Children will be able to play, laugh, and learn this summer at Camp Couchiching.
Ross McIntyre, Camp Couchiching’s director of community initiatives, says camps for the warm summer months are already over 50 percent full.
“It speaks to the need and the interest of programming for local families,” he said.
McIntyre says Camp Couchiching expected there to be a big appetite for camp this summer, but it’s still surprising to see how anxious people are to get signed up and claim their spot.
“It’s filling up quick,” he said. “Now is definitely the time to get registered if folks are looking for a week or a couple of weeks of day camp this summer.”
McIntyre says Camp Couchiching is confident in its summer programming despite the ongoing pandemic and the possibility of added restrictions.
“We are fortunate to have an outdoor setting," he said. "Because we have such a large site, we are confident that regardless of what could change we will be able to run a safe and fulfilling summer for anyone who wants to join us."
Last year Camp Couchiching was one of only two non-profit camps in Ontario to run a program during the pandemic. However, the camp was restricted and limited to the service they could provide.
“We are super optimistic about this summer,” McIntyre said. “We are planning to run closer to what camp looked like in 2019 than what it has been in the past two years.”
Camp Couchiching will be offering an array of different activities for families and children. Campers will be able to enjoy campfires, meals served in the dining hall, and new programming.
“From our perspective with what we see every day from having kids in over the course of the winter is there is something very tangible happening with those kids when they are here,” he said. “Their ability to connect socially with others, their ability to explore new spaces, and their ability to connect with nature…There are just massive benefits to that and those kids individually.”
During the pandemic, Camp Couchiching has received support through subsidies, equipment, and retail support from the community. McIntyre says all that support is much appreciated, and the camp looks forward to paying it forward this summer by offering a top-notch summer experience.
To register for day camp at Camp Couchiching, click here. For overnight camp, click here.
