A Fireside to kick off Second Session!
We recently had our first Friday Night Fireside of 2nd session and as per Manitou tradition, campers that came to camp last summer for the first time spoke to our new campers about their experience. They offered anecdotes to provide guidance and words of wisdom. It is one thing when a Head Staff member or counsellor gets up in front of the camp to give these messages, but it is another thing for kids to hear from their peers. Receiving the message that its normal to miss home and that it worked out so well for these returning campers is a message that truly helps our entire Manitou family come together in support of our new campers.
Here are some wonderful quotes from our camper speakers.
“I am sure everyone can remember their first day of camp. I was nerve racking , exciting and you did not know what to expect, well these were the feelings that I experienced the first day as well but when I arrived I was greeted by my counsellors who immediately made me feel at home” – Senior camper
“Manitou helped me build my confidence. One of the best things about Manitou is that it lets me be myself and I am the weirdest person I know. What I am trying to say is you don’t have to hide yourself, If you feel homesick don’t be afraid to tell your counsellor” – Freshkid camper
“I was scared to come to Manitou for the first time because I didn’t know anyone and I would miss my family but once I go there I received a very warm welcome and I immediately felt at home. Everyone is so nice and the staff are so helpful and comforting” – Freshkid camper
“I moved from Australia in the middle of covid and with online school I didn’t know very many people in Canada. I turned up at camp last year and booked two weeks and stayed for six. The friendship you make here are like no other and you get to know people on a level that is hard to reach anywhere else than camp. If you feel homesick talk to someone because everyone has felt that at some point” – Sophomore camper
“There were times when I was homesick and I missed my family and I missed having my own bedroom and bathroom but I would not have changed a thing about coming here because of all the amazing people that were like the sisters I never had. I was worried I would be judged for homesickness but know one judged me for anything I did….and I met some amazing people who opened my eyes to the cultures that the world has to offer ….Camp made me feel like I could rule the world, master the stars and tame the ocean and thank you Camp Manitou for showing me how happy I can be just being me.” – Sophomore camper
“When I first arrived at camp I was not sure how I felt about this place however after I went home I was so excited to come back next year , it could be nerve wracking for some people to go away from home for two plus weeks but you will most likely feel at home after the first week or so” – Junior camper
“Last summer I was nervous but excited to come but now as a result of last summer I have some of my best friends coming with e, last summer I was supposed to stay for two weeks but stayed the entire month , World games was awesome.” – Junior camper
“Last year was my first time at Manitou. I was nervous because I didn’t know many people here but everyone was so nice and made me feel welcome, Last summer I was able to make lasting friendships and camp has become my second home” – Senior camper
