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| 1. |
Why is Ponacka an all-boys camp? |
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Back in the 1940s when Camp Ponacka was founded, co-ed camps were quite rare. Ponacka's founding
director Bruno Morawetz set out to provide a small group of boys with a traditional camp experience
in a wilderness setting, where they could gain new skills and develop themselves without the
distraction that comes from having girls present. Today, while there are still no female campers
at Ponacka, we have a number of women on staff who teach particular activities such as horseback
riding and crafts, and who support the camp operation in other ways.
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| 2. |
Why don't you offer two-week camp sessions for boys who are 10 or over? |
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Since our goal is to create a 'home away from home,' we believe a four-week camp stay is essential
to derive the full benefits of the Ponacka experience. (In the 1980s we introduced two-week periods
for 8- and 9-year-old campers to assist some younger boys in making the transition to camp life.)
In our view, a four-week camp period enables boys to:
- Settle in, which may take up to a week before he feels truly comfortable with the routines, his group, the counselors and how camp runs.
- Participate in a canoe trip, yet still have time to accomplish his goals at camp
- Maximize his opportunities for skill development at swimming, canoeing, sailing where he can earn Provincial and National standards
- Try out all the activities which camp offers (over 20) and earn awards at many of them
- Develop lasting friendships. Our alumni keep in touch with us, telling of how their best and most enduring friendships were forged at camp. These friendships are the greatest legacy of summer camp.
- Develop self reliance, resiliency and independence. Whether it is the conquering of his fear of heights on the ropes course, learning how to cook dinner in the pouring rain on canoe trip, or simply to live in harmony with other boys in his tent or cabin, the boys are presented with challenges that foster the skills necessary to succeed as adults.
- Camp is an ideal place to learn so many of the skills needed in the work force of the 21st century... teamwork, initiative, compassion, empathy, communication, self discipline- all in an atmosphere of fun and laughter. A four week stay solidifies the gains that every boy makes.
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| 3. |
How well-prepared are your counselling staff? |
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All Camp Ponacka counsellors were formerly campers at Ponacka, with many of them having started camp in the youngest cabin groups. In 2003, 24 (two-thirds) of our counselling staff had been at Ponacka for 10 years or more! All counsellors have been certified to provide instruction in their specific activities, and hold Bronze Cross or National Lifesaving Society certification for life-guarding.
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| 4. |
What are the camp's safety procedures and facilities? |
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In addition to the 'buddy system' that is used at all free swims, we have a carefully planned water rescue procedure that is rehearsed at least once each month. The camp possesses its own fire pump to augment the fire buckets that are located near every building or activity area. All counselling staff possess current First Aid certificates, and first aid kits are carried on all canoe trips and excursions.
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| 5. |
What medical facilities exist at Ponacka? |
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A currently practising medical doctor is always in residence at camp. (In some instances, the camp doctor is a former camper or counsellor). The doctor and his/her family live in the camp infirmary, which is equipped with four beds and a well-stocked medicine cabinet. In case of emergency, the nearest hospital is about a half-hour's drive away in Bancroft.
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| 6. |
When can we visit our son? |
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Parents of four-week campers are encouraged to visit on the middle weekend of the camp period. We encourage you to pack a lunch to enjoy with your son at one of the many picnic tables located throughout the camp. Take a tour of the camp with your son, bring your bathing suit for a swim at the beach, and maybe go for a paddle in a canoe. The ideal visit is between three to four hours long. If you wish to visit at another time, please call ahead first to ensure your son is not out of camp on a canoe trip.
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| 7. |
On occasion, my son wets his bed. How do you prevent the embarrassment this situation can cause? |
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Bed-wetting (enuresis) is not uncommon, especially at camp. If parents anticipate it occurring, we ask them to send two sleeping bags. After the boys leave for breakfast, one counselor stays behind to conduct a bed check. Any wet sleeping bags are unobtrusively taken to the laundry hut for immediate washing, and the replacement sleeping bag put out on the bed. No teasing is ever permitted; in fact, others in the group are usually unaware of the situation.
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| 8. |
Is it normal for boys to feel homesick? |
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Many new boys experience some degree of homesickness in their first year at camp. The camp directors, counsellors and other staff are all well-trained to quickly identify the signs of homesickness, and deal with each boy's situation in an appropriately caring and thoughtful manner, such as doing a special project together. Most cases of homesickness take care of itself within a day or two.
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| 9. |
How will I know if my son is doing well at camp? |
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Within two or three days of the start of camp, one of your son's counsellors will write you a personal letter that updates you on your son's early progress at camp. We also encourage boys to write letters home regularly. We discourage campers from phoning home, although if you have concerns you can call the camp office.
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