Reviews
See what parents and campers have to say about Ponacka!Angus came back raving about his camp experience. I think Angus felt very supported and safe at camp. We were very impressed with Torin when we met him at drop off.
Angus loved all of his counsellors.
Pete had an amazing month at camp. He is regaling us with camp stories! We observed how kind and respectful the counsellors were with the boys. There is a comfort that we haven’t seen in other environments – it’s very special. Pete came home happier and more independent than when he left. He is proud of his accomplishments and seems confident in himself in a way that he wasn’t before. Thanks for providing such a wonderful environment that has helped him grow!
A toast to the Ponacka Spirit – I first want to express how thankful I am to be here right now and doing this toast. It means so much to me. I’ve been coming to camp ever since I was 8. Over the years I’ve been here, a lot of people asked me why I love camp so much and why I keep coming back. And it’s always hard to explain to them why. I bring up skinnies and doubles, they are never sold on that. So when I was asked to do this toast I genuinely didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what the Ponacka spirit was. Then I finally realised that it’s not one thing and it’s different for everyone. But there is one part of the spirit for all of us. The feeling. It’s the feeling of joy, challenge, accomplishment, laughter, good times and a feeling that every person from Lakeview to the Gatehouse, truly belongs and has their place here. Ponacka is like no other place this way. It doesn’t just feel like a home. It is a home. When Okimau started Ponacka back in 1947, he didn’t just start another summer camp. He started a feeling that burns bright in each and every Ponackian. That is the spirit of Ponacka. As camp comes to an end and we start this evening’s festivities, let’s make sure to acknowledge the Ponacka spirit in all of us.
As a first-time camper we were a bit worried that Elliot may have a bit of a hard time transitioning and making friends. Our expectations were far exceeded, and we are so happy with Elliot’s experience.
Leo always comes home talking about his counsellors and CITs. He has benefitted a lot over the last two years from having older boys to look up to and to go to for guidance. I have heard multiple stories about the wisdom of your young staff. They’ve also inspired him to take more seriously leadership and academic opportunities.
Gray absolutely loved camp! We had been worried about him being homesick, but it does not seem as though he experienced any at all! I’m so pleased to hear all about his new skills (sailing, canoeing, etc.), and he can’t wait to return!
I am very happy that Andy had the pleasure of attending Ponacka for two weeks this summer. He came back and told me a lot of interesting things that he experienced. He enjoyed getting up every morning and jumping in the lake. He introduced each horse’s name to me, and he loved the activity of horseback riding. The counsellors were very friendly and took care of him, and the friendliness of the kids also made him feel warm. I’m glad he’s growing up and I appreciate your dedication! Hope he comes back to this family every year.
I just want to thank you for all you did with our kids. They had a wonderful time in Canada at Camp Ponacka. Santi, who at the beginning was very worried to go, told me it was the most wonderful experience he could have, and Emilio said the same.
Thank you for the wonderful month Charlie had at Ponacka. He is still regaling us with stories about the friends he made and all the fun things he got to do (last night he went online to find a map of his canoe trip route to show us – a big deal considering he was initially a little worried about going on a longer trip!).
His counsellors were fantastic, the activity staff were fantastic, the way the days were structured was fantastic, as were the activities and programs themselves – he came home proud and happy and enthusiastic and I really can’t thank you enough!
We were so grateful to be able to send the boys to camp, especially this year.
Owen said last night, while he was at camp, he forgot all about COVID. Camp has been a big reset for him, bringing our joyful boy back to himself.
As well, for Emmett, beyond the envelope of evaluations he brought home, the accomplishments he made this past month we can see in his quiet confidence and to be surrounded and mentored by a group of kind young men is such a gift.
We asked our son what he learned about himself while at camp. His answer: “That I can do more than I think I can”….that is worth every penny! I felt there was good communication, the camp was well run and the staff truly cares. I had peace of mind that he was safe AND having fun.
One thing that I really appreciate is that you have allowed Colin to progress at his own pace with activities like swimming. He’s an accomplished swimmer already from being on a swim team throughout the year and you’ve gotten to know this about him, letting him move up to lifesaving levels instead of just regular swim lessons. He’s loving the new challenge of the lifesaving even though he’s one of the younger ones doing it. This speaks to your willingness to get to know the boys individually and respond to their individual needs/interests – this is something that makes Ponacka stand apart from the myriad of other camp options.
Julius loved being at camp. It was definitely one of the highlights of his year. It is end of September now and we still hear fond stories about his camp experience. He has also said that it has given him a better understanding of people. He has become a more grounded person.
I think camp was an unqualified success. I could not be more pleased, both because I know how much fun Anders and Kaes had, but also because of how they’ve grown.
I also want to tell you how thrilled Tyler was with his experience this summer with your program. He came back such a changed young man. He seemed much more confident and self assured.
As Ben’s first experience away from family, it couldn’t have gone better! Looking forward to next year!
Pierce had his best year yet and just loved camp! Every letter he wrote included fabulous highlights of achievements, activities he was trying for the first time, and ways he was recognized, felt proud, and was having fun. So wonderful! The reports once he got home were even better! We loved hearing about the skills he was learning and awards he received. He feels like an important member of a close community and wants to keep in touch with everyone!
We are impressed with the leadership demonstrated from the junior counsellors and up. It has obviously had a big impact on Benji. He has come home a “better boy” and I can tell from his demeanor, super cheerful singing, and hugs that he had a fantastic time, and that he will miss you all dearly – until next year!
Your staff really do care about the boys. Arthur talks non-stop about all the staff members he liked and admires – they made a BIG impact on him!
Colin greatly enjoyed his first camp experience. I was pleased to see he had been encouraged to push himself and try new things! We felt confident sending Colin to camp after interactions and chats with Anne and Don. The counsellors were terrific and clearly had made the effort to connect with Colin.
Oh my goodness, we cannot thank you enough for the experience and community Gavin found at Ponacka! He absolutely had the BEST time. He talked (or sang) non-stop ALL the way home. From the second we saw him at camp the stories just started to roll. We read the tripping stories out loud in the rag bag on the drive home, often crying laughing. Still, a week-plus later the stories are still rolling. Our boy, is full to the brim from his time with you all. Thank you for your care, leadership and guidance from the morning talks, to chapel, and modelling an inclusive community….it means so much to us and we are so grateful for the blessing you have all made on Gavin’s life. He has every intention to return next summer and is already thinking about what skills he can develop and contribute as part of the staff one day!
Thank you directors, support staff, and others for all your hard work and making this month happen. I was really happy to get to come back for another month at Ponacka and am hopeful I get to come back next year for my sixth year. Make sure you thank my counsellors, Parker and Connor, for all they did for me and my tent-mates.
Looking forward to seeing all of you again next year.
First off, thank you for everything!!!
Lance and I were really impressed with how everything was handled on our/Lachlan’s arrival to camp! Thought it was prudent to send this email, as we arrived home today with a totally different child, thanks to the experience that he had this past week. The growth, development, and confidence is FINALLY exuding from our child, who has always had the potential, but has always been stuck.
We had not even departed the parking lot, and he was already asking to come back again next summer (which is of course the plan). One of his new friends (Finn, whom I understand is related), had said Lachlan was smart. Lachlan told me, it was the first time that a peer had ever said that to him, and it meant the world to him. That was just one of the memorable experiences that he has had this past week. We also wanted to say that Tyler, Gardiner, and Noah could not have been more supportive of Lachlan – please extend this thank you to them, with THANKS, as we know he can be a total handful! We cannot wait to see how this experience will impact him over the course of this year.