Camp Presqu'ile

Transcript of our interview with Scotia, Camp Presqu'ile: Director Interview

What is unique about the camp?

What makes Presqu'ile unique is our intentionally small population size. We're never going to have more than about 100 or 150 kids on site, which means that everyone gets to know each other really well.

We are also focused on having a "one-room schoolhouse" which means that our programs are not divided by age group. Whether you're 6 or 16, you might be participating in the same activity, learning to work together as members of one community. While cabins are still grouped by age, our daytime activities are fully mixed, promoting mentorship and connection across age groups.

At Presqu’ile, campers choose what they want to do each day based on their current interests. If you try kayaking and decide it's not for you, that’s okay because you don't have to stick with it. This flexibility allows kids to explore freely and fully enjoy their time. 

What type of child is successful at your camp?

There's no one type of kid that is most successful at Camp Presqu'ile as it is a space where every camper can feel included and accepted. Our focus is on creating a safe, supportive community where kids of all backgrounds and personalities can explore who they are, discover new interests, build friendships, and grow at their own pace.

We don’t define success in just one way. For some campers, it’s earning activity levels or performing in the camp play. For others, it’s making friendship bracelets, trying something new, or simply being a kind and thoughtful member of their cabin group. Whatever success looks like to each camper, we recognize and celebrate it. There’s something here for everyone.

Is the schedule structured or is it more open?

Our camp sessions are set up in one and two-week sessions. Our one-week sessions are available for kids aged 6–12 and are perfect for first-time campers. The structure is the same as our longer sessions, but condensed for kids and parents who may feel nervous about being away from home, or for families balancing summer activities like sports.

Our two-week sessions are more immersive and allow campers to really settle in, build deeper friendships, and work toward personal goals. It’s a great fit for returning campers, older kids, or confident first-timers ready for the full experience.

We also run a two-week leadership program for 15-year-olds, which includes a canoe trip and specialized workshops in teamwork, communication, and group dynamics. Leadership campers follow the same daily schedule, including fun activity blocks in the morning and leadership placements in the afternoon, where they develop skills by assisting in specific programs.

Campers choose their own activities each day; three in the morning and three in the afternoon. They don’t move with their cabin groups unless they want to, so they can explore what interests them most. After dinner, campers enjoy our "Choose Your Own Venture" hour with a mix of low, medium, and high energy options, followed by an evening program and snack before bed.

We believe giving kids the freedom to make their own choices within a supportive structure helps build confidence, independence, and joy.

How do your staff deal with behavioural issues?

Before campers even arrive, our staff undergo a full week of training, where a major focus is helping them understand how to meet the needs of diverse campers. We teach staff to create clear expectations, routines, and supportive environments right from the start and emphasize prevention.

Each cabin group establishes a daily routine and takes part in building a Full Value Contract which is a shared agreement created by campers and staff that sets out how they’ll live together respectfully. This helps set clear behavioral expectations and gives everyone something to return to when conflicts arise.

When behavioral challenges do come up, whether it’s homesickness, emotional outbursts, or interpersonal conflict, our senior staff team is there to support both the campers and their cabin staff. We take the time to understand what’s going on beneath the surface: often, behavior issues are rooted in feeling unsafe, uncomfortable, or unsure. That’s why we focus on building predictable routines, ensuring that kids know what’s coming next and feel secure in the camp environment.

If more serious or ongoing behavioral concerns arise, we involve parents early to discuss strategies that may work both at home and at camp. We do not believe in removing a camper unless all other intervention strategies have been tried and the behavior is truly disruptive or unsafe. Our goal is to give campers the skills to regulate emotions, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts, both at camp and beyond. 

What do campers value most about their experience at the camp?

What our campers value the most about their time at Presqu’ile is the freedom to choose their own schedule. Kids really like that they have the autonomy to choose the programming that they're doing each morning and each afternoon. It allows them to keep the programming fresh for themselves.

As campers grow, their relationship with each activity evolves. A 6-year-old might head to canoeing just to splash around and chat with staff. As campers grow, their relationship with each activity evolves. The programming grows with them, offering something new at every stage.

Campers also really value the friendships they build. Many return summer after summer and coordinate their sessions to reunite with the same friends. They also love the signature events like Special Day and Presqu’ile Bound.

What message do you have for new campers?

If you're thinking about joining us at Camp Presqu’ile this summer, the most important thing we want you to know is this: we can’t wait to welcome you.

Whether you're a first-time camper or returning for another unforgettable summer, we’re genuinely excited to have you as part of our community. At Presqu’ile, everyone knows each other, supports one another, and helps create a place where everyone belongs.

If you’re feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, that’s totally normal. We hope that you join us this summer, and you can be a part of our community for years to come.