Camp Arowhon

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Camp Arowhon

Owned and operated by the Kates family since 1934, Camp Arowhon has a rich camp heritage that spans three generations. Located on a private lake in the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park, the natural beauty of the camp is simply unbeatable.

Families choose Camp Arowhon for their exceptional staff trained to care about each child’s physical and emotional well-being. Campers are taught to acquire and master new skills through diverse activity offerings lead by passionate instructors - most of whom attended Arowhon as campers.

Program Description

Camp Arowhon is a completely free-choice program for campers. Each morning campers sign up for the activities they want to participate in that day. There are six activity periods per day, and swimming is the only activity required every-other-day.

Most campers take advantage of the various activities offered on Arowhon’s waterfront and on the thousands of lakes and rivers throughout the area. Canoe trips are a major component of the Arowhon program and give campers the opportunity to gain leadership skills and build teamwork.

Camp Arowhon also offers a two week Junior Camp for children who want to try sleep away camp for the first time. This program is highlighted by specially trained counselors who make the transition to camp smooth and gentle.

Staff Overview

With an average staff retention rate of over 90%, Arowhon counselors have extensive experience with the program and remain consistent year after year. Arowhon employs approximately 150 staff members and boasts a 2:1 camper-to-counselor ratio. Senior counselors are at least 18 years old.

Third-generation camp director Joanne Kates is a noted expert on youth social dynamics and incorporates her expertise into many aspects of the program. Each counselor is highly trained in “social safety,” emphasizing active listening, talking circles, conflict mediation, and bully interventions. Social safety is a hallmark of the Camp Arowhon program and philosophy.

Setting & Accommodations

Camp Arowhon is located on a private lake in the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park, a stunning 3,000 square mile wilderness refuge in Ontario, Canada. With a vast array of hills, ridges, lakes, ponds, and streams, the site begs to be explored on canoe and by foot. The site is about 3 hours north of Toronto.

Campers live in wood cabins with electricity and full indoor bathrooms; shower houses with private stalls are just a few steps away. Each camper has their own cubby and either a single bed or bunk bed. Between eight and ten campers live in each cabin with at least two counselors.

Arohown has great food – especially since the camp’s director is a restaurant critic for The Globe and Mail newspaper. The food is prepared on-site and features many healthy (and tasty) choices for campers at each meal.

Safety Standards

Both physical and emotional safety are key components of the Camp Arowhon program. Each staff member is given the Camp Arowhon Social Safety Tool Kit, a document packed with tools and techniques to ensure an emotionally safe environment at camp.

Camp Arowhon has two nurses and a doctor on staff at all times. Waterfront staff are Bronze Cross certified and all staff are first-aid certified. Canoe trip coordinators are trained in wilderness first aid.

Camp Arowhon is Ontario Camping Association certified and camp director Joanne Kates is also a member of the American Camping Association.

Camp Arowhon Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition
Full Summer	6/30/10-8/23/10	7-15	$7,600
July Session	6/30/10-7/26/10	7-15	$4,850
August Session	8/28/10-8/23/10	7-15	$4,400
Junior Camp July	6/30/10-7/13/10	10-13	$2,400
Junior Camp August	7/28/10-8/10/10	10-13	$2,200
Full Summer (Leader-In-Training)	6/30/10-8/23/10	16-16	$7,200
July Session (Leader-In-Training)	6/30/10-7/26/10	16-16	$4,850
August Session (Leader-In-Training)	7/28/10-8/23/10	16-16	$4,400