A real taste of 4 true North American camps with total English language immersion

Kandalore Camp - 10 to 16 years old

The majority of campers are anglophone Canadians, so this camp is suited to those looking to improve their English in a true camp environment.

Nestled on the secluded shores of Lake Kabakawa, 210 km northeast of Toronto, this well-equipped camp has operated since 1947 and hosted dozens of our campers.

Accommodation

Campers are housed in simple cabins, accommodating four to eight people grouped according to gender and age. Toilet and shower facilities are within a short walk of each cabin.

The impressive site includes a spacious dining room, a large recreation hall with stage, classroom facilities, an arts and crafts centre and extensive waterfront facilities.

Camp organisation

Every day there are a large number of water sports and creative activities on offer. Every camper at Kandalore will take part in a canoe trip – the younger campers will spend the night on the camp’s private island, while older campers will enjoy up to three days and two nights spent along one of the many beautiful rivers in the area. There is a full programme of evening activities.

Activities

The following activities are typically offered as part of the programme at Kandalore, but please note that these are dependent on availability and not all activities are offered to all age groups:

Lakefield Camp - 9 to 16 years old

Since 1985, children from around the world have joined Canadians in this unique summer experience. Lakefield Camp International is operated on the grounds of Lakefield College School, one of Canada's most prestigious private boarding schools, founded in 1879.

Located only 150 km from Toronto, Lakefield Camp features a calm lake, extensive fields and comfortable accommodations in a clean, safe and natural environment.

Accommodation

Campers are accommodated in the College's modern "house" style residences. These houses are equipped with complete washroom and shower facilities. Boys and girls are separated and placed according to age. Every effort is made to integrate the different nationalities by mixing the various language groups. Supervision is maintained by staff who share the accommodation with campers.

Camp organisation

The daily programme is structured around five 1-hour activity periods. Two consecutive periods are spent in the classroom for language study. Upon arrival, all campers will be administered a placement test to determine which of the three levels of study is most appropriate for their individual proficiency. As ESL is optional, students who opt not to take ESL simply replace it with 2 activities of their choice. In 2008, we are also offering an introductory digital photography activity.

The remaining three periods are devoted to the variety of sports and arts programming available at Lakefield. Campers have the opportunity to select the activities of their choice once each week. They will attend their chosen activities for a full week ensuring that they develop solid skills in those particular areas. All instruction is conducted in English by qualified staff.

Health and safety

A well-equipped infirmary located on the camp grounds is administered by a resident nurse. In the case of an emergency situation, the local hospital is located less than 15 minutes from the camp. All staff are trained with both First Aid and water safety procedures.

Activities

The following activities are typically offered as part of the programme at Lakefield, but please note that these are dependent on availability and not all activities are offered to all age groups:

Swallowdale Camp - 7 to 16 years

Situated on the shores of Fairy Lake, in the picturesque highlands of Muskoka, Swallowdale Camp is designed for children aged 7 – 16 years who seek a traditional camp experience.

A diverse international enrolment join Canadian children in this active camp programme.

Accommodation

Boys and girls are separated and placed according to age in rustic cabins accommodating six to ten people. Supervision is guaranteed at all times, as counsellors live in the cabins with campers. Each cabin is equipped with a washroom and shower facilities are provided close-by in a central location.

Camp organisation

The programme is designed around five 1-hour instructional periods each day. E.S.L. training encompasses two of these periods and is optional. It is aimed at providing campers with the fundamental tools for communication in the English language. Campers are assessed and placed in one of three levels. Students who opt not to take ESL simply replace it with 2 activities of their choice. As much of the activity programme focuses on the waterfront, swimming lessons are available and certified lifeguards are on duty during all water activities.

The balance of the daily schedule is reserved for exploring the various land and water activities. Instructional periods place emphasis on skills development provided by qualified counsellors.

Activities

All instruction is provided in English by qualified staff. Campers are given the opportunity to register for the activities of their choice. Certain activities offer campers the opportunity to achieve awards and certified skills levels.

St. Michael's College Campus - 14 to 18 years old

Located on the historical and picturesque University of Toronto downtown campus, the St. Michael’s Campus programme is ideally situated within walking distance of many of Toronto’s main attractions.  Available to students aged 14 – 18 years, the programme combines the formality of classroom instruction with an exciting choice of leisure activities.

St. Michael’s operates in July and August and offers a variety of arrival dates specifically selected to accommodate the needs and expectations of individual participants.

Accommodation

Students are housed in the St. Michael’s residence, in single or twin bedrooms. Complete washroom and shower facilities are located on each floor. Students will be placed according to age and gender. Laundry facilities are conveniently available on the premises. The University campus is extensive and offers many facilities including common rooms, a language laboratory, a library as well as internet cafes in close proximity. Arrangements have been made for membership for all students at a nearby sports complex. The campus is equipped with its own security personnel.

Camp organisation

The daily programme is scheduled into three distinctive parts.  Each weekday morning, formal language instruction focuses on the development of speaking and listening skills, as well as reading and writing.  The programme’s high standard is maintained through the use of the CISS language curriculum and the latest teaching methods.  Students receive 20 hours of ESL instruction per week, taught by qualified instructors.

Each afternoon, the activities programme provides students with a wide variety of choices.   Students can immerse themselves in Canadian culture by making use of campus facilities, sightseeing or spending time in the community.  This independence provides great opportunity to improve verbal communication skills.  Practical language use is strongly encouraged both in and outside the classroom with fellow students, staff and local Canadians.

Evening programming may take place either on or off campus, and activities will vary according to the special events and festivals taking place in the city.

Classes

In order to provide an intensive learning environment, class size will be a maximum of 15 students.  All students will be assessed and placed in one of four ESL levels appropriate to their English language proficiency.

Supervision

Students are encouraged to develop their sense of independence and responsibility within the framework of the programme’s supervision policy.  In the afternoon, they are permitted to leave the campus to explore the sights of Toronto.  However, before departing the campus, all students must sign out with a staff member, and, upon return, must report back in.  Staff are available to join those students who prefer to be accompanied by an adult when leaving the campus.  Evening programming operates under strict staff supervision.

Meals

Full buffet meals are provided three times daily in the college’s dining hall.  The catering staff prepares nutritious meals for a well balanced diet.  The menu provides a choice of foods at each meal and portions are not restricted.

Activities

Excursions

Outside classroom time, students have many opportunities to explore Toronto and participate in leisure activities.  Students have included one full-day, one half-day and one cultural excursion each week.  The programmes also offer many optional afternoon and evening activities available to students at a minimal extra cost.  Depending on the session the student attends, included excursions may include:

For more information about the 2008 camp sessions, see the Dates and Prices.