Why Choose Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da

1. Reputation and experience

Established in 1955 by Mary and Jock Liddell, Mi-A-Kon-Da has been in operation for over 50 years. 2008 will be our 54th season.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. Our Programming meets individual needs and differences

Mi-A-Kon-Da's high counselor to camper ratio allows campers to get the attention and encouragement they deserve. With so much of our camp program based on choice, campers are able to decide how they spend their time at Mi-A-Kon-Da.

Our campers enjoy the freedom and flexibility to choose their own instructional program from a wide variety of activities. Campers can participate in activities for recreation as well as to obtain established levels of skill. Each day, campers attend four one hour-long instructional periods. All campers participate in swimming lessons that are taught by qualified swimming instructors. The additional three activity periods, campers are free to create their own daily program from the wide variety of activities. Campers are encouraged to try all of the activities and then proceed at her own rate to master those skills which interest her most. There are also periods of free time when a camper can choose to play a variety of games, join Dance Club or Music &Guitar Club, or to relax by the lake and read a book or hang out with a friend.

5. Committed and Experienced 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.

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.

Our staff are 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.

6. Our Campers

Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da is a summer home for girls ages seven to sixteen from Ontario, across Canada, and many countries around the world. We register 100 campers in each session.

At Mi-A-Kon-Da, new campers quickly feel at home. In a group of four girls with their own counselor, lasting friendships develop as campers learn and play together. Over 70% of our campers return each summer. As they become senior campers their goal is to become a counselor in training and then a counselor on our staff.

7. Our Tasty, Nutritious Food

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.

8. Location

9. Girls only