YMCA Camp Wabanaki 

2009 Registration begins January 2, brochure and registration information available in December

Wabanaki Voyageurs                             Spring Programs

Camp Wabanaki is a true northern camp with beautiful mature maple forests, towering pines, granite rocks and cliffs beside a deep-blue clear northern lake. Located on Lake Vernon, just outside of Huntsville, Ontario, Wabanaki sits on a 40-acre site consisting of a large and small island and 23 acres of mainland.

The beautiful lake and waterfront location offers sheltered boating areas and open sailing areas. Sailing remains a very popular boating activity with proper instruction and appropriate boats for all ages.

Wabanaki Offers

The ROOTS Program

In keeping with the out tripping tradition of Camp Wabanaki, ROOTS teaches awareness and appreciation for all that is great about Northern Ontario. Initially launched in 2003 as an out-tripping preparation program, we have since recognized the excellent opportunity to include so much more in this ideal program format. ROOTS still includes out-trip planning and packing, water safety, canoeing and swimming skills, but has grown to encompass survival skills and campcraft, nature and weather awareness and appreciation, no trace camping and risk management.

At the end of each session, all campers and staff participate in the ROOTS Challenge, a fun and exciting camp-wide event that tests the knowledge and skills learned throughout the session. We are excited to provide Wabanaki campers with an experience that, as the name ROOTS implies, lays the groundwork for learning about the wonders and responsibilities of outdoor living - the core of what Camp Wabanaki is all about!

Canoe & Sea Kayaking Adventure Trips

Every camper at Wab participates in a highly supervised, safe adventure trip. Younger campers canoe to one of the camp sites on our lake, while older campers trip on a variety of routes that we have used for many years. Depending on the age of the cabin group, our campers are on the water for 2, 3, or 4 nights in areas such as Algonquin Park, or the Moon, Mattawa, French, or Magnetewan Rivers. The second oldest cabins (1 boys' cabin, 1 girls' cabin) will sea kayak on Georgian Bay.

The trip routes are well known to our counsellors who are trained and experienced in all aspects of out-tripping. All trips are lead by lifeguard-qualified staff and we use the most modern equipment without compromising the rustic adventure of the tripping experience.

Out-trips are not for everyone - Campers not interested in an out trip should consider Ki-Wa-Y and/or Belwood.

1-Week Sessions for Boys and Girls 7-11

These sessions are for campers interested in trying Wab, maybe for the first time. Campers will still participate in an overnight canoe trip, an many Wab activities we can stuff into one week!

The Director
Dave Jackson will be directing Wabanaki in 2008. Dave works full time in the Outdoor Services department as the off-season Camping Coordinator. Dave's camping experience dates back to his childhood when he was a camper and L.I.T. at Wabanaki. Before his return to K-W, he was at an outdoor centre in BC as an instructor and the school program coordinator. Dave's specialty (both personally and professionally!) is out tripping and we are very excited by the changes in all aspects of the tripping program (safety, equipment and on-trip experience) that were evident in our trips over the past three summers.

Transportation
Campers can arrive at camp by car, by our chartered highway coach which begins in Waterloo and makes stops in Guelph and Barrie or by a camp vehicle, depending on numbers. The charge for the bus is $74.20 return and $58.30 one way. Transportation fees are not included in the fee for camp. Detailed bus information is provided in the Parents’ Handbook, but bus payment information is required at the time of registration.

Open House

More information will be available soon about the Open House date for 2009.