The Evolution of a Camper at YWCA YoWoChAs

Campers can embark on their Summer Camp journey as young as six.

First stop is the Explorer Programme where campers get their feet wet during days of cricketing, canoeing and swimming. Head for the heights of the zip line and practice their aim at archery. Explore the Wetlands from the soaring Watchtower and then finish the day with wide games and camp fires. Unless it's Wednesday.... Then they are camping out in the exclusive Explorer campsite roasting smores.

After two years of Exploring they are ready to become Discoverers. They can chose to do their favorite activities more often and try out some new ones like the dynamic elements of the Challenge Course and kayaking. On Wednesday night campers will learn wilderness skills during their overnight camp out.

So, after two years of Discoverers and they have seen it all.... But have they lived in a tipi? The Discoverer Tipi programme could be the next stop on journey then! Experience what it is like to live for the whole week in our tipi which sleeps 10 in bunk beds. Plus all the adventure and activities of being at Camp in the Discoverer Programme.

Now maybe after two years of Exploring and two years of Discovering and another living in a tipi it would be time for something completely new. Why not try your hand at Sailing Programme. Our fleet of 420 dinghies together with a Canadian Yachting Association Instructor plus two assistants will get you sailing in no time and at the end of the week walk away with a nationally recognized CYA certificate. Sailing practice will include a day trip away for lunch as well as land based sessions, sailing around marked courses and free sailing. Evenings can involve more sailing or the chance to enjoy the other camp activities.

What's next!

It must be time to go Prospecting. Prospectors, as well as participating in all their favorite activities, can do the elements of camp that have always been reserved for the oldest campers. The Static Course will take them to new heights on our Challenge Course and the Wednesday night camp out is now an overnight canoe trip. Paddle across the lake, build a shelter, cook your dinner, play some games and explore your surroundings. Also in the Prospector Programme campers get a small taste of what is to come next by helping out the youngest campers in a Leadership Activity.

So your campers want to be leaders, in sports teams, in school groups, in social settings. Next stop Leaders in Training. This two week progamme will build on what was started in the Prospector Programme enhancing leadership qualities and bringing out personal strengths whilst involving all the fun of camp. The two weeks will contain many opportunities to take charge and lead each other through activities before they take over Camp and lead an evening wide game. Add in a three day canoe out trip over the weekend, sessions on Qualities of a Leader and Learning Styles and you have an action packed yet educational two weeks.

After nine years it is clear that they love camp, they have done it all and still want more. In fact they want to work here! The Counsellors in Training Programme is four weeks long and will be their final step before they apply for a position here. Activities are presented in a more "how to run" way. Theory sessions include Qualities of a Counsellor, Camp Magic and Wellness Inclusion.
To work at YoWoChAs you need a First Aid certificate and a Pleasure Boat Operators card so we run those courses over the length of the programme too. Another highlight, following sessions on camp cooking and navigation, is the three day hike in the mountains around Nordegg which aims to be completely self sufficient and self led.
The final week is spent really doing the job. Shadow week involves being placed with a group of campers and their qualified staff and really seeing what it means to be a Camp Counsellor.

And then the journey starts all over again.

Explorers: ages 6-7
Discoverers: ages 8-12
Discoverers Tipi: ages 10-12
Prospectors: ages 13-15
Sailors: ages 11-15
Leaders In Training: ages 14-15
Counsellors In Training: ages 15-16