Tripping

The tripping program involves out-of-camp excursions for campers equipped with the necessary swimming, paddling, and camping skills. At Camp Oconto, we try to foster and develop a camper’s curiosity about and respect for nature by offering girls the opportunity to explore outside of the daily camp schedule with a small group of her peers and a team of our qualified staff.

The length and nature of the excursion will depend on the camper’s age. The younger campers (7-9 years of age) do not go on an overnight canoe trip. Instead, they can go on a cookout to an island, returning after dinner. For campers 10 and 11-years old, a one-night excursion takes you to one of Oconto’s beautiful islands. Typically campers of 11-12 years of age will go on a three-day canoe trip, while older campers (13-15 years of age) will go on a 4-5 day canoe trip. As a Senior camper (14-15 years of age) you can choose to go on a 5-day canoe trip to Algonquin Park. We encourage all campers to participate in our tripping program – sleeping in a tent under the stars and travelling by canoe is such a uniquely Canadian experience that strengthens our campers’ relationship with nature and one another.

Sailing

The adventure and thrill of sailing is a part of Oconto. With its sheltered surroundings, Eagle Lake is a perfect spot to learn the basics. Each camper has the opportunity to participate in the sailing program as long as they pass the Oconto swim test (see swimming lessons). If they haven’t sailed before, they will soon learn! With Oconto’s large fleet of boats, camp is a great opportunity to learn and to enjoy everything that our sailing program has to offer. Oconto teaches skills based on C.Y.A. levels. All boating activities require life jackets.

Dance and Cardio

A great combination of the athletics and arts, dance at Oconto is a very popular activity. Aerobics and modern dance combine exercise and enjoyment. From beginners to the more experienced performers, Oconto is the perfect place to learn and practice your steps. Campers also have the opportunity to showcase their dances at our weekly Sunday Evening Concerts.

Kayaking

Campers love the opportunity to paddle their kayaks around Turtle Bay. With the help of qualified instructors, they learn how to safely get in and out of a kayak, how to steer, and, eventually, how to roll a kayak. We cover all skills required to work through the eight levels. For our older campers, we also offer a white-water trip where they can practice their skills in moving water.

Horseback Riding

English Riding is available to campers of all ages. Campers will receive approximately 40 minutes of instruction five times in a two-week session (weather and schedule permitting – we’ll do our best, but if the camper goes on a trip for five days we won’t be able to make up all of the classes). Riders also receive instruction in stable management, grooming and feeding of the horses. Campers who wish to ride must bring their own A.S.T.M. approved riding helmet. In addition, long pants and shoes or boots with a heel are also needed. Riding fees will be added to your camper’s account at the end of the summer (see invoicing).

Diving

Diving is an incredibly popular activity as every camper loves the opportunity to jump off the “high-tower.” Under the guidance of qualified instructors, campers learn everything from basic dives to more challenging ones. At the end of the month, there is also a diving show where campers have the opportunity to show off their acquired acrobatics!

Canoeing

Canoeing is an integral part of the Oconto experience. Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA) levels are taught by qualified staff. Campers will learn all there is to know about canoeing from dumping their boat to soloing in one. In order to be accepted into the first year of our CIT program (called QCs), campers must have their Basic 3 level, and the second year of the CIT program requires that they have their Basic 4 level. Campers are encouraged to begin their canoeing levels as early as possible to ensure that they have plenty of time to meet these requirements.

Arts & Crafts

At Arts and Crafts, campers have the chance to try their hands at beadwork, macramé, silk-screening, jewellery-making, tie-dyeing, and t-shirt painting. Campers always return home with fabulous creative works of art!

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a challenge enjoyed by many campers with appropriate swimming qualifications (Swimmer 4 swim level or higher is needed to participate in this activity). Trained instructors and a large selection of board sizes and sails enable campers to enjoy the adventure of windsurfing on Eagle Lake. At Oconto, we offer five challenging levels- starting with the basics.

Synchronized Swimming

Offered to children of all ages who have passed the Oconto Swim/Sail Test, this is an opportunity for girls to learn the basics of synchro, or to sharpen their existing skills. There are 6 levels to pass, and campers can work on a routine to later perform at the Synchro Show on the last day of the month.

Drama

Wonderful musical productions are staged at the end of each session with campers creating the props, costumes and sets. The campers audition for parts, and there is both a “two-weeker play” and a “monther play”. Musicals are selected based on how large the cast is – the more in the cast, the better! Camp Oconto has presented a variety of plays and musicals including Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Grease, The Lorax and Shrek, to name a few!

Tennis

The tennis program provides an opportunity for campers to gain new skills in classes and tournaments. Enthusiastic players can learn and practice daily.

Special Arts

Special Arts allows campers to focus on fine arts such as drawing and painting inspired by their natural surroundings. The projects at this activity tend to be more long term and can be as detailed as campers wish to make them. Campers are led by qualified staff and encouraged to explore their own creativity as they work through each new project.

Nature

At Nature, campers learn many things such as how to identify the different types of leaves or find out how to build a proper and safe campfire. The activities at Nature are about understanding and respecting the environment and learning about the surrounding landscape. A “tripping badge” is earned through this activity as campers learn how to pitch a tent, stow food, and be safe around a campfire or cooking stove – this badge is a must for any camper wanting to go on a trip.