Organization

Keewaydin offers canoe trips for boys and girls aged ten through seventeen. Each season we enroll about 125 campers who are divided into small tripping groups, called "sections", based on age, experience and physical maturity. Our youngest campers have the option of either a three week or six week session, while our older campers come for the entire six weeks. Camper to staff ratios vary depending on the camper's age, averaging two to one for the youngest Manitou and Songadeewin campers, and about three to one for the older Waubeno, Algonquin and Songadeewin campers. This ratio rises to about four to one in the oldest, Temagami Wigwam. The duration and difficulty of the trips is determined by the age and level of experience of each section. We pride ourselves on placing each camper in the group that best ensures a positive experience. For this reason the campers are carefully reviewed by the staff and placed with campers of like age, maturity and experience.

It is our goal to provide an outstanding wilderness canoe tripping experience, where campers achieve personal growth, have fun, and develop lasting friendships. At Keewaydin we realize these goals through the development of strong independent groups. It is through team work that a group grows into a cohesive unit, setting and achieving goals together rather than surviving solely on the strengths of individuals. We believe that placing less emphasis on individual success builds a positive group dynamic from which members gain a real sense of self-confidence. The result of these efforts is a fun, rewarding, and educational summer, and campers who return home happier, stronger, and wiser.

While at Keewaydin, the primary focus is on canoe tripping. Day-to-day life on a canoe trip involves a myriad of wilderness activities. Known for its pristine setting, clear water, and ample wildlife, the Temagami region gives young men and women access to the great outdoors and all of its beauty. They have the opportunity to go their own pace in an environment designed to bring out each individual's strengths, while sharing in the daily responsibilities of canoe trip life. They learn to paddle their own canoes, cook their own meals, and set up campsites. Campers become part of a small, close knit group and learn how their particular strength or bit of knowledge helps the group find success. They learn how to overcome challenges while helping others and the group recognize their own potential. Campers realize the satisfaction of setting a goal as a group and the reward of achieving that goal together.