UNIQUELY WENONAH
Jan 31, 2010
To the first time camp parent, it may seem that so many camps are so similar – each photo displayed features smiling children, each camp program features similar activities, and every camp promises good food, good health, and good fun.
What is it that makes Camp Wenonah distinct? To help you as you decide on the right Summer Camp for your child, we have highlighted the unique aspects of the Camp Wenonah experience.
THE WENONAH COMMUNITY
Camp Wenonah is a family-owned Summer Camp in Muskoka, Ontario that is home to 200 campers and 70+ staff members. Community living is emphasized at Wenonah, and individual accomplishments are celebrated. Over 85% of our campers return to Wenonah year after year, allowing each child to build upon the personal growth that they achieved in previous summers. Our campers relish the opportunity to renew friendships that grow stronger with each passing year at Camp. The size of the Wenonah community means that each child can experience personal growth in a safe and supportive environment. Each child feels a sense of belonging in our community, and we hope every camper thinks of Wenonah as a “home away from home” for years to come.
MODIFIED CO-ED SETTING
Wenonah offers a distinct set up that provides the best of gender-specific and co-ed programming for boys and girls. Our philosophy, which is supported by educational research, is that boys and girls learn differently, and also have distinct social needs. We think the Camp setting is ideal to meet these specific needs of boys and girls, while also allowing them to benefit from positive interactions fostered through co-ed programming.
The typical daily Camp schedule allows significant time for boys-only or girls-only programs. PICs, daily instructional activities offered in one hour blocks, are facilitated in single gender classes. Each day also features Boys Camp, Girls Camp, or Cabin Choice activities, all of which allow for more gender-specific programming.
The rest of the daily schedule finds time for co-ed programs. Most days feature recreational program blocks where campers can choose activities that interest them. Other structured full camp programs, including theme programs, campfires, and Wenonah Games, bring boys and girls together for supervised activities. The full camp also eats meals together.
To support our modified co-ed program philosophy, the Camp facility is set up with separate boys and girls cabin lines.
LEADERSHIP WITH GREATER CAMP COMMUNITY
Jeff Bradshaw (Owner/Senior Director) began his career as a staff member at Summer Camp in 1978 and hasn’t looked back since! Jeff is currently serving his second term as President of the Canadian Camping Association/Association des Camps du Canada. Jeff has also represented Canada on the Steering Committee of the International Camping Fellowship since 1997. He is often consulted, and frequently offers his leadership, to national and international camping initiatives. Jeff has lead camp workshops and presentations in Russia, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cyprus, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico and across the United States and Canada. Jeff was honoured by the Ontario Camps Association with the prestigious Dorothy Walter Award of Excellence for his exceptional contributions to the world of camping.
Renata Bradshaw (Co-Director) is an active member with the Society of Camp Directors. She has offered her leadership as a workshop facilitator with the Ontario Camps Association, Ontario Day Camp Summit, and International Camping Fellowship. Renata served as an Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Education at York University, and as an Instructor of Outdoor Recreation with Mohawk College. Renata is a former teacher with the Halton District School Board.
Mike Stewart (Co-Director) is an active volunteer with the Ontario Camps Association and Canadian Camping Association/Association des Camps du Canada. A qualified teacher, Mike has lead workshops with the Ontario Camps Association and coordinated a pre-Congress program for the 8th International Camping Congress. Mike was recently awarded the Ron & Mickey Johnstone Youth Leadership Award by the Ontario Camps Association.
NEW CAMPER ORIENTATION PROGRAM
Wenonah offers a comprehensive orientation program for first time campers and their families. One of the Camp’s Co-Directors is available for a personal, in-home presentation on the Wenonah experience. This presentation is a great way to learn about the Wenonah program and philosophy, see photos of Camp’s facilities, and ask questions.
In late April, an Orientation Meeting is held in Oakville for all new campers and their families. Members of the Wenonah Management Team, supervisory staff group, and counselling team are on hand to meet new campers. In June, new campers and their families are invited to Wenonah’s site in Muskoka for an Open House. Tours are available of the site, and many popular program areas are open for recreational use. Some space is available for those families wishing to stay overnight.
During Summer Camp, all families of first time campers receive a phone call within 48 hours of the start of the camp period from our Section Directors updating them on their child’s progress at Camp. We continue to monitor the progress of all first time campers throughout their stay at Camp, and can share additional updates with families as requested.
AWARD WINNING EXECUTIVE CHEF
Brad Laidlaw is Wenonah’s long-time Executive Chef. He and his food service team are committed to providing wholesome, nutritious, family-style meals for campers. Brad is a former Sous Chef at Glen Abbey Golf Course, and has also worked at Windermere House, Chateau Lake Louise, and Blue Mountain Ski Club. During the off season, he serves as Executive Chef at Georgian Peaks Ski Club in Collingwood. Brad was awarded Ski Canada’s award for the country’s best fine dining. He is available to speak with those families whose children have special dietary needs.
THE WORLD AT WENONAH
Wenonah is truly a destination for many international campers and staff. Each year, the Wenonah community is enriched by the dozens of international campers and staff who travel to Camp by plane, train, and automobile. All of them do so eagerly anticipating their Canadian camp experience at Wenonah.
Last year, campers and staff members travelled to Wenonah from Australia, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, South Korea, Martinique, Mexico, Netherlands, Qatar, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Venezuela, the United States, and, of course, throughout Canada.
VETERAN STAFF TEAM
Each year, Wenonah boats a returning staff rate of over 90%. This means that each staff member understands and supports the Wenonah philosophy, is familiar with the Camp's expectations, and is committed to providing the best Camp experience for every child.
Wenonah Summer Camp staff are outdoor education professionals, teachers, university and college graduates/students or senior high school students that share one thing in common: they are committed to providing each Wenonah camper with a positive and lasting Camp experience. Our committed and caring leaders provide positive, wholesome experiences in which the accomplishments of each child are valued. Many staff are graduates of the Wenonah leadership training programs and were themselves campers at Wenonah. All staff members have current certification in lifeguarding and first aid, and also bring certification and experience in any number of camp program areas. In addition to ongoing training throughout the year, each Wenonah staff member participates in a nine day staff training program prior to the start of Summer Camp.
NUT FREE SETTING
Many children come to Camp Wenonah with severe or life-threatening allergies. To ensure that Camp is a safe environment for all Wenonah campers, our site is designated as "nut free". We create our menus with this in mind. All food served through the kitchen and on outttrips is carefully screened. No nuts or nut products may be brought into Camp. In such case that a product does contain nuts or traces of nuts, it will be removed immediately from the Camp property.
We are happy to speak with families who have a child with severe allergies to see if Wenonah is the right fit for them. Wenonah has two Registered Nurses who live on site full time, and is located 25 minutes away from the closest hospital. Camp is in a 911-serviced zone. All camp staff receive training on how to properly use an epi-pen prior to the start of the Camp season.
THE CAMP FACILITY
Wenonah's main camp area is comprised of 300 acres of spectacular wilderness set in the heart of the rugged Muskoka woods. The area surrounding the Camp includes two lakes adjacent to Wenonah (Clear Lake and Saw Lake). Beyond the Camp lies thousands of acres of Crown Land, providing campers and visitors with tremendous opportunities for hiking and canoe tripping experiences.
Campers are accommodated in clean, well-ventilated cabins with bunk beds and easy access to private showers and flush toilets. All cabins are located close to the Main Lodge, the Camp dining hall which features spectacular views of Clear Lake. The Health Centre, a new quarter-million dollar facility, is fully stocked to meet the health needs of campers.
PARTNERSHIPS
Wenonah is proud to partner with the following groups:
Camp Jumoke - a volunteer driven, charitable organization that serves children from across Canada afflicted with sickle cell disease. With support from the Hospital for Sick Children, Camp Jumoke sends 30+ to Wenonah for a fully-integrated two-week Summer Camp experience each August.
Shikoku Canadian Global Camp (SCGC) - in partnership with Japan Railway (Shikoku), Wenonah offers a Canadian-style Camp experience in south-western Japan each Summer. SCGC is led by Wenonah staff alumni who offer full-time direction to the program. Camp Wenonah campers and staff are invited to visit SCGC as part of the Wenonah Abroad program.
Scott Young Foundation – created by friends and family in memory of Scott Young, a remarkable man whose example touched a great many. Scott was a man of tremendous compassion. He also loved children, and connected with them at a deep and wondrous level. In his honour, The Scott Young Foundation supports 10-15 campers to attend Wenonah each Summer.
LOCATION
Camp Wenonah is located in the beautiful Muskoka region of Ontario, east of the town of Bracebridge. Those families who wish to drive their children to Camp will find that Wenonah is a short distance away from many Ontario cities:
- Toronto (2 hours)
- Hamilton (3 hours)
- Barrie (90 minutes)
- Kingston (4 hours)
- Ottawa (4.5 hours)
- London (4.5 hours)
- North Bay (2.5 hours)
Many campers travel to Camp on the ‘Wenonah Rider’. This highway coach bus departs for a 90 minute drive to Camp from Vaughan Mills Mall north of Toronto (Highway 400 and Rutherford Road). Camp staff greet each child as they board the bus, and offer programs during the entire trip to Camp.
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Camp Wenonah | Muskoka, Ontario, Canada |
info@campwenonah.com
| (905) 631-2849
"Celebrating Canada's Camping Heritage"
