5 Top Questions to Ask About Overnight Summer Camp

Sending your child to an overnight camp is a huge step toward helping them develop independence. Naturally, you have a lot of questions, and it is important to have all of them answered.

#1 What is Your Summer Camp Philosophy?

Our camp has been operating since 1975. While we’ve made a lot of changes to the campground over the years, one thing that stays the same is our core goals and beliefs.

Our camp founder, Skip Connett, had a vision of giving kids from all over the world a safe place to spend their summer. We’ve continued to welcome a diverse set of campers every summer since that day.

When kids arrive at our camp, our goal is to give them a warm welcome. We also strive to help them develop character traits that they will use for the rest of their lives.

Kindness, leadership and a can-do attitude are but a few of the traits we cultivate in our camp. Our philosophy is that every kid has the ability to reach their full potential with support from the adults around them and opportunities to get out there and take safe risks.

#2 How Do You Keep Campers Safe?

Safety is always at the forefront of our minds. We also know that it takes deep trust for you to send your kids far from home to a place where they stay overnight without you. We take this trust seriously, and have developed safety protocols for every foreseeable situation.

Our safety plans focus on prevention as being the most effective ways to avoid injuries. Our camp offers awe-inspiring specialty classes in aerial acrobatics, gymnastics and wakeboarding.

Since these activities carry risks, we hire only qualified and experienced coaches who know how to teach children with an emphasis on safety. We also use state-of-the art equipment, such as harness systems that are checked on a daily basis.

# 3 What Is the Camper to Staff Ratio?

We love it when parents ask this question. Not only does it show that you care, but it also shows that you know how important it is for kids to have individual attention. We follow the best practices for ratios as outlined by the Ontario Camps Association, and we often exceed it.

Our cabins usually have a ratio of eight campers to one counselor who oversees the overall safety and happiness of the kids in their group. To ensure the best experience, all of our counselors are adults.

During the day, the campers are very busy with activities. For this reason, we have more staff on hand, and the ratio tends to be closer to two or three campers per staff member.

#4 What Is the Food Like?

You can forget about anything that you might have heard about camp food. We know that campers need fuel to build strong bodies and minds. Our menu is full of healthy options such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

There are also options for kids on special diets so that everyone can eat well at camp. We also include a few fun desserts such as banana cake and brownies.

#5 What Should My Child Bring?

A positive attitude should be number one on your kid’s packing list. After that, we encourage them to bring classic summer clothes such as swimsuits and shorts.

Your child may also want to bring a comfort item such as a family photo or small stuffed toy. We also provide a list of items to all of our parents to help you know what to stash in their overnight bag.

You can never ask too many questions about summer camp. Be sure to check out your parent’s guide and continue to seek answers so that your family is fully prepared for their summer away from home.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world!