BACKGROUND
Camp Kodiak is an integrated, non-competitive, residential camp serving children & teens with and without ADHD, LD, NLD and Asperger Syndrome. Approximately 80% of our campers have one or more of these challenges. Approximately 20% do not. Campers come from all over North America and from abroad. The primary objectives of Camp Kodiak are to build confidence and self-esteem, to improve social skills, to foster independence and to provide an exciting and satisfying camp experience. This is achieved by providing a safe and nurturing environment, a mature, professional staff, a very low camper-to-staff ratio and a program that is designed to ensure success. Staff never miss the opportunity to recognize and celebrate these successes.
PROGRAM
Camp Kodiak programs for success! All sports and activities are taught in an organized, set-by-step fashion to ensure success. Cooperation rather that competition is emphasized. There are over 50 sports, crafts, cultural and educational activities so that every camper can find several activities at which they can excel.
Core Program: Many campers are hesitant to take on new challenges. In order to ensure that they get the most out of their camp experience Kodiak has developed a core program of 12 activities to which all cabin groups are scheduled. They include the Red Cross swimming program, waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, team sports, tennis, archery, arts & crafts, drama, high ropes and rock climbing. Campers are encouraged to participate in these activities with their cabin group.
Electives: There are several times each day when campers are able to choose their own activities and pursue personal interests independent of their cabinmates. The choices include instruction in activities of their choosing and activities that are strictly recreational.
Academics: Monday to Friday, right after breakfast, everyone in camp has an hour of academic instruction. There are two components to the academic program, Option 1 and Option 2. Campers in Option 1 receive academic tutoring. Campers in Option 2 receive instruction in an educational activity such as music, drama, dance, gymnastics, pottery, photography, computers, etc.
PROGRAMS FOR OLDER CAMPERS - 16 to 18 years of age
In addition to our regular program, we offer an L.I.T. (Leader-in-Training) program to our campers aged 16 to 18.
L.I.T.s receive training in various areas, depending on their abilities and interests. Some receive instruction in basic psychology, child development, camper management and teaching methods. They spend part of their day working with younger campers or assisting in a specialty area under the supervision of a staff member.
For others, our L.I.T. program is more work oriented. It is designed to meet the needs of teens who are better suited to a vocational experience. These L.I.T.s receive job training, and with
supervision, assume responsibilities such as waitering, running the camp store and assisting with some of our office routines.
CLUB KODIAK - A PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ADULTS - 19+
Club Kodiak offers many of the same activities we provide for our younger campers, but there are more choices, less obvious supervision, more freedom and an integrated life-skills program.
There are subtle differences in the terminology we use. “Counselors” have been replaced with “advisors” and campers are referred to as “guests”. Guests select most of their own activities and there are several interesting excursions out of camp. Please go to www.campkodiak.com/club for details.
STAFF
An important reason for the success of our program is our staff. Approximately one half of our counselors are trained, certified professionals from the fields of education, psychology, social work and recreation. Every cabin has at least three counselors. One or two are professionals. The remaining staff are university students, most of whom are working towards a carreer in one of the helping professions. The camper-to-staff ratio is 2-to-1. All of our staff undergo a rigorous training period before the campers arrive and all new counselors go through a police background check.
MEDICAL CARE
We have a doctor and three nurses on staff. They live on-site, administer all medication and are available 24 hours a day in case of emergency. The hospital in Parry Sound is 20 minutes away.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to camp is by highway coach from Toronto. Camp personnel are available to meet campers at Toronto International Airport and to ensure they get their flights home at the end of camp. There is no extra charge for this service.
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