QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q - What kind of camper is most likely to have a good experience at Camp Encounter?
We
cater to campers 8-18 years old, customizing each camp to the age group. In this regard, we have an excellent program that
fits a wide variety of interests and abilities. Children who enjoy the freedom to explore, create, adventure, and reflect
will be most likely to enjoy their experience.
Q - What facilities does Camp Encounter have?
Dormitories: Separate wings for guys and girls include shower and toilet facilities and 40
beds on each side. The dorms are fully heated.
Dining Hall: Affectionately known as our "Mess Hall", we have tables
and benches to seat up to 80 people in our newly installed building of spring 2007. Inspected and approved annually by the
Aspen Health Services.
Recreation
Hall: Large, open space for rainy days, complete with interlocking mats, fireplace, and audio/visual equipment.
Island:30 acres with seven modern tipi's,
each week of camp includes one night on the island.
Rock Climbing Wall: A challenging 30' high, two route wall with bouldering
wall.
Archery
Range: Excellent instruction, interesting targets, safe equipment, and a tree stand make for an exciting Archery
experience for all ages.
Craft Shack: A perfect place to dream and create, complete with as many sparkles,
paper, glue, and other tools as your imagination demands.
Waterfront: Canoe programs, swimming, and a superb beach are all
found right at the main camp area.
Q - What is the daily schedule like at Camp Encounter?
We
are constantly tinkering with our schedule to find that fine balance between structure and openness, though there are some
constant elements. Wakeup is typically around 8:00 am with breakfast around 8:30. Lunch is at noon, snack in the mid-afternoon,
and supper is around 5:30. In between meals the campers, in their small groups, would visit the various program areas
around camp for one to one and a half hour sessions. Evenings generally include a large, camp wide game, and each day ends
with a campfire program.
Q - What is the spiritual content of programs at Camp Encounter?
Camp
Encounter is a wilderness and adventure based Catholic camp. We are not a bible camp per se. Campers do not have to be Catholic
to attend. We do, however, teach and live the basic teachings of Christianity and the Catholic Church. There are daily reflections
and discussions about God, faith, life, and death, always rooted in Scripture and Tradition. We place a high emphasis on giving
thanks in all things at all times. We conclude our week with a relevant and energizing celebration of the Catholic Mass which
is open to all parents and family members of campers, counselors, and staff. We begin the celebration at 1:00 pm on Fridays
at the end of the week.
Q - What is the camper to counselor ratio at Camp Encounter?
We
typically host between 50-55 children per week. We have eight programming staff hired to provide the activities and necessary
supervision for those activities. In addition, we recruit twelve trained volunteers to act as senior counselors (16-18 years
old) and counselors-in-training (14-15 years old) for the week. These volunteers are paired up and assigned a small group
of about ten to twelve campers. The counselors are with the campers virtually around the clock with necessary breaks schedule
in where the staff members take over. This works out to a ratio of about seven campers to one adult staff member. Working
in the volunteer counselors, the ratio drops to three campers to one supervisor (volunteer and paid). A very remarkable ratio!
Q - What are the characteristics of most of the staff?
There are three
defining characteristics we look for in our staff members and volunteers. They have a love for God, a love for the natural
world, and a sincere love for kids. Beyond these three, there is an array of skills, talents, and gifts. Typically 85% of
our staff members and nearly 100% of our volunteer counselors have been coming to Camp Encounter since they were eight years
old. They know what Camp Encounter did for them and now wish to come and give back some of what they received.
Q - What kind of staff training is provided?
The staff undergo one
week prior to summer camp of solid training and planning. They are certified in basic first aid and CPR and also provided
with the necessary certifications in canoing and rock climbing. Beyond that, training covers topics such as creative discipline,
liability issues, handling abuse disclosures, leading games, communicating to large and small groups, and planning programs.
We also spend a good deal of time just building community and working on our own dynamics as much as possible.
Volunteer
counselors must participate in the first week of camp of the summer called "Leadership Week". During this week they
are provided with training and a manual that covers much of the same information found in the staff training. In addition,
they are watched closely by staff members and directors and are designated either ready to counsel as a counselor-in-training
or as a senior counselor. If not they are not ready yet they are asked to wait a year before counseling. They are given a
wide variety of adventure and reflective experiences through the week that are aimed at developing themselves personally and
as a team with their fellow counselors.
Q - What percentage of campers return each year?
Approximately
75% of our kids return year after year, for several years in a row.
Q - What is the
total cost for a week of summer camp at Camp Encounter?
A regular week is $225 and
includes transportation to and from Edmonton, all meals and accommodations, all programming and a camp gift to take home as
a reminder of the week. We host one week in the first part of August which is one day shorter, at a cost of $205. ALL
PRICES INCLUDE GST.
Q - How can I pay for my child's week at Camp Encounter?
We accept cheques or money orders. Post dated cheques are acceptable as long as full
payment is made before camp starts. We do not accept any credit cards.
