Amulet Ceremonies

With the help of native Canadian artifacts, and a large traditional bonfire, we tell the stories of Winnebagoe’s history and traditions to the camp at the beginning and end of each summer.

Friday Night Services

Carved on a point overlooking Fox Lake and surrounded by towering pines, the Winnebagoe Chapel is the one place in camp where serenity replaces the fervour of our everyday routine. Here, each Friday night, the camp gathers as a community to reflect on specific humanistic themes that encourage a sense of appreciation, tolerance, good will and integrity. Each unit in camp has an opportunity to lead the service through sayings and song. It is a Winnebagoe tradition that is most treasured to our campers long after their camping days have ended.

 

Theme Days

To vary the daily routine, special  events are programmed throughout the course of the summer. Halloween, August Fools Day, or Sadie Hawkin’s Day are just some of the traditions that both campers and staff look forward to as part of the Winnebagoe experience.

 

Winnebugler

The Winnebugler, our camp newspaper reports all the news that’s fit to print!  Both campers and staff are contributing writers covering all camp events and special programs...and of course we always spill some camp gossip along the way!

 

Big Buddy, Little Buddy Day

All of our youngest campers are assigned a CIT “big buddy” who mentors them for one special day establishing a bond that lasts a lifetime.

 

On-a-Roll

An earned weekly award honouring those campers who make a positive contribution to camp.

 

Inter Lotto

Within the context of a now familiar game, a young camper’s name is randomly picked out of our inter lotto box. The whole camp celebrates the child as he/she receives a special prize.

 

Breakfast in Bed

Once a month our campers are in for a treat. Cozy in their beds, the head staff delivers breakfast to each cabin. Although activities start later than usual, we’ve never yet heard a complaint!

Wake-Ups

Surprise! An unexpected evening where the camp gathers to have a snack and watch a special presentation which leads up to a thematic program the next day.

Testimonials

  • 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.

    - Robin Malach (1996 to 2013)

  • 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.

    - Chloe and Tyya Lipson (Campers and staff since 2003)

  • 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.

    - Annie Corrin (2016 to present)

  • 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!

    - The Ossip-Richmor family

  • 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.

    - Madison Bongard

  • 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!

    - Penny Sherman

  • 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!

    - Jon Geller, Camper- 1997-2003; Counsellor- 2004; Tripping- 2005-2010

  • 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!

    - Emma Fogel

  • Camp Winnebgaoe is my life. I have the greatest time and am unbelievably sad when the summer ends.

    - Jamie Albert (2007 to 2016)

  • 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.

    - Jen Kestenberg (2006 to 2017)

  • 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.

    - Elyssa Pivnick (1996 to 2017)

  • 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.

    - Lucas Gold (2006 to present)

  • 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.

    - Ryan Kichler (1996 – and still ticking)

  • 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!

    - Ari, Marissa and Yonit Grossman (Campers and staff since 1988)

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