Coed Programs

“The kids returned home with nothing but superlative descriptions of their trips with Northwaters, in particular of the staff and the ‘ethos’ of your camp. The entire three and a half weeks appear to have been exceptional in every way. They are sharing with us on a daily basis not only stories, but some of the practices and traditions they learned. Chris and I are deeply impressed with what we are hearing and seeing, and thrilled that D and L had this opportunity. Thank you for providing such a wonderful experience.”
— Cathy J, Northwaters parent

“I just want to thank you for the great experience my boys had with you at Northwaters this summer. They came back with a BIG smile; talking about everything they experienced, telling great stories and the best of all, to see how they mature, the self confidence in each one of them, more conscious about their environment  and excited to come back next year.”
— Anne S, NWL Parent

“I wanted to take a quick minute to tell you guys how blessed we feel to have found your wonderful organization!  Tales from trail come up almost nightly around here these days.  We all enjoy them! It’s clear T made great friends AND honed her persistence!  She taps into her Northwaters’ experiences when frustrated with the inevitable challenges of middle school (“ugh! middle school!”) and her experiences/memories/stories from trail area comfy “place” for her to rest in and reconnect to her “authentic self”. N was transformed by his trip!  He talks constantly of the physical accomplishments, the relationships, the self discovery and the clarity he found on trail.  The experience is definitely helping to guide him as he thoughtfully considers choices for his future in a pivotal senior year.  I could go on and on …but just wanted to drop a quick line to let you guys know how much we appreciate all you give and hope you know that it makes such a difference! Thank you!!!”
— Pete & Alexa G, NWL Parents

“At this point in my son’s life, it was exactly what he needed- to unplug, get in touch with nature, and focus on him.”
— Samantha N, Northwaters Parent

“The trip has helped K mature into the kind of man that I admire: considerate of others, disciplined, adventurous and having true strength of character. The physical/mental challenged he faced tested him and he now feels he can accomplish ANYTHING!”
— Leanne J, Northwaters Parent

Boys Programs

“I would like to thank you. Northwaters & Langskib truly lives up to its mission of ‘Teaching young people how to be with one another, and ultimately, how to be with themselves”. I love listening to L talk about his experiences. My son has grown & matured, having found new inner strength and confidence. Can’t wait until next summer.”
— Kathy T, Langskib parent

“We are all still beaming about the NWL camp experience!! Our kids LOVED camp and can’t wait to return next year. THANK YOU THANK YOU for creating such an incredible experience for our children.”
— Lisa G, Langskib Parent

“When K came back, he returned to a lot of change.  The impact of NWL and what you have made possible is indelible and as a father who’s found a young partner in his son… I’m filled with gratitude. Thank you!-”
— Manu K, Langskib Parent

“Thank you so much for all your care for us and great work generally.  Your enthusiasm and reassurance got us there. I received the email update from your director and was incredibly moved by what he was saying. I read it 5 times and forwarded it to J’s grandfather. Everything you are doing is deeply appreciated.”
— Nicole M, Excalibur Parent

“The adventure part is great but I adore the character layer- the examination and reflection on morals, challenges, inner-strength, and character.”
— Penny A, Langskib Parent

“The boys are back – they were looking great and their stories were full off amazing adventures. They have again made memories that will keep them going for a long time. I believe strongly that these trips make them stronger and develop them in a different way – more open, strong, with patience and love. Thank you for everything that you and the team have done for our boys. :)”
— Ilse V & Laurent D, Langskib parents

“I would like to thank you. Northwaters & Langskib truly lives up to its mission of ‘Teaching young people how to be with one another, and ultimately, how to be with themselves”. I love listening to L talk about his experiences. My son has grown & matured, having found new inner strength and confidence. Can’t wait until next summer.”
— Kathy T, Langskib parent

Girls Programs

“Thank you for your endlessly helpful spirit! You guys are the best!”
— Jane E, Northwaters Parent

“I told my wife how impressive the closing ceremonies were and what a deep appreciation I had for what the program is all about.   Thanks for all you did, especially the extra effort required due to his injury.  I think he was surprised to see what people are really capable of.”
— Jeff C, Northern Lights parent

“Thank you again for all your help, first with the scholarship process, and then for reaching out to E after she arrived at base camp.  She ended up having a great experience, after those first pre-trip tears and sleepless nights.  She often brings up parts of the trip during our day-to-day conversations, and I can tell it means a lot to her.”
— Kellie F, Northern Lights Parent

“The kids returned home with nothing but superlative descriptions of their trips with Northwaters, in particular of the staff and the ‘ethos’ of your camp.  The entire three and a half weeks appear to have been exceptional in every way.  They are sharing with us on a daily basis not only stories, but some of the practices and traditions they learned.  Chris and I are deeply impressed with what we are hearing and seeing, and thrilled that D and L had this opportunity. Thank you for providing such a wonderful experience.”
— Cathy J, Northwaters parent

Young Women

“I love this camp so much and I love the people here too. I love the nature and the canoes and the wannigans and paddling my gear to the edge of the world and getting out and portaging. I don’t know where I would be without this camp. This whole trip was about gratitude, appreciation and living in the moment.”
— Esther C, All Woman’s Coulonge River Participant

“Coming to Northwaters these past years gave me the chance to realize there is beauty in everything in his world and that it is all about the way you choose to see things. You have given me the chance to experience this beauty in so many indescribable ways.”
— Isabela M, Northwaters Participant

“NWL is such an amazing place. It’s a safe environment where you can be 100% you and not feel ashamed. You grow so much by taking personal journeys and also meeting all these other people (girls/woman) who are in the same place. Thanks for creating this unique place.”
— Annika CB, Makobe River participant

“It was an amazing and eye opening experience. I have new friends and stories to tell to all the people at home.”
— Parker N, Makobe River Participant

“I have learned so much about myself and about the world we live in. I have grown stronger and made the best friends in the world.”
— Liza D, Nothwaters Participant

“Doing Northwaters makes me feel strong, powerful and beautiful. It makes me inspired to be a better person, and make the world a better place. I wish everyone in the whole world could have the opportunity to come up here and feel the way I do.”
— Sylvie L, Northwaters Participant

Young Men

“It was amazing and I was truly happy during it. I’ve never felt this close to people or this accomplished in such a short time. I loved every moment, even when I said I didn’t.”
— Garrett M, Coulonge River Participant

“I’ve learned so much about myself this trip, physically and mentally. I hope one day I can provide as much happiness to someone else that you have given me.”
— Jack T, Bay Trip Participant

“This place has given me massive insight into my surroundings and myself. Its taught me what is really important in life, and has revealed to me what pure, unadulterated happiness really is, and for that I will be forever thankful.”
— Jarrah C, Dumoine River Participant

“I learned about courage, respect, brotherhood, integrity and excellence. These are all things that I am going to bring back to my community.”
— Julian F, Langskib Bay Trip Participant

“The only boundaries I know are the ones I’ve pushed, the limits I’ve reached and the goals I’ve attained.”
— Jacob E, Dumoine River participant

Girls

“The experiences that I got on the trip I will never forget. I had the time of my life canoeing and portaging and just the general lifestyle. Even when it rained (and it rained a lot) we found something to laugh about. It was such a unique experience, and I would be honored to do it again. The friendships that I have at home don’t compare to the ones that I have made here.”
— Emlyn F, Northern Lights Participant

“This camp is truly my happy place and it means an incredible amount to me to be able to return here each year. Teeth To The Wind!”
— Hailey R, All Woman’s Participant

“Northwaters has been one of the best experiences that I have gone through. I did not only enjoy the amazing scenery and all the work we did every day, but it was also a place where I connected with so many amazing girls. I also learned how to open up and trust a small group of people that I didn’t know at all at the beginning.”
— Lola A, Northern Lights Participant

“It was an experience that I could never get anywhere else- thank you so much.”
— Lucy A, Northern Lights Participant

“After doing Northern Lights I feel so much more confident and better about myself.”
— Grace H, Northern Lights participant

Boys

“I had so much fun at Excalibur! I learned so much about camping and I am so glad that I got to go on this trip. I’m very excited to come back net year!”
— Daven L, Excalibur Participant

“Since I returned home, things are different- clearer. I realize it’s not the things I have that are important, it’s what’s in my heart. For the first time i had a glimpse of who I really am”
— Alex, Maple Mountain trip

“I loved my experience at Langskib, it was super fun and taught me a lot about myself and what I could accomplish.”
— Simon L, Viking Trip