Savvy Overnight Camp Guide

Sending your child to overnight camp for the first time is scary—so is deciding which camp to send them to. Fortunately, Ontario is filled with so many amazing choices for our kids to enjoy the outdoors, meet new kids and learn new skills.

Camp Wabikon's breathtaking island location in Temagami, Ontario is second to none. Campers come from around the world to experience it's beauty. Enrollment is limited to 150 campers per session. Qualified dynamic staff lead safe, fun and educational programs which are enjoyed by all campers on a challenge-by-choice basis. Wabikon helps your child build independence, self-esteem and emotional intelligence.

Located in beautiful Algonquin Park, Camp Tamakwa's rich traditions, family atmosphere and unique site distinguishes itself along with a diversified program with over 20 activities and a premier canoe tripping program. Campers have the chance to develop important life skills, build self-confidence, foster lifelong friendships and return home with an enriched outlook—there is life and fun without technology!

Each summer Camp Bil-O-Wood welcomes 120 kids to enjoy the two pristine lakes and miles of private waterfront this family owned and operated camp has been offering for the past 69 years. With a vast outdoor camping and canoeing program, water, land, arts and nature programs for everyone interested and specialized mini camps in athletics like baseball, basketball and tennis, this camp has something for everyone.

With 2,800 feet of glistening Lake Rosseau shoreline, 1,100 acres of property, Muskoka Woods is the ultimate summer destination for kids ages 7-17. With a staff to guest ratio of 1:2 you can rest easy knowing your children are safe while they enjoy world-class amenities. Over 50 programs and activities focus on water sports, athletics, media, arts, leadership and team building.

Located just north of Huntsville and west of Algonquin Park, Glen Bernard Camp is one of Ontario's premier summer camps for girls. Situated on 700 acres of land with a kilometer of safe shoreline, GBC is a leader in environmental education. Campers and staff are committed to ‘live lightly', teaching environmental sustainability in an atmosphere of fun, with each day filled with opportunities to challenge campers of all ages and skill levels.

For the last 43 years Arrowhead Camp in Muskoka has been offering a safe and exciting home for boys and girls from Ontario and around the world. Kids are not lost in the crowd due to the 3:1 camper to staff ratio that helps make Arrowhead an amazing safe and welcoming environment that promotes growth and development for new and returning campers.

You know your kids best. So when deciding on a camp, think about whether your child is ready and how long they can handle being away from home. Camps offer a wide range of programs for all ages, but going away to camp for the first time is more about readiness than age. Don't let your anxiety about your child being away damper your kids' enthusiasm—just like starting school, going to camp for the first time can be harder on the parents than on the child.

Think about your child's interest. What does your camper want to accomplish at camp? There are traditional camps that offer a wide range of activities and there are specialized camps. Involve your child and get their ideas on what they are most excited about experiencing.

Each camp has its own features that can impact your decision, so think about what is most important to you and your child. Is it location? Fees? Types of activities? Same sex versus co-ed? Once you decide on a few options, get in touch with each camp to find out availability, the history of the camp, what a typical day at camp looks like. Then you and your kid can make the best choice for your family.