Learning to ride English-style is one of the most exciting and challenging programmes offered at Camp Winnebagoe. In two large rings, campers are taught the basics of walking, trotting, cantering and galloping and for the more advanced, the techniques of dressage and jumping. Grooming, tacking and feeding the horses are also included as part of the sport of riding. Trail rides are frequently taken as well as the very unique experience of bathing the horses in the river.
Camp Winnebagoe provides an all-around camping experience with a balance of unbelievable programming (Go Grey!), sports, activities, and arts. With this variety, each child is able to try new things and find who they are as they grow and develop. One of my favourite things about camp is its smaller size. As a camper I loved that I recognized everyone and as a Unit Head I saw that this made it possible to meet the needs of each camper.
My summers at Camp Winnebagoe helped to shape who I am as a person. Now, 25 years after my first summer, my best friend are still my camp friends. I met my husband at Winnebagoe and discovered my passion for teaching. I developed independence, shed my shyness, and fueled my love of musical theatre. My summers at Winny were simply unforgettable.
We are often asked if we would send our children to Winnebagoe. As a parentm as a teacher, and as someone who grew up at camp – the answer is always yes.
It is hard to describe the feeling that arises as you drive through the camp gates. Whether it is your 5th, 15th or 25th summer, we all experience this feeling. The feeling of safety, knowing we will be protected and supported by the Lustigs, our cabin mates, friends, counsellors, activity staff and those around us. The feeling of warmth, knowing that we will laugh, cry, dance, sing and cheer together. The feeling of growth, knowing that this special place and the memories we make will stay with us forever. The feeling of finally being home. It is that safety, warmth and growth that represents our Winnebagoe feeling.
I have been attending Camp Winnebagoe for the past four summers. Camp is my second home and I can always rely on it for my friends, the activities and the loving community. I know that when I watch the burning W on the last night of camp, I will return in just ten months. As I have made all of my best memories and best friends at camp, I go back each summer amped to make even more lasting bonds in the summers to follow. Winnebagoe has taught me so much about responsibility! I have been taught the right way to make a bunk bed, to clear dishes, to be a leader, and to be part of a warm and nurturing community in which each person has a role. I have been so fortunate that Winnebagoe has taught me how to be a great friend. I am proud to go back to Winnebagoe every summer knowing they will welcome me with open arms.
Camp Winnebagoe is our large extended family built on unconditional love and support. Here each summer we have developed the wings of cooperation, leadership and respect that have allowed us to soar in our lives.
The rituals, traditions and legacies of the programming at Camp Winnebagoe make each and every day spent here extraordinary. Grey blood will forever flow through our veins!!
Winnebagoe’s incredible impact on each generation in our family is a true testament to this magical home of ours!
Before Winnebagoe I couldn’t even last a night away from home. Little did I know I could be away for a full two months with a smile on my face the whole time. Not only is camp my home away from home, the people at camp are my extended family.
Winnebagoe has given my eldest a summer home. It has helped boost her self-confidence and helped her mature and grow. She has tried things she never thought she would try and loved every single thing!
Winnebagoe has had an impact on me that will last a lifetime. I met the love of my life there and three of my closest friends that still remain. To me, there is nothing more important in life than friends, and family. Winnebagoe gave me the opportunity to surround me with both of those things. I miss camp every time June rolls around and it will be that way forever. Thank you Winny!
After being at Camp Winnebagoe for 14 summers, I can truly say that it has changed my life. The lasting bonds that are created not only within cabin mates, but between an Inter and a CIT, camper and their counsellor, a camper and their unit head, counsellors and the head staff, is a quality of Winnebagoe that cannot be replicated. Thank you Winnebagoe!
Camp Winnebgaoe is my life. I have the greatest time and am unbelievably sad when the summer ends.
I can’t even begin to imagine how different I would be had I not spent the past four summers at Winnebagoe. There is no place that I would rather spend my summer vacation.
My two years and counting as a unit head were the highlight of my years at Winnebagoe, because I can now pass on to the new campers how special camp is, and make them feel just as comfortable as I did when I was 8.
I’ve been going to Camp Winnebagoe since I was 9 and I love it there. Whether I’m at swimming, canoeing or playing basketball I’m always busy and having the time of my life.
From the great activities and programs, to the amazing staff, the lasting memories created, and the life-long friendships that I have created, I cannot begin to count the number of reasons that I continue to come back each year.
Camp Winnebagoe continues to be an escape from reality, an opportunity for fun and great experiences, a chance to grow up and mature with others. It’s a home away from home – and it doesn’t get any better than this!
