rjadelsonourlife: Camp Ak-o

Barrie triathlon - 50 girls from the camp came to participate. Maya came in 16 th out of at least 36. But there might have been 50 kids in her age group, 11-12. All the campers were standing in a group when we arrived. Many had their hair in pretty braids, as did Maya.
Before the race. She looks GOOD.

The group of campers.

In the water, waiting for the race to begin.

And the race is on.

Coming out of the water. We raced along the shore with her.

Eve watching. The racks on the right are where the bikers are on their bikes and riding. On the left are the bikes waiting for the bikers. The camp brought a bike for each camper to the race. This was Maya's third triathlon and she also did the Niagra regatta in a war boat.

Maya starting the biking.

Beginning the run.

Finished with her trophy. She and a group of girls helped one friend run in and finish the race. Very good sportsmanship. So very proud of my granddaughter.

The CAMP. No hot water except in the shower. But the girls did all their bathing in the lake. No electricity in the cabins or bathrooms. 81 campers but it can hold 100 girls. They would pee in the lake rather than run to the bathrooms.

Bathroom

Cabin

Pretty bare. You must remember they are packing up to go home. So it is pretty messy. No book shelves for storage. I heard that she had eight shelves. But it is little cubbies in the walls. This would be cold with no glass windows.

This is the main building where the meals are served. There was a bell to call the kids to meals and wake up and activities.

Maya with braided hair.

The building was a beautiful log type. Inside walls are filled with photos and awards starting in 1928 when the camp was formed. The first owner wanted a girls camp to train them as athletics. This was pretty forward thinking in 1928. The camp is known for training swimmers. Has had campers go to nationals, world and the Olympics.

The waterfront. Canoes The girls swim or boat over to the boys camp, Chickopi.

Sail boats, swim lanes

Diving areas

There were tennis courts, basketball, soccer. The girls had instructions in many things. Yoga, karate, Zumba, wrestling, They will bring in specialist to teach them Something. This is an intense camp. Not for kids that are not interested in swim, bike, and run. There are no art classes here.
The day begins with a wake up bell at 7:15. At 7:25 you begin the early session of exercise. Eve and Libby went to the one session. Eve only brought with her a fashion one piece suit and a bikini. She wore the bikini and everyone had on Speedo suits. She had never swam in a lake. It was a one mile swim and one mile run. If a girl wants to do a longer whatever, she can. This was the 55 degree day. Eve said, she thought she could not breath and the water was so black and cold. A girl in a canoe followed her and gave her encouragement. Maya finished the swim in 20 minutes. Libby in 22. And Eve in 31 minutes. She would have done much better in a pool, where she was used to swimming. Then they ran the mile. One girl said to not start the swim yet, as she was still peeing in the lake. And then breakfast. And then back into the water for the rest of the morning activities.
Before the closing, awards dinner-- The girls sing a prayer for the health and safety of the camp. Then each group of girls from their country stood on their bench and sang the national anthem from their country. Their was Canada, USA, France, Spain, Mexico, New Zealand, Trinidad, England Australia, and five girls from Dubai. They are only living there and not from there. So they could not song the song. Also maybe three other countries. There were only four sets of parents eating this dinner. Many of the girls go home by plane and the close Canada kids have parents pick them up.

Maya singing while standing on bench.

The meal was a beautiful salad, broccoli, mashed potatoes, and plain chicken breasts with warm pesto to pour over everything. Holden loved the potatoes.

Then was dessert. Brownie, ice cream and sprinkles to pour on top. They gave us a bowl of the sprinkles and we told Adley it was to be shared for the table. She poured the entire thing in her bowl and began to eat.
The bowl of sprinkles.