Jacob, Jacob, Jacob,

Another amazing three days at Kawartha. Simply amazing! Thanks again for your generosity and kindness. The kids had an awesome experience. Many thanks to ALL of the staff for making it a huge success.

Much admiration,
Douglas Penfold

Camp Kawartha's programs have been a wonderful learning experience for our students. Linked to the Ontario curriculum, the programs (provided at Camp Kawartha) are engaging and rich in team-building opportunities. The staff are very knowledgeable at what they do and are always available to assist the kids at any time. Their ability to motivate the students and adopt different teaching styles promoted an enthusiastic learning opportunity and guaranteed success for all in each of the program areas. We look forward to future visits!

Daniel Diamanti, Natasha Giorgio, John Zubac, Erin Bridgeford, Paul Mageau, Darren Pankhurst
Grade 7
Josyf Cardinal Slipyj

Dear Neil,

On behalf of the staff and students at Blyth Academy Thornhill, I would like to thank you and your staff for providing us with two days of challenging activities, delicious food, comfortable cabins, beautiful scenery, and, most importantly, patient and engaging staff when we visited the Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre from November 9th to 10th, 2010.

When we were first planning the trip, the biggest obstacle for our students was the knowledge that they would not be able to bring electronics with them on the trip.  They complained and argued and didn’t see any reason why they couldn’t bring their cell phones or mp3 players.  They couldn’t comprehend going for 24 hours without constant access to Facebook and texting.

After about twenty minutes on your site, all thoughts as to their missing phones were absent. 

This continued throughout their whole stay.  They were too busy playing basketball, hockey, football, and board games to notice.  When mealtimes came around, they swept, set tables, washed dishes, and helped make the meal times enjoyable.  Almost all students participated in the climbing wall and high ropes activities.

One of our students was so surprised by the happy faces, singing and smiling that she was convinced we had drugged the food.  She didn’t believe there could be such a change in the dynamics of our group within such a short time, nor that teenagers could be so happy.

I knew that this trip would be a way for our students and staff to spend some time together outside of the school environment.  Your facilities gave us the space and equipment to provide our students with two days of memorable interactions, plenty of laughs, lots of encouragement, and challenging activities to keep everyone engaged.  The flexibility in meal preparation was also very much appreciated.  Your cooks prepared delicious, varied food and I could tell by the way our students went for seconds and thirds that they appreciated it as much as I did.

I believe the most impressive parts of your program is your staff—Dave, Ainsley, Abby, Amanda, and yourself (as well as others whom I forgot).  Our students felt immediately comfortable (I could tell by the way they continued on being their boisterous selves) and appreciated the endless patience exhibited by your staff toward our students.  I had no doubts that the expertise of your staff and the level of safety they were providing encouraged our students to take risks in new ways and challenge themselves on the climbing wall and ropes.

We have now been back in the real world for a week.  I still hear the students talking about the trip in the hallways.  On Facebook, one student had posted as her status: “wishing I was back in Kawartha.”  There is a new sense of community in our school, and I have no doubt it is the two days we spent in your facility that is keeping spirits high in our school.

Thank you for hosting our group and I will highly recommend your facility to others.  We also intend to return next year for a longer period of time, mostly at the insistence of our current students.

All the best,

Sarah Davis
Head of Guidance
Blyth Academy Thornhill

Good afternoon Sir,

I am a very impressed parent who visited your Camp Kawartha Monday Nov 1st to the 3rd, 2010.

I attended because I have twin boys who enjoy the outdoors and felt I should help out in my boys class on such a trip. I would like to compliment your staff on their professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge of the program they run. From the onset right until we left they were always available and eager to assist with every situation. It was a delight to see your staff work creatively and so energetically with large groups and in some challenging situations, some students had never been on such a trip before even walking through the forest was interesting to see. Keep up the good work, may your staff reap the benefits of seeing kids return because of the attention and kindness they showed.

The food was also excellent, the variety and selection was good. It is always a challenge to prepare food for kids and to meet nutritional needs with such a diverse crowd. I heard many a student say that they enjoyed the meals, and wished they could have meals like this at home (sad to hear that but that is reality) encouraging kids to be part of the clean up I understand is a good cost effective measure but more importantly is a good skill to have especially with some of our kids not doing much around the home these days, kuodoos to your team! Lastly, I write this email because I have run large camps before and know the work that goes on behind the scene. Regulation 170 and all the other governmental regulations do pose challenges and often many don’t realize all that goes on to achieve a successful camp. So I salute you and the team for running a good clean and exciting camp. P.S. you may be wondering what I think of the cabins---- they were excellent too, warm, comfortable. May you have many years of being a service to the community and youth of all ages.

I will be mentioning your facility to the service groups I deal with to use it should the opportunity arise.

Kind regards,

John (parent)
Merwin Greer and Grant Sine Public School visit

Thank you to all of you and your staff for providing such a wonderful experience for the children of C.R.Gummow, Cobourg, I was fortunate enough to be a chaperone along with my daughter. We had some great bonding moments at the camp learning and having fun. Your camp councillors were all wonderful and you should be proud of them and your facility. Thank you Jacob for showing me the coin trick!

I read your editorial in Northumberland Kids magazine and the wife and I have discussed setting aside one afternoon dedicated to the natural outdoors for our 3 daughters. We live on 30 acres in Northumberland and have our own little wildlife habitat that we are nurturing with planting and involvement from the Northumberland Stewardship Council and Trees Ontario

Thank you for your inspiration!

Martin

This experience gave our students the chance to interact with other students from different classes. It has built a greater sense of community amongst our students. they have established new friendships and will be able to continue these friendships throughout the year. Team building was our goal. Team building is what we got! Thanks!

C. Entwistle, J. Corp, L. Holland
Grade 7 & 8
Prince of Wales PS

The 2 ½ days we spent participating in the Fur Trade program was an incredible experience for our students. Staff was very knowledgeable and professional, students were highly engaged and the facilities lent themselves nicely to our needs – overall a valuable learning experience for our students. They came away with a greater understanding of the fur trade, the environment, and themselves.

Julie Cullen, Teacher
Grade 6
Queen Mary PS

This was our first trip to KOEC and I found it to be phenomenal. The facilities were very clean, the program content was informative and geared to student's level and the instructors were knowledgeable and entertaining. Our staff were quite impressed at how all the programs we participated in were directly linked to curriculum expectations and the students had fun doing it. The meals prepared for us were healthy, plentiful and delicious. The staff were all courteous, friendly and quite informative.

this was also our fist time attending winter camp. Students were bundled up in snowpants, boots & mitten and had a blast participating in all that Camp Kawartha had to offer.

We will definitely be returning.

J. Wright, A. Haskins, D. Badali, R. Lowe-Spicer
Grade 6
Dr. G.J. MacGillivray

The obvious experience, knowledge and talent of all the staff, including the kitchen staff help to create a memorable and lasting experience for students and staff alike.

Thank you for being so adaptable - changing & modifying the program to meet the needs of the more challenging group.

Sue Collingbourne, Teacher
Grade 6
Baxter Central

The programming was well-developed and suited to a grade 7/8 age group. The kids were engaged and excited, and they were therefore able to take greater risks.

Carol Hofmann, Teacher
Grade 7/8
High Park Alternative School

As we are every year, we were very happy with every aspect of the Camp and the program. The staff, (from the office, to the kitchen, to the climbing wall) are excellent with the kids and lead a stellar variety of activities. Thank you!

Heather McClure, Urvi Shah, Steve Schmidlin
Grade 5/6
Trinity College School

Our grade seven "cohorts" from Terry Fox have been coming to Camp Kawartha for many years. Each year we have left feeling better as citizens, students and {cohesive} members of our community. Thanks to everyone who have positively contributed.

Jay Kilburn, Teacher
Grade 7
Terry Fox PS

PCVS Integrated Arts grade nine students have been participating in a fall retreat for seven years. We value this time with the 75 grade nines as it so effectively and naturally fosters a bond among the group that sets the tone for the duration of their high school career.

We bear witness to students stepping out to take risks with encouragement from their peers. We see friendships develop. We see shy and retiring students break out of their shell. We as teachers, work with students outside the typical environment of school. The camp instructors are exemplary; they are kind and knowledgeable.

Our students have fun; they learn, they experience, and when the present grade 9's reach grade 11 & 12 two or three years from now, they will compete for spots to come back as senior supervisors of the new batch of grade 9's. This in itself speaks volumes about Camp Kawartha & the experience they provide for youth.

Cydnee Hosker, Teacher
Grade 9 Integrated Arts
Peterborough Collegiate & Vocational School

Camp Kawartha Outdoor Ed Centre has been a wonderful experience for both students and staff. Students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and they realized their own amazing potential. Programs like this are burned in memory for a lifetime.

Merle Gonsolvez, Teacher
Grade 6
St. Barbara Separate School

Camp Kawartha provided an amazing program for our group of special needs high-school students. All programs exceeded the differentiated needs of our learners! Our group has never had more fun together. Excellent camp!

Jill Hill, Teacher
LLS highschool
Kenner C.V.I.

Many small "miracles" happened - in relationship building, in verbal expression, in becoming more outgoing in overcoming fears. Thank you for the opportunity to have our students participate at camp!

J. Amirault, Teacher
LLS
Thomas A. Stewart S.S.

The children at Kawartha Montessori school have a long standing tradition with Camp Kawartha. Every year children from grades 1-8 attend camp in June. When we come home after our 2 1/2 day stay we notice our children have grown. The focus on self-sufficiency, independence, respect for the environment and confidence building is exactly what every child should experience. Thank you to all who make our time at camp a truly wonderful experience!

Ugette Vanderpost, Principal
Students age 2 1/2 yrs to Grade 6
Kawartha Montessori School

The most valuable aspect of the Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre, is that it is led by highly specialized teachers who are able to blend the Ontario Curriculum into educational, creative and interactive programs. Within the context of an exciting outdoor classroom facility, Kawartha teachers are experts at making the history curriculum come alive. Our kids love their Fur Trade activities and want to return year after year!

Marie Lardino, Principal
Voice Intermediate School
Distillery District
Toronto, Ontario

Camp Kawartha offers an all-round experience to make the outdoor world come alive to children. What better way to get your senses stimulated and your hands dirty.

It was a fabulous day all around. Parents who came were most impressed - everything was presented at Grade appropriate - good mix of games, directed activities, free time, presentations. Glen gave an incredible amount of info on nature to us. He is, as usual, totally awesome!

Thanks.

Sue Smith, Teacher
Immaculate Conception

Camp Kawartha is the Kawartha's !! Fantastic!

Ross Cowie, Teacher
Grade 6
St. Anne's

Staff were excellent, very knowledgeable & encouraging. Children loved the experience. Food was excellent.

Grade 5
Kawartha Heights PS

Our students had a fabulous time. They were motivated by the activities and fully engaged at all times. We have lots of possible connections to make to the curriculum when we get back to the class!

Anton Selmeczi, Teacher
Grade 5/6
Prince of Wales PS

It is such a wonderful experience for students. For some, it is their first time away from home, and for most it is their first camp experience. The staff are amazing and encouraging. They really help to push students to meet their own personal goals.

Krista Ferrier, Teacher
Grade 7
Harold Longworth PS

The high ropes program was incredible!! It really gave the students a unique experience that they would not be able to receive in Toronto. It allowed for them to face and overcome their fears while working together as a team. The program staff were friendly and well organized.
Thanks for the fabulous time!!

Ms. Kearns, Teacher
Grade 7
Fern Ave PS

One of the highlights for every Grade 6 student at Westmount is the 3 day - 2 night trip to Camp Kawartha every March.

Students look forward, with great anticipation, to the winter camping experience and well planned programs.

The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and very well organized as they match the programs to meet the needs of the students.

As a teacher, I feel very well informed with the planning package and my program choices for I know the Camp K staff work hard to meet the curriculum expectations of Grade 6 and my class' specific needs and desires.

The staff is approachable at anytime during the program as well as by phone or e-mail before our arrival to answer any questions or calm my concerns.

Accommodations, meals and facilities were of the highest of standards making for an enjoyable learning outdoor experience.

Judy Lohnes, Teacher
Grade 6
Westmount Public School

Our trip to KOEC was fantastic! I heard about Camp Kawartha through various recommendations from teachers throughout our board. We completed the Alternative Energy, High Ropes and Cross Country Skiing programs. They were very well organized, specific to our curriculum and so much fun! On top of the great programs, KOEC also excels with enthusiastic flexible staff, delicious food and clean, comfortable accommodations. I look forward to returning to KOEC in the very near future and recommend it highly to anyone looking for a balanced combination of fun, education and hands on activity!

Julie McQuat, Teacher
Grade 5
Woodville Elementary School

This is my eighth year as a teacher coming to KOEC. Every year better than the last! Your staff - Glen, Sherry, Neil are fabulous, you could not ask for a better group of people. Blaisdale Montessori staff and children look forward to camp every year. Thank you.

June Farquharson, Teacher
Grade 6/7/8
Blaisdale Montessori

Camp Kawartha is an amazing trip for students. I have organized it for middle school students for the past 4 years, and every year it gets better. The programs and food are amazing and the staff are wonderful and very knowledgeable. Every year the students come back to school exhausted, but they always say it is the best trip of the year.

Ryan Gibson, Teacher
Grade 8
Queen Alexandra M.S.

I’d like to take this time to thank you all, on behalf of the staff and students at A.M.G. our experience was truly unforgettable!After a long nap on the bus, the students didn’t stop talking about all of the fun activities and wonderful memories made at the camp. Your staff made our say welcoming and kept our stomachs full! Our students were constantly engaged and built relationships that they otherwise would not have. Camp Kawartha is a fabulous outdoor ed centre and we can’t say enough positive things about you. We hope to make this an annual event!

Much appreciation,

Anatasia Bacopoulos, Teacher
Alexander Muir/Gladstone Ave PS