We can tell you why first time campers have such an incredible experience whether, they are freshkids or seniors, whether they are from North America, Europe, Japan or South America or from  a host of numerous other countries. However, we would rather you read first hand what our first time campers said about their Manitou experience.  Our return ratio is 95% and that includes campers that had a great time but left for other reasons (family trips, etc)  and we feel this is  because the Manitou family knows that if you welcome new people right away and go out of your way to include them it is the new people that will enrich your camp friendships and experience.

"When I first started going to Manitou I was nine years old and I had no idea what to expect. I was a little scared but i can tell you honestly that the second I walked off the bus into the camp, I knew I would have a great summer. I could give you a list about why I keep on having such great summers, but I will give you my main reasons. All of the counsellors and campers are very welcoming to any new camper that walks off the bus into the camp, if a camper has a problem their counsellors are always open to help them, with a happy and caring attitude. They are nice and open about everything, and will help you with anything, if you ever have a problem or need someone to talk to, they will be there. The kids are very nice and down to earth. They will always include you and always help you out if you have a problem or an issue. Once you start to share a cabin with the campers there, they don't become a stranger at all, instantly they all become your friends. Me and my friends share the same cabin every year. Another aspect of the camp that I enjoy is that you have the option to choose your activities. You see, I am not that into big sports so I can do my activities that I love. During the first few nights of camp, your counsellor will give each camper a list. That camper will have the option to right down i think it is twelve or ten activities that they would like to do. There will be a box beside every line that you can write an activity in that will give you the option to put the name of a friend. Than the directors will look at that, and if you and your friend both put each other's name down, then you will do the activity together. For example, me and my friend Benji, wanted to do tennis together, so we both wrote each others name down and we did that activity together.

The food there is amazing, honestly I even tell my parents this, it is better than the food they make at my home. Once you go to Manitou, you live there, so everyone you know becomes your family, even the staff. Every year i see the same staff and friends, and I look forward to seeing them all year long. Manitou has a warm energy, everyone there is nice, I just feel like when I am there I am safe, and happy. The activity directors make everything you do fun. They make everything exiting and unique. If you get hime sick you will have friends and counsellors to talk to. I remember this one time that my counsellor was busy with an activity, and I was upset because i was home-sick. My friend was trying but couldn't help me, so I went to my counsellor, he told me he would be with me in ten minutes but the second I told him that I was home-sick. He got up, and went to make me feel better right away with out a seconds regret. The doctors there are very helpful, I have never been to the doctor because i was never sick, but when my friends were there, they were cured and back to normal in no time. Every morning I would be allowed to take my allergy pills and the nurses would help me and make me feel great.

You can look forward to Manitou and the amazing staff, campers, food, activities, fun, and good times that he will have there.

The very best,
Alex"

"To me camp is  a break from the rest of the year- hanging out with friends and being away from your parents is a great way to become more independent and responsible.  I love being in the great outdoors and learning and improving my skills. The staff here is superior- they understand you and try to make everything that you do fun.  I had an instant connection with my counsellors last year  (my first year) and the other staff members too.  This is a very special camp because you make friendships that last  a lifetime.  At my old camp I got really homesick but I didn't at  Manitou.  Everyone here makes you feel so comfortable and make it feel like home.  I have made tons of friends all different ages in just one summer – I hope you all have a wonderful summer."
Senior camper Ellie

"Last year was my first year at Manitou, and I was kind of scared before, but as soon as i got there that all went away. The 100000000 amazing new experiences that I know you probably couldn't do anywhere else (well not where i'm from anyway) are only just the beginning of why I had the best summer of my life. It gave me the opportunity to meet so many new people and make so many life long best friends. The food was great, it gave me the opportunity to try so many new activities and learn so many new skills. I matured there, I learnt from other people and over all I had a positively UNREAL time! Manitou is the best, funnest place on earth, they say home is where the heart is, a place you love, Manitou is my home."
Megan, senior from England

"The boys have been home less than five hours and they are already asking how many days until next summer. They have not stopped talking about everything including their canoe trip. After just two weeks both of them have returned home as different kids in a good way!! They are so proud of their accomplishments this summer as are we. Please thank all of the freshkid counselors for us and Activity Heads and Directors that the boys bonded with…and Mark a big thank you to you. We knew right at the beginning that Manitou was the camp for our boys but it was the meetings with us that solidified it for our children,. They felt comfortable and safe with you from the beginning. Thank you for providing a safe, loving and SUPER FUN environment for our kids."
First time parent of freshkid boys

"I just wanted to let you know how impressed we are with Manitou. …We were blown away…From the minute we met you and you spoke to our son you made us all feel so comfortable. Visitors day was unbelievable..He couldn't tell us enough positive things …he adores his counselors , loves his activities, the canoe trip and the list goes on…."
First time parent, Jill of sophomore Boy

"Our son was a little anxious about going to camp the first time as a senior camper but he came home to say he has made new fiends and had one of the best summers he has ever had, he loved it up there and he truly caught your fever, congratulations on your program and our heartfelt thanks to contributing to our son's personal growth."
Parent of first time senior boy

"I am pretty sure I forgot to convey to you how happy we were with our childrens' first camp experience at Manitou. They both came home just that much more independent and confident and of course full of stories and cheers. We are confident that Manitou is the right "home away from home" for them and are very grateful for everything you did and are doing to create this wonderful experience."
Parent, Karen of Fresh and Soph campers

"I have only been here four days yet I am having so much fun and it's my first time.  Before camp I was constantly told about so much cool stuff and how I was going to have such an amazing time but I was still nervous however once I got here I saw that Manitou doesn't only teach to accept change but embrace it.  Manitou has given me the most positive unreal start to the summer."
New Camper Megan from England- Senior

"I came to Manitou knowing no one my age, and never being at sleep over camp from a foreign country  and never having the opportunity  to come out of my comfort zone  and show everyone who I really am.  Life in Columbia is very different form life here…When I arrived to camp  at first I felt really lonely and disoriented  but I told myself if I maintained a positive attitude  I would be fine…I tried new things such as water-ski and tennis. Now I am having the best summer because taking advantage of all that Manitou offers made me realize what summer is all about.  This has been the most incredible summer because you allowed me to feel like it was my home"
Junior girl Stephanie- from Columbia

"Hi I am Santi and this is my third year at Manitou. I remember how worried Alvaro and I were when we came to camp our first year. When you go from one country to another you know its going to be difficult to adapt because of different language, customs and because you don't know anybody . But for some reason unlike my other camp experiences  Manitou broke this thought, everyone makes you feel so good.  I was so impressed when we arrived – when we opened the door of our cabin and all the cabin came and  received us as if we were life long friends. Every year I have the best counsellors in the world – all of them help me to adapt so well- its amazing. I have to thank everybody in Manito that helped us to evolve and for helping us to become better people."
Senior boy-Santi from Spain

"Sometimes having your family and friends on the other side of the world is hard but thanks to all of you we handled it- thank you for having the patience to understand us because its very hard for us speaking your language.  Thank you for being great people and letting us have the best summers of our lives."
Alvaro- Senior camp from Spain

"My name is Sarah and it is my second year at Manitou but first time staying all summer and I love it…Last session I barely knew my friend Hannah  but now she is my best friend. I like a lot of activities , I like meeting new people and camp is a second home for me. I am so sad camp is over and the only thing I hate about camp is leaving- The Sarah at home is shy  and not so crazy but the Sarah at camp is really crazy. "
Sarah Prosserman Freshkid