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The camp counselor turned his seat around on the 10 meter Legend Pontoon boat that didn’t belong to him, but he acted like it did. It really belonged to the camp’s owner. The camp counselor’s name was Dexter. He was a hard core, adventure seeking person. He had just gotten a new tattoo, and every hour he had to put cream on it, so it wouldn’t get infected. I didn’t know why he did it on the boat right in front of us, at 12 o’clock every day.   But who am I to judge…
”Come on Lauryn, It won’t be so bad, we will go slow for you!” Said Dexter.
”I don’t feel comfortable doing that,” I replied.” I was sunbathing and enjoying watching the waves rock against the boat as it swayed back and forth.

” You’ll regret that, are you sure?”
“ Yup, 100%. I’m not losing my arm today thank you.”
“Ok then Alex, you got this. The tube is waiting at the back of the boat.”

Alex looked at Dexter nodded and got up from her seat beside me. She looked at me
one more time and asked very politely for me to come on the tube with her. I was getting annoyed. “Fine. But we go extremely slow.” Alex looked at me and giggled “Uh huh.”

I watch Dexter attach the rope to the back of the boat, then to the tube. “You guys can get on now, when the boat starts it will pull you guys. We climb onto the soggy, mushy, cloth made raft. I lie on my stomach, I can feel my life jacket’s buckle pushing into my upper right rib cage. I grab hold of the two tube handles.

Then it’s Alex’s turn. She cautiously gets on to the tube, she situates herself and we are ready. I remind them that we will not be going fast today. They look at me and agree. Dexter goes and sits in the driver’s seat. I watch him turn the key of the boat in the ignition. The engine turns on. The rope connecting the tube goes from slack to stern in a matter of seconds.

The boat picks up speed. I feel my feet in the water, they are bouncing around due to the wake behind the tube. My entire body is shaking. Water is splashing in my face. The boat turns creating a whirlpool and the wake is coming toward the tube. “Slower, Slower, SLOWER!” I tell Alex. She is having the time of her life, I can tell. Me on the other hand? As the wake approaches I close my eyes not ready for what is coming. It hits. The tube goes flying. I fell off the tube.

A couple feet above the water all I can do is flail my arms and legs and wait for my body to hit the water. I watch as the sky gets further away. I then feel water covering my body and face. Then calm. The boat stops, Alex and I are in the water, there is no wake, no waves, and the tube is just bobbing along in the water. I am done. I am never doing that again.

I went home that night. I am so anxious for tomorrow, I don’t want to go. I don’t like the feeling of being jostled. I don’t like being scared. I just don’t like it. I go back the next day, and stay on the boat until the free swim we have later that morning.
Fast track to a year later. “ Oh, we’re going back to Legendary Waves And Wheels Again?” I ask my mom. “Yeah It will be fun!” Fun. Really. Well at least I can look forward to relaxing on the boat, and the free swim.

When we arrived at camp, we carpooled because Alex and I live so close. We lug two big bicycles into the Best Western Hotel across from the Ottawa River where the camp is located. We take the elevator down to the basement. Alex knocks on the door. A woman with short auburn hair opens the door. “Hey girls! Are you ready for this week? It’s going to be so fun! I think you two are the only girls this week so you guys can hangout with me! I’m Mikaila!” Well here we go again… I’m scared. Mikaila seems like a spunky, fun councilor. She has grunge jean shorts, and is wearing the black camp T shirt “ You can put your bikes over there and go get changed. We are going to get on the boat in 30!”

Alex and I lean our bikes against the old beige walls of the hotel basement. I take a seat on the red carpeted floor. I get my swimsuit out and Alex and I walk over to the bathroom. We take turns in the washroom and change. I look at myself in the mirror. “You can do this, you don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with.” I reassure myself.

As I step out of the bathroom I notice Alex playing with the drink vending machine. I smile. “What are you doing?” “ I’m going to get a coke.” Typical Alex thing to do. She put in the loonie needed to buy one coke, typed in the number, and pressed the button. I press the button again, that seems like the right thing to do at the moment. We look at each other, giggle, and start to spam the button. We notice one coke pop out of the slot on the bottom right hand side of the vending machine. Then another coke. We look at each other confused. “Did you get one for me?” “No, I only bought one.” I snicker. We both burst out laughing.

We walk back to the hotel room in our bathing suits, sandals, and towels in hand. Cokes? Oh yeah we showed them off. We came into the hotel room roaring in laughter. Mikaila looked at us, she had a smile on her face. “What the heck did you guys do?” We told her “2 for 1 Cokes at the vending machine.” All of the campers run to the vending machine, and the newly discovered malfunction continued into the day.

About 15 minutes later, we made our way out of the hotel, to the dock. We loaded our stuff onto the boat. We ask the other camp counselor if Dexter still worked at the camp. “No, he was busy this year.” Oh that’s sad, Alex had a lot of fun with him last year.
Alex and I went and sat in the same spot we sat the summer before.

The loft at the back of the boat. “Are you going to go wakeboarding and tubing this time?” Asked Alex.” Absolutely not.” I replied. She seemed upset. “I’ll cruise on the tube with you slowly, but there is no way I’m going to go on the wakeboard.” “Fine.” Is what I got back. I shrug it off. It’s important I stay in my comfort zone. I hate doing new things. I HATE IT. I lie beside Alex, put a towel over our legs as a blanket and watch the wake that the boat creates, the glimmer of the sun on the river, the ripples and bubbles of fish swimming.

We go down the river. Mikaila comes over. She sits beside Alex. “So you guys can call me Mik. I’m going to connect my phone to the boat, what do you guys want to listen to?” Alex starts spouting off songs. I don’t contribute. I think, “How is she so confident? Does she know the risks?” No, I’m being sensible. I need to stick to my values.

We are heading to go tubing. We stopped at the Rockcliffe Marina gas station along the way. We dock the boat. As we step out, a big fluffy golden retriever comes strolling over. Oh my goodness. I think I’m obsessed. “His name is Dumbo.” We are informed. Dumbo run’s across the wet wood tiles that make up the gas station’s deck. He picks up a blue ball, and bears it in his teeth.

A fellow camper named Charlie excitedly goes over to Dumbo and asks for the ball. As Dumbo drops the ball Charlie is quick to pick it up. Charlie realizes that the ball squeaks and decides to squeak the ball to the point it didn’t squeak any more. Dumbo sits and waits for the ball to be thrown. His big paws wait patiently for the que to move. He is foaming at the mouth, drool is practically dripping from his mouth. Finally Charlie throws the ball. Dumbo run’s down the dock.

The ball drops close to the corner between the deck, and the concrete dock. He grabs the ball with his teeth and lies down with it. Making sure to chew it up. “I don’t think that ball is going to last too long at the rate Dumbos chewing.” I tell Charlie.” “ Oh No. Absolutely not.” He responds. We hop back on the boat, and were off.

We come to a stop in the middle of the river. The tube gets set up. I watch all of the kids get flung off the tube. One by one they get launched 2-3 feet in the air. I watch Alex. She sort of just jolts around. She manages to stay on. “Ok Lauryn, It’s your turn. Are you going to go?” Asked Mikaila. “No, I don’t want to. Unless we go really slow.” “ Ok then we can just cruise for you.” I agree. I get onto the tube with Alex and we cruise around. I can see Alex becoming bored, same with the kids on the boat. Am I being selfish? I feel bad. “Can we go faster?” “No, I really don’t feel comfortable doing that.” “Ok” replied Alex.

The week goes by. We watch a movie in the hotel basement, get hot chocolate every hour from the hotel lobby, go biking every afternoon, get gelato, and hang out on the beach and boat.

“I really want to go back next week! It was so relaxing. “ I’ll see what I can do.” She replied.” Alex can’t come though, she is going to a different camp.” “Oh ok.” I am ready for this week. It’s going to be so fun. It’s the last week of the summer too! I get my bathing suit on at home and we head to camp. I feel good. I’m not nervous. Alex told me if I get up on the wakeboard she will get me ice cream. I told her maybe. We get to the boat. I am ready. I feel like maybe I should try wakeboarding. Maybe I won’t regret it.

The more experiences you have, the more experience you have as a person. I think I will try, but on my own terms. I inform Mikaila of my unlikely plans of wakeboarding. She brings me to the front of the boat. She tells me we have to do the safety demo just in case I decide to wakeboard. I sit on the floor of the boat against the rickety short door. The floor is cold and wet from dripping life jackets. I am told to sit on my but with my knees toward my chest. I hold the red rope. It has a clear plastic wrap around it. I am scared I will lose my grip. Mikaila tells me to relax my arms. She labels them as “noodle arms.” She tells me that if I have tension in my arms I will fall. I DO NOT WANT TO FALL. I relax my arms. She says she will count to three. I wait. One. Relax your arms, the boat will pull you a bit, and the slack of the rope will tighten. Two. The speed picks up. Bring your knees to your chest. Three. Full speed. Stand up. RELAX. You need to relax.

It’s time. I follow Mikaila to the back of the boat. I see… The wakeboard. My heart is palpitating. I have butterflies in my stomach. I feel like I need to throw up. I don’t feel well. No, I can’t do this. “Ok! So pop your feet in here.” I put one foot in. I struggle with the other. I am attached to a green plastic board. No, I can’t do this. I put a helmet on. No, I can’t do this.

Mikaila tells me to sit on the end of the boat. I need help. I can’t do this myself. I jump off the boat. The wakeboard sinks into the deep, dark, cold river. My heart stops. No, I can’t do this. “ It’s so cold! I’m scared.” I say. “Just pee a little, it will help warm the water!” I laugh. “Eww, no!” She ignores the fact I’m scared and throws me the long red rope. It hits the water. I can’t reach it. Mikaila tells me to swim to it. No, I can’t do this. I flip to my stomach and paddle my arms towards the rope. I reach my arm out for the rope. I feel the muscles in my arm stretch. Everyone all the way to my fingers. I grasp the rope. I need to flip over to my back. I use the muscles in my stomach to twist the wakeboard over. No, I can’t do this. I flip. I situate the rope between my legs. My heart is beating out of my chest. I feel it. I am scared. No, I can’t do this. It’s time. The boat turns on. The engine kicks up. The motor spins.

I see Mikaila sitting on the back of the boat. “Ready?” She says.” Um, no, yes, maybe.” I stutter. “ You got this.” I hear. No, I can’t do this. “ONE.” I relax. I feel the water glide through my lifejacket against my body. “TWO.” The speed picks up. I engage the muscles in my legs. I relax my arms. “THREE.” The boat jolts. I stand. I am standing. I am doing it. Yes, I can do it. YES, I CAN DO IT. I feel the breeze in my hair. My skin is cold and wet against the wind. My arms and hands hurt from the rope. My legs are shaking. I am cutting through the water. I am doing it. I AM WAKEBOARDING!

This camp was the most surreal experience I have ever had.The counselors are beyond amazing. It is truly an experience I will never forget. I am forever grateful. If you have trouble getting up on your wakeboard, trust me, get up, and ride your wake.

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The post My life changing experience at summer camp appeared first on National Kids Camp.

The first summer camps were founded in the late 1800s in The United States. The camps were created as a response to concerns about the negative effects of urbanization on young people. The founders believed that by providing a space for boys to experience the great outdoors, they could help foster physical and mental health and instill important values like teamwork and leadership.

The camp was an immediate success, and soon other organizations began to create their own summer camps. By the early 1900s, summer camps had become popular across the world, including in Canada. In 1913 the Canadian Camping Association was founded to help regulate and promote the industry. Today, it remains the leading organization for summer camps in Canada.

Over the years, summer camps have evolved to meet campers’ changing needs and interests. In the early days, activities were centred around classic outdoor activities like swimming, canoeing, and hiking. But as the decades passed, new activities were introduced, such as arts and crafts, drama, and sports.

Summer camps have also become more diverse and inclusive. Today, there are camps specifically designed for children with special needs, camps for LGBTQ+ youth, and camps for families. This inclusivity has helped to make summer camps a truly welcoming and accepting space for all.

Of course, summer camps have also faced their fair share of challenges. In the early 20th century, the spread of tuberculosis and other illnesses led to concerns about the safety of summer camps. In response, the Canadian Camping Association established a set of guidelines for health and safety standards, which have been updated over the years to reflect new knowledge and best practices.

Summer camps have also had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. Many camps were forced to cancel their programs in 2020 and 2021 or pivot to virtual programming. However, the resilient spirit of summer camps has shone through, with many organizations working hard to create safe and fun experiences for campers.

Despite these challenges, summer camps remain a beloved and important part of Canadian culture. They offer children and teens a chance to unplug from technology, connect with nature, make new friends, and develop important life skills. And as the world continues to change, we can be sure that summer camps will continue to evolve and adapt while remaining a cherished tradition for generations to come.

Today, there are camps that cater to a wide range of interests, from sports and outdoor adventure to music and the arts. Many camps also offer specialized programs for children with disabilities or special needs. One of the key benefits of summer camps for kids in Canada is the opportunity for children to develop independence and self-confidence. By spending time away from home and engaging in new activities, children are able to build resilience and learn valuable life skills. Summer camps also provide children with a safe and supportive environment to make new friends and form lasting relationships. Many children return to the same camp year after year, forming close bonds with their peers and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Overall, summer camps for kids in Canada have a rich and storied history, and they continue to play an important role in the lives of children today. Whether your child is interested in sports, the arts, adventure, or simply spending time outdoors, there is a summer camp out there that can help them grow and thrive. Contact us if you have any questions about how National Kids Camp can enrich your child’s summer.

National Kids Camps/National Tennis School/Mountain Bike Kids is pleased to offer a connected app for campers and their families. This mobile app helps keep you safe and connected all summer long!

The features Include:

• Targeted push notifications for your specific camp (s)
• Calendar of activities with a save-to-calendar option to make it easy for you to remember all of what’s going on at camp!
• Photo Albums (Grouped by camp & session) Save and share photos right from the app!
• Photos with face recognition
• Bus notifications-(Camp Fortune-Camps)
• Weather Advisories/warnings
• Contact Camp Staff via text & phone
• Newsfeed with photos and information for your specific camps)

National Kids Camps offer safe, fun adventures for children throughout the Ottawa/Gatineau region by employing enthusiastic certified professionals and offering specialized outdoor activities, from tennis to biking, boating, wakeboarding and so much more… 

Your summer adventure begins here. Your one-stop shop for your child’s summer camp needs since 1985!

Stay current on all National Kids Camps activities with real-time updates! Join us for the best summer ever! 

For more information about National Kids Camps, National Tennis School, and Mountain Bike Kids visit:

https:// www.nationalkidscamps.com or call 613-723-1101

The post An Overview of Summer Camps appeared first on National Kids Camp.

Summer camp will expose your kids to extra activities they wouldn’t normally try, igniting their adventurous spirit and growing their confidence.

Aside from all the fun they experience, there are three more amazing benefits of summer camp for children. 

1. Improved Physical and Mental Health

According to the WHO, childhood obesity is a major health risk in the 21st century, with over 124 million children affected by obesity. This is a health crisis!

On the bright side, research shows that summer camps may encourage physical fitness and prevent weight gain since there is no access to unhealthy food. Plus, children actively take part in activities that support their physical health.

Another study found that the number of steps children took in a normal day of camp activity met and even exceeded the U. S Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for children’s physical activity. And over 80% met the recommended levels of physical activity during their summer camps.

Too much screen time is the leading cause of anxiety and depression in children. Summer camp provides not only a screen break for them but there is evidence of decreased separation anxiety and increased global functioning for children suffering from separation anxiety disorder. Camp leadership programs can significantly reduce depression for youth with learning disabilities.

Other physical and mental health benefits of summer camp for children are:

• Aerobic fitness and healthy blood pressure
• Weight loss and physical fitness
• Healthy BMI
• Reduced levels of stress

2. Social and Emotional Development

Summer camp can have a positive influence on a child’s personal development. Children develop their social and emotional skills by learning how to interact with others.

Examples of social and emotional skills:

• Listening to others
• Cooperating with others and teamwork
• Following directions
• Sharing with others
• Respecting others and their personal space

Children with good social skills have a high chance of success in the future, but those who do not have social and emotional skills tend to experience relationship problems, trouble with the law, and substance abuse.

Social skills are a major factor when making friends. Childhood friendships benefit a child’s mental health and contribute greatly to gaining advanced social skills such as conflict resolution and problem-solving.

Some more skills they can learn in summer camp:

• Effective communication so they can speak up for themselves
• Improved ability to maintain friendships and get help from friends
• Enhanced self-esteem
• Increased ability to understand a person’s tone of voice and actions
• Leadership skills, independence, and belief in themselves
• Self-regulation and increased emotional intelligence
• Increased empathy and healthy self-concept

3. Reduced Loss of Academic Knowledge

Most children will lose what they learned in school during the long summer break. Some summer camps offer educational programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Others provide reading, writing, and arts for fun and interactive learning.

Some of the academic benefits of summer camp for children include:

• Improved reading ability
• Improved math skills
• High attendance for the school year and an appreciation for learning
• Increased completion of courses and improved grades

Ready to Register your Child for Summer Camp?

At National Kids Camps, we offer unique summer experiences on either full or half-day options. 

We have different camps to suit your child’s interests, such as our Legendary Waves and Wheels Summer Camp, Mountain Bike Kids Camp, Tennis Camp, Decathlon Sports Camp, and many more.

You will also qualify for the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit with all our programs.

The post Top 3 Benefits of Summer Camp for Children appeared first on National Kids Camp.