On the last night of camp as a part of our closing ceremonies, campers from each unit stand before the camp and share with us what 'Camp is' and means to them. It is a time where we all share our thoughts, our tears and laughter, for the last time each summer as a family unit. These were all written by our campers and posted, as they were written. Please mind our grammatical errors as we are all on a lifelong journey of learning.

Freshkid
Camp is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Camp Manitou is – Marvelous, Amazing, Nice place, , Incredible, Terrific, Outstanding, Unbelievable.  It really makes me feel included .

Freshkid
Camp Means having fun, trying new things, and making new friends. This year my cabin has been like my family and they have helped me when I needed it and I did the same.  The past two summers have been the greatest years of my life and I mean it . All the activities have been great and that is all I have to say

Everything about this camp is so amazing, the staff, the activities, and the friendships that last a lifetime … On the bus to camp I was a little nervous  but as soon as I got off the bus onto main field I felt like I was let into the family once again because a few of my friends ran up to me in costumes and hugged me  and I let out “I am getting squished”. I got adjusted to everything so quickly because everyone was so welcoming especially my counselors.  So much effort is put into everything at this camp…I hope this camp continue on for centuries because it's the thing that a lot of people look forward to  and I 'd like to thank all the directors, and all my past counselors and unitheads and anyone else who have made my experience at Manitou the best experience.
Soph girl

Camp is   place to be free and do things you cant do in the city like radio or woodworking…the number one thing about camp is that I get to spend two months with 13 of my best friends in this wonderful scenery ..take advantage of this place and treasure it forever
Junior boy

Hi everyone this is my third year at Manitou. Before Manitou I spent a couple summers at another camp and I can honestly say that once I came to Manitou  my outlook on summer camps completely changed ,. When someone says the word Manitou , lots of things come to m nd. Above all the first and biggest thing is the people.  The directors are nice and approachable and puts tons of effort into making our summer and  I quote “the best summer ever”.  I always appreciate that I have someone looking out for me.  Although some of my friends from camp live far away  we still manage to keep in touch during the year and the anticipation  to spend the e upcoming summer with them is unbearable!  I know I always have friend I can trust and have fun with…This year at Manitou has been particularly special as Mark and Jeff took a leap of faith knocking down a wall and putting 16 of us crazy junior girls in cabin G29 ….I bonded with every single one of them…Camp Manitou means letting go and running wild. Camp Manitou means sticking together and being there for each other.  Camp Manitou means acceptance and community . Camp Manitou means friendship.
Junior girl

Camp Manitou is a place where no one feels left out, a place where you have so many options for daily activities from Pottery to Sail but most importantly a place where memories are formed..
Junior Boy

Camp for me is home away from home , a place to get away from all the pressure and stress we have in the city. Camp is the best place in the world because I am with good friends, great staff, fun activities and amazing events.  Where else do you get to be with your friends and  without all the distractions of the city.  People ask me how do you go to camp for two months? I answer them by saying if you went to my my camp you would understand why.  There is just so much energy  and enthusiasm at this camp which makes it a place for all kids to come and have the most fun they have ever had in their lives.  I take pride in this camp when I see people come together just like a family for one cause , for one team, for one .
Senior boy

Who knew that six ago when I first came to Manitou, I would join the Manitou family and change my life forever.  The second I got off the bus, my first summer, there was an immediate sense of acceptance from the people I now call my Manitou family.  Manitou has done so much for my life in ways words can't even describe…..I have spent a total of ten  months  at the place I have grown to love and now don't hesitate to call my home. Ten months is not a lot of time, 10 months is how long we are not at camp during the year….I have spent ten months learning to do the things I love, sail, ski, play guitar and much more.  In ten months I have learned who I am as well as made so many friendships.  Ten months is how long I spend during the year trying to describe the feelings and emotions I get when I am at Manitou to all my friends. …There are no words to  to describe a Manitou summer unless you have lived it….Even then when you are a part of our Manitou family it is still an indescribable feeling. ..Just the presence and warm smile is all you need to understand what Manitou is. It's a place where you can be yourself and not be judged,  A place where all your problems go away so you can have the best two months of your life. …So take a deep breath and look around, cherish everything and everyone around you. Now take it all in and hold onto I for the next ten months so you never forget this place.  Manitou has changed my life in so many ways.  It has allowed me try new things and meet such amazing people…Thank you for the most amazing summer of my life.  See you in ten months for Manitou 09.
Senior Girl

Beautiful,  life- changing, incredible, surreal. These words describe the indescribable, camp Manitou. Manitou is my getaway, Its my escape from the hectic and stressful city life and it is the one place I can actually be relaxed and feel comfortable.  I can truly say that Manitou acts as my second home.  It holds the same welcoming and safe feeling that a real home provides.  I love how here at camp we are one united family that all support each other.  Even hearing two simple words “Camp Manitou” fills me with a warm and comforting sensation.  There is no other place in the world that can possibly be compared to camp. ….Camp is a place where each individual camper and staff have the ability to truly be themselves and completely put aside and disregarded their fears and insecurities.  Everyone feels safe to grow as individuals and become better people without the stress of judgmental surroundings.  The opportunity that camp provides  to be carefree is unbelievable.  Everything about  camp from the beautiful environment , the endless opportunities to grow, the activities  and especially the people are amazing. ….This summer as a CIT and having the chance to act as an aspiring role model for campers has been so fulfilling, To be able to connect with campers while holding authority is a new but exciting feeling. Even though being a CIT require a lot of hard work, its so worth it.  Camp has been changing and I have learned some of the most meaningful lessons from my peers and friends.  The people you meet at camp  are so incredible and all have such a unique and great personality to share.  I am so thankful that I got to be a part of this wonderful Manitou family.  I would especially like to thank Mark and Jeff for putting in the effort to give every camp a beautiful life-changing, incredible and surreal camp experience, just like they've done for me.
CIT girl

After attending this camp for seven years prior to this one, it has taken an 8th to begin to gain perspective.  Camp is my favorite place.  It is my home away from home.  Everyone is so friendly and encouraging that all problems are forgotten and are replaced with hopes of fun and thoughts of possible shenanigans.  You laugh and play and hang out all day.  Where else do you have sleepovers with 20 of your closest friends for weeks on end.

Camp is where you are able to do what you want free of judgment…

As a CIT, this summer, I was able to gain insight on how difficult it is to be a councilor.  Going in, I figured that I would be like my CITs of the past and kind of just show up when I'm told.  Then something unexpected happened, I began to genuinely care about my kids.  I wanted to chill with them and wanted to know what was going on in their camp lives.  Also, they really look up to you.  They always want to be with you and want to learn everything about you.  It is a very interesting feeling.

.…Today, the CIT unit took a hit while our fearless leader Christine had to leave one day early because of family issues.  I then felt compelled to say a few words about her.  She was the glue that held our CIT unit together.  The stronger she was, the closer we were brought together.  I will always remember her commitment.  Christine was great at what she did.  She was dedicated to our enjoyment and worked with great compassion.  She is fun to be around and I am so sorry that she was unable to close out the summer with us.

As for my boys in CB1, Hey, what's up!  You guys made this summer what it was, not just for us but also for everybody.  You all brought your unique skill set to the table and used it to your full advantage.  I am so glad that we were able to become such a tight knit unit and cherish every moment I spent with each and every one of you.  You are all such good guys, this summer wouldn't have been the same without you.

Mark and Jeff.  You have done such a great job instilling proper values into each camper and molding them into young adults.  You guys run a fine camp and am so thankful I have been able to come for so long. 
CIT BOY

"Camp is. being away from home, learning new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, freedom, fun, independence, making new friends, spontaneity, being responsible, working with others, being there for others, helping, leading, sharing, caring, surprises, memories, opportunities, trust, learning more about yourself and your strengths."

"What I love most about Manitou is the variety of activities. My personal favourite happens to be sailing. One of the greatest things about these activities is you get to choose which ones you want to take. Another good thing about camp is the staff. The staff at Manitou couldn't be better! They really make our summer memorable from throwing a football to racing in line to the tuck shop! To me, the most important aspect of camp is my friends! So many of my friends at Manitou are from my cabin. The first time I came to Manitou was with none of my school friends. But as soon as I discovered the spirit of Manitou I knew this would be a great summer and many more to come!"

"At Manitou you feel like everyone is your friend, even your siblings. When I say that, I'm not being sarcastic. Me and my little brother get along way better at Manitou than we do at home; it's like he's not actually my brother, he is more like a friend. Second, you can make so many friends at Manitou. I have made friends not only from Canada, but from all over the world. Some of these friends even happen to be counsellors. This brings me to my third point: The staff at Manitou is phenomenal. They do everything in their power to make sure that each and every camper has the best summer of their lives. They are caring and understanding and are always willing to give you a hand. Fourth , and my favourite, there is never a reason to be bored at Manitou. The day is packed with activities. There are so many different choices from wakeboarding and rock climbing to woodworking and crafts, this camp is truly amazing."

"Our great Camp Manitou is like a home away from home. The comforting counsellors are always looking out for the campers. The cozy cabins are great for relaxing on bunk days. Friday Night Fireside is fantastic, because the whole camp gets together as one big family. The awesome activities are really fun, exciting and well prepared. The mouth watering meals taste like homemade cooking. Camping trips are a really great experience and everyone should definitely try one. And last but not least our camp directors are amazing."

"You always hear everyone say, "Don't worry, it's camp." But what does "It's camp" actually mean? It means that Manitou is a place where we can all feel free to be ourselves - free of judgement or pressure or obligation. We are given the room to make mistakes and be forgiven. We are trusted enough to make our own decisions and form our own opinions. Our strengths as well as our weaknesses are embraced. Our individuality is what gives us each a place in the Manitou family."

"Camp Manitou is an amazing place
Everywhere you go there's a friendly face
There are lots of great activities at Manitou
And lots of fun things you can do
Boating, canoeing and lots of good plays
With woodworking and pottery there are fun filled days
Thursday's brunch is so yummy
The food at Manitou will fill your tummy
During Tribal Games we all compete
And fight to win and take the heat
Coming to camp is such a blast
The friends I make here will always last"

"When my parents asked me about returning to camp this summer or not, I couldn't see myself not coming back. All I could think about were the amazing times I've had here - tribal games, world games, cheering in the dinging hall, watching the theatre productions, participating in the talent shows or going on my first canoe trip and I couldn't see myself not coming back to all the friends I've made. For me, camp is a time to let all the stress from the city go and have a great time."

"I started thinking about what I love about camp, and what keeps me coming back year after year. Is it the activities? Is it the events? Is it the freedom from your parents?! All of those make Manitou a great place to spend the summer. But I think, more importantly, it's the incredible friendships I've made, that make Manitou more than just a camp. its my summer home. and even more than that, after so many year here, I feel like I have a Manitou family. Its true what everyone says - camp is what you make of it, and if you get involved, you'll have an amazing time."

"Camp Manitou makes me feel a lot like I'm at home. The activities, the food and the cabins all made me feel at home. At first I thought it would b a rough and tough kind of camp. All my friends and counsellors treated me like a brother or sister would. Not in the grabby pushing or fighting way. Last year I was new and scared, but also excited. I thought I would be a loner but my cabin mates all proved me wrong y becoming my new friends."

"Every year I escape the harsh realities of the city to venture to a sanctuary located up north. This place called Manitou is the sole reason why my summer is special. Every session, I see people who live in distant countries around the world, friends from the city and people that I meet for the first time. Although I only see these people for a small portion of the year, they will always be remembered for the rest of my life."

As yet another great summer comes to an end I have mixed emotions. Tomorrow we're all going back home welcomed by family and friends, most people are going to be excited to return home , to welcome back television and computers in to their life, but when I am back in the city I lying in bed trying to fall asleep I know I wont be able to. But when the times come and everything gets quiet and its just you- you can't help but think about the memories, the experiences, the friendships, you made . And if you did not already realize how special camp Manitou is at that point you will. You will see that here you get to make your own schedule, form 32 activities, while at home your are limited to every day basketball on your driveway. Here there is a camp spirit like no other. Camp songs, camp cheers, music lunches and world games., where else can you really be yourself and dance like a maniac, Here there is a loyalty, a commitment that year after year the same campers return. For every kid here the countdown begins tomorrow morning , here at manitou friendships are made that last forever. Friendships from across Ontario, across the country, across the united states and even across the world, are made and kept. This is the big one for me… I mean yeah this place has great sports facilities and more but I couldn't imagine a summer without these people,….
~ Senior camper 2006

Tonight is one of the saddest yet happiest moments of my life. There are so many emotions all swirled togetherManitou is such an amazing place where everyone becomes a new person, everyone comes out of their shell and every one tries something new. I mean where else can you do things like tunnel day and Chris playhouse, where else can you get so many people into an event, such as world games . Only at Manitou . No one on this field can say that they are the same person at camp that they are at home because Manitou does something to you, it changes you for the better, I don't' know how to describe it but somehow at Manitou you are more free and you have the freedom of just being youself because Manitou is a way of life,
~ Junior girl

Camp is like my home away from home, This is my second family with 400people. I feel like I know everyone here so well. When Scratch asked me to write this speech I was extremely happy and shocked I remember watching the kids from each unit making a speech from every year so well and I always loved it. Now I have the opportunity to be the one remembered. Thank you for the your time and before I finish I just want to give an extra thanks to my counselors , unit head directors for making my summer incredible.
~ Junior Boy

Camp to me is a like a second home. I came to camp Manitou three years ago and loved it but my friend wanted to try something new and I didn't want to be separated from her so we switched camp. But for those two years I couldn't et my mind off of camp Manitou . So I decide to go back. But this time I wouldn't have my friend with me . After the first three days I had friends that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I had a shoulder to cry o on this last day of camp and I don't want to leave and I want to satay at camp forever. I never thought I d feel that way about camp but that's exactly how I feel –
~ Soph girl Montreal

To me camp is a place where I can relax and play,, whether it be world games, or midnight madness or the regular a day activities , or the evening programs , whenever I am on the plane coming to Manitou I expect to have a great time because I always do , its so much fun. I don't know what I would do without camp Manitou.
~ Soph Boy, Florida

When I look back at this CIT summer the theme I think of is team work, both inside and outside the cabin. The connections between campers, counselors, directors and other staff just wasn't at my other camp like it is here. And as I've gotten older and changed camps I've realized that the only way to go into a summer at a summer camp as special as this is to be part of a team , by pulling your weight and not complaining when things go wrong. I realize that camp is no longer about me and more about we.
~ CIT boy

I want to just start off by thanking everyone for helping me make this summer the best summer of my life. Camp is my home away from home , it is a place that I am fortunate to be able to come to once a year where I get away from all the stress of the city., I always look forward to see what amazing things my summer has in store for me and if in the city if I am having a tough day I just think about the memories that were made and the cherished at this special place and It makes me feel better right away. Camp Manitou is a beautiful environment, full of love , spirit , amazing friends and fun activities . When I am here I feel like I can just be myself,. I get to be active all day long doing my favorite sports. Camp is a place where I come to my best friends and get to meet new lifelong friends who have come here from all over the world, I think it is amazing to become awesome friends with people of all ages, from staff , all the way to the little freshkids. This is just an amazing and unique place which I love with all my heart.
~ Senior Girl

Before I got on the bus for my first year I was very nervous and I thought I wouldn't make any friends but surprisingly I made a ton. Not just at camp but on the bus. Also I did woodworking which was cool.
~ DAVID LIPSON 2006

Hi, this is my first year at Manitou… I never have been to sleep away camp and I was trying something new. And I didn't know what to expect or even what to do…I stepped off the bus at Manitou and was welcomed by a crowed of songs and cheers, seeing a place so beautiful took away some of my fears. Everybody was so nice and helped me to unpack and even though it been an hour I already didn't want to go back. I made new friends who I feel I've known forever and I know we'll always be friends forever and ever. My counselors are awesome and really cool, they make me feel happy when I am sad and blue but I never sad and blue at Manitou. There are so many activities that are great, like radio, ropes and riding the wakes. So thank you Manitou . I'm having a blast, it seems like the summer is going by way too fast.
~ Sophomore Girl Connecticut

Landon Wexler

Hi my name is Landon Wexler and this is my sixth year back at Manitou. Over the years I have counted hundreds of days until finally I get back to my home away from home.

At Manitou there is always something to do, on a hot day I could jump into the lake, on a raidy day I could hang out in the hangar for a couple of games of dodge ball, and at night time you can see the stars. Sure, everyone loves their parents, but we already got over to months of them, I myself need a break. I don't een think the city can come close as being as good as camp. Here there is no homework, you can play outside at anytime (except after curfew) and every night is like a sleep over with you best friends. What in the city could be better?

When I came to Manitou, sure I was bit homesick. Who isn't? I remember there was a kid in my cabin who was so upset that he used to cry every night. I realized that being homesick had ruined his summer. I couldn't imagine waiting all year for my first year at camp to be a waste. From that point on, I have barely ever been homesick. Because it is alright to miss your parents but its not alright to want to waster you're summer and your parents money because you miss them. They sent you to Manitou to make friends, learn new games, and to have a good time, not to be upset.

Over the years I have met people from all over the globe. Lebanon, Atlanta, Pittsburg, Montreal, Mexico…the list goes on. I have met so many great people that you couldn't meet in Toronto. You have no idea what life is outside of your television room until' you've been to Manitou.

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak about what camp means to me. So take my advice and relax, make some friends, have a good summer and I['m sure this will be the best summer yet. Thanks to everyone.

Andrew Jordan

I love camp a lot to me camp is to get away from home and have a lot of fun. I really love to go to my activities and have a great time. Each day is like a new adventure full of surprises and excitement. I make so many new friends and hang out with them I cherish every second, every minute and every day at camp.

Another great part of camp is the staff. They bring so much joy to us as campers. Each one has a unique personality. One of the things that surprised me was the food. I am amazed at the quality of each dish.

But the best part of camp is the awesome activities. You only dream about those things at home but when you get to camp your dreams come true. Camp Manitou itself is very well placed. The lake is so beautiful and the temperature is really good. The grass is always green. I would really like to thank Mark, Jeff, Sandy, Luigi, Markus and Mike for making it such a great summer. I would also like to thank my counselors Jeremy and Patrick for also making my year awesome. I would also like to thank Chris McKibbon for being a great unit head.

CIT Girl – 16 years old

Camp for the past seven years has been the usual friends, activities therefore fun. But this year as a CIT with more responsibility and with a great leader to guide me I have seen both my camper cabins and myself grow and deal with problems faced, thus opening a new chapter of what camp really means to me. Camp is and will always be a place friends are made and kept and it is a symbol of hope throughout the year that you will be able to meet new people and see familiar faces. To be comfortable in sucha small area, isolated from people you would see during the year opens new doors and opportunities. Every summer for me is a new beginning. As if I have never met these people or been here before. I am accepted for who I am. We as a CIT unit have had some discussions on breaking away from your past and changing your future and camp is a great place to try this out. Throughout my seven years camp has changed and with it I have grown. Knowing that change is upon you, you can be scary but in the camp environment hopefully you feel secure enough so those changes do not affect you to drastically. City problems are swept away by the wind here and taken away so as not have a burden over you for the summer. In the end camp means security, hope, friends, growth, acceptance and fun. Throughout the year it feels as if every two steps you take up you take one back but still come June we all make it back to Camp Manitou.

Sydney Wilson

To me camp is the best thing in the world. Yeah sure my dad's the director but I love camp just the same. I've known people who've said that they hate camp and they're never coming back but I've learnt that camp isn't for everyone. I know what I'll miss the most is my amazing counselors and friends. Of course I'll miss the activities and the sun and beach. And nothing could ever replace any of it, but I know I'll come back to camp. Just maybe not with the same people. That's what I'll miss the most about camp.

Alexis Berger

Hi my name is Alexis Berger and I have been at Manitou for five years. Although this is my fifth year, not once have I really sat down and thought about what Manitou means to me. Last night I was approached to make the speech about what camp means to me. I accepted the offer in a second but I still didn't know what to write. She told me the speech was supposed to be about what camp means and is to me.

When I sit around at home and think of a place where I don't have to be self conscious, and I can have fun in the sun with my best friends. It's also a break from school and the city. I can learn how to take care of myself without my parents. It's a place where I can be independent and be myself. I know that no one will judge me. That's what camp means to me.

Chase Wexler

Camp to me is a place of fun and joy. I love meeting friends from different places in the world and being with friends from home. To me the activities are great and I love trying new ones. When World Games and Tribal Games start, my stomach turns as I am overcome with excitement. This is my fourth year at camp and every year gets better and better.

I am so lucky because I have a great cabin and great counselors. My cabin could not be any better. All the kids in my cabin and counselors have become my good friends. It's also great to have a newly built cabin. Mark, Jeff perhaps a new cabin again next year?

Manitou to me is about new experiences and having a blast without your parents. All in all camp is the best place in the world.

Julie Stulberg

I remember the first day of camp like it was yesterday. It's just hard to believe that the summer has already ended.

To me, camp is all about the friendships I've made, all the fun I've had over the years and the experiences that have helped me through it.

One of the things that means most to me at camp is to always have fun and along with that comes friendship. This is my fifth year at camp and every summer my friends always encourage me to try new activities. For example, last month one o my friends pushed me to try wakeboarding even though I was apprehensive at first, I achieved my goal by getting up on the rope. I was extremely happy that she talked me into doing suc an amazing sport. It's always good to try something new.

You can find different types of people with such strong personalities and different backgrounds. It's just amazing how diverse this camp actually is. I love the fact that we can all gather around this flagpole tonight and feel comfortable with each and everyone's individuality. This summer I've learned that being different from my cabin is not necessarily a bad thing. Everybody is different from each other and individuality is what makes a cabin work.

Take a look around you and be grateful that you're at such a beautiful camp. I am especially grateful that I get the chance to camp. A lot of my friends back home always ask me why I choose to go to camp for two months. I explain to them that I go to camp for the experience. I mean I'm still a kid; I should love it while it lasts. This was my last year as a camper and during his summer I got to experience the feeling of responsibility. I took part in the senior leadership program where I got the chance to help out with Zodiac. I thought it would be a simple job, but as I got to know the campers I got attached to them making it very difficult to say goodbye. I am just so happy that I got the chance to se what it would be like when I become a CIT.

I'd like to thank my counselors, for always being there for me. You guys were so easy to talk to and you guys brought our cabin together. I'm gonna miss you. I'd also like to thank my unit head for being awesome and she did a great job this summer and helped me out a lot.

Last but not least. I would like to thank my cabin. I love you guys so much. We've been together for so long, despite the cabin fights and constant drama friendships will always last forever and that's what we are is friends.

What does camp mean to me? Camp Manitou is not only a place where I can do fun activities and participate and plan carnivals and enjoy world games. Camp is something more than all of that. IT is a place where friendships and memories are created. Along with hundreds of other people camp is something I wait ten months of the year for. So when I was asked to write what does camp mean to me, the first thing I thought of was that camp to me is home. My cabin is my family, where my cabin mates are my brothers and Goldie my unithead is like my father. Where Chris Mckibin is my uncle and Noan is my brother in law. The CIT year was amazing as was every other year at camp. On behalf of the CIT's I would personally like to thank Goldie and all the directors for giving us the opportunity to have the time of our lives.

CIT Luke 2004

Camp is about making new friends and having new experiences. Camp itself is a new experience that we all want to re-experience again and again. Camp is about being yourself and friendships. Sometimes we want to stay or go but I have experienced many new things here like firebuilding, and pottery. But best of all was world games. I am sure everyone had a great time during world games whether they won or lost because I sure did. But I know everyone had tons and tons of fun and that is what is important. I had fun with my cabin , tubing, hockey and just playing around. When you think about it camp is just one big temporary home.

Sophomore boy 2004

Be definition camp is a place where children retreat during the summer and are provided with activity and eating facilities- but to me camp is so much more than just a bunch of facilities. Camp is a place to learn and grow., A place to let go and be yourself and be accepted for it. A place where you learn to live without the comforts of home along with strangers from places foreign., But throughout the summer you realize that you are not living without the comforts at home, because this is your home and that these people are not strangers and are your very best friends.

Here at camp Manitou, is where I met my best friends in the whole world. There are the reason I come back every year and each year our bonds grow stronger. To me camp is about the people and the moments and the memories you share with them and I thank Camp Manitou for these moments and memories which I will remember for the rest of my life

Junior boy

The first year I came to camp I was just an unknown freshkid and I knew no one except my sister. Then I met my counsellors here and the people in my cabin. As time grew on my camp family grew bigger and I became stronger. When I came back this year I was so excited to meet new friends and make and reach new goals. All the people in my cabin counsellors were so great.. This year was my first world games but it won't be my last . To end this speech I am going to say something that everyone in my cabin says. "When your at camp your homesick but when you are at home your homesick too because camp is my second home"

Sophomore girl

This year I found camp to be the most unique of all my summers here. With all the challenges as a CIT were placed upon us I think we were all given a tremendous opportunity and all of us will learn, experience and remember the times we had at camp this past summer. Manitou is just about the most meaningful place I can imagine. Each and every one of us, campers and staff are very luck to spend portions if not the full summer here. Although it sounds cliché to say, I have really learned about friendship here. Camp for me is the place where I can live life to the fullest, the people here are by for the most integral part of what makes camp camp! I am forever in debt to Mark and Jeff for letting me know what camp is all about. It is hard for me to say this because I thought the day would never come but my time as a camper here is over. I have learned more in five years then could learn anywhere else. I will leave reluctantly tomorrow but have learn t plenty and will take home friendships that will last a lifetime.

CIT

You'd think that I would have been scared coming to camp two months ago since I am only eight years old and I've never been away from home before. But I thought that I would be having too much fun at activities and making new friends. And I knew that the memories I would have at camp would last forever. I will never forget my crazy counsellors who wake us up for Tribal Games in the middle of the night and making up expressions like "Oh What" and Ridonkuoous" and I will always remember evening programs like Rupert's boot camp and Airbands. There are so little places in this world where you can make so many jokes, friends, stories and memories in such a short period of time. That is what camp mean's to me.

Freshkid Boy

Camp is a place , that will be forever, even after this very dining hall is left deserted over the winter months. Because the memories , the friendships, the very experience we gain from being here will stay with us forever. Camp is a place where the cabins, the fields, the activities are only settings for friends to meet, for people to learn for the spirit of camp to come alive. What is camp? This is up to you to decide, but camp gives us something to think about, people special to meet , something to do and mostly it gives us an experience that we remember forever.

Sophomore Boy

During the 3 years here at Camp Manitou I have felt embraced by a family away from home. From the moment I stepped off the bus a few ago to now. I have become so close to camp and my cabinmates who I have lived with and have spent some of the best times of my life with . To me camp is a home away from home., I have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. My counsellors are role models and close friends. The staff here are so caring. The most important thing is that here at Manitou I have found friendships which will last forever

Senior boy

Reflections from two senior girl sisters- the same age:

Sister 1: I remember my first summer at camp. My parents forced me to go,. Staying in a cabin with a bunch of girls I didn't know did not ammuse me and it didn't sound fun at all. When I got here, I didn't want to open up to anyone but the warm atmosphere of camp and the friendliness of all the campers forced me to give in. I am glad I did.

Sister 2: Me on the other hand had a different outlook. My good friend told me about this camp and said that we should join her and her friends. I was so excited. A different environment with new people and things to try – what more could I ask for?

Sister 1: When Mel asked me to write about what camp means to me, I thought back to a time where I did not want to be here…which was completely different from my sister's perspective

Sister 2: We started with two different meanings which has now forged into one.

SISTERS TOGETHER:

Camp means a new scene:

Friendly faces
Lifelong memories
Everlasting sisters
And or brothers
Another beginning to a new chapter
Every summer at Manitou

A special thanks to our sisters, condo 03 – you made our summers here amazing- that is what Manitou means to us.

To me camp is a place to have fun. Every year you wait for camp and as the days go by, you get more and more excited. Then finally camp is here. When you get there you meet your friends and get ready to make new ones. You wave goodbye to your parents and you realize that you're going to be alone. Nobody to tell you what pyjamas to wear or when to take a shower(except for my counsellors it seems). To me camp is a place to relax, vacation and a place to learn new things in a fun way. It is also a place where you get to sleep in a cabin with all of your friends and stay up late. To me camp is the best place to have fun! I love camp.

Russell Taylor - Freshkid camper

What camp means? Camp is a home, a place where people from all over the world came together to sing and have fun with eachother. Camp is a place where long lost friends are brought together and are reunited. Camp is a place where the activities are great, the staff are great, the facilities are great, but most of all, the friends are great. If you didn't have friends at camp, then there would be no point in coming to camp. Without all these great camp memories of your friends, there really is no point of camp. If we didn't have great directors, camp would just not be the same. So, I give you these words: Fun, friends, great activities, great staff, great directors; equals MANITOU.

Max Solow - Sophomore Camper

To me, camp is a place where ewveryone can come together to relate, have fun and enjoy the summer. When people ask me what my favourite part about camp is, I always get tongue-tied and usually end up saying, I love everything about Manitou. Even though it is true that I do love everything here at camp, there is always a lot more to say. For example, one of my absolute favourite things about camp is making new friends and keeping the ones that I have made the year before, because soon those friends will turn into family and will be very close. Another thing about camp is how staff members do whatever they can just to make sure that you have the best summer of your life. Even if it means taking care of you or running activities. I'm looking forward to coming bac to Manitou next year and many years after that. Thank you Manitou, I will always remember you.

Samantha Goldberg - Sophomore Camper

This is what camp means to me. Camp means my future. It means my future because if I learn a sport here at camp and I practice it a lot maybe in the future I'll be a professional player of that sport. If that happens then camp helped my future. Camp also is a place to get to know people from other parts of the world. You get to know people that you never thought you'd meet. Also camp means to have fun and be with your friends. My favorite part of camp was skiing because I didn't know how to ski and I learned how to. It was a lot of fun. Camp also means learning things and having a lot of fun. Camp is really important because you get to learn some incredible things. Camp is also important because it teaches you to be independent. That's why I am really happy to be able to come to Camp Manitou.

Jorge Adler - Junior Camper

Camp is all about the friends period. People who have never come to camp might think that camp is about the activities. They'd think it's about the basketball or dancing or even World Games. While the things we do here are tons of fun, it's not what makes Manitou, Manitou. It's all about the people. The people you meet and become friends with help make the memories that will last forever. Without the friends you gain here, camp wouldn't be the same. Friends here are people to do art with, prople to play sports with and people to have fun with, and so much more. Even if you don't enjoy something or if you are having a difficult time doing it, once you have a friend everything becomes easy. True friends are people you cry for once you have to leave them. Camp means friends and family.

Rebecca Bacchioni - Senior Camper

Manitou is my second home. I was honoured when asked to make this speech about the camp I love. This speech is about why I love it here and what it means to me. Only here at Manitou are we given opportunities that aren't possible anywhere else. For instance, waterski, tennis, roller hockey, and engage in intellectual conversations with our peers all in one day. It is here at Manitou that we are given the chance to create our own schedules based on the activities that we wish to take part in. Despte the complaints that we have no freedom here and that too much is expected of us, we really are given a great deal of freedom that goes along with the responsibility associated with it. Being here is often taken for granted. It is not until we wake up the morning after we return home, that we truly realize what we are missing. Having a group of people around you like I have has this summer, is what makes a summer memorable. Thank you everyone for a fantastic summer.

Alex Enchin - Senior Camper

This was my second year at Manitou, however, my seventh year at sleepover camp. I can surely say without a doubt, that these last two summers have been the best of my life. There are countless reasons why Manitou is so special to me, and I would like to share a few of them with you now. For me Camp is a time when I am able to experience things that I am not able to in the city. Being a CIT has allowed me to realize how much I love camp. As a CIT I have developed a different perception of camp. We get to experience the ultimate, because we get to be campers and staff. In my opinion, this was my best summer because it was my last opportunity to be a camper. All year I work so hard and look forward to my two months at camp. During that time, I get to make incredible friends and do amazing activities. I would never get to do this in the city. Waking up to a beautiful lake and being able to jump in for a swim whenever I want is a luxury I don't have at home. Sleeping in a cabin with my best friends is such an amazing bonding experience and allows me to create life-long bonds. Camp is an incredible place that means so much to me. Thanks to everyone. I love you Manitou!

Molly Rottapel - CIT Camper

It is difficult for me to sum up in so little words what camp means to me. Camp is a place where I can go every summer and know that I have a home away from home. Camp is a place where friends, and sometimes people you have just met become closer to you than your family. It is here that I can come to experience the things that I long for so much during the year. I am free here. Free to be myself, free to be independant, and most of all free to learn so many new things. I have learned and experienced so much here. I have made memories that will last a lifetime. I will never forget this place and I know that as I grow older, this place will be part of the child inside of me. Leaving here after an incredible summer I can only say that I can't wait to be back and allow younger campers to experience what I have. Thanks.

Marc Liverman - CIT camper.