We asked our 2018 Campers and their Families if their/their child’s camp experience benefited them in anyway, and if so, how? Here’s what they had to say:
INDIVIDUAL CAMP (Explorers, Pathfinders, Sports, Arts, Discovery, Out-Tripping, Leaders-in-Training, GEAR-UP)
Campers:
“I love going to camp because I don’t stand out! Everyone belongs!!!!”
“Yes, I saw some old friends and made new friends.”
“Yes, because I got to try new water sports such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking and white water rafting. After going to Woodeden for 10 years, I wanted to try Merrywood and meet new friends.”
“I like to be outdoors and interacting with people. This camp facility and experienced/friendly staff enables me to do it.”
“I feel more independent after my experience at camp.”
“Yes, because it helped me be more independent.”
Parents:
“He gained independence and it helped over the 10 years he has attended with his shyness and building friendships”.
“As in other years my daughter came home full of memories, pride and self confidence. This camp is like medicine for her emotional health.”
“Absolutely! This was my son’s first year at camp and first time away from home other than with a relative. It was an amazing experience for him and so happy he tried so many new things.”
“Yes, she loves going – looks forward to it all year! We see a greater sense of independence when she comes home.”
“It was the first time my child was without me overnight and she did great, she is not afraid any more to go somewhere and stay without me. She made friends and was very happy. Camp was incredible.”
“Yes, camp does benefit my child because she learns how to advance for herself and will be more social with and around people.”
“Yes. Independence and making friends on her own.”
“Yes! It gave him a fun time away outside of his normal home routine, which can be boring in the summer. It allowed him independence and to have his own experiences. It benefitted me by giving me a break from his total physical care.”
“It gives my son the opportunity to advocate completely for himself and develop his independence. It is an excellent break for us as parents knowing that he is being well cared for and enjoying himself so much.”
“Yes, my son always has a fun time and it is the highlight of his summer. The social fun environment and meeting new people is beneficial.”
“My child benefited by being with youth her own age.”
“It helped my child experience time away from home.”
“Our son meets and befriends a lot of people which he wouldn’t have the opportunity to do at home.”
FAMILY CAMP:
“The camp was an incredible experience for our family. My disabled son was able to participate in activities he hasn’t experienced since his disability developed, he felt so empowered, staff and other families didn’t hesitate to speak with him directly although he’s non-verbal something that doesn’t often happen in public. His sibling was able to spend time just being “normal” with other siblings, no one questioning about his brother. This is the first time we have been able to vacation as a family since my son became ill 4 years ago. He is very medically fragile so most places would not be safe or accessible for us to get to, we felt secure our entire time at Merrywood. The activities, meeting other families, the dynamic staff all contributed to our incredible experience.”
“We were so impressed by the staff at Merrywood. They made our family feel welcome and comfortable, encouraging all of us to try new activities, adapting anything offered to accommodate everyone’s needs. Thank you all for the wonderful experience.”
“Both our children enjoyed the camp very much, it was a very positive experience for our family! Thank you!”
“Nice to meet other parents and families. Knowing we are not alone in this type of journey.”
GENERAL FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS OF RECENT CAMPERS:
“Thank you so much – it’s such a great experience that my child has at camp.”
“Thank you to all the staff for seeing him as valuable and a worthy investment of your time and energy! We will be back!”
“It was great to see my son meeting up with friends he made at camp last year. The camp staff gave such a warm and reassuring welcome. Thank you for another wonderful visit to Woodeden. We hope to see you next year!”
“We would like to send our heartfelt appreciation to Eoin (Owen) from Ireland and Jack from England. Both of these fine gents were kind, caring, patient and very positive influences. Truly a blessing to have them. Also thanks to Sarah the lifeguard for her love and enthusiasm, a definite asset to the camp. Huge thanks to all of the staff for taking care of our special kids.”
“In the five years my child has been a camper she repeatedly mentioned that the staff this year has been the best collection of staff she has ever had.”
“I will definitely be coming back to camp Merrywood next summer. Thank you to all the staff, counsellors and campers for a wonderful session!”
“It’s great to have a camp like this for children/youth with disabilities so they can experience the same like others!”
“Thank you to Barb and all the wonderful staff and campers who contribute to my daughters camp experience .”
