, mosquitoes, wind on the sail boats and other cabins in big camp games. It was quite an adventure for both of them. We look forward to sending them to Pine Crest every year.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
I worked at Pine Crest for five summers, and it was the foundation of my career and development into adulthood. I fully believe in the power of camp and how that can help transform children. I am delighted at how my children gain independence in their two weeks at camp. Best of all – they actually enjoy canoeing with me now!
(3.5) Program quality and activities
We like that the activities are different from the experience in the city during the year. We like that the sports are not things that they are already doing at home, but are unique to the camp setting. My daughter loves the arts. We do wish there were more opportunities for unique crafting or performance. She loved the campfires.
(4) Social dynamics and experience
My daughter had a great two summers. In her first summer, she made friends very easily with outstanding counselors. Many of these friendships continued into her second summer.
My son did not enjoy his first cabin group. The counselors just didn’t seem to get a good dynamic going in the cabin with the boys. The second summer, however, he had hockey-playing counselors who he just adored. They made everything a competition, which was perfect for our son.
(5) Skills and growth
Pine Crest had the perfect balance of supporting things that my children already enjoyed alongside pushing them into new experiences. My son developed a love for rock climbing, and my daughter for canoeing. She learned to stern! They both liked how they could progress through the activities, but wish these could be done with their cabin group. Sometimes they felt lonely at skills.
(4.5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The senior staff at Pine Crest has become legends in our household. As we left Camp the second year, it was like seeing a celebrity on the road as they waved at us.
Both my kids for both summers very much felt cared for by their counselors. There has been a variety of personalities, but it seems to have worked for them, especially this past summer.
(5) Preparation and packing
I have a lot of experience at camp, so I kind of knew what to pack. The packing list says rain boots, but they’re never going to wear them. My kids both bring a Thermarest for the trip just to make the experience a little more comfortable. My daughter was annoyed that she had to share hers with her cabin mates when someone pitched their tent in a puddle. I know it would be expensive, but maybe a Thermarest on the packing list for all kids. And a high-quality raincoat. My daughter told me that some kids were really cold when it was wet.
(5) Advice and tips
Pine Crest is a traditional camp that will help your kids grow and develop as people. Not every day will be sunshine and rainbows, but that is part of the fun. The struggle they have with her cabin mates will bring them closer as a team and give them lots of memories and inside jokes to share in years to come. Days are full of laughter and crazy activities that really only work at camp. When else could an apple-eating contest become a high form of entertainment?
