Algonquin Park Ontario Summer Girls Camp & Arts Program

As Owners and Directors of Camp Tanamakoon since 1984, we have had the unique satisfaction of helping to create some of the happiest times in the lives of thousands of our Tanamakoon campers. Summer after summer, for over seventy-five years, girls have returned to Tanamakoon to establish new friendships, re-kindle old ones and learn and develop camp skills in the heart of' Algonquin Park.

Our Camp is large enough to allow us to provide quality and diverse programs, yet small enough so we can get to know each of our campers. The experience of living and learning in small groups allows Tanamakoon the opportunity to ensure that every camper is made to feel unique and an important member of the Tanamakoon family.

We are proud of the fact that the majority of our counsellors are former campers. Once your daughter has become part of the Tanamakoon family she will want to return year after year.

All of us at Tanamakoon are committed to maintaining its high standards and preserving its traditions. At the same time, we provide the flexibility necessary to meet the needs of today's campers. We invite your daughter to join us this summer and begin a rewarding lifelong association with the Tanamakoon family.

Patti Thom has been associated with Tanamakoon as a camper, counsellor and senior staff member since 1964. Patti is employed full time by Tanamakoon. She is a former physical education teacher and outdoor recreation specialist. Patti is a member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Camp Directors and of the Advisory Board of the Ontario Camping Association. She was recently given the Dorothy Walter Award of Excellence by the Ontario Camping Association. This is the highest award of the Association given in recognition of her volunteer service to the Camping movement in Ontario.

A Doctor and Graduate Nurse reside full time at Camp to supervise the Campers’ health. The well balanced and wholesome meals which delight everyone at Tanamakoon are planned by Nutritionists. Meals are served family style at round tables. An evening snack is also provided. Campers with individual dietary needs and food allergies are accommodated. Our water is purified and chlorinated, and is tested daily. There are hot showers and modern toilet facilities. The Local Medical Officer of Health inspects our sanitation and kitchen facilities.

The program at Tanamakoon is designed to provide fun and at the same time enhance the development of each individual child. Daily activities for younger campers are carefully scheduled to ensure they attain basic camping skills.

The program for older campers allows for individual choice. The teaching of all activities is skillfully planned by competent instructors to meet the age, ability and interest of each camper. Campers return year after year to participate in a program filled with excitement, adventure and fun.

The counsellors who instruct and care for our campers are one of the keys to Tanamakoon’s success. They are responsible, energetic, fun-loving young adults who have been chosen not only for their leadership abilities but also for their sincere interest in young people. The vast majority of the staff are former Tanamakoon campers. The minimum age for counsellors is 18 years; the average age is several years higher. The number of counsellors is one to every three campers. In the younger age groups, our staff ratio is closer to one counsellor for every two campers.

In addition to our female counseling staff and our doctor and nurse, we also employ canoe trip guides and maintenance staff. Staff members at Tanamakoon are hired for- their skill, warmth and conscientious concern for young people. Their highest priority is to provide a safe and secure environment for your daughter.

Campers live in wooden cabins or platform tents. Younger campers live in cabins, with staff under the same roof.

Many opportunities exist for the expression of creative talents. Crafts, lapidary, sketching, paddle making, pottery, woodworking, music and theatre arts are part of the daily program. Music and theatre nights are two important events which take place weekly.

Special occasions are a much loved part of the Tanamakoon experience. These include fishing, competitions, theme days, flotillas, candlelight services, sing songs, council fires, talent and skit nights, musical productions and the farewell banquet.

Special visitors to Camp are an important part of Tanamakoon life. World renowned Author and Naturalist, Michael Runtz comes to share his expertise with our campers. Other visitors include a traveling Exhibit from Science North, a traditional Canadian Aboriginal Story Teller, and various crafts persons such as wood carvers and wood etching experts. Each camper is made a part of these unique visits. We are confident your daughter’s stay will be enriched by these Tanamakoon friends.

On Sunday a nondenominational chapel service is conducted by campers and staff in the outdoor chapel. Sunday is also a special cabin day when campers plan activities with their counsellors

By choosing Tanamakoon for your daughter, you will provide her with the unparalleled opportunity to spend a summer in one of the great wilderness areas of the world. The Algonquin ethic is an important part of Camp life. We are committed to teaching our campers to tread softly on the land and to live environmentally friendly. Our Camp facilities include two composting toilets, one of which is operated by solar electricity, and our shower water is preheated by four solar panels. Our kitchen composts its waste and recycles all of its cardboard, glass and metal containers. Only biodegradable soap is used in our kitchen and by our campers and staff.

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Copyright © 2001 • All rights reserved • Revised: February 12, 2009