Camp Kodiak is an integrated, residential camp primarily for children and teens with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder and Asperger Syndrome. Each session we have 252 campers ranging in age from 6 to 18. They come from all over Canada and the US and from overseas. Each year between 10% - 15% of our campers are regular, mainstream campers without any identified disability. We are located near Parry Sound, Ontario on a 425 acre site with 2 ½ miles of lakefront. Campers and staff live in lakefront, tongue-in-groove log cabins with electricity and full bathrooms with shower. Every cabin has a large deck overlooking the lake. Our objectives at Camp Kodiak are to build confidence and self-esteem, to enhance social skills, to foster independence and to provide an exciting and satisfying camp experience. This is achieved by providing a safe, nurturing, predictable environment, a mature, professional staff and a very low camper-to-staff ratio. Many have little confidence and poor self-esteem. Everything that is important to kids is hard for them; school, sports and making and keeping friends. Many are hesitant to take on new challenges. In order to ensure that they get the most out of their camp experience Kodiak has developed a core program of 12 activities to which all cabin groups are scheduled. They include the Red Cross swimming program, waterskiing/knee boarding/wakeboarding, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, team sports, tennis, archery, arts & crafts, drama, high ropes and rock climbing. Campers are encouraged, but never forced, to participate in all of these activities with their cabin group. There are several times each day when campers are able to choose their own activities and pursue personal interests independent of their cabin-mates. We programs for success! All sports and activities are taught in an organized, step-by-step manner to ensure that campers will be successful. Cooperation rather that competition is emphasized. We offer over 50 sports, crafts, cultural and educational activities to ensure that every camper will experience success in many different areas. Monday to Friday, right after breakfast, everyone in camp has an hour of academic instruction. There are two components to the academic program, Option 1 and Option 2. Parents select their camper's academic program prior to their arrival at camp. Campers in Option 1 receive academic tutoring. Campers in Option 2 receive instruction in an educational activity such as music, drama, dance, gymnastics, pottery, photography, computers, etc. An important reason for the success of our program is our staff. Approximately one half of our counselors are trained, certified professionals from the fields of education, psychology, social work, child care and recreation. Every cabin has at least three counselors. At least one, and often two are professionals. The remaining staff is university or college students, most of who are working towards a career in one of the helping professions. The camper-to-staff ratio is 2-to-1. All of our staff undergoes a rigorous training period before the campers arrive and all new counselors go through a police background check. We have a doctor and three nurses on staff. They live on-site, administer all medication and are available 24 hours a day.
