Camp Tekakwitha - Inspection reports

Camp Tekakwitha has always met the highest criterias set for summer camps by different agencies.

Declared winner of ” coup de Cœur des Consultants 2004” from l’Association des Camps du Québec.

It was with pleasure that Camp Tékakwitha received the prize “Coup de Cœur des Consultants 2004”. We were chosen among 50 other camps that were visited by the consultants during this past summer. Here is what they said about us:

its team spirit, a sense of belonging and the great family atmosphere felt at all moments;
the commitment of all its staff members and volunteers; and by the rate of return of campers year after year;
an outstanding programming and many traditions maintained for more that 66 years;
the safe, quality sites for all activities, from expeditions to everyday programming;
a very high quality outdoor challenge adapted for youth of all ages;
and finally by the impressive rate of return of campers year after year.

The consultant stated “my coup de coeur resides in the eyes of the children when they talked to me about the long hikes they had taken and the ones still to come! At Camp Tékakwitha, it is a dream to work here, a dream to be here!”

Grounds, buildings and equipment are very well maintained. What strikes you when arriving at the camp is not only the good physical condition of the installations but also the philosophy that transpires from everyone.

Situated on 250 acres of wooded land on the shores of lake Androscoggin in the state of Maine (USA), the site is very well preserved. This French language camp`s program is managed with nature in mind and all programs reflect that reality. Since 1938, programs have been developed around the discovery and the recognition of the person. Every individual camper receives constant personal attention.

The camp offers three programs; Campers for the 7 to 12 year old, Explorers for the 13 year old and the Pionneer program for the 14 to 16 year old. All 3 programs allow for progressive growth without limiting access to new campers. Days are always well filled but also allow for free time periods.

The Pionneer program offers a great opportunity for teenagers to go beyond their limits by taking them on 8 to 17 day hiking trips on the Appalachian Trail.

The camp was well prepared for the visit. Norms are well implemented, those relating to health and safety are well documented.

The camp was full this summer and some campers were turned away, this probably has to do with a number of factors. First, the Tekakwitha philosophy is present in all aspects of camp life, the different programs continually offer new activities and marketing is well done.

With all those elements in place, the camp is destined to welcome many more generations of campers.

At the outset we must underline the warm and friendly welcome upon our arrival and the good preparation of the supervising staff. Our visit was marked by a spirit of cooperation and exchange

The managing team seems ready for any challenge. The quality of the managing team must be underlined. There is no point in naming anyone in particular, there is no exception.

Camp Tekakwitha is living up to its reputation.. In addition to the site itself which gives it its unique nature, programs in their entirety are remarkable. The two programs (campers and pioneers) are magnificently well adapted to their respective age group. The ambiance on site is refreshing. Children and teenagers alike seem happy to be in camp. Your brochure's theme "a quality of life environment" is very well suited.

In years past, I have wondered about the type of interest that teenagers would find in trekking, an activity which at first glance does not seem attractive to them. During my visit, I was privileged to attend two preparatory sessions with them. The secret of the success of this program resides in the fact that they are prepared to live the experience in a very personal way as well as in group environment. Preparation is intense and is based on years of research and development by Rev. Gaston Lapointe, the directors that succeeded him at the helm and all other staff members who share the experience with the teenagers. I have a lot of admiration for this program. Congratulations!.

The staff also lives up to the camp's reputation of excellence. The personnel whom we met distinguished themselves by their professionalism and the satisfaction which they seem to do their respective tasks.

We must also underline the quality of the site as well as the maintenance of equipments and buildings. The camp is very clean and interesting to visit. The kitchen is also in very good hands, equipment is clean and food is great. The administrative machine admirably supports all the sectors. The new computer system is of good quality and answers to the organization's needs.

An inspection report in a summer camp is a little like spending a whole session but in an accelerated way in a few hours. You feel welcomed, a spirit of holiday prevails and the scenery is completely different.

Camp Tekakwitha is an institution among summer camps. More than 56 years of growth in the respect of summer camps tradition. This tradition has not been easy to safeguard in recent years but Camp Tekakwitha's team has stayed the course and benefits from its strategic choice, offering long-term periods. The management team works hard on that aspect. They believed strongly that this choice best suits the needs of today's campers and families. In this respect, I must agree with their position.

The inspection visit was prepared with professionalism. This is typical of this organization. Not one mistake

I have almost no comment that could better the camp's way of working in regards with the applicable standards.

One little detail. I would recommend analyzing the lake's water on an individual basis instead of relying on the lake's land owner association.

The camp's infrastructure are in line with the above comments: even if the camp is more than 30 years old, equipment and buildings alike are in constant evolution in respect with the camp's spirit.

Security is an ever-present preoccupation with Camp Tekakwitha's management . Each detail is thoroughly thought out, nothing is left unattended. In this regard, we must note the seriousness with which fire drills are carried out. The detailed report that follows the drill clearly reflects the importance of the exercise.