Making a splash with friends old and new
At Camp Couchiching, kids learn about respect and consideration while having barrels of fun
LONGFORD MILLS, ONT.— It can be tough being away from home and some kids do get a touch of homesickness while at camp. It’s part of the rite of passage. The ailment isn’t long lasting at Camp Couchiching where there’s so much to do with old friends and new that thoughts of home roll off like water from a duck’s back.
Tobin Kravchenko, 12, will confirm that. He’s been coming to “Cooch” as camp is affectionately known, since he was 6 and knows his way around. “The counsellors are really nice and interact with everyone,” he says. “There are so many activities too. I like swimming, canoeing, kayaking and basket ball. I also like hanging out with friends.”
He also likes the fact that campers get to choose what they want to do and that no one is judged.
At the moment, his pals have climbed up onto the water trampoline just off the shore, bouncing into the air before hurling themselves into the water. It’s a hoot and holler and their screams and laughter tell it all. Tobin can’t wait to join them.
But first, more about his experiences at Cooch where he says the food is awesome. “It’s like being in a hotel.” he says with a laugh.
While having a great time is the ultimate achievement, Cooch is where kids learn many practical and life skills without even knowing it, such as respect and consideration. Sailing is something he hasn’t quite mastered. “I fell over (tipped) a few times and got back up,” he says.
Football on the other hand was a real blast and he’s looking forward to playing more. “I’ve also learned how to co-operate with others better,” says Tobin. It comes from teamwork that’s an important aspect of camp. “I’m not shy anymore and have made a lot of good friends.” So what makes good camp friends? Tobin has the answer at his fingertips. “They comfort you when you’re having a hard time and are a lot of fun. At Cooch, you meet new people who turn into friends.”
It’s why he suggested that a friend of his come and see all that Cooch has to offer. “My friend was really scared he’d be away from his parents for a long time,” says Tobin. “I told him he wouldn’t remember his parents because he would be having so much fun at camp. He came for a weekend this summer to see what it was like and he loved it.”
Having been there and done it, that friend is coming back. If you have benefited from the Fresh Air Fund or have a story to tell, email lferenc@thestar.ca.