A MESSAGE TO PARENTS
As Owners and Directors of Camp Tanamakoon for over 25 years, we have the unique satisfaction of helping to create some of the happiest times in the lives of thousands of our Tanamakoon campers. We have provided a safe nurturing experience for young and first time campers and at the same time our commitment to our traditions and environmental ethics have help mold attitudes and values of all campers, young and old alike.
Our camp is large enough to provide quality and diverse programs without losing our ability to make each camper feel loved and needed. The experience of living and playing in small groups allows each camper to feel at home and an important member of our Tanamakoon family.
We are proud that the vast majority of our counselors are former campers. They each have a strong love and respect for our Camp and its philosophy and traditions. Once your daughter has become part of Tanamakoon, she will want to return year after year.
All of us at Camp Tanamakoon are dedicated to maintaining its high standards and preserving its traditions. We invite your daughter to join us in Algonquin Park. It is sure to be a lifelong love for her and one of the greatest gifts a parent could give their daughter.
Kim & Marilyn Smith
Patti Thom has been associated with Tanamakoon as a camper, counsellor and senior staff member since 1964. Patti is employed full time by Tanamakoon as a Camp Director. She is a former physical education teacher and outdoor recreation specialist. Patti has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Camping Association, The Ontario Camps Association, The Society of Camp Directors and is a founding member of The Kids In Camp Charity. The Dorothy Walter Award of Excellence by the Ontario Camps Association has recognized Patti with the highest award of the Association given in recognition of her volunteer service to the Camping movement in Ontario.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
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 health and safety of your daughter are of prime concern at Tanamakoon. During our pre-camp, our staff are fully trained in first aid and emergency procedures. This training is continually reinforced throughout the summer.
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THE PROGRAM
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.
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LEADERSHIP
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.
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Campers live in wooden cabins or platform tents. Younger campers live in cabins, with staff under the same roof.
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THE ARTS
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.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
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.
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TALENTED VISITORS
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.
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SUNDAYS
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
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ALGONQUIN PARK
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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