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The following activities are grouped into descriptive categories, however user-groups may mix and match programs as desired, or focus on a specific category, such as Personal Challenge. All Camp Warwa programs must be led and supervised by a current Camp Warwa staff member. However, we encourage the participation of our chaperones and ask that each user-group provide one adult chaperone per small group to help with discipline and any small emergencies.
Challenge by Choice – All Camp Warwa programs follow the Challenge by Choice philosophy, which allows participants to define success and failure individually by allowing them to choose the level at which they challenge themselves. All participants are encouraged to try each activity and challenge themselves, however we will not force or peer-pressure participants into any activity or action that they do not feel comfortable with. |
Team Building and Personal Challenge
Group Challenge – Made up of many small activities or challenges, the Group Challenge program provides an excellent opportunity for participants to have fun while learning valuable life lessons. Each activity has an obvious goal, but the group is given certain constraints of challenges, forcing them to think collectively, to communicate and to experiment with different ideas. The task is not successful until the entire group has completed the challenge. After each activity, Camp Warwa staff debrief the experience focusing on elements of communication, teamwork, support, initiative, and personal experience. Through the activities, as they dare to try, they begin to experience physical and mental success and recognize that the seemingly difficult is often quite possible.
Low Ropes – This modified obstacle course allows participants to focus on individual achievement while the group provides “spotting” and verbal encouragement. Groups move through the different elements as a team emphasizing trust and support as they go. As many of the elements are similar to those on the High Ropes Course, the Low Ropes Course provides a good alternative for those groups that can’t participate in the High Ropes program, or as a build up and confidence booster for the High Ropes program.
High Ropes – The High Ropes Course is our extensive aerial playground, suspended 10 meters from the ground. This program requires at least 2 ½ - 3 hours for groups of up to 14, of which the first hour is spent learning the ropes, so to speak, and the safety procedures for the Course. The rest of the time, the group spends playing on the ropes and discovering what they are capable of doing – It would surprise even the most confident of people! Although participants travel individually around the course, the other groups members provide an important network of support, encouragement and trust. And after all the hard work of traveling around the ropes, participants come back to earth via our exciting zipline. After the program, the group members are encouraged to share their experiences with the group and help discover their true potential. The High Ropes Course is only available to groups aged 12 & up.
Indoor / Outdoor Climbing Wall – One of the most popular activities at Camp Warwa, the Climbing Wall offers participants a mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging task, in a safe and supportive environment. At the outdoor wall, participants learn about trust, support, and encouragement first-hand by operating our “just right descender” belay system. The outdoor wall has 3 belay systems, overhangs, inclines and other features and is 32 feet high. Our indoor wall allows participants to challenge themselves despite any poor weather. Our indoor wall has one belay system, 2 routes and is 5 meters high.
Team All Aboard - A new program to Camp Warwa, and the only one of its kind in Central and Northern Alberta, the Team All Aboard takes a popular Group Challenge element and thrusts it 20 feet in the air. Four participants support and assist each other to climb the 20`pole and make it on to the 2x2 platform at the top. Meanwhile the rest of the group provides ground support by belaying the climbers. This is a fantastic team building and personal challenge program.
Vertical Playground - Another new program at Camp Warwa, and one of the only ones in Alberta, the Vertical Playground is a tweak on a climbing wall program, using mixed media (tires, rope ladders, 4x4s) instead of traditional climbing holds. The entire playground will sway under use making this climb a little more challenging. This is a great program to spice up your visit and add some personal challenge.
Zipline – For those that do not have the time for a full High Ropes session, the zipline can be experienced as its own program. Participants will learn about the safety procedures of the course, the importance of support and encouragement, and about defining success and failure for themselves. From the top of the High Ropes Course, participants will be clipped into the zipline system by one of our trained staff. Participants make the leap themselves and enjoy the ride! Participants must be at least 11 years old to participate on the zipline. |
Outdoor Recreation
Archery – A staple in many camp’s programming, Archery is as much fun today as it was years ago. At Camp Warwa, the Archery program is one of the most popular. Participants will learn proper aiming and shooting technique and safety procedures. Activities and games are added to enhance the activity and put our archers to the test!
Tandem Canoeing – Participants first learn the basic canoeing strokes on land before taking to the water in groups of 2 or 3 per canoe. On water, our instructors go through detection and correction of stroke technique and use games and activities to reinforce these skills. The Tandem Canoeing program strives to teach patience, teamwork, skill, and appreciation for canoeing within the framework of an enjoyable activity.
Voyageur Canoeing – NEW and IMPORVED - It takes teamwork to move our 29-foot voyageur canoe, which can seat up to 14 people. Activity groups go on the water as one group after their on-land briefing session and learn that it takes rhythm and teamwork to move such a boat. The program is intertwined with natural history and the history of the Voyageurs and their travels across this Country. Games and activities make this program a great team builder, history teacher, and environmental educator.
Kayaking – At Camp Warwa we aim to provide participants with the basic skills needed to safely navigate a single-person kayak in a lake setting. Before heading out on to the water, groups receive instruction in basic kayaking strokes, safety, and dumping procedures. Once on the water, games and activities are used to detect and correct stroke technique and reinforce these skills. The Kayaking program strives to teach patience, perseverance, skill, and appreciation for kayaking within the framework of an enjoyable activity. |
Stones – One of our camp-wide games, Stones is played on our main field with the entire group. Stones contains physical activity, yet remains inclusive to all regardless of physical ability, and requires strategizing and teamwork for success. Loosely based on Capture the Flag, two teams strive to gain all of the “stones” on their side. Stones can fit into any schedule with no set time needed to play the game.
Swimming – Our certified lifeguards are available during free time for groups that want to cool off in the waters of Lac Ste. Anne.
Traditional Sports – Traditional sports equipment is available to groups for use during free time. We have tetherball, volleyball, badminton, basketball, soccer, frisbee, and football equipment available.
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Earth Education
Forest Exploration – Also known as Trees & Forests, the Forest Exploration program is designed as an extension of the Alberta science Grade 6 curriculum. Made up of a variety of smaller games and lessons, participants reinforce the classroom teachings of the relationships and inter-dependencies of the forest ecosystem. The program uses one of our many forested areas to develop skill in identifying different trees and create a sense of environmental repsonsibility and stewardship.
Wetland Wonders – Also known as Pond Study, Wetland Wonders is designed as an extension of the Alberta Grade 5 science curriculum. Participants will explore the riparian areas of our waterfront and marshes and discuss animal habitat, food, and adaptations in these environments. Through games and activities participants will learn about the water cycle and the responsible use of water and how it affects our communities and natural areas.
Night Sky – Best experienced in the fall and winter months, Night Sky uses our natural curiosity to explore the vast Alberta sky and its many parts. The different shapes and rotation of the Moon, the Northern Lights, shooting stars, and the legends of the constellations will be explained and explored while we are dazzled and amazed by the magic of the night sky.
Night Hike – Another program that is best taught in the fall and winter months, Night Hike combines a variety of smaller programs to explore our senses in the dark. Are our eyes playing tricks on us? Can that crash be from a tiny squirrel? Participants will learn about the other world that exists after dark.
Survival – Also known as Predator & Prey, Survival is a constant choice for camp-wide programming at Camp Warwa. For participants, it combines specific goals, challenging friends, cooperating with teammates, physical activity and fun. For outdoor educators, it is a useful tool for educating participants in the food chain and the cycle of life, and the strategies behind certain animal body types and behaviors, while having fun the whole time. Participants assume the roles of Carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores and search for elusive food and water stations while being on the lookout for predators and hunters! Survival is another activity that is inclusive to all, regardless of physical ability.
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Camping & Outdoor Skills
Map & Compass – Designed as an introduction to using a map and compass, participants learn how to read and identify features on a map, finding direction with a compass using a landmark as well as a bearing, orienting a map, and using a map and compass to find location and direction. These skills are reinforced by practical application and small games and activities. Finally, participants will learn alternate methods of wilderness navigation without a compass.
Orienteering – Built as a progression from the Map & Compass program, Orienteering puts participants in teams of 2 or more to actively navigate through our professionally designed orienteering course. Participants first learn about the sport of Orienteering, about the use of landmarks in navigation, and reading a map. The course itself reinforces the principles of navigation and relating the real surroundings to the symbolic details of a map.
Fire Building – The Fire Building program provides participants with the theoretical knowledge of fire building – why, when, where – and the practical knowledge of how to build a fire. The program provides hands-on field knowledge of essential safety and survival techniques.
Shelter Building - Shelter Building discusses the what, where, when, why, and how about building shelters. Participants will learn the different types of wilderness shelters including A-frame, debris hut and lean-tos. Hands on experience makes this program great for Scouts and Girl Guide groups and for building anyone`s outdoor living skill set.
Out-trips – Short one-night overnight camping trips to an island on Lac Ste. Anne can be arranged upon request and at additional cost. Camping equipment and food are provided. Participants will learn about and participate in out-tripping preparations, including food prep, route cards, equipment selection, packing, and of course, clean up. |
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