Camp Crossroads: Parent Interview with Elizabeth and Alan

Watch our Parent interview with Elizabeth and Alan to hear firsthand what children experience and how they grow at Camp Crossroads.

Transcript of the interview

What were you looking for when searching for camps?

Alan

It was in the middle of the pandemic, so we wanted to get away. We had heard about Camp Crossroads and the activities, and we really were looking for something where they could have some opportunities to participate in different programs, but then we’d still be able to see them, hang out with them, and hear how their day went.

Elizabeth

Camp Crossroads is affiliated with our church, so that’s how we found out about it. We wanted the combination of some spiritual teaching along with opportunities for activities we wouldn’t necessarily get in the city or that we had never done with our kids.

Camp Crossroads had water skiing, which our kids tried for the first time and loved. And they had lots of outdoor things. Because we went to the family camp side, we also had time to experience some of those things as parents as well.

What would you highlight about Camp Crossroads’ programs?

Alan

The activities at Camp Crossroads were really great, from being able to participate in the lake activities and water sports to the games and the way the campground was set up for different sports activities and crafts.

At the end of the day, I think what was really great was the community of families that was there. Everyone was very welcoming and really open to ensuring that the kids all played together, supported each other, and encouraged one another.

There were a few families that were really instrumental in organizing some social activities for everyone. Even in the free time, we had a baseball game and an ultimate Frisbee game. And these things were just kind of spontaneously set up.

What do you think that your children liked best or found most exciting about Camp Crossroads?

Elizabeth

I think they enjoyed having all that freedom to be a bit more independent, but also being around peers and adults when they needed them. I think there’s a good blend of free time for them and also structured time.

They also really liked the Gaga ball pit, which we had no idea about until we got there, but they would just spontaneously play a game after each meal. It was all ages, and everyone was very supportive of each other.

As a parent, it was really nice for me when I was sitting on the dock and watching the kids water ski for the first time. When my nine-year-old got up on the skis, everyone around stopped and cheered for him, which is just a nice experience, to have that positive reinforcement from the people around you and have a place where people know your name. A week of that was just really good for the kids.

Alan

I would guess the two things that they liked the most were the water sports, like wakeboarding and water skiing. The other thing they really liked was the tuck shop. This was our kids’ first experience at camp, and so being able to go to the tuck shop and just buy what they wanted was a real treat for them.

How and when did you know that Camp Crossroads was the right fit for your children?

Elizabeth

Within 24 hours, we felt very welcome and started getting integrated into the activities. We were new to Camp Crossroads. It was our first week there. We didn’t know any other parents there, and we were the only ones from the city. And we were the only non-white family there.

The first day, I think we could tell we were different, but it was a really quick transition.

Was there any change or noticeable personal growth you saw in your children after their time at Camp Crossroads?

Alan

I think they were more interested in trying new things. I think a week at this camp really gave them confidence that new things could be fun, interesting, exciting, and adventurous. Having that good, encouraging experience, I think, would build upon their interest in trying something new again.

Just remembering what it was like to be in social environments was important. Maybe that’s not applicable going forward as Ontario reopens, but at the time, it was really important for our kids to remember what it’s like to hang out with other people.

Elizabeth

Our daughter is extroverted but likes to play it safe. So Camp Crossroads was a place for her, like Alan said, to try something new. And I think that both the kids are keen to go back and keep experiencing that.

Our son is probably more introverted. But again, I think it’s all the small things, like having leaders who encourage you, know your name, include you in things, or positively reinforce you when you try something. I think that was good for him. And you don’t have to be an extrovert to get that positive feedback. You just need people who actually pay attention to you.

After the pandemic, a week of not having screens was important. A week to connect as a family outdoors with other families was really important. A week to sing in church again was important. We hadn’t sung with other people in a long time. So that stuck out for me.

We go to a small church where there are kids, but they’re all different ages, so you don’t have a ton of kids necessarily your child’s exact age. I think going to a Christian camp, you get to meet other kids who are Christians and who are your age, and you get to share your experiences. I think that’s something that is important to us, for them to have peers.

It was also important to meet high school students and young people who were working there, who are also still Christians, and have that kind of mentorship to see what’s coming next.

How can you as parents support your children to get the most out of Camp Crossroads?

Elizabeth

I think it’s just being flexible about what they express and being open. Our older one is ready to do overnight camp. She was fine with that idea and going to teen camp next year. Our younger one may need another year of family camp.

How would you describe Camp Crossroads if you were talking to another parent about it?

Alan

I think it provides all the things you want out of a retreat-style campsite. They take care of all the responsibilities of planning and organizing so that you can just show up with your stuff, and they do it at a really affordable cost for families.

They put the focus on the things that are important: connections, experiences, and activities. And they do it at a real economical rate.

Elizabeth

It’s not a pretentious camp. There’s not a feeling that it has to be a certain way or have a certain brand. It focuses on the important things: connecting kids with each other, families connecting, and also experiencing God.

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