Every Friday night the entire camp gets together around a campfire overlooking the lake, singing camp songs and discussing important values such as friendship, family, respect, appreciation or acceptance. Each summer the campers choose a theme to present to their fellow campers through song, poetry and creative expression. To the right you will see one of our guest speakers, from Toronto discussing the importance of giving to one’s community and how children can make a positive impact on helping those around us. The camp song is sung…. by the entire Manitou Family many times throughout the summer, whether at each Friday night Fireside, at plays, world games or the raising/lowering of the Flag. Camp fires and sing songs are a critical element of any camping experience.

  

  

Community week, and Random acts of kindness.
At Manitou the counselors, activity staff and head staff inculcate to the campers a sense of family and belonging. That means every single camper is respected for who they are, that differences are celebrated and that respect, tolerance and empathy are second nature to our campers. Throughout the summer campers, for example, do Random acts of Kindness as they learn to appreciate how fortunate they are. When children appreciate their opportunities they in turn enjoy life and engage themselves that much more!

Our community week, for example is the culmination of this culture, as campers in every activity and cabin partake in various programs to contribute to the Manitou community as well as the local community. We have a guest speaker talk to campers about the importance of helping people in our own communities as well as around the world over.Campers for example from our Rockn Roll, Guitar, Theatre and Dance programs present to the local seniors home in Parry Sound a 90 minute presentation. The entire camp on the last day of community week is involved in the March of Hope, whereby campers walk around Main field in celebration of how we can all make this world a better place and upon completion sign the March of Hope banner.

March of Hope
   

2011 - Friday night fireside - “how one person can make a difference”:

Hi , my name is Jordan, This speech is about one person who has made a difference in my life. The first day at camp I was really homesick. I was also really homesick on the second day . But on the third day I had video – Karen the head of video saw that I was homesick and I Asked if I could talk to her. I still felt a a little homesick but she said it was okay to feel homesick, she said “if you ever feel homesick you can come talk to me” She helped me for the rest of the session . I looked forward to seeing Karen every day . It made me feel good to know someone was there to help me. Karen is someone who knows how to make a difference in someone's life, I am lucky that I was that someone. Thank you very much Karen.

Soph boy jordan
Hi my name is Mandy and and I'm Jordyn- today we will be talking to you about one or many people who can make a difference in the world. There are many people who are not as fortunate as us and they do not get to experience camp like all of us. Many families don't even have a home or even enough money for a piece of bread- we have a friend, back home and he decided to start a charity called liforia which really means life for you. This charity helps raise money for the homeless. Liforia is also associated with the charity mada which provides food for the homeless as well…

There are other ways to make a difference in someones life- for example when you or a friend is homesick you can always go to your unithead or counsellor or a friend, At the beginning of the summer Mandy and I were homesick so we went to talk to our unithead sarah and she would always make us feel better and make us laugh. Also you can always go to your friends for advice- sometimes friends are easier to talk to then a grown up- there were allot of people who helped us through some tough times at the beginning of the month and thanks to all their help we ended our month with huge smiles.
Mandy and jordy – soph girls

Hi Manitou! For those of you who don't know me my name is Jamie and this is my second year at Manitou. I was asked to write a speech about how one person makes a difference and this is my story- two weeks ago when getting out of bed I banged my knee on my sideboard and wasn't table to walk. My friends really helped me by taking me to the infirmary and letting me sleep on their bottom bunks to avoid climbing my ladder and getting more hurt., although to them it may not have been a big deal it meant so much to me that my friends were there to help me when I needed them most. So thanks G18 and remember that one person's small actions can make a huge difference in someone else's life.
Jamie soph girl-

Hello my name is Matt and I am a year sophomore. This is my third year at Manitou and the topic is how you can make a difference by noticing problems, like if someone is sad and hurt and helping them out. I remember a situation where I was longboarding with my brother – and I saw my brother fall and knew he was hurt badly – as I went to get help I saw a lady who had gone out of her way to comfort and help him – she could have easily turned her back to him and continued walking, yet what this lady did was so significant because she didn't know him but she still went out of her way to help an injured stranger. The lesson is that if everyone in the world took time out of their own life and would decide to think about others before themselves there would be a lot less problems and we would all feel safer and happier.
Matt soph boy

Hello my name is Ethan and I am at camp Manitou – and the theme of fireside is helping others and making a difference. I think someone who made a difference for me was Terry my unithead. When I was being a bit of a trouble maker terry told me “don't risk getting in trouble” because he doesn't like to see his campers behaving badly. He knew I was better than that and that it wasn't worth getting in trouble. He made a difference in my camp experience by helping me learn to be a better camper. Sarah my other unithead says that I am a lot more fun when she doesn't have to get upset with me . I think being a well behaved camper is the best way to go – thank you Terry and Sara for teaching me that and making a difference
Ethan , Soph Boy

Hi Manitou!
This is my 4^th year at Camp Manitou and I'm still amazed how well camp makes you feel when you arrive here. All your nerves disappear. I come from the other side of the world and my home is such a big distances and it's very difficult and produces a lot of nerves but here in Manitou they disappear. I consider Manitou as my home. Manitou has given me the chance of getting to know wonderful people, live awesome experiences, have lots of fun and grow as a better person.

Don't worry it's easy to achieve these things in Manitou, you have to follow these instructions: Treat people as you would like them to treat you, be natural, meaning be how you are and not how others want you to be, try and get the maximum from the activities and the most important instruction- have fun. I hope everybody has a good time and lots of great experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Santi- CIT- Spain

When I first came to Manitou, I was really nervous because I didn't knew how it would be , I came from the other part of the world and I was a little bit scared but when I met the consellors and campers I realize dhtat I would have a great time with this awesome people. This is my fourth year and I have very good friends and I have met incredible counselors . I ve always had incredible moments in Manitou so the people who are scared or miss your home just relax and enjoy the opportunity at making new friends and have a a great time that Manitou gives you. I'm sure that we will have an awesome summer.
Alvaro- CIT Spain

Camp is so important to me for many reasons and its not just the amazing food, activities and events. As cheesy as it may sound it's the fact that all your friends, your cabin and your counselors feel like family. And I would know, Last year I had never been to sleepover camp before and I came here knowing only a few people and truthfully I was terrified I wouldn't fit in, especially considering I didn't know anyone in my cabin. But as soon as I arrived,. I felt right at home- and that what camp means to me. Having a home away from home that you wait the whole year to go back to. Everyone was so nice and excited for camp that I knew it would be a great summer and it was. So if you are new, don't worry because I guarantee you will love it here. I have so many great memories from camp- like being in the play and doing an Ellen Degeneres EP. These memories along with memories of all the amazing campers and staff here are what makes me want to come back to camp so badly. I'm sure this summer will be even better than the last and I hope you all have best summer yet and make memories that will last forever
Liza hersch- senior girl-

Hey I'm Hailee- I am a first year Junior and this is my second year at Manitou . I know some of the kids here are new to Manitou or maybe even to sleepover camp. Well, take it someone who was new to Manitou last year- I can guarantee you that at Manitou you will feel at home in not time at all!!

I am sure everyone has their own reasons why Manitou is so great but some of th things that really make Manitou special for me are things like having the freedom to make our own choice about what you're going to do every day. Let's say you love waterskiing or maybe tennis, Well then you can do them almost every day ! Just remember to sign up first and then go and have a great time. And if you want to try some new activities you never have done before, don't be scared because the Manitou staff are great at teaching you.

There is also some other really cool things here that you just don't get to see or do in the city. Also I am not sure if you've noticed but there is a Tarzan rope at the lake- yeah a Tarzan rope! And have you ever tried filming with a camera while going down a zip line? Well its not really an official activity but here at Manitou you never know what opportunity might come your way! Also how many stars do you see at night in the city? One Maybe two- or three if you're lucky- well at camp you cant even count all the Stars! There are so many of them at night!

But I've saved the best thing of all about Manitou for last and that's all the great friends I've made here- I've been looking forward to seeing all my Manitou friends again for a long time. And finally for all of you who are new one of the most important things you should know about Manitou is that everyone who works here really cares about you. You can trust that if you have a problem , there is someone who actually wants to help you out. I am sure that in one or two days Manitou will feel like your home away from home- Here's to a great summer!
Thank you
Hailey Ram – junior girl

Hi everyone- I am Nate and this is my 6^th year at Manitou. Today I want to tell you what camp Manitou means to me. Manitou is the place where I feel most comfortable. If you're a new camper and are nervous about coming here to camp, there is no need to be, because Manitou is the warmest most friendly place you could have picked. Every year at Manitou I make new friends even if I don't have those intentions. Over the years you adjust to your cabin and eventually everyone in your cabin is your best friend. Everyone here is so warm and welcoming that if you have any problem there is always someone there to help you. For example, last year towards the end of second month I decided that I really wanted to spend more time with my family at my cottage and mark jeff and al my counselors were very accommodating but they understood and I went home second month- I regretted my decision the entire time and really wished I had never left camp. This year this is no doubt that I will be the last camper to get on the busses home. From this experience I learned that the staff here are very helpful. They are hard working, and want the best for you. Manitou is different from other camps because at Manitou they offer you what camps don't offer which is the chance to choose your activities for yourself. At many other camps you do all the activities with your whole cabin which doesn't give you as much a chance to pursue something you want to do or something you want to try that is new that your cabin may not want to do. If we were to all our activities with our cabins I would have gotten the chance to spend a lot of my time at my favourite activity, guitar. Manitou is really a special place and I know I will coming back for many years to come
Nate Daviau- senior-

Hi Manitou, my name is Hannah Berman- this is my second year at Manitou and I am here to talk about what camp is like for me. Well camp is my favourite part of the year as it is so awesome and fun and one of my favorite things was getting to meet such great friends, counselors and of course your amazing CITS. It is such an honour to be here and have the privilege to be at such a great camp. If you are homesick all your friends will be there to comfort you. I doubt you will get homesick with all these great nice people around you, camp is like your new family. The thing I have been looking forward to most this summer is seeing all my friends and old counselors and CITs but also going around to all the fun activities and having such a great time. To be honest camp is everything for me I don't know how I would live without camp. I know this year will be just as great as the last and I hope you all have an amazing time this summer.
Soph – Hannah Berman

And now a word from our sponsor:
Are you feeling stressed, fed up with school, and tired of being told what to and how to do it- are you thinking about summer at regular and feeling uninspired? IF you answered yes to any of these questions then come to Camp Manitou ….Camp Manitou situated in beautiful countryside, five star lodgings, world renown chefs working day and night to make your meals a little mosquito spray for your camping comfort and soothing music from the “moose” radio station.

Whatever you do , your parents won't be there to tell you what to do! So as long as you are following the rules Manitou is for you!

And if you call the number on your screen….you get a brand new …aw too bad, that you cant use your phone at Manitou…

But that's ok and you will be having too much fun to want to use your phone- whether its watersports, or arts and crafts, video or theatre, or my personal favourite, building wooden squirrels, there is everything at camp waiting for you. The big difference here is that you get to make your own schedule and choose from all these great activities. And you still get to hand out with your cabin during cabin time. The counselors here are nice and will help you out if you are homesick or unhappy- which won't happen because you will be too busy having so much fun. My name is Lee and thanks for listening to today's camp of the year commercial!
Lee Benzacer- Junior.
Hannah Berman

Hi- I am Sam – this is my second year at Manitou- I had a great time at Camp last year and there are so many activities and fun things to do, The staff is great and they are always willing to help you out. Mark and Jeff are also around and they will answer any questions you have. The best thing about camp is that you get to do the activities you want to do, IF you don't like what you're doing or you want to try something different you get to change activities

If you like the activity you get to keep doing it! The key is to pick activities you want to try instead of doing just what your friends want to do. Ths is very important if you feeling a little homesick . Keeping busy doing what you want is the best way not to think about home.

I am really looking forward to Camp and doing the activities I loved last year and trying a few new things too. I am sure it will be a great summer for all of us.
Sam Weisbrod- soph

Hi my name is Charles Sheiner and this is why I am excited to come back to Manitou this summer

1. There are lots of really fun activities. My favourites are high low ropes, basketball and baseball
2. I get to hang out with my camp friends, who I haven't seen all year long
3. My whole family is here which makes it really for me and
4. This year I'm staying for one monh so I get to be here for Tribal games
5. And that is why I am excited to come back to Manitou this year- Hope you have a great summer

Hi my name is Sophie Sheiner and this is my second summer at Camp Manitou. Last summer I stayed for two weeks and I am so excited to stay for a month this year. I loved it last year because :

1. It was fun and I loved the activities especially dance and ropes
2. I made so many new friends
3. The counselors are so nice and they make me feel safe

That is why I was so excited to come back to camp because I knew all these things would happen again. Thanks for listening- goodbye
Sophie Sheiner Freshkid

ACCEPTANCE THEME AT FIRESIDE 2006

For me acceptance is a topic I can easily relate to due to my experience at Manitou. When I first came last year by biggest fear was not being accepted into my new cabin….as time went on I found myself being around other kids- acceptance for me is a very important thing because it was responsible for my fantastic summer last year and is what brought me back this year. It can be difficult for someone to come to camp and make new friends but if the kids in the cabin accept that person no one will feel alone. When you are accepted you don't have to worry about making new friends because those friends are already there for you.
~ Soph Camper 2006

Acceptance and including means to me helping someone out , talking to them and being friends with them. I think it's important Including a person and it might not seem like a lot at the time but it means the world to that person. In my first year at camp, five years ago I knew only one person in my cabin but the cabin included me and it felt amazing and I'm still with these same friends five years later. After you take the step of acceptance it helps you become a better person and you make tons of friends.
~ Senior Boy

I have been asked to talk tonight on the theme of including others and acceptance and as its my sixth year at camp its easy for me to speak to. For those of you who don't know I am from Montréal and I did not come to camp with my friends from school or the city., So there I was with basically no friends and trust me its no fun being in a a strange place with strange people, but about a week into camp I started becoming more friendly with my cabin ….things continued to get better and in my second year at camp I became great friends with all of my cabin, We now have had the same cabin for six years running and we've become very tight. So for those of you who are struggling with making friends do not worry, it'll come, but more importantly for the kids that already have lots of friends, go up to next guy and start talking.. so try and help the new kid out and make them feel at home….
~ Junior Boy

Acceptance Speech
By: Felicia, Melanie & Stephanie

Manitou is a camp that prides itself on its rare and amazing ability to accept a variety of people just as acceptance is important at Manitou, it's important everywhere.

Everyone has their own personality, style, culture, and background. No one should feel obligated to change and everyone should be able to express themselves without any pressure.

With hundreds of Camps to choose from, why Manitou?

There are approximately 500 people from all over the world at camp. They come here because they can feel comfortable in a family – like environment.

Such a wide range of people would be hard to put together in any other place but because everyone at Manitou knows that acceptance is a key aspect, it all works out and everyone learns new things from each other.

Last summer, 3 new girls joined our cabin. Not knowing them very well, we openly welcomed them. After only a short period of time, we got to know them and we all became close friends. It may seem that difference push people apart, but in our cabin they proved to bring us closer.

As part of the Manitou family we are accepted for ourselves and for that we're very grateful.

FRIDAY NIGHT FIRESIDE 2006

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

For the new kids at camp you should never worry, You will make lots of friends and love it here. If you have any problems there is always someone to talk to…the thing I love about camp is you get to pick your own activities and still get to have fun with your cabin. Camp is like our own little town where you do your own thing and know everyone in the neighbourhood
~ Adam- age 10

My name is Tyra, its my second year here. I know its will be a fantastic year
Last summer when I got off the bus my mom was making such a fuss
I realized camp wasn’t bad at all, I knew for sure I would have a ball
At all activities I learned something new, I was open to everything, I never yelled boo hoo
My favorite activity at camp was ropes, higher I climbed in search of antelopes….
Mark and Jeff you make good cabins, I know you would never make us sleep in wagons
I told mom I missed her for only a day, she was surprised and smiled, letting me stay
~ Tyra- age 8

My name is Carly and this is my third summer at camp….my mom came home one day and told me I would be flying up to Canada for a month and I would have a great time. I had never been out of the country before and just the thought of going on my first experience without knowing anyone was overwhelming. I was nervous , excited, scared, anxious because I did not know what to expect. When I got to camp it was late at night but my whole cabin was really nice and made me feel welcome. The next day we got to choose our activities. There were so many to choose from and they all sounded like so much fun. The days were so busy and that I didn’t have much time to be homesick. The counselors and other campers in your cabin if you are homesick make you feel better. I now keep a countdown until camp, as I can’t wait to see my friends , go on canoe trips, do cabin activities and get tuck. I especially look forward to all of the spcial activities such as beach day and tribal games and I can’t wait to try and learn new things. Camp is a home away from home that you will want to come back to summer after summer.
~ Carly age 12.

Without camp I would have lost out on amazing friends, and numerous new experiences. At camp you can be whatever and whoever you want to be in a beautiful and clean environment.
~ Lauren age 15

From the first time I got off the bus at Manitou back in 2000 I knew there was something very different and special about what I was about to experience…There is an unspoken bond between campers, Cits and staff….It is something that can never be properly explained to people who have not been to Manitou….To me Manitou is a place where materialistic things don’t matter and people’s differences are celebrated. Manitou is a place where boys have been known to cry when its time to go home. Manitou is where heroes and legends are born and everyone has the opportunity to be one. Manitou is a place for maturation: the maturation of individuals and of friendships. Manitou is the place where you can hone past skills and explore new skills and interests. Manitou is a place where lifelong friendships and memories are formed and finally Manitou is my home away from home.
~ Spencer age 16

I have spent a lot of time thinking about what Camp means to me and my mind kept scanning through a montage of camp memories including a surprise birthday party, my amazing canoe trip, intercamp, beach days and other adventures. But the one word that kept circling back to me is love, love for this place, love for these people and love for this experience. Camp is the place that makes your heart hurt because it is so full.
~ Brian Tripper