The Breakdown of an Overnight

We are well into our second week of Period B here at YMCA Wanakita and things are looking as busy as ever. Trips and overnights have been busy leaving and returning and for this reason we have decided to talk about our overnight programs.

Bark 1 Campsite

Our Junior and Intermediate cabins participate in a one-night overnight on one of Koshlong Lake’s campsite. Prior to the overnight each cabin attends a camping session with our out-tripping staff. The campers learn how to set up a tent and while the rest of the gear is tested by the counsellors. The cabin also discusses Wanakita’s camping practices and our leave no trace camping policy.

Rainy Rock Campsite

On the day of the overnight the cabin eats lunch in the dinning hall before gathering their gear. At about 2:30pm they meet at canoeing with their packs and load up their canoes. Just like the special out-tripping session, the cabin has had a canoeing session where they improve their strokes and other canoeing skills before leaving on their overnight.

A Canoe Prep. Lesson

Koshlong Lake has many campsites available for overnights that are all different and unique in their own ways. Each site is just as beautiful as the next and provided a lovely view of its surroundings.

Once arriving at a campsite, the gear is unpacked and tents are set up. There is always time for swimming and games before dinner. Dinner is always delicious no matter what option the cabin chooses; pita pizzas, stir-fry or hot dogs with a dessert of ‘smores or scrambled brownies. Campfires are a guarantee (unless we are under a fire ban) and oftentimes overnights result in an earlier bedtime which campers love!

Pita Pizzas!

In the morning all gear is packed up and a breakfast of fried granola or bagels is eaten. A site clean up and garbage sweep is done to ensure that we leave no trace. The group paddles back to camp and is ready to go for morning activities.

The View from One of the Campsites

It is a quick trip, but the overnight gives a taste of what the Senior Traditional Section is all about. The overnight is a great way for campers to learn responsibility and independence. They are involved with the cooking, cleaning and navigation to and from the site. It is a bonding experience for all and a fantastic program here at camp.

That is the breakdown of a typical overnight for Juniors and Intermediates. Sometimes our overnights are extended to two-nights for older sections (Senior Specialty and 2^nd Year SCs) and the days’ activities are roughly the same. Our staff love our overnight program and we hope that upon their return, the campers do too!!!

~ The Wanakita Staff Team