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My daughter has attended the last two summers and wants to attend until she is old enough to then volunteer as a counsellor. The camp provides a safe environment for teens to express themselves and seek support from their community by being authentic, open, and caring. It teaches lifelong lessons in leadership, compassion, and community, and allows kids to find their community among relative strangers through immersive experiences that are supportive and innovative. Being technology-free really enhances their ability to feel "free," as there is no worry about being watched or recorded in ways they don't want to be. Both years, she has come home saying she has never felt more seen or supported outside of home, and she has built longstanding friendships and cannot wait to integrate her learnings and leadership into her home and school community.
Originally, I was attracted to the camp because of the options for sponsorship. I am a single mom and sole provider on a low income, but want to provide as many opportunities and experiences for my kids as possible. Being able to seek sponsorship and/or a payment plan so that my daughter can participate was the difference between being able to attend and not.
The daily structure of the camp and the predictable programming work for my daughter. There is plenty of unstructured time in between very carefully curated activities and commitments. The many activities (colour groups, reflections, etc.) provide safe spaces for teens to express themselves and seek support from their peers while also learning how to be vulnerable and support one another. Staff are supportive, fun, engaged, and positive role models.
My child has made better friends at camp in the last two years than she has in all of her school years (going into grade 10). The community is supportive and welcoming, and with a "no exclusive relationships" rule, everyone is encouraged to meet new people and connect with different people every day. This year, she returned and was there with some friends and acquaintances from the previous year, but came home saying she felt like she genuinely connected with all 60 participants and felt truly seen.
My child loves all of the leadership activities and brings them back to her school community hoping to make the camp culture a part of her school culture - minimizing bullying and exclusion, being open minded and open hearted, allowing others to be free to be themselves. She has grown in her confidence both years and embraces challenges in a different way after attending camp.
Communication from camp is amazing. Countdowns and reminders and last minute details are all handled very well. From the staff who ride the camp bus to all staff on site, my daughter has nothing but good things to say. They create a positive culture and most (all?) staff being previous campers really enhances the environment and the experience.
Last year my daughter took a stuffed duffle bag and felt that it made the travel portion tricky on the bus and the ferry. This year she took a big, wheeled suitcase and found it much easier to navigate. She was able to fit all the required items and more inside her suitcase and had an easier time moving around. She especially enjoys bringing small gifts for secret friends or to trade with others.
This camp is what you make of it. It will push you out of your comfort zone BUT you will likely feel safe to do so. It will challenge what you know about yourself and how you relate to people. It is a place for people with open minds and open hearts and good intentions. A friend who went with pre-conceived notions and judgements had a harder time with the experience than one who went in with positive intentions.
"My daughter made great friends and friendships that will last."
My child totally enjoyed this camp. It was her first time at a camp and away from home for a week. She enjoyed herself so much, she keeps talking about the camp to her friends, telling her friends t... Read full review
"My kids loved the variety!"
Two of my children attend YES camp. They find camp week (and reunions) a chance to be free - be themselves and thrive in an accepting environment. They come home with a plethora of new connections, le... Read full review
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