Camp Tamakwa Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Camp Tamakwa

Set in one of Canada’s oldest national parks, Camp Tamakwa is located in scenic Algonquin Park and offers a traditional co-ed camp experience to campers ages 7-16. Campers will explore the neighborhood of over 3,000 square miles of dense woodlands and 2,000 lakes and rivers. Excursions into nature, especially group canoeing trips, foster challenge, adventure, and teamwork unique to the Tamakwa experience.

Tamakwa is known for its spirit, tradition, intimate size, family feeling, and creating strong bonds within its community. This, along with being located in the “jewel” of Canadian parks, will surely result in timeless memories and lasting friendships.

Program Description

Camp Tamakwa blends structure and flexibility into campers’ daily schedule. Two daily activities are organized by cabin while the remaining three periods are individually selected. Individual activities encourage campers to participate in their favorite activities or the chance to try something new. Free play periods are scheduled before and after dinner.

Canoe trips are the essence on which Camp Tamawka is based. Each cabin embarks on at least one trip lasting anywhere from one to 13 days long. These excursions into the wilderness inspire group bonding, camaraderie and respect for nature.

Staff Overview

Camp Tamakwa’s staff is made up of professionals with vast experience in camping or education. Many former campers or people involved in education make up the counseling staff, while the rest are university students. They are screened through applications, references and an extensive interview process. The diverse staff frequently comes from around the USA and Canada, as well as from England, Scotland, South Africa, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand.

Setting & Accommodations

Set in the heart of Algonquin Park, campers enjoy the rustic environment of Camp Tamakwa. Campers live in cabins and wood cottages with electricity. Bathroom facilities (nicknamed the "biffies") are in all of the girls' cabins and in those housing the youngest and oldest boys. Middle range boys share the use of a central biffy or community bathroom. Since 1982, Camp Tamakwa has restored or totally replaced every camper cabin. Algonquin Park is world renowned as a premier camping location, and for campers at Tamakwa, it is a part of their everyday life.

Safety Standards

Full-time nurses and a physician are in on-site, as well as a clinic with daily "sick-call" and an infirmary. The nearest hospital is just 30 minutes away in Huntsville.