When we learned about Camp Waziyatah and the possibility of sending our son there, we immediately started imagining what his summer would look like there. What athletics would he choose? Would he like to try Visual or Performing Arts? As I started to explore the Camp Waziyatah website, YouTube videos, and old clips of the TV show, “Bug Juice” (which was filmed at Camp Waziyatah), my excitement for this opportunity continued to grow. When I presented the opportunity to my son, he was nothing less than ecstatic.
This will be his first time away from home, without family close by. He has been away from Mom and Dad, while on vacation with his grandparents, but this is different. It is a chance to meet new and lifelong friends, try new activities, learn different skills, gain personal growth, confidence, and independence.
Daily Routine
My son really thrives when there is structure to his day. At Camp Waziyatah, he will be in a cabin along with other boys that are leveling up to the same grade as him. He’ll start every day with breakfast, 3 activity periods (which he chooses), lunch, another 3 activity periods (which he chooses), free swim, dinner, camp wide evening activity, then quiet time before bed. Having a structure to the day, while still having the chance to choose his activities within the structure will be wonderful for him.
Water Time
Camp Waziyatah is nestled on Lake McWain, so there are many water activities available. They range from canoeing/kayaking, swimming, sailing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, and many more. Don’t forget about “The Blob” – the large blow-up raft where the kids can jump from a platform, land, and send each other flying into the water. It looks like a blast to me!
Athletics
The sports at Camp Waziyatah are plentiful as well – soccer, flag football, basketball, archery, horseback riding, climbing towers and ziplining!
Visual and Performing Arts
The Visual and Performing Arts activities offered allow kids to enhance their imagination and creativity – drawing, pottery, painting, sculpture, improv theater, dance, set design – and too many more to list here! At the end of the camp session, there is a full music production, which welcomes all campers who try out.
Validating our decision to send him to camp
My son already has an interest in all the 40+ activities and events that Camp Waziyatah offers. He’s going to love creating his own agenda, meeting new friends, trying unique activities, and making life-long memories. My son will be a rising 5th grader this summer, and is so excited for his first sleep away camp. Camp Waziyatah will allow him to grow, mature, and gain independence within his routine. I know that he will be in good hands at Camp Waziyatah with professionally trained staff and counselors. We are all more than thrilled for him to have this experience of being a camper at Camp Waziyatah – and we can’t wait for it!
