Family Camp Story - Coby
Coby's Camp Experience
My family and I first experienced Camp Of The Woods by attending their Fall Family Fun Day which was advertised at our church. It was so well organized with amazing activities for the whole family. We got the opportunity to explore the property with a beautiful hayride and had incredible interactions with the many friendly staff members.
Since then, as a family, we were fascinated with their ministry. My husband and I have two children and looked forward to the day they were old enough to attend Summer Camp. When our oldest turned 8, she was so excited! She came home with so many stories and new friendships and we loved being able to see what she learned. At the end of the week of summer camp, parents and families are invited to attend the last chapel. Here, our daughter played drums to a song she learned during the weekly activities. We also got to see a slideshow of all the fun and learning that took place over the week. Since then, our children look forward to attending summer camp each year.
The other aspect of Camp of the Woods that we all regularly look forward to is their Family Camp. My parents, and their foster children, along with two of my brothers, and our whole family thoroughly enjoy the chance to spend quality time together. The cabins are incredible and offer all the comforts of home. Family Camp is three days of the most rest and relaxation we get. Normally, you go on vacation and come home feeling like you need a week off from your getaway. Staying at COTW is peaceful and secure. We never have to worry about the kids being in danger as everything from the trails to the activities to the roped off swimming area are safe. The staff offer multiple activity options throughout the stay which you can participate in or not. Every activity is well-led!
Families may choose to spend time in their cabin or explore the many amenities camp has to offer: hiking, canoeing, swimming, beach games, water trampoline, frisbee golf, archery, and so many more. There are activities for all ages. The lodge offers ping pong and games, there is a playground for children, rock climbing wall and riflery, paddleboards and a slingshot course for the older ones and those young at heart. No matter the weather, we are never bored at Camp of the Woods.
Family Camp is such an incredible experience where we can enjoy time with family but others as well if we choose. We have met new families and old friends each summer. Camp offers the opportunity to build relationships as well as grow closer to God. Wonderful chapel services are offered every evening which one may choose to attend or not. There is never any pressure.
There is also a meal service option that families can purchase where they gather in the lodge to receive a delicious supper and eat as a family group or mingle with others. It is another fantastic way to relax and simply enjoy time together and not have to worry about cooking at the end of the day. The meals are family friendly - kid approved - and incredibly filling. There is always so much food that they encourage you to go back for more. You truly can’t get that kind - or amount of food - for their ridiculously low price. Our kids have their favourite camp dishes that they look forward to both at Summer Camp and at Family Camp. Having volunteered at camp, I can attest to the amount of time, effort, and detail that goes into the menu planning as well as the love that goes into the food and desserts!
We are counting down the days to summer and being back at Camp again. Kids are registered for Summer Camp and we have already booked a cabin for Family Camp. We love all that Camp of the Woods has to offer!
We are inspired by their ministry and love to give back whenever and wherever we can. Camp has recently introduced a tiered payment system for their summer camps. I highly encourage anyone who can give a little more, to do so; your investment will be put to good use. The Camp grounds and facilities always look amazing but it takes time and money to upkeep. Join Camp of the Woods mailing list and you can learn about the amazing things they offer as well as their needs to make it all happen. Lastly, because times can be tough and it’s not always feasible to give financially, consider volunteering your time during Camp Clean Up Days for instance, or for their incredible other ministry opportunities. Camp of the Woods offers free activities throughout the year that allow campers to continue to hear the gospel and maintain friendships.
