FrançaisTestimonials
"Last summer when I accompanied Magali to the bus at Place Portobello for her first «away from home» experience, I left feeling overwhelmed by guilt. My daughter was so sad that I thought we had made a mistake in sending her to camp. When we saw her on visitor's day and she begged us to stay two more weeks, I felt totally relieved and happy for her. When she got off the bus at the end of four weeks with tears in her eyes, sad to leave her new friends, I knew the experience had been a total success. I was especially pleased that she managed to spend a whole four weeks with no TV, no computers etc. She enjoyed the outdoor activities and all the sports. She has kept in contact with many of her fellow campers and some of the counsellors and I understand that there has been plenty of «planning» going on via Facebook (what else?) for next summer. ...thank you for making Wilvaken such a wonderful experience for Magali!!"
— Letter from a happy mother.
Thirteen Blissful Summers
— Amanda Beattie (on the left)
Wilvaken is a second home to me. I spent thirteen blissful summers here, travelling from France to Jamaica, hopping over to Sweden, Norway, then Arabia, and finally, Italy. [ed: Countries mentioned are the names of our girls' cabins!] I spent my CIT time in Canada, returned to some of my favourite cabins as a junior counsellor and as coordinator for CITs, and spent my final summer as program coordinator atop the Lodge. Every summer was exactly the same…and completely different. The similarities are easy: the people were always incredibly warm, friendly and open, and the friendships that I made are true and lasting; the days were always full of fun, interesting and innovative activities, from the morning to the afternoon and evening programs; and the laughter was always plentiful and hearty. The differences are more subtle: every summer, I learnt new valuable skills; I further developed my sense of self, my interests and my strengths. Every summer, I became more aware of the kind of person that I wanted to be, and I learnt this from the daily interaction, support and love of the campers and staff surrounding me.
Wilvaken watched me through the important stages of my life as I grew from a seven year old to a twenty year old. It gave me advice, nudged me in certain directions and gently steered me away from others, offered me support and constant friendship. It nourished me with sunshine and inspiration, lifelong friendships and a love for the outdoors. It encouraged me to go after what I love and cherish, and to always remember the important things in life. Growing up, Wilvaken was my mentor, and still remains a dear friend today.
"The camping experience was so up-beat for [our grandson] —very special— that we wanted to thank you for creating such a healthy and productive climate for “our” children — the children of the world!! He has been extremely grateful to us for sending him to your special place and we all look forward to next year.”
— Appreciation from a grandmother from Vermont, USA
When I was 11
— Jamie Stober (on the right)
When I was 11 years old I remember my mother telling me that she was going to send my sister (who was 8 at the time) and me to a sleep-over camp. I was petrified, I did not want to leave my parents or my home. But my sister urged me to go, so we signed up for two weeks. I remember coming home after the two weeks, and following the camp schedule. I would not watch tv, I ate my meals the same time that the camp did, this lasted for a couple of weeks. I was really sad to be home. For the next 13 years I returned to the place that I call my second home, Wilvaken.
Wilvaken has not only taught me how to sail, canoe and water ski, but it taught me about friendship. The thrill of coming up with an evening program or a theme day and watching the smile on the campers faces is a memory I'll never forget. Or having that one camper that idolizes you, there is nothing else like it. I grew so attached to the place, the staff and especially the campers. Year after year they would asked me if I am coming back the following summer, my answer would always be “I don't know”. As soon as I saw the sad look in their eyes I knew that I would be back yet another year.
This is a place that I know I can always come to, to rejuvenate myself, to put a smile on my face. It will always be my second family, my home away from home. Cherish every moment, every aspect about Wilvaken. Take it all in, learn about the history, listen to the stories and keep it close to your hearts. Everyone who comes to Wilvaken leaves with special memories and a soft spot for the place that we call 'Wilvy'. Enjoy the summer, have fun with the campers, be as crazy and wild during EP's and theme days as you can, be creative, but most of all take it all in so it will remain in your hearts forever. Enjoy my second home — Wilvaken.
“As a parent of three children I recommend Wilvaken as a unique bilingual facility ...all three have greatly improved their conversational French in a relaxed atmosphere.”
— Appreciation from a father
“Since he came home, Shunta can not stop talking about his experiences at Wilvaken and the wonderful people there. I was a little concerned about his communication, but the language barrier was surmounted by the friendliness of the people. Shunta hopes to return to camp next summer.”
— From the father of a boy who arrived at Wilvaken from Japan, with very little English, and no French
[ed: Shunta arrived a little apprehensive, and carrying a pocket-sized electronic Japanese / English translator / dictionary! After about 3 days, he no longer felt the need, and stopped carrying the translator.]
