Camp Chikopi has been providing quality programs for boys and young men for almost a century. But, the population and cultural diversity of North America has grown considerably over the last 100 years. The truth is that today many families are no longer familiar with the concept of summer camp or what camp programs have to offer their children. Chikopi is more than simply a fun and safe place for a summer holiday. Chikopi is a complete learning environment that advances knowledge on the personal and social levels within the beauty and wonder of nature.
Over the years many international families have sent their children to Chikopi. Our campers come from all over Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Occasionally, I’m asked why parents send their children so far away from home. Often the reason is language immersion for non-English speakers but there are many other reasons as well. The reasons are connected to the learning that takes place at Chikopi; learning about self, community and the world around us through actual experience.
Hands-on Inquiry-based Learning
Chikopi boasts magnificent natural settings that are highly valued by people from countries which have suffered loss and /or pollution of their forests, lakes and rivers systems. Immersion into a natural environment allows children to receive hands-on experiences that stimulate their natural curiosity.
In 2005 the American Institute for Research released the findings of a study on teaching and learning in residential outdoor settings. Findings indicated that students showed significant gains in self-esteem, relationships with peers, problem solving, and motivation to learn.
Positive Social Development
The development of strong social skills, confidence among peers and independence flourish in the camp setting. Living and playing together with your peers, achieving personal goals and sharing responsibilities can transform a shy and cautious child into a positive and self-assured one, often within a very short time. Camp Chikopi in particular encourages children to interact with one another on a level that cannot be duplicated in a school setting.
Language Immersion
It is well known that the best way to learn a language is to live within its native culture. Language is unique not only in its spoken and written aspects but also in associated body language, hand gestures, and facial expressions. In order to truly learn another language you must also learn its culture. School offers the language basics such as grammar, spelling, and pronunciation, but the social and cultural aspects of language are best learned through real-life circumstances. Additionally, brain studies show that children process language understanding more effectively when accompanied by visual stimulation. For example, John is a Canadian English speaking 13 year old and Lee is a Chinese Mandarin speaking 13 year old. John and Lee are in a cabin together, where the language associated to the daily routine and activities at camp are reinforced by repetition. John and Lee are “Canoe buddies”. When it’s time to load into the canoes the boys walk to the beach together. John says to Lee, “Lee, will you walk to the beach with me?” At first Lee may not understand but John will use body language and hand motions to assist in relaying the message. Done on a frequent basis, Lee soon comes to understand the words for many of the daily routines of camp life.
Opportunity for Youth Development
Each and every year families from many different cultures are choosing Ontario as their home. Chikopi represents an element of Canadian youth culture that is wholesome, healthy, fun and educative. Chikopi is one of over 300 accredited, Ontario Camping Association camps, we are a quality sports camp that will appeal to everyone. Camp Chikopi is a summer camp that should be experienced and enjoyed by the sons of North America’s multi-cultural and international communities. As we often tell prospective parents; our campers come from around the world and around the corner. Consider Chikopi for your son this summer.
