Partnering with Parents
Camp gives kids the activities and the environment they need to be the best people they can be. Camp Kanata helps children, teens and young people become the best version of themselves.
Everyone who comes through our gates has unique needs. We are a better Camp when we take time to find out what those needs are, build empathy and understanding, and respond to individuals appropriately. We are an inclusive and welcoming place dedicated to serving families and campers from diverse cultures, backgrounds, faiths, journeys and perspectives. We are also experts with a 69-year history of balancing the needs of individual campers and the needs of our overall and collective Camp community during the summer. When required, we take time to understand the unique needs of families and campers attending and those considering coming to Camp to build empathy and work with them appropriately.
Your child’s success at Camp is our number one priority; therefore, if you have a request or there are specific things about your child that we need to be aware of - anxiety, depression, mood disorders, past trauma, family dynamic circumstances, ADHD, sense of self journeys, etc., please contact us so we can ensure the best possible experience for your child and our entire Camp community.
Preparing for Camp
Preparing for overnight camp is more than just packing a duffel bag (although you’ll need to do that too).
Children who understand what to expect at Camp will have the best experiences. Sometimes the easiest way to help your child prepare is to show them this website and photos of Camp.
We also recommend talking with your child about the potential for homesickness, especially with first-time campers. For second and third-year campers, try setting a few goals, such as going down the double water slide, learning to kayak or another activity that may stretch their comfort zone.
Suggest your child talk with their counselors. Counselors are trained to help your child gain confidence and learn new skills, so remind your child to talk with them anytime.
And as a parent, it’s important to stay positive. Reminding your children of all the fun they will have and the friends they will make will help get them excited about overnight camp.
At Camp Kanata, we do what is right. We treat others the way that we would like to be treated and we work hard to make everyone feel welcome and safe. At Camp, we live by our core values by caring for others, speaking honestly, showing respect, being responsible, practicing faith, and valuing family. Each camper is a critical part of creating a place where people feel welcomed, valued, and safe.
Your child will be asked to abide by the tenets of the Camper Code of Conduct. At the beginning of the week, the Code of Conduct will be reviewed and discussed in each cabin. We encourage you to review the Code and engage in meaningful discussion about doing what is right while at Camp.
Overnight Campers
Packing List