Directing a camp involves that most delicate field of human effort — the relations between human beings; and it involves, further, the development and growth of that which man counts most precious — his children.
-”Unca” Lou Handler, Co-Founder, 1909-1974
In the camp brochure from the 1950s, “Tamakwa’s Philosophy of Camping” included the following statements:
We believe in the dignity of the individual. We will in no way violate that dignity.
We believe it is our responsibility to help develop each one to their highest capacity.
We believe it is our job to help the individual learn his/her responsibility to the group among which they live.
We believe that we can accomplish the above aims only by providing an atmosphere of sympathy and understanding; that emotional, social and moral growth are to be as quickly recognized as physical and skill growth.
In the 70 years since that brochure was printed, these beliefs remain deeply ingrained in our guiding philosophy.
Camp Tamakwa is a People Camp. Without our campers, staff, and families, Tamakwa is just a collection of wooden structures in a pretty setting. Our people provide the heart, soul, and purpose of camp. They are young and old. They come from around the world. They have different backgrounds and experiences, unique qualities and special gifts to offer. Being a people camp means that we work to better understand one another. This understanding builds respect, teamwork, empathy, compassion, and leadership.
Over the years, we have adopted several perspectives that encapsulate our values:
Leave the Campsite Better than You Found it
Yes, this is about cleaning up your cookout site. Yes, this is about making sure that the next group to navigate that unmaintained portage has an easier time than you did. Yes, this is about picking up that random tuck wrapper on your way back to your cabin. But it’s also (obviously) a metaphor for making the world a better place and “giving back.”
We Paddle in Unison
We can only live our values and accomplish great things if we do it together. While we are all individuals, we are also members of various communities. We are a part of a cabin group, a section, and a camp. But we are also a part of our communities back at home. At Tamakwa, we value working as one for the betterment of our communities. Canoe trips, color war programs, and even our day-to-day activities rely on campers and staff coming together to overcome challenges and achieve success. We’re a team. And we’re family.
Fresh Air Opens Minds
We believe, as Lou and Omer did, that getting away from the stresses and commitments of life in the city and immersing oneself in nature is rejuvenating. It’s energizing. It’s fuel for the mind, body, and soul. Being outdoors is great. Being out in nature is better. Being in Algonquin Park is the absolute best. To us, appreciating our surroundings means more than just enjoying them. It means that we actively learn about and develop a relationship with the land. This provides a strong sense of place and the foundation for our stewardship of the land on which we are privileged to spend our summers.
We know that this environment is enjoyed best when we eliminate cell phones and other technologies from day-to-day life at camp and connect with one another. At Tamakwa, we are 100% Social. 0% Media. While we’re strict about our no cell phone/no screens policy, most people actually love it, claiming that unplugging is one of the most liberating and refreshing feelings ever. It encourages all of us to truly be together, celebrating our achievements and working through challenges face-to-face, in real time, as a community.
Tamakwa provides opportunities for children to learn and grow. At camp, kids learn about teamwork, respect, and responsibility to one another and the world in which they live. Kids learn about becoming independent, strong, and resilient leaders. Camp helps shape kids into moral, compassionate, and passionate adults who will stand up for what they believe in and become stewards for their communities.
Our Commitment
At Tamakwa, we will:
Model our core values each and every day.
Challenge ourselves and each other to be better every day.
Recognize and support the strengths and challenges of each Tamakwan.
Guide our campers to help them grow.
Reflect on our past; both to honor it and to improve upon it.
Dream about making Tamakwa and the world a better place.
Listen to anyone who wants to be heard.
Learn from our mistakes. We will learn from one another.
Strive to be compassionate and understanding.
Work to hire and train the best staff.
Love your children as if they were our own.
And we will do all of this while providing the most fun environment in the most beautiful place in the world!