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Parent Information FAQs
How many years has your camp been in operation? How many years has your camp been in operation?Established in 1955 by Mary and Jock Liddell, Mi-A-Kon-Da has been in operation for over 50 years. 2012 will be our 58th season. What is your camp's philosophy or mission statement?Mi-A-Kon-da has a strong belief in the importance and impact of resident camping on young girls. Camp allows individuals to experience three major goals: fun, learning and friendship. Each day with energy, enthusiasm and creativity, campers participate in a wide variety of activities. As the camper improves her skills and gains confidence in her abilities, an interest in life long learning develops. Camp provides a healthy and positive environment for the camper to experience personal growth and to appreciate and live in harmony with others and the natural world. As the summers go by, the camper broadens her horizons; more fully realizes her potential and develops her leadership ability. She may then pursue a goal and continue her camping career as a Counselor in Training and then as a Counselor. In the meantime, many wonderful memories are created and life long friendships flourish! Is the camp accredited by the Ontario Camping Association?Yes, Mi-A-Kon-Da provides the safest and most enjoyable camping experience possible, annually meeting and exceeding the quality standards of excellence established by the Ontario Camping Association. Who is the camp Director and what is her background?Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da is currently directed and owned by Pam Lamont and her husband, David Smith. Pam has been active in Mi-A-Kon-Da for over 25 years, starting from her own camper days with Mary Liddell, the founding director. Pam has a back ground in critical care nursing and has a Masters of Science Degree in Nursing Education. She has held various teaching positions including on the faculty at the University of Toronto. What employee screening procedures does your camp use when hiring staff?We're very proud of the fact that our counselors have grown up through the Mi-A-Kon-Da camper experience - so we know each counselor very well! This commitment and experience ensures that the values of the camp are maintained throughout the years. All counselors have completed the Mi-A-Don-Da leadership in training program, in addition to supplementary leadership skills programs. As a result of the leadership training program, we are able to identify strengths and work with them on areas for improvement so that they continue to develop as strong leaders. The water front activity staff have a minimum of a Bronze Cross with the majority of all our counselors being certified in Standard 1st Aid and NLS (National Lifeguard). How much time does your staff spend in training?In addition to the leadership training that all counselors have received at camp, each staff member participates in a week of pre camp Staff Training and Orientation. This time focuses on leadership skills, review of emergency procedures, counselor expectations, standardization of activity skills, team building and how to work with children. Staff also attend several of the OCA (Ontario Camping Association) skill development and training sessions. What are their qualifications?Mi-A-Kon-Da staff are qualified and knowledgeable individuals teaching activities where they have gained both knowledge and experience. Swim staff have NLS and Instructors qualifications as well as Standard First Aid training. The majority of counselors posses their NLS and Standard First Aid training as well as high levels in the activities they teach. How many staff return to work at camp each year?Over 70% of our staff return to work at Mi-A-Kon-Da each summer. This return rate allows new positions for our first year staff that have completed the C.I.T. program. Our high return rate provides continuity and a great chance for campers to get to know counselors and staff from summer to summer. How old are your staff members? Are they experienced enough?Our staff is between the ages of 17 and 40 years old. In most cases they are university students, school teachers or outdoor education leaders. They have successfully completed the Counsellor-In-Training program and have First Aid and CPR training. Most of our staff have advanced certifications in first aid and life guard certification. In addition to the tent cabin counselors, Mi-A-Kon-Da has an Assistant Director, Waterfront Director, C.I.T. Director, Section Directors and Program Director. All of which have been on staff for significant number of years. What is the staff to camper ratio?With 100 campers per session, Mi-A-Kon-Da provides great support and supervision to campers with a staff of 30 Counselors, 10 Counselors In Training and 20 Support Staff. Our philosophy is to not to expand our camper base beyond this number, preferring to run a smaller more 'camper friendly' camp which provides enormous benefits to the campers and staff in terms of attention and development. How many campers are in one tent cabin?Each cabin has 4-5 campers in a tent cabin. Each camper has a counselor assigned to their cabin and all campers have a single bed and space for their clothing. Can the campers write home and can I send a letter or parcel?Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da definitely encourages campers to write letters home regularly and we hope that parents and friends will write. Letters and parcels are distributed on a daily basis. Parcels and letters may be sent by regular or Express Post. Purolator does not deliver to camp. Please do not send food or have the children bring food to camp. Campers will have plenty of food and snacks throughout the day. We have a No Nut Policy and food intents encourages animals to become pests. How does your camp communicate with families during the summer?Telephone - The camp toll free number of 1-877-642-5663 can be called at anytime. In the event that no one is available, a message can be left and will be returned as soon as possible. We also have an additional camp phone number (705-389-1462) which is staffed at limited times throughout each camp day. Camp visits - We provide parents/families with the opportunity to visit the camper and camp throughout the week. This should be booked in advance to ensure that your daughter is not out of camp on a canoe trip and to accommodate boat transportation and meal planning. There is a nominal cost per person for each visit. We recommend that first time campers and two week campers have visitors at the end of their two week stay. This allows them toenjoy the full experience of camp. What is the tuck shop?The tuck shop is open at specific times each day. The campers can purchase essential items that they may need at camp. What type of food is offered?Meals are an important part of an active camper's day! Camper favourites include macaroni and cheese, homemade pizza, lasagna with caesar salad and garlic bread or chicken with vegetables and wild rice followed by strawberry angel food cake. Fresh fruits and salads are abundant; a fruit bowl is always available for hungry campers. Alternate menus are prepared for vegetarians and campers on special diets. All meals are prepared fresh before each meal. We have a 'no nut' policy. Buffet lunches are enjoyed picnic style by the lake while breakfast and dinner are served family style in the dining room. Afternoon and bedtime snacks are provided. We do not use a catering service, preferring to hire our own hand selected staff to provide a wide selection of enjoyable healthy meals for the campers and staff. |
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Call us toll free at: 1-877-642-5663 |
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