YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth: Parent Interview with Alex Lyttle

Watch our Parent interview with Alex Lyttle to hear firsthand what children experience and how they grow at YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth.

Transcript of the interview

How did you know Camp Queen Elizabeth was the right fit?

I had a bit of an advantage—I've been involved with Camp Queen Elizabeth for years. I was a camper, an LIT, a Dell, a counselor for three summers, and most recently, the camp doctor. So I know Camp Queen Elizabeth extremely well.

From my experience, I knew it would be a great fit for my kids. They love swimming and being on the water, and they also enjoy land-based activities like gaga ball, camouflage, and arts and crafts. My children are all very different: one is more into making bracelets and creative projects, while my boys can be rambunctious and love running around and playing active games. Camp Queen Elizabeth offers so many diverse activities that I knew all of them would find something to enjoy—and they did. They’ve been talking about going back since they came home last summer. That excitement mirrors my own childhood. Camp was one of the best parts of growing up.

What’s unique about Camp Queen Elizabeth?

The most unique aspect of Camp Queen Elizabeth is its location—it's on an island in a national park. You’ve got beautiful water, trees, and the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield all around you. That setting allows for some amazing and unique experiences. There’s kayaking, canoeing, swimming, sailing—all kinds of ways to enjoy the water on a hot day.

The natural setting also makes out-tripping easy and accessible, whether that’s paddling out to a nearby river or lake, or simply hiking through the woods. Even simple games like kick the can or camouflage feel more special in a place like that. You also have arts and crafts, archery—so many possibilities. It’s an experience that just wouldn’t be possible in the city.

Was there any personal growth you saw in your child at Camp Queen Elizabeth?

Absolutely. I had three children attend Camp Queen Elizabeth last summer, and I saw a ton of growth in all of them. There were the physical skills—swimming, boating, learning how to stern a canoe, making bracelets in arts and crafts, and understanding water safety.

But I also saw emotional and social growth: learning to deal with conflict among peers, gaining confidence through campfire singing or public speaking, and being part of group events like camper entertainment nights. Most importantly, they developed the ability to entertain themselves without screens. That’s a rare skill nowadays, with so much of their daily lives revolving around technology. At Camp Queen Elizabeth, they learned what we used to call “back pocket games”—fun, screen-free activities they can do anywhere with just a little creativity and a few friends.

How can parents overcome hesitancy to send their children away overnight?

I get it—sending your child to an overnight camp, especially one that’s remote and on an island, can bring up a lot of concerns. But Camp Queen Elizabeth takes safety very seriously. The staff are all trained in lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR. There’s a camp doctor on-site 24/7. From my time there as a doctor, I can say they truly go above and beyond when it comes to protocols and preparedness.

As for emotional concerns—will they make friends? Will they get homesick?—I’ve seen how that plays out. On the first night, a lineup of kids often comes to the health centre with tummy aches or trouble sleeping, often just because they miss home. By the second night, it’s down to just a couple of kids. By the third? None. They’ve bonded with their cabinmates, they’re exhausted from all the fun, and they fall asleep easily. Of course, some homesickness is natural, especially for first-timers. But by the end, most kids don’t want to leave—and once they’re home, they’re already asking when they can go back.

What would you tell other parents about the overall value of Camp Queen Elizabeth?

I truly believe there’s no better experience you can give your child than summer camp.

Camp builds life skills they’ll use now and in the future—confidence, leadership, public speaking, independence, collaboration. Whether it’s performing at a campfire, leading a group, or learning to canoe, these are meaningful, transferable skills. When it comes time to apply for universities or professional programs, those experiences matter. I included mine in my own application to medical school, and now, as someone who helps evaluate candidates, I can say that camp experience speaks volumes about character.

Camp is an unplugged, nature-based, social experience—and in today’s world, that’s incredibly valuable. My kids have benefitted immensely from Camp Queen Elizabeth, just like I did when I was growing up.

What does your child say about Camp Queen Elizabeth?

We actually had to hang up a countdown calendar so they’d stop asking us how many days until camp. We’ve done big trips—Disneyland, Hawaii, ski vacations—but the one thing they’re most excited to return to is Camp Queen Elizabeth.

They’ve made lasting friendships—pen pals across the country they still keep in touch with. And they can’t wait for all the activities again: boating, arts and crafts, gaga ball—you name it. There’s a long list of things they’re excited for, and we’re excited to send them back.

Any final thoughts about your experience with Camp Queen Elizabeth?

As a pediatrician, a father of four, and a former camper and counselor at Camp Queen Elizabeth, I can say without hesitation: there is nothing more valuable right now than giving kids the chance to unplug, get outside, and connect with other children in a meaningful way.

Camp Queen Elizabeth is a truly special place, and I hope you’ll consider giving your child that opportunity. If I’m there again next summer as the camp doctor, I’d love to see you and your kids there too—right alongside mine.