YMCA Residential Camp - Fun for All Ages

Summer Residential Camp

Wanakita Res Camp Webpage Image

YMCA Wanakita offers varied and age appropriate summer resident and day camp programs. A unique balance between Structured Camp Activities (SCA) and Personal and Group Choice Activies (PCA/GCA) enable each camper and student counsellor to participate in a wide variety of programs. Our programs are guided by our YMCA belief in developing the whole person in spirit, mind and body. This creates a great formula for success that will stay with each camper/S.C. for a lifetime.

All programs emphasize fun, adventure, creativity, leadership, cooperation, challenge, friendships, imaginations and learning, aimed at the positive growth and development of each individual. No two programs are the same, yet all programs intertwine and interconnect. While things are done together as a whole camp family, the key to all programs is the living, learning and friendships that take place between the individual camper/S.C. groups and their counsellors. These groups are established prior to camp and are based on program selection, age, grade, expectations and previous experiences and abilities.

Section Ages

Juniors .................................	7 - 9
Intermediate ..........................	10 - 12
Senior Traditional / Specialty...	13 - 15
Senior Trippers ......................	14 - 16
S.C. .....................................	15 - 16

Accommodations (for resident campers only)

Accommodations are cabins which sleep 7 to 10 campers in bunk beds. Counselling staff reside in cabins. Most bathroom facilities are centralized, a short walk from the cabins and program areas. Some cabins have indoor washrooms.

Personal Choice Activities - PCA (for resident campers only)

An important part of the camp experience is participation in Personal Choice Activities (PCA). Upon registration, campers will have the opportunity to choose (individually) specific areas of interest where they would like to spend concentrated time. During PCAs there will be opportunities to create masterpieces, receive awards, acquire certificates of participation and generally, to have fun and expand knowledge and life skills.

For a complete list of PCAs, click here.

Group Choice Activities - GCA

There are hundreds of activities that each of the resident cabin or day camp groups can get involved with in and around GCAs . Healthy discussion and decision making with plenty of cooperation, listening, understanding and team work will allow all participants to achieve their goals.

For a complete list of GCAs, click here.

Length of Stay

Programs range in length from 6 nights, 7 days to 27 nights, 28 days for boys and girls aged 7 - 16.

The One Weeker

Junior & Intermediate Only
6 nights, 7 days
Boys and girls ages 7-12
Only offered period A1, A2, D1, D2

So much activity that camp will be done before you know it. We will try to pack in as much as we can but we will make sure there is time to hug a pine tree and relax in the sun. A great introductory program for those who have never been or for those who can only fit that one week of summer camp into their schedule. Every camper will experience a one night overnight away from camp on the lake or in the back 900. Campfires, concentration on your 2 PCAs and enjoying other activities on land, in the air, and water, will round out a great one week experience.

Junior, Intermediate & Senior Specialty
13 nights, 14 days
Boys and girls ages 7-15
Offered periods A, B, C, D

The 2 week camper will have the opportunity to get involved in the full range of Wanakita activities. It is action packed with a one night overnight away from camp on the lake for the younger campers and a 2 night overnight for the older campers. Programs are developed with progression and age appropriateness in mind. Each camper has the opportunity not only to experience and gain greater skills in their 4 PCAs, but also to participate in the other fantastic SCAs and GCAs at camp.

13 nights, 14 days
Boys and girls ages 13-15
Offered periods A, B, C, D

The best of both worlds. You will enjoy all the fun and challenge of land, air and water activities ‘in camp'. As well, for 5 days, campers experience the excitement and accomplishment of participating in a traditional canoe trip away from camp. On trip, campers learn outdoor living skills, develop an appreciation for teamwork, while experiencing the adventure and excitement that the wilderness has to offer.

Traditional Trips travel to lakes and rivers like those around Bon Echo Provincial Park and the Magnetewan River while 10 day Trippers and S.C's travel to Kipawa, Temagami, North Algonquin, etc,.

10 Day Senior Tripper Program

13 nights, 14 days
Boys and girls ages 14-16
Boys: Sessions A & C only
Girls: Sessions B & D only

In camp for 2 days to plan, prepare and pack, then out of camp for an incredible ten days of adventure, exploration and canoeing. This program is designed for campers that would like to experience outdoor camping in the true wilderness. Together, campers and counsellors will plan their entire trip taking into consideration food, equipment, safety and the route. Emphasis is placed on outdoor living skills, teamwork, fun, leadership and challenge.

Traditional Trips travel to lakes and rivers like those around Bon Echo Provincial Park and the Magnetewan River while 10 day Trippers and S.C's travel to Kipawa, Temagami, North Algonquin, etc,.

The Student Counsellor Leadership Training Program

27 nights, 28 days
Boys and girls ages 15 - 16

To maintain quality leadership for the future at camp(s) and in our home communities, Wanakita has a highly developed and structured two-year Leadership Training Program. All potential participants for both programs must possess a motivated, mature attitude with a desire to learn and participate fully in all aspects of the program.

First Year Program

Pre-requisite: Minimum of 15 years of age by December 31st of the year entering the program and have completed grade nine.

This program focuses on high-level program skill development, with an introduction to group leadership skills. Components include: a six day canoe trip, an overnight solo, white water kayaking, first aid, lifesaving, boardsailing, outdoor living skills and environmental pursuits, archery, sailing, swimming, team building, high ropes, climbing and canoeing. Group co-operation, self-discipline and personal initiative are keys to a successful and fulfilling experience.

Second Year Program

Pre-requisite: Minimum of 16 years of age by December 31st, 2007 of the year entering the program and have completed grade ten with successful completion of our First Year Program or equivalent experience from other organizations.

The second year phase focuses on group leadership skills, group dynamics, understanding the counselling role, community service, teaching skills, camp philosophy and program objectives.

Opportunities will be provided for refinement of camping skills, a wilderness adventure, as well as time to acquire first-hand knowledge of Camp Administration, Maintenance and Food Service. Emphasis will be placed on learning about and working with campers, with periodic placements in the camper cabin over the month long session. Participants should have some background in camping skills before considering participating in this program.

Upon succesful completion, candidates of the 2nd Year Student Counsellor Program are ready to apply for staff or volunteer positions at Wanakita and other resident and day camps. They may also be qualified to apply for a variety of other recreational and non-recreational positions based on the experience gained in the program.

Registration for all summer programs is done on a first come, first serve basis. Many programs fill quickly so we encourage participants to enroll as soon as possible to avoid dissapointment.