Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Thanks for 2008 - it was great!!

 

Thanks for a great summer!

The summer of 2008 was a great success.  I wanted to take a moment and thank all of the amazing campers and staff who made this summer the success that it was.  Hard to believe that school is back - I bet many of you are thinking of the summer of 2009 already, I know I am.

We are busy planning and organizing already for next summer.  A couple of things that are time sensitive are the early registration process as well as the survey.   Both of these are done online on our website.  For those of you who are returning campers please print off a copy of the registration form and send it to us by email, fax or regular mail - note on the calculations part of the registration form, there is a line where you insert the applicable discount.  The deadline for the early registration discount is November 15th.  As for the survey it too is online on our website and very easy to do - no more than 5 minutes of your time – and very important to us.

This fall we will be moving from our long time Water Street location in Peterborough to another location in Peterborough.  We will be announcing our new location shortly and we will of course have the address updated where applicable.  There will be a mailing sent to camper families by the end of September with all the various updates including our reunion dates and places.

 I hope all of you have a wonderful fall.  Feel free to return to the blog anytime as I will update periodically throughout the fall winter and early spring.

Thanks again for being apart of our summer!

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Friday, August 22, 2008

Harvest night is here!

 

Good morning all!

Sorry I didn’t get a Blog up yesterday but it was a very full day here.  It is now official; all the canoe trips are back.  Yesterday the River Adventure’s, Bay Tripper’s and two-week Pioneer’s paddled in under the bridge.   It was pretty exciting.

The VI’s; both groups, and the VII’s are on Lake Temagami as we await their return this morning.  It sounds like their trips were pretty incredible as well, we will find out more today as the day unfolds.

Tonight is Harvest Night - we are ready for the final celebration of the summer!  We have a full house and the vibe around here is filled with anticipation.  Tomorrow morning is a 7:00am breakfast and shortly after that the campers begin their trek to the bus while others await the arrival of their parents.   The next 24 hours will fly by  I am sure.

It really has been an amazing summer here.  I look forward to one more fantastic day of making camp memories before we wrap up the season.

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Two more trips back!

 

Two more trips return home.

Just a quick report to tell you that both the Temagami’s and the one month Coureur de Bois have returned home safely from their trips.   The looks on their faces as they paddled in under the bridge were fantastic.  As far as I can tell at this point the trips were a great success.  We will look forward to hearing all about their trips tonight.

Tomorrow our two-week Cdb’s as well as our one-month Pioneer’s return from their trips.  We are really looking forward to everyone’s arrival.  It is starting to feel more and more like Harvest Night as the trips role in.  As I write this our Bay Trippers have checked in to say hello, all is well with them too.  Tomorrow both VI’s will begin their long journey home as well as the VII’s.

All is well here at camp.  I will post another Blog to inform you of more trip updates.

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Monday, August 18, 2008

VII's are in Baker Lake

 

VII’s are in Baker Lake!

This is just a quick update for you.  The VII’s have safely completed their canoe trip.  We just received a phone call from them and they have made it back to Baker Lake!  Everyone is happy and healthy and according to the leaders, the trip was amazing.

They will fly from Baker Lake to Winnipeg then Toronto on Wednesday then bus up to camp arriving very late Wednesday night/Thursday morning then head out again for one more night on Lake Temagami and paddle in for noon on Friday.  Absolutely fantastic!

All of our other trips begin returning tomorrow.  I will fill you in as they return.

The countdown is on to Harvest Night.

Until the next time,

Woody

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

One more trip to go!

 

Two more trips hit the “trail”.

Today our Pioneers and Coureur de Bois have left for their respective trips; the Pioneer’s begin paddling the Groundhog River while the Coureur de Bois are travelling throughout Temagami.  The “CdB’s” left camp heading across Ferguson Bay to Diamond Lake and up through Lady Evelyn Lake, down the Montreal River to Anama Nippissing Lake, Red Squirrel Lake then back to Lake Temagami.

The only group left in camp are the Temagami’s, they head out for 6 days beginning tomorrow morning.  They too will be in the Temagami area.  This afternoon they are on a hike up to the Red Squirrel Falls and back.

Last night we had one of the best campfires we have had here this summer, they have all been great but this one was particularly excellent, complete with skits, guitars and lots of action songs.  A good time had by all.

We do have nearly 90 campers on trip now.  Here is an update of how many days each trip has been out; VII’s have been on their adventure for 47 days (41 on the water), both VI’s are on day 18, the Bay Trippers on day 16, the River Adventures day 3, both month long Pioneers day 13, month long CdB’s day 13, two week Pioneers and two week CdB’s day 1.

We are really looking forward to welcoming all the trips back next week and the end of camp celebrations.  If you are coming up to celebrate the arrival of our trips please make sure you know when you child’s trip is paddling under the bridge so you don’t miss it – especially those of you who have campers on the longer trips.  If in doubt give us a call.

I will gladly blog again once the trips begin returning, next week. 

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Monday, August 11, 2008

Session 4 has begun!

 

Session 4 is officially underway.

Yesterday morning started off a bit hectic with the rearranging of our bus pick up location and communicating with all of those families taking the bus, but after all was said and done the bus arrived on time.

As has been the tradition this summer on arrival day, the sky’s opened up and provided us with plenty of liquid sunshine, much of it just before the arrival of the bus and then again during the later part of evening program.   This however did not dampen anyone’s spirits as our Scavenger Hunt was a mad dash throughout camp.  Rain on the cabin roofs lulled us all off to sleep for the first night.

Today the sun is shinning and our first trip of the session is off to the Missinaibi River.  Our River Adventures left this morning at 10am and will drive for most of the day to their destination.  Tomorrow morning they will begin paddling and hit the river late tomorrow.  On Wednesday our Coureur de Bois and Pioneer’s will leave camp on their trips and then on Thursday the Temagami’s begin their journey. The Pioneer’s will be paddling the Groundhog River while both the Coureur de Bois and Temagami’s will be exploring the Temagami region.  The rest of our trips are going well, all 7 of them.

Most of today will be spent doing paddling, hiking, swim tests, visits with the medical staff and general camp activities.  Tonight we will end the day with a great game of Capture the Flag. 

I hope you have a great couple of weeks, I know your campers will!

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Friday, August 08, 2008

Ending session 3.

 

Session 3 coming to a close!

It may be damp up here but spirits are anything but!  As session 3 winds down for another summer the schedule is full with activity.

Yesterday four trips returned home and it was great to hear the trip stories shared by all.  We still have a number of trips out, including the month-long Coureur de Bois, month-long Pioneer’s, Bay Trippers, two VI’s and the VII’s.  We think about them all the time.

This afternoon is Regatta and it looks as if the weather will clear for the games to commence.  After Regatta is our banquet followed with Awards and Trip Skits – always remarkably entertaining.  Tomorrow morning the campers will wake up for 6:30am with breakfast at 7:00am.  Then it’s off to the bus to say our goodbyes.  Those who are not on the bus wait in camp for their parents to arrive.  If you are picking up your campers please be here on time so your children/child aren't/isn’t left waiting too long, it’s always a bummer for kids to have to wait a long time for their parents to arrive.

If you are coming to camp tomorrow, have a safe journey.  Thanks for sending your camper(s) to us and have a great rest of your summer, it's been a pleasure. 

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Hi

 

Hello!

Where does the time go?  Here it is August 5th and it’s been a few days since my last Blog, sorry for the delay.

The past few days have been excellent up here, the weather has been beautiful and all the trips are out, hopefully enjoying this blast of sun and heat.  Our Juniors (two week juniors) returned from a super 4-day canoe trip.  They now along with the one-week Juniors who arrived on Sunday are off for their overnight tonight.  They are a great group and very excited to go.

Wednesday and Thursday this week marks the return of all of the two week campers from their respective trips.  Both groups of Temagami’s and the Juniors paddle under the bridge tomorrow morning and on Thursday both two-week Coureur de Bois, the two-week Pioneers and the River Adventures return.  On Friday our month-long Coureur de Bois have a short shuttle bridging the gap between the Sturgeon River and Lake Nippissing. 

Thursday we will wind down with a Square Dance in the evening and then follow that up with Regatta on Friday afternoon, awards and trip skits will follow that evening.  It should be a great couple of days here – lots of excitement when all trips return.   Campers leave Saturday morning and Session 4 begins on Sunday.

I hope you have a great rest of your week.

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

More tips on the move

 

This morning our Bay Trippers and River Adventure’s set out for their respective canoe trips.  The Bay Trippers are off to travel the Kesagami River for 24 days in the James Bay Region.  The River Adventure’s are off to Missinaibi Provincial Park where they will embark upon a 10 day canoe trip down the Missinaibi River. 

Today has been a very full day at camp.  We started this morning with early morning paddling for those who want to work on levels.  The water was smooth as glass this morning so it made for a fantastic experience.  We also had Gathering this morning.  Here each group brings a rock to add to our rock cairn which has been around since 1956 and then each group presents a song or poem or both –always impressive what the groups come up with.  It’s a reflective time on a beautiful point overlooking the lake and the sound of nature is everywhere.  It’s always a treat to experience.

During this time Beth in our office received a phone call from our VII’s, they were checking-in to tell us that things were going GREAT!  They are right on schedule, which is great news; even better news is that the ice is all gone.  They did say they were catching many 3-5lbs Lake Trout and Char as well, just a little bit jealous as I write this. Overall things are going really well for the VII’s, they did say they were having an amazing time.

This afternoon the campers were placed in activities and were busy from 2:30 until 5:30, I am hoping there will be some good sleeps tonight.   In a few minutes we will be having a campfire, full of skits and songs.  It looks as if the weather gods will let us do it outside as well – generally the best place for a campfireJ.

Just so you know the following trips leave over the next couple of days; two-week Pioneers leave for the Temagami River tomorrow.  Both two-week Coureur de Bois leave Thursday morning, one travelling north from camp while the other will travel south.  Also on Thursday our one-week and two-week juniors leave for their overnight and three night trips respectively.  Friday the remaining trips depart, both two-week Temagami’s, both four-week Pioneer’s and the four week Coureur de Bois. 

Looks like we are in for some warm weather, happy to see.

Until the next time,

Woody

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Session 3 begins!

 

Session 3 is upon us!

All of our campers arrived safely today.  Two busses in total made the trip down the Red Squirrel Road with several parents dropping off their campers by car.  It’s really great to see everyone here, they are about to begin the traditional Scavenger Hunt which kicks off each new session.

We have a very full camp right now.  Our community is comprised of Juniors, two two-week Temagami’s, two two-week Coureur de Bois, one one-month Coureur de Bois, one two-week Pioneer, two one-month Pioneer’s, one Bay Trip, one River Adventure, two Voyageur I (VI’s) and our VII.  This morning our VI’s left at 7:00am and are heading into northern Quebec, one group will paddle the Kanaapuscow River and the other will paddle the Sakami River. 

Tomorrow the campers will spend the day getting to know camp, the different activities, a visit to the nurse, the swim test, a chat with me about things like bullying and group dynamics, getting on the water to paddle and spending time as a group planning the week(s) ahead – ie trip preparation etc.  Tomorrow night will end with a full out game of Capture the Flag followed by hopefully a good night’s sleep.

On Tuesday, the Bay Tripper and River Adventure trips begin their respective trips.  The Bay Trippers will be paddling the Kesagami River in the James Bay Region returning to camp the morning of August 21st.  The River Adventure Group will be paddling the upper Missinaibi River returning to camp on August 7th.

I will gladly fill you in as to when the other trips leave as the week proceeds.

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Welcome Home

 

Welcome back!

Today marks the beginning of a lot of action around these parts.  First we saw the Juniors off for their overnight on Ferguson Mountain, they left in great spirits and will be arriving home again tomorrow afternoon.  In addition to their departure this morning, both of our Temagami trips retuned, both groups looking great as they paddled in.

This afternoon, in fact they are currently up the beach gathering their stuff, the month long Coureur de Bois, one of the two week Pioneer trips and the WLIT’s are readying themselves to paddle in.  The Pioneers were on the Spanish River, the Coureur de Bois have been out on trip for the past 19 days, leaving camp and paddling to Georgian Bay via the Sturgeon and French River systems.  The WLIT’s were on the Dumonie River in Quebec for their instructional white water trip.  We had two white water ORCKA instructors with them along with the four other staff. 

Tomorrow the remaining trips return - two Bay Trips, which have called in to say they have arrived in Moosonee (they don’t actually paddle in until Thursday morning but arrive very late tomorrow night), the two week Cdb’s  (both trips), the other two-week Pioneer trip (on the Noire River),the month long Pioneers and the Juniors all paddle under the bridge.  Tomorrow will certainly be a full day here at camp, capped off with an all out Square Dance, should be a very fun day.  Of course the only trip not arriving here tomorrow is our VII’s who are now on day 25 of their adventure.

We had a very good session, perhaps the biggest July we have ever had and there is much excitement here.  I will likely do one more blog for this session.

I hope your summer continues to go well.

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Day 4 of session 2

 

Hi everyone.

I am happy to report that 2nd session is running well and two of our trips have departed for their respective rivers.  One trip is on the Noir in Quebec and the other on the Spanish – both Pioneer’s.   We were trying to do the Temagami River for one of the trips but the water level there is very high, we have just had so much liquid sunshine this year that water levels in this area remain plentiful – this bodes well for our August trips.

Yesterday our day began with Gathering – a beautiful spot where we gather as a camp.  Each trip group brings a rock to add to our rock cairn – started in 1956 – and each group contributes a song, a story or a poem to share with the camp.  It’s a magical time among the white pines and the vista of Lake Temagami makes for a beautiful back drop.

The rest of the day was filled with various activities such as Sailing, Kayaking, Archery, Soccer, Swimming, Arts and Crafts and finally capped off with an amazing campfire.   We did start the campfire at campfire point but were chased into the dinning hall for the remainder of the campfire (now minus the actual fire) as the rain came down.  The rain certainly didn’t dampen (bad pun I know) our spirits – the campfire was great!

As we move through the summer here I am continually reminded how caring this community is and how important a sense of community really is.  This sense of community is certainly strong among those at camp and then even stronger while on trip.  It’s really wonderful to witness the campers come together as a group and even more amazing to see them return from trip, a much tighter and stronger group for having had this experience.

I trust all of you are well and enjoying your summer.

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, camp Wanapitei

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Session 2 is on!

 

Session 2 off and running!

I am happy to tell you all that our second session campers have all arrived and dinner was a great success!  The bus arrived on time and everyone carried what they could and the ATV with trailer carried the remainder of gear.

Tonight the campers will enjoy a camp wide scavenger hunt complete with a prize as they run all over camp getting to know the place.  It’s always a great success and returning campers really like to help the new campers get around camp.

Tomorrow will be a full day with the campers visiting our nurse (Nurse Ally), meeting with me, doing a swim test, going to the canoe docks, doing activities and generally getting ready for their trips (as some leave as early as Monday).   The juniors will have a very full day doing the above and also going on a hike up to the falls.

In addition to the campers that arrived today, we still have another 55 out on trip.  We are always thinking about them and before we know it the month long trips will be paddling under the bridge.

I’ll do another Blog either tomorrow or the next day just to fill you in on general events here at camp.

We are looking forward to another great session.

Until next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Session 2 last night!

 

Regatta Day!

Today is Regatta day here at camp.   All of our two week trips have returned and by the sounds of things everything went really well.  Both Pioneer trips had lots of water and lots of stories too – one trip in particular could now write a cookbook on how to cook with one small pot, two spoons, dill and salt, hmmm.

Last night we had a grand square dance with two great callers and the usual camp band holding the beat.  With most campers dressed in some kind of costume the square dance did not disappoint.  This morning our campers are working on their trip skits and packing up.  This afternoon is Regatta followed by our awards banquet.

Hopefully campers come home with all they were sent with, we do our best to reunite all items with campers but as is the case every year there are some articles of clothing that get left behind.  It is certainly easy for us to return clothing that is labelled but when it is not it is very difficult to do so.  We hang onto clothing for a very short period of time then send it to charity if it is not claimed.  In the event there is a name on it and we do find it and it is not underwear or socks, we will try to return to you, otherwise it will be passed on.

We still have many trips out and all is going well.  The Bay Trippers (both trips) are on day 11, the one month Pioneers and Coureur de Bois are on day 7 while our VII’s are on day 13 of their adventure.  

Tomorrow we say goodbye to our two week campers who will be leaving us in the morning.  It has been a really great session and we look forward to seeing your campers back at camp next summer.  Speaking of next summer, dates and rates will be on our website by the end of August, stay tuned for our early registration mailing in the fall.

Thanks for sending us your children and I hope you have a great rest of your summer. 

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Session 1 winding down

 Welcome back!

Today we welcomed both our Temagami’s and WLIT’s back from their 5 day trips.    The Temagami’s paddled up to Centre Falls and back and the WLIT’s paddled the Obabika Loop – short for them but it was full of workshops and leader of the day opportunities.  They won' t be in camp for long as they will be setting out on their solo's Friday morning.

Both trips experienced fantastic weather, lots of sun, warmth and even strong winds at times, though not great for paddling if travelling into it, but really great to keep the bugs at bay.  Today was the only day in the past five days that it rained for the campers but the sun is shinning now so great for drying out the gear.  Everyone looks healthy and happy, not to mention completely filthy.  One Temagami was very proud of his tripping shirt and how dirty it actually was – I can vouch for him, it really is filthy and likely maybe tossed upon arrival back homeJ.  Thankfully the campers are heading to the sauna and for a swim.

Tomorrow we welcome back our remaining two week camper trips - two Pioneers and one Coureur de Bois.   Tomorrow evening will be our square dance then the next day we have our Regatta in the afternoon and then our awards banquet complete with skits in the evening.  Here’s to another great closing to another great session here at camp.

As usual time is really flying by up here – hard to believe in three days this session will be over and in four days session 2 begins.  I hope all of you are having an excellent summer.

I do want to send out one reminder to you all.   Please do not send food to your campers, as I mentioned in a letter earlier it becomes problematic for a number of reasons.   When it comes in we do confiscate it.  We appreciate your co-operation with this.

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Final three trips ready to go!

 

Today we said goodbye to a hearty group of Temagami’s – off and paddling by 10:30am this morning.  They were in great spirits as they headed off toward Centre Falls on a beautiful sunny day.  The Temagami’s will be returning on Tuesday July 8th with many stories I am sure – I wonder if they will be successful in catching the “big one” with their stick, 6 feet of fishing line and a hook – apparently they almost landed a real beauty here at camp.

Yesterday we bid farewell to the 2 week Coureur de Bois as they headed out for an 8 day canoe trip.  Tomorrow we are sending the reaming three trips out on trail. The month long Pioneers leave for 20 days paddling from camp and ending on the Dumoine River.  The month long Coureur de Bois leave for 19 days paddling from camp and ending on Georgian Bay via the Sturgeon and French river systems.  The WLIT’s are on a five day flat water trip in Temagami working on leadership skills. Today is also the first official day the VII’s are on the move in Nunavut.  Very exciting for all involved on that trip.

Overall camp is going very well and the campers are working hard on their various paddling levels and camp craft skills.  We are getting some great weather now and it looks like things are going to be warming up quite a bit for the next few days.  Currently the WLIT’s are in their wilderness first aid course which will end tonight with a scenario, complete with make up and props, all used to create a medical situation where they must work as a team to achieve success.  It can be one of the highlights of the month for the WLIT’s.

It will be several days before I report to you again as all trips are out and there is very little to report on when all campers are out.  Trips begin returning on the 8th so I will gladly let you know as the groups return.

Have a great few days,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Trips departing today

 

First few trips are out!

Today is Tuesday, Canada Day....Happy Canada Day to you all.

Of course while here at camp we are lucky if we remember what day of the week it actually is, time moves so quickly here and so much is going on all the time that the days melt into one.

I am very happy to tell you that yesterday our Bay Trippers got away successfully and all the campers were really pumped about beginning their canoe trip.  Both trips start on Kesagami Lake and from there will branch off on separate rivers eventually arriving in Moosonee.  One group who are lead by Emma and ET are paddling the Kesagami River ending with a short “Bay” paddle while the other group led by Hugh and Lauren will paddle the Netogami River, which also incorporates the French and Moose Rivers.  They too will take some time to do a day trip out on the “Bay” weather and time permitting.  Both trips will board the train on July 23rd returning to camp late that evening and paddling in on the 24th.

This morning we said goodbye to our two two-week Pioneer trips.  The first trip is paddling from Camp all the way to the Temagami River.  For most, this will be their first time in white water so there is plenty of excited anticipation for their trip.  The other two-week Pioneer trip is being bussed to Biscotasing, Ontario, where they will begin their journey down the Spanish River.  Both of these trips will be returning July 9th, just in time for our Square Dance.

All other groups are doing well.  Everyone is busy readying themselves for trip, learning camp craft skills and paddling skills.  Yesterday some campers were sailing while others kayaked, swam, did archery and played a great game of Stones in the field.   I suspect after another full day of camp campers will fall asleep quickly.    We are enjoying some sun today and the forecast looks quite nice, we do need some drying time up here.

One last update to report; our VII’s are in Baker Lake where there is still plenty of ice on the lake, although it is rapidly melting now.    Our plan is to fly the crew a little farther south where they will pick up their original route.   In the meantime, they are getting out on the land hiking around Baker Lake and experiencing more of the community than they otherwise would have.   I will gladly let you know more details once they are off and running.   For any VII parents reading this I will be sending you an update later today.  

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Campers have Arrived!!!

 

Camp is off and running!

Today the campers arrived as all that amazing energy came bounding through our doors over the span of a few hours this afternoon.  Our bus arrived with a group of very relieved and excited campers ready to walk into camp.  The walk was going to be a potentially wet one due to the vast amounts of rain we have had over the past week, but all stayed dry as we sent everyone down the beach trail, where campers could walk around puddles and then walk along the beach gradually getting closer to camp.

Dinner was a great success, nothing like eating at 7:15pm with 120 of your closest friends, can’t say there was much left over.  Campers are now gearing up for our evening scavenger hunt, complete with prizes and then it will be off to bed and ready for a full day tomorrow.  Tomorrow is a busy day of tours, visiting the doctor, visiting with the director, a swim test, canoeing and generally getting ready for canoe trip.

Monday is when our Bay Trippers will leave for the James Bay watershed, followed by our two week Pioneer’s.  I will gladly tell you what trips are happening when I reconnect with the “blog” on Monday.  The VII’s are now in Nunavut and are patiently waiting for the ice to break up.  I will keep you posted on their adventure as well.

Tonight is looking like a beautiful evening here at Sandy Inlet, here’s hoping dryer skies will give way to beautiful days.

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Two more wake up's!

 

We are ready and waiting!

Welcome to my first blog of the summer.  For several days now we have been working hard and are feeling very ready to welcome your campers to camp.  From time to time throughout the summer I will provide updates for you on what is happening here at camp and the progress that our trips are making.

I did just want to quickly let you know that lately we have experienced a tremendous amount of rain here at camp (I gather much of Southern Ontario has too) and for you to make sure that your campers have their rain gear at the top of their pack for the walk into camp – it’s possible that we may be presented with some liquid sunshine on arrival day this Saturday.  In true Wanapitei fashion though, the staff will be excited and more than ready to welcome your children on “opening day”.  

I also thought you might like to know that our VII leaders (leaders of our oldest campers who are on trip for 52 days) are ready and waiting in Baker Lake, Nunavut for the arrival of their campers.  The only “catch” to date with this trip is that the leaders are waiting along with many others for the ice to leave Baker Lake.  That’s right the ice is actually still on the lake, a normal occurrence in years past –before the days of global warming.  All indications point to the trip leaving very close to the planned start date.  Needless to say the water will be cold.  I will let you know once the campers begin paddling.  The trip looks fantastic, more on the specifics at a later date.

I hope all you have a wonderful summer while your child(ren) are off on some fantastic adventures.  Please feel free to call with an update if you wish, although we prefer to work on the concept of no news is good news.  I am always happy to field your calls.

Until the next time,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Counting Down the Days!

 

The countdown is well under way!

Here we are early April and as the ice begins to shift, melt, reform and hopefully disappear, the Wanapitei office is hard at work getting ready to make this another wonderful summer at camp.

Currently we are witnessing some of the highest registration numbers we have seen in years and as a result many of our programs are FULL - only a few spots remain here and there.  Most of our staff is hired for the summer and several are returning from last year.  It looks like another great staff group –they are the ones that ultimately make the summer a success for the campers.

Trips are shaping up for 2008.  We don’t generally finalize routes until much closer to the summer but certainly the ones we are looking at are going to be excellent.  As for our VII’s (which requires planning as early as September) they are paddling out of Baker Lake (Canada’s only inland Inuit Community) and travelling the Kunwak and Kazan River system.  The trip will end in Baker Lake after 50 plus days of paddling.  We will look forward to hearing the tales of this incredible journey on Harvest Night.

Any day now you will be receiving our April mailing which will include forms such as transportation, medical, internet policy and information on how to locate our clothing and equipment lists (found on this web site).  Please read things carefully and return all forms as promptly as you can.  All of these forms help us do our job better.

I hope all of you have a wonderful spring and we will look forward to seeing you on the shores of Lake Temagami on making this summer FANTASTIC!  Please check out the blog throughout the summer as I will be reporting frequently.

All the best,

Woody, Director, Camp Wanapitei