This classic camp program offers a wide selection of activities focused on helping a girl be everything she can be. We blend group and individual challenge-by-choice activities to ensure a great overnight camp experience. Girls participate in water-based activities like swimming, boating and playing on a water trampoline. They will join in games, try archery and sing at campfires, make great camp crafts and just spend time in the great outdoors. We are pleased to offer Explorers programs that allow girls to sleep (and giggle, sing and tell stories) in tents or stay in an indoor setting. Please select the type of accommodation during the application process. While our Explorers camps are offered to girls of mixed age groups, your camper's program activity schedule and sleeping room/tent will be with girls of a similar age.
This shorter week program is a great opportunity for girls to test out the summer camp experience! Campers visit camp for a few days and see what the Explorers program is all about. Please select the type of accommodation during the application process. While our Try It! Explorers camps are offered to girls of mixed age groups, your camper's program activity schedule and sleeping room/tent will be with girls of a similar age.
Offered at Camps Woolsey and Doe Lake, Compass group campers will choose their own direction! When campers come together on their first night of camp they will collectively choose a course of adventures for the week. Past activities have included sunrise paddleboard yoga, leadership workshops or spending some extended time in the craft hut or on the archery range gaining some advanced skills. There will also be some opportunities for the girls to choose which activity they would like to participate in individually. The responsibility of choice and an opportunity to build strong bonds through shared experience are opportunities given to older campers. Come and explore your favorite parts of camp in the Compass Program this summer!
These specialized camps are available to Guide and Pathfinder-aged campers (born 2005-2010). Campers will participate in a minimum of two activity blocks per day focusing on their program specialty while also incorporating some of our classic camp activities into their week! Check out our different Adventurers programs below!
Arts Adventurers (girls born 2005-2010) at Doe Lake and Woolsey
Express yo’self! Arts Adventurers gives your camper the freedom to discover and nurture their interests with a wide range of artistic activities. Campers are immersed in an imaginative environment that will inspire and develop their creative passions. For up to four hours a day, girls may explore:
- Drama: Storytelling, role playing, improvisation, theatre games, developing characters and using voice and movement.
- Photography: A sampling of digital photography techniques and photo composition through various projects including nature, portrait and candid shots (we provide the cameras).
- Visual Arts: sculpture, painting, printmaking and drawing.
Photography Adventurers (girls born 2005-2010) at Doe Lake
This program focuses primarily on seeing beauty through the lens. This program is designed to help campers use the camera to 'see' the environment around them. Campers will learn how to use the camera as an effective means of capturing images and portraying concepts. We teach campers how to communicate these ideas to others and to understand the technical skills behind the art of a photograph. Campers will participate in the Summer Camp Roberta Bondar Challenge which aims to help campers develop a lifelong affinity for both the joy of photography and a love of nature. We provide the cameras at camp for this program. Campers may bring their own camera, but we are not responsible for lost or damaged equipment.
Horseback Riding Adventurers (girls born 2005-2010) at Doe Lake and Woolsey
Giddy up! This program is so popular we have added extra weeks! Perfect for girls new to riding to learn all about horses or for experienced riders looking to expand their skills. Our stables start with the basics; teaching campers about stable management and grooming but also providing ample opportunities for campers to ride! Campers will be fully involved in the riding program for four out of five weekdays of camp (one weekday is spent back at camp participating in classic camp activities). This program is offered away from our main camp site and campers will travel in a camp van/bus to the privately-owned stable. Our horseback riding providers have minimum age standards and require their own waivers. Capacity is limited so apply early!
Surf and Sail Adventurers (girls born 2003-2007) at Doe Lake
This exhilarating two week program is popular with campers that wish to spend half their time (or more!) on the water. The first week focuses on providing sailing instruction and the next focuses on wind surfing. Our instructors balance theory with plenty of hands on instruction and lots of practice! Beautiful Doe Lake offers consistent wind for learning to sail in a safe, supportive and sheltered environment. Campers will be given the opportunity to try stand-up paddle boarding and test out paddling skills in canoes and kayaks. What could be better than feeling the breeze off the water on a beautiful summer day?
Waterfront Adventurers (girls born 2005-2010) at Doe Lake and Woolsey
Make the beautiful camp waterfront your home for the week! Ready, set, bounce, splash, dip, dip and swing. This program allows campers to spend half their time both in and on the water. Activities include: swimming, bouncing on a water trampoline, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking and joining in water games. The program includes a special day trip paddle away from camp. Girls will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of land or arts based classic camp activities too!
Wilderness Adventurers (girls born 2005-2010) at Doe Lake and Woolsey
At this specialty camp, girls will enjoy the great outdoors and experience the joy of their surroundings. Campers will put their adventurer skills to the test as they learn to plan and participate in an overnight tent excursion on camp property. Supported by counselors who are passionate about the great Canadian outdoors, campers will experience hiking, outdoor cooking, shelter building, fire lighting, knot tying and more. This program is an excellent base program for campers who are looking to try the Canoe Voyageurs programs in future years.
Canoe Voyageurs
What better way to explore Ontario than in a canoe! Canoe tripping at a Girl Guide camp is a great way to experience Ontario’s wilderness. Our qualified, trained and experienced camp staff members are ready and excited to head out on these travelling adventures with your girls. We offer trips for the novice and the experienced camper.
Special equipment lists can be found in our Parent and Camper Handbook (provided by April 2019).
Please note, we reserve the right to alter routes.
Three Day Canoe Voyageurs (girls born 2003-2007) at Doe Lake
This is a one-week program which includes a three day canoe trip. Campers will learn basic canoe tripping skills in a fun and interactive manner. Our experienced camp staff will provide campers with the training needed prior to heading out and while on the journey. This is a great introductory program with a route steeped in Doe Lake camp tradition. Paddle the beautiful lake for three days with two overnights in tents on wilderness sites Reazin Island and Heroka, which are remote parts of Doe Lake camp property. This program will provide an excellent base to springboard into any of our longer canoe voyageur programs.
While on the trip girls will be self-sufficient and will not be returning to main camp until completion of the trip.
*NEW* Five Day Canoe Voyageurs (girls born 2003-2007) at Doe Lake
This is a one-week program which includes a five day canoe trip. Campers will be briefly in camp to review paddling skills and packing then will be off to Algonquin Park. Our experienced camp staff will provide campers with the training needed prior to heading out and while on the journey. Campers will learn wilderness camping skills and travel to safely navigate the wilderness setting. This beginner route will be an excellent transition from our 3 day route to our longer trips. The experience requirement is two consecutive nights/three days on canoe trips and sleeping in a tent.
Six Day Canoe Voyageurs (girls born 2003-2006) at Doe Lake
This is a terrific two week program which includes a six day canoe trip. Tour the Algonquin Park wilderness in the most traditional way of exploration: in a canoe! Building on the skills developed on shorter canoe trips, this six day trip is a great skill and confidence builder. Campers will spend five nights in tents on reserved Algonquin Park sites and continue to become more independent in their meal and equipment packing as they go. Daily paddles will be a bit longer and portaging between lakes and the routes are more difficult than the shorter canoe trips. The experience requirement is two consecutive nights/three days on canoe trips and sleeping in a tent.
Leadership Development Programs (LDP)
Our Leadership Development Programs (LDP) are built on Choice, Voice and Action. Experienced and passionate staff work with campers on a program that will include challenge by choice activities, encouraging them to find their own voice and take action. We strive to build resiliency, open mindedness and confidence. Our programs are designed to ensure a girl is everything she can be! Campers will find their LDP experience will help them in Guiding and beyond. While each level of this program can be a standalone leadership experience, it can also be the starting point for campers who will build on skills obtained from the previous level. It is not necessary to take one as a prerequisite to another. Choose from varying lengths of programming from one to four weeks at camp (based on age range).
Your camper will be given documentation at the end of her camp program which she can provide to her Pathfinder Leader and/or high school in September. These hours may count towards your campers' mandatory school volunteer requirements, however that is at the discretion of each school board.
We make sure that girls also have fun at camp by giving them time to participate in traditional camp activities in our beautiful natural surroundings. Learn more about the activities.
Leadership Development Program (LDP 1) One Week (girls born 2005-2007) at Camp Woolsey (day camp or overnight) and *NEW* at Doe Lake (overnight)
Based on the Girl Guides values, this program is a great way for girls to learn about their leadership strengths and develop new skills. Under the supervision of our experienced leadership staff, campers will:
- Investigate leadership styles and study what makes an effective leader
- Continually receive guidance and mentoring from our leadership staff
- Put their learning into practice as they spend time working with younger campers through a "Big Sister/Little Sister" mentorship program during a few activity sessions
- Learn to plan and assist with the delivery of larger events like a camp-wide game or a showcase
- Earn five volunteer service hours
Leadership Development Program Two Weeks (LDP 2) (girls born 2005-2006)at Doe Lake and Woolsey
Campers will continue to learn about different areas of leadership and how to work well with others. Campers will:
- Participate in large group leadership tasks, observe the leadership styles of camp staff members and assist in leading activities for younger campers
- Continually receive guidance and mentoring from our leadership staff, working on personal development through self-reflection and journaling
- Work one-on-two with younger campers through a "Big Sister/Little Sister" mentorship program, helping her "sisters" adjust to overnight camp
- Earn eight volunteer service hours
Please note: girls in this program do not have an option of going home or being visited at camp on weekends.
Leadership Development Program Three Weeks (LDP 3) (girls born 2004-2005) at Doe Lake and Woolsey
This program focuses on differing styles of leadership and how to effectively communicate with various audiences to ensure success. Campers will:
- Play a role in all camp activities and assist with delivery of these larger scale programs (with up to 100 participants)
- Continually receive guidance and mentoring from our leadership staff, working on personal development through self-reflection and journaling
- Have opportunities to work one-on-two with younger campers through a "Big Sister/Little Sister" mentorship program, spending time with her 'sisters' and attending a sleepover with her 'little sisters' while at camp
- Perform duties of an Assistant Instructor, working closely with an Activity Facilitator to assist program sessions in all disciplines available at the camp; Land, Water, Ropes and Arts
- If instructors are available we may offer girls the chance to earn swimming and first aid certifications at camp
- Earn 15 volunteer service hours
Please note: girls in this program do not have an option of going home or being visited at camp on weekends.
Leadership Development Program Four Weeks (LDP 4) (girls born 2003) at Doe Lake and Woolsey
In this one-month long leadership program, girls are encouraged to discover their full potential while passing along the skills, confidence and qualifications to enhance their leadership capabilities in a camp setting. The LDP 4 program focuses on skills required for leading children, including specific instructional skills in many different program areas. Girls will be given many opportunities to practice their growing leadership abilities with campers, including:
- Continually receive guidance and mentoring from our leadership staff, working on personal development through self-reflection and journaling
- Plan a camp-wide program for a large mixed group of campers (up to 100 participants) and implement the rules, activities, safety considerations and timing of the activity as well as a debrief afterwards
- Perform duties of a Junior Camp Counselor, working with a group of campers, helping girls and staff with all aspects of daily camp life
- Perform duties of an Assistant Instructor, working closely with a staff member to assist in the program sessions in all disciplines available at the camp; land, water, ropes and arts. LDP4 campers perform duties of a Lead Instructor, working closely with a staff member to lead a program session offered at camp
- A two night introductory canoe trip adventure to a wilderness campsite allowing the group to bond as a group away from the influences of our busy summer camp
- Earn 40 volunteer service hours
Campers in this program are required to return home for one weekend during their month at camp (following their second week). Busing will be provided free of charge for this “go home” time at camps that have a busing option. There are no other visiting opportunities while your camper participates in LDP 4.
Campers can seamlessly link two different programs together (minimum one week programs) to extend their stay at camp over the weekend and save the trip home! Campers registered for two separate, consecutive camp programs are able to apply. For example, a camper could attend an Explorers program on week one then stay for the In-Between Weekend, then attend an Adventurers program for week two. The awesome adventure begins right after the first week of camp closes. Weekend activities differ by camp but could include visiting a local festival or a sunset boat ride around Doe Lake. While out and about, there could be a quest for a cool summer treat like ice cream. Time is set aside to do laundry, shower and get organized for our new week of camp. Please note – in order to stay for the extended weekend, your camper needs to register for two separate consecutive camp programs (this does not include Mom and Me or Family Camps). Visits are not permitted during this time.
|
Typical Day at Overnight Camp
| Typical Day at Overnight Camp |
| 7:15 a.m. |
Good Morning! Wake Up, Self-Care, Get Dressed, Pack for Morning Activities |
| 8:00 a.m. |
Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. |
Activity Session #1 |
| 10:30 a.m. |
Snack |
| 10:45 a.m. |
Activity Session #2 |
| 12:30 p.m. |
Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Rest Time |
| 2:30 p.m. |
Activity Session #3 |
| 4:00 p.m. |
Snack |
| 4:15 p.m. |
Activity Session
#4: Quick Picks
Campers get to choose their own activity from a variety
of options which change daily. |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Supper |
| 7:30 p.m. |
Evening Program |
| 8:45 p.m. |
Site time, Snack Time, Prepare for Bed |
| 10:00 p.m. |
Lights Out! |
| This schedule provides a general outline for a
typical day at overnight camp. Day Camp will be similarly structured, barring
early morning/evening activities. The schedule may differ slightly, depending
on the specific camp, week, program and/or weather. |
| Below is a list of activities your camper may
participate in during her time at camp. |
| General Activity List by Age Group |
Sparks & Brownies
(2011-2014) |
Guides
(2008-2010) |
Pathfinders
(2005-2007) |
| Archery |
Archery |
Archery |
| Boating (Canoe
Rides) |
Canoeing |
Canoeing |
| Crafts #1 |
Climbing
Wall or
Initiative Tasks** |
Climbing
Wall or
Initiative Tasks** |
| Crafts #2 |
Crafts |
Crafts |
| Drama |
Fine Arts |
Fine Arts |
| Low Ropes or
Initiative Tasks* |
Geocaching |
Geocaching |
| Outdoor Skills |
Kayaking |
High Ropes
or Site Selection #1† |
| Swim #1 |
Outdoor Skills |
Kayaking |
| Swim #2 |
Swim |
Nature Photography |
| Site Selection
#1 |
Site Selection #1 |
Swim |
| Site
Selection #2 |
Site Selection #2 |
Sailing and/or Stand Up Paddle boarding†† |
*Low Ropes at Doe Lake;
Initiative Tasks at Woolsey
**Climbing Wall at Doe Lake; Initiative Tasks at Woolsey
†High Ropes at Doe Lake; Site Selection #1 at Woolsey
††Sailing available only at Doe Lake; Stand Up Paddleboarding at Woolsey |
|