(August 12, 2022) - Laurentian University’s Voyageurs summer youth camps, operated by the Campus Recreation team, offer unique childcare services that promote the development of youth through a variety of activities. Voyageurs camps began in early July, and are offered through September 3rd. So far this summer, the camps have welcomed hundreds of youth on campus who have gained leadership and teambuilding skills.
For ages six to thirteen, outdoor adventure camp and multi-sport camp alternate weekly. Outdoor adventure camp offers diverse outdoor activities that include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wilderness survival training (shelter building, starting a campfire, tying knots, etc). Multi-sport camp offers a variety of indoor and outdoor sporting activities including floor hockey, basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, badminton, volleyball and squash.
Mini Voyageurs camp, for ages four to five, is offered all summer long and includes a combination of outdoor adventure camp and multi-sport camp activities as well as initiatives that collectively promote teamwork and creativity.
Voyageurs summer camps also offer sport-specific camps in basketball, soccer, and baseball. These camps are led by Laurentian sports team coaches and athletes. Participating youth learn sporting rules and techniques, as well as how to be a good team player and accept defeat. All camps utilize facilities available on campus which includes four full sized gymnasiums, two squash courts, a beach volleyball court, a challenge course (called the Tango tower), three soccer fields, and four tennis courts.
Camps are made possible not only by Campus Recreation staff but by Laurentian students who are “camp counselors,” promoting teamwork and resilience amongst campers while ensuring the safest possible environment for all camp activities. Camps also accepts high school student volunteers to assist with the planning and execution of camp activities, an excellent means for students to complete community service hours.
About the dedication of camp counselors, Jean Benoit, Campus Recreation Coordinator, said: “The counselors are students who really, really care and are there for the kids. They put in so many more hours than what you see during the day. They are patient and they work hard.”
Shaelynne Wallace, Voyageurs camp counselor and third-year Concurrent Education student, described that she is passionate about working with participating campers: “Every year I love watching the children try new things, get out of their comfort zones, and make new friendships and memories. Working at camp has helped me to be able to think quickly on my feet, grow in my leadership skills and learn to collaborate ideas with different people. Working at summer camp is really the best way to spend your summer!”
To learn more about Voyageurs summer youth camps, please contact Campus Recreation Coordinator, Jean Benoit at campusrec@laurentian.ca or visit the Laurentian University Voyageurs website or Facebook page.