Our Programs
“The greatest friends of my life were made at summer camp right here at Camp Can-Aqua”. -Patrick (alumni)
At Camp Can-Aqua we have a wide variety of camp programs designed to match the needs of all kids! Have a look at the descriptions below and find exactly what you are looking for. Be sure to connect with us if you have any questions.
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Traditional Summer Camp
2 Week Sessions
Our most commonly enrolled program, our 2 week traditional camp programs will divide campers into cabins by age and biological sex. With a committed focus on empowering kids to be in control of their daily program, campers visit our program board to select their activities each evening. At Can-Aqua, special emphasis on individualized teaching allows kids to move through programs at their own pace. Handing over the control on the daily schedule to our campers creates a world where kids are eager to learn, ready play, confident in their surroundings and on time for their programs.
Throughout their session, campers will have the opportunity to take part in an overnight camping trip with their cabin mates. These trips are part of the camper experience however in some instances cabins may not have the opportunity to take part to due bad weather. Campers will also be drafted to one of our Can-Aqua Games Teams, to be a part of our multi day Olympics that take place each session.
Traditional Summer Camp
4 Week Sessions ~ Month Camps
This popular option provides the opportunity for kids to deepen the relationships they have built at camp with staff and their peers. In addition to the longer length of stay, our month campers ages 12+ will embark on a 6 night camping trip with our tripping staff team. This trip is mandatory as it is an important part of ensuring a dynamic experience for all who attend.
Short Stay ~ Single Week Sessions (A-H)
For campers 5-11, these single week sessions run each week of the summer and are independent from the rest of the camp programs. With a special focus on exploring program areas across the week, campers are provided with a program rotations to ensure they are able to experience eight core programs (Canoe, Kayak, Archery, Arts & Crafts, Low Ropes, Woodwork, Campcraft & Sports). In addition to program rotations, campers will enjoy two elective programs and a free swim each day. This offers campers the independence to feel in control of a portion of the day.
Note: Waterskiing and Wake Boarding are not available to short stay campers.
Single Week Session #5
Our final week of summer camp is an all ages single week camp. During this weeklong adventure, our staff team will introduce campers to activities on water and land through scheduled rotations each morning. This is a great week for first timers and veteran campers alike as we work to pack in a full deck of creativity into this short stay program.
Leadership Programs
The Can-Aqua Leadership Programs provide a platform for social integration, communication, cooperation and team work. Candidates will be challenged, encouraged and inspired throughout a 4-week program they will never forget. We are also proud to offer an opportunity for kids to earn a high school course credit (Forerunner and JRC only)
Beginning at fourteen years of age, the 4 week programs encourage candidates to take on responsibilities or role modelling. Leaders in our community, candidates will work towards achieving certified levels in First Aid, CPR and NLS. The Forerunner and LIT programs involve extended outtrips, providing candidates with ample opportunities to learn and grow.
Check out the Forerunner Program
Board of Education Course Credit
Outdoor Activities, Physical Education – PAD3O
Forerunner is a one-month program (course credit) for candidates who are 14-15 years of age as of January 1st. During this month long program, candidates will begin their leadership journey through team building and cooperative challenges. This is the beginning of more advance canoe trip training and leading up to their trip, candidates will spend time in the woodworking studio, as they craft their own paddles, which will be used throughout their leadership experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to maintain most elective program picks, while others, such as swim and “trip prep” are required. Participants will work towards earning their Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid in this program.The dedicated Forerunner staff team will support the kids throughout their month as they begin to build a vocabulary for leadership.
- Canoe Trip A 5-7 day canoe camping trip is the first stage in advanced tripping experience. Supervised by Forerunner counsellors and tripping staff, it is a memorable first experience for many.
- Paddle Construction Through regular use of the wood working studio at Can-Aqua, candidates will be taught and supervised in the custom construction of a canoe paddle. This paddle will not only be used in the three years of leadership at camp, but is a memento kids will be able to keep with them forever.
Check out the Leader In Training (LIT) Program
The LIT is a one-month program for candidates who are 15 years of age as of January 1st. A second round of acceptance will take place for candidates who are 15 by June 30th (based on availability). Throughout the month, participants will be encouraged to begin thinking as a leader, while still enjoying the freedom of program selection each day. Participants work towards earning their Bronze Medallion or Bronze Cross during the program.
The dedicated LIT staff team will guide these candidates throughout their month experience as they learn and grow, while still engaging in personal recreational pursuits. The Can-Aqua LIT program has two distinct program focuses:
- Canoe Trip A 7-9 day trip gives participants the opportunity to learn more about the preparation, organization and leadership of a canoe trip. The canoe trip takes place in Algonquin Park. An LIT counsellor supervises each trip group with the support of an alumni support staff.
- Leadership Skill Development The Can-Aqua LIT program offers a unique approach to skill development. Half of each day is devoted to program requirements, which involve swimming, leadership and trip skills preparation. From there, LIT’s take to the Can-Aqua Programming Board each day to select the other programs which they wish to participate in. Not only do LIT’s have full access to all elective program choices but they will also benefit from team programs throughout the month.
- LIT is an application based program and registration is condition on acceptance by the camp.
Check out the Junior Counsellor (JRC) Program
Board of Education Course Credit
Leadership and Peer Support – GPP3O
The Can-Aqua JRC represents a big step in a transition from a camper to a counsellor. This program is one month in duration and is available during July or August Camp each year. JRC’s reside in their own cabins and are assigned to specific camper cabins based on age preferences and availability. Candidates will divide their day between personal development and as a support to their assigned cabin where they will eat meals, socialize at rest hour and support during unstructured times at camp.
The focus of the JRC program is to develop and enhance the soft skills of exceptional leadership. In addition, candidates will train to complete their Standard First Aid, Level “C” CPR and their National Lifeguarding Level (NLS).
Throughout their month at camp, JRC’s must balance skill development, with program implementation, advanced trip skills and cabin based leadership. In addition to their own skill development, they will also represent Can-Aqua as Leadership Ambassadors, as they tour partner Ontario Summer Camps.
Throughout the month, the JRC group will participate in Kindred Sessions on the following:
- Leadership Skills
- Working within a team
- Ages and Stages
- Role Modeling
- Risk Management
- Developing a community with campers
- Sensitive Issues o Leadership Style/Sigma Leadership
- Health and Safety When Leading a Team
- Active Listening & Communication Skills
- Acceptability and Integration
*JRC is an application based program and registration is condition on acceptance by the camp.
Can-Aqua JRC Trip
This 3 day trip provides an opportunity for the group to share quality time and enjoy the spender of trip towards the end of their career as a camper. The JRC outtrip location changes each year.
Highlights of the program are the camper placements and the active role JRC’s play in the implementation of some of the camps most popular wide games.
A program devoted to kids who love trip, the Pioneer Sessions offer candidates 13-16 years old the opportunity to take part in a 7 day camping trip over a twelve day session. Staff facilitators spend the first two days with the Pioneers on site at camp, working through trip preparation. All instruction and preparation is done before hand to ensure these leaders are comfortable in the adventures they are about to embark on. During each trip, candidates will be challenged, will take opportunities to lead and will learn to work as a team.
Family Camp
Family Camp is a terrific opportunity for parents and kids to experience our summer programs together.
Our divided programming focus offers activities for toddlers, kids, teens and yes… adults!!! Throughout the weekend, our staff will engage and inspire you with program opportunities that are age appropriate, safe and fun. For parents wanting to spend some quality family time use the weekend as your resort time and take advantage of the many sign out options that allows you choose between structured programming or doing your own thing.
This is a not to miss opportunity that takes place three times each year. Click Here to open the 2024 Family Camp Form.
Specialty Camps
Specialty Camps at Can-Aqua are targeted towards kids who are looking for a traditional camp experience, while seeking to excel in specific unique areas. Click each heading for more information.
Our 3 Specialty Camps in 2023 are:
#1. Wake/Water Ski Camps– July 2-8 & 8-14, Aug 28 – Sept 2
Our ski/wakeboard program provides kids with daily instruction in their chosen water sport. Can-Aqua is proud to instruct all levels of waterskiing and beginner/intermediate Wake Boarding.
#2. NOFA ~ Film Camp at Can-Aqua – Aug 28 – Sept 2
Our Film Camps expose future filmmakers to the magic of movie making through specialized sessions in acting, production, direction, film editing, lighting and photography.
#3. Equestrian Camp – Available only as program addition to 2 & 4 week sessions
Venture Program ~ 2 Weeks
Focussing on youth ages 14-16, Venture is a unique program specially designed for older campers who are keen to return to camp but not take part in a full 4 week leadership program.
Venture welcomes participants of all skill levels to take part in a two week leadership adventure that focusses on a variety of adventures in the wilderness. Highlights of the program are a 6-day Canoe Trip, a 2 day white water rafting experience, an aerial course adventure , and a day trip Mountain Biking. Operating over 12 days, campers can expect to learn about:
- Basic Tripping Skills
- Climbing and knots
- Team Work and Cooperations
- Food Prep
- No trace camping guidelines
This is a terrific opportunity for older kids and focusses on play and outdoor experience. It is ideal for returning campers and those who have not grown up at camp as the program operates in small groups with devoted staff members.