The Magic of Family Camp
11-11-2025
The MacKenzie Family started coming to Family Camp in 2006 with their neighbours, The Castle Family, who were long time attendees. When they moved to British Columbia in 2022, they promised to come back to camp for one transition summer. The trip back to Koshlong Lake went so well that they ended up having three “last summers.”
As their children grow up and life becomes more complicated, the MacKenzies had to make a difficult decision. Summer 2025 was their last trip to Wanakita, but Amanda says that one day they hope to return with a new generation of Family Campers in their wake.
The following is written by Amanda MacKenzie.
We live in a world where children's lives are frequently micromanaged, where much of their energy goes toward conformity and trying to fit a system designed by adults, for adults. But at Wanakita, kids have the freedom to create their own fun, to manage their own challenges and to develop deep and authentic friendships. They run in multi-age groups, connect over common activities, and bond in an atmosphere of friendly competition and mutual support.
This allows kids of all ages to not only develop independence from their parents, but also build confidence in a safe and healthy atmosphere. For parents, this is a true break, without cooking, cleaning, or work, but also somewhere we can trust our children are safe and engaged in natural pursuits and experiential learning. It is a place to take risks and try things outside of our comfort zones, whether that’s high ropes, drama games or just a new social environment.
Family Camp has made a huge difference for our entire family. One of our children thrives in this environment in a way he doesn't in school, naturally building community and enjoying the freedom and independence. It is a welcome break from the drudgery of school, one that helps sustain him through the year.
Our other child credits Wanakita for turning his life around. Struggling with the school system, he had withdrawn from life, with no social contact and little connection to the outside world. For three years, he had virtually no contact with peers—no school, no sports, and few interests. But each year we came to camp, he would spend time outside rekindling friendships that he had built over the years.
Then, one year after a particularly good week at Wanakita, he decided he was ready to go back to school. The laid-back, low-pressure environment made it easier for him to connect with others, and he remembered what it was like to be around other kids. He wanted more. More camaraderie, more shared experiences, a more normal adolescence. So, return to school he did, and that has made all the difference.
We will be forever grateful for our time at Wanakita.
Click to learn more about Family Camp at YMCA Wanakita and how you and your loved ones can be part of a really amazing camp community.
