| The 7 Advantages of a Ponacka Experience |
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Established leadership and continuity: Camp Ponacka was founded by Bruno and Gwen Morawetz in 1947. In continuous operation ever since, their daughter Anne Morawetz and her husband Don Bocking have been directing the camp for the past 20 years. The camp's 32 counselors are all former campers, selected for their commitment to providing each and every boy with a safe and happy experience.
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Superior instruction and skill development: All campers take daily swimming lessons, with evaluation according to Red Cross and Lifesaving Society standards. In addition, all Ponacka campers receive instruction in canoeing, earning provincially recognized awards through the Ontario Recreational Canoeing Association. Many boys choose to enroll in sailing courses, with instruction based on Canadian Yachting Association standards. Ponacka offers instruction in English-style horseback riding, with our own awards program.
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Freedom to choose daily activities: Campers at Ponacka choose all their other daily activities according to their own interests. Those who love the water can enjoy waterskiing, windsurfing, kayaking, early-morning rowing, lake swims and scuba courses. Opportunities for self-expression include soapstone carving, creating a masterpiece in batik, stained glass or pottery, woodworking, and gemstone polishing. Archery, bushcraft, aerial ropes, climbing wall and biking are other popular choices.
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Plenty of ways to excel and belong: Our PHL (road-hockey) and PBA (basketball) leagues foster teamwork and healthy competition. For others, acting in the Big Show is the highlight of their stay at Ponacka. We know that boys thrive on a mixture of structure and adventure, with lots of personal choice. Learning to care for themselves and accept responsibility is a vital part of the Ponacka experience.
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Simple Lifestyle: Boys live under canvas and in cabins without electricity. Electronic games, Walkmans and CD players are not part of the Ponacka experience.
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Effective preparation for new campers: In the spring prior to camp, Anne and Don visit all first-year campers in their home, to get to know each boy and answer their questions. New campers are invited to meet Ponacka counselors and other new campers at an orientation evening. All Ponacka parents receive a handwritten letter from one of their son's counselors shortly after arrival, providing an update about his initial camp experience.
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The 'Ponacka spirit': Through brief morning talks delivered daily by the directors and other staff after breakfast, the 'Ponacka spirit' - a sense of gratitude and responsibility, a spirit of forgiveness and humility, an appreciation of the natural world - is both 'caught' and taught. Ponackians of all ages say their summers on Lake Baptiste were the highlight of their childhood years, with many lifelong friendships being formed while at camp.
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