Testimonials from Campers & Parents

 

Campers...

I was a camper at Centauri for three summers when I was 16-18. (Writing program, and then stage combat). I'm 25 now, and when I opened the website and saw the photograph of campers under the banner I burst out crying. The best kind of crying made out of many good memories.
In this day and age, being a teenager is treacherous, and yet your camp is an example that it doesn't have to be that way. I was the shy, not-too-sure of herself kind of girl, but you were always able to make everyone feel welcome and included. In the short space of a few weeks, everyone became best friends. I was the moping complaining kind of girl who didn't want to do the evening activity, and yet once my (always wonderful) counselor got me out of the door I was amongst the most enthusiastic and engaged. My three years at Centauri were the highlight of my teenage years, and it warms my heart that you are still going, and still going strong.
Now I am living and working in Shanghai, China teaching English to children aged 8 to 11. I hope to pass on that same feeling of inclusion and learning in my class room. Thank you for those summers - Centauri will always be a part of me.
Sandra B., Camper Alumni

 

My name is Kate B. and I attended Centauri from 2000 - 2004 (if I remember correctly). I just wanted to thank you for the lovely surprise that was your newsletter. I'm in my third year of a Political Science/History degree at Queen's University and am currently bogged down in readings, essays and exams. I couldn't believe that some of my fellow campers were now counsellors or program heads. I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed my experience at Centauri more then I can ever say. I haven't been able to use my creative 'gifts' lately and I have stayed as far away from the stage as I can (my mom still kids me about my starring role as witch in my second or third year at camp). However I will always cherish my memories from camp and especially our trip around Ireland which I took in my last year (something about around the bend - I thought it was a great play even though the idea of singing in front of an audience scared the daylights out of me). That memory will probably stay with me the longest as travelling has become one of my passions; this summer I have plans to visit Paris, Edinbourough and London. Staying in hostels is now secondhand and I'll always remember performing the play in a room the size of a closet in front of about 10 people. My mom still talks about you, Julie. Always remembering you as having so much passion and enthusiasm for the camp, the kids and the art. Thank you so much for all the memories that are unforgettable. I appreciate all the advice that you both unknowingly doled out and for the fact that when I think back to my time at Centauri, I just smile from all my happy memories. Thank you again
Kate B, Camper 2000-2004

 

 "Centauri is my happy place. The staff are all fabulous... fun, caring and amusing. The arts training is amazing - you have an awesome time yet you actually improve your acting/writing/dancing/whatever."  

Anon (www.campratingz.com)

 

 "I have gone there for 5 years and it is my favorite place on earth. I'm not an artsy guy but I still love the place. I think it's great for anyone at all."
Anon (www.campratingz.com)

 

 "I went to this camp for 5 years. It was one of the very best experiences of my life. The programs were terrific and I loved the sense of community. I'd recommend Centauri to any kid or teenager who loves the arts. It is an absolutely wonderful place!" - Adam (camper)

 

 "Camp changed me for the better. It showed me how to live life to the fullest. I learned I could achieve my goals if I worked hard. Camp was such a positive place for me."

 Avra (camper)

 

 Centauri means so much to me I plan on being a counsellor there and maybe even a program director. I didn't just make friends - I found a family." - Bekki (camper - quote taken from a magazine article she published)

 

 "At Centauri, you're accepted. There's no 'cool'. You don't need to wear trendy clothes... Whoever you are, people will like you because you're you. At sleep-over camp you need comfort and support and at Centauri, you'l always get that."

 Mar (camper)

 

Centauri Rox - for those who let their inner child out
Erin E., Camper , 2005-2006

The communal feeling is present throughout every activity, campers, counsellors, program directors and administration. Everyone is always welcoming and caring
Rebekah J., Camper, 2001-2005

Thank you for making the past 6 years some of the greatest ever. I don't know what life would be like without Centauri.
Alex K., Camper, 2000-2005

I had a wonderful time at camp this summer. I wish I  could have stayed for all four sessions. or forever. wow. I love Centauri.
Piers R., Camper, 2003-2007

 

Hi, first I'd like to let you know how this summer was the most amazing i have ever had, thanks to your camp! Thanks again!
Marlee R., Camper, 2003-2005

I just wanted to e-mail you and tell you that I have been at Centauri for 3 years now and call it my second home! I hope to spend many more wonderful years at Centauri.
Tori L., Camper 1999-2005

 

Centauri has always been my home - from those very early years, and it will continue to be so for the rest of my life.
Thank you so much.
Jordi, Camper since 1995 & now staff

This letter is to tell you THANK YOU for everything. In this camp you made me feel part of a big family since the first day to the last one.
Fabiola, Camper from Mexico 2000,2002

I love Centauri more than anything and Craig & Julie are the ones who gave me the best opportunity of my life by making Centauri such a wonderful camp
Ben F., Camper, 2000-2002

I have been to so many arts camps, but you got it just right!
Julia V., Camper, 2000

 

Parents...

My daughter, Kate Seggie returned from her first stay at Centauri on Saturday so happy & full of confidence. I wanted to let you know that she had a fantastic time and already is making plans to come back with her newfound friends next year! Many thanks to you & all of the counsellors/instructors.

Lesley, Parent 2009

 

We wanted to thank you for giving our daughter the best start ever possible in summer camping. We were nervous when we sent you a girl who was too afraid to even sleep at a friend’s house, but who really wanted to be successful at overnight camp - particularly Centauri as it was everything (on paper) that she wanted in a summer program.

We were thankful that you helped us to prepare her for her first session away from home with tips and suggestions, and even a visit to our home to share stories and photographs with her. We were amazed when we spoke to our daughter on her call day and she let us know that the first few nights had been rough, but that her counsellors had been terrific, she loved the other kids at camp, and that Julie had made a special effort to check on her and to come and tell her group a night time story.
We were blown away when we picked up our daughter at the end of her session and she told us stories of how everyday was a ‘special day’ at Centauri. The performances we saw on pick up day were fantastic and the goodbyes were tearful. We were shocked when our daughter told us that she would not only like to go back to Centauri next year, but would go back again this year if she could. She was immediately bored with the day camp program that we had enrolled her in (for the third year in a row - she liked it before!) and the food services program our kitchen was just not living up to the standard set by Centauri dear, there will not be a salad bar with 10 items of your choice available at every meal.)

Way to go guys! Looking forward to seeing you again next year, and for many years to come.

Rochelle B., Parent, 2007

 

Our daughter  just returned from camp with great enthusiasm. It was "epic-ly awesome!", she said, and "exceeded my expectations!" (ours, too).

Judy - Parent 2009!
 

Our daughter is a first time camper. She was a bit homesick at first, but the counsellors were terrific, she loved the other kids, and the directors made a special effort to check up on her and tell her a night time story. Our family is looking forward to next year, and many years to come."

 

 "I don't think I have ever seen my daughter this excited about a camp experience, ever. As a parent, nothing is more rewarding than knowing you have given your child an experience like this."

Sandi (parent)

 

 "My son has a tough time, socially, and is often unhappy. He returned from camp ebullient - laughing, happy, surprised at how friendly, accepting and encouraging everyone had been. 'Why isn't everyone like this at school?' he said."

Gary (parent)

 

"This was Daniel's first time at sleepover camp, and I am so grateful to everyone at Centauri for making it such a warm, positive experience for him... I can't wait to hear more about the new skills he learned, the new friendships, the amazing counsellors and the yummy food"

Debbie (mom)

 

My daughter just returned home from session 4 and once again no stop talked for hours about how much fun she had!   This was her first year with photography and she has learned so many wonderful skills.
Lisa Y.,  Parent, 2007

 

I know that you're busily into your second session, but wanted to drop a note to thank you for the wonderful experience provided to both ourselves and our son. Although he has enjoyed summer camps before, it was a bit of a leap of faith and a lot of confidence that allowed us to fly him to Toronto, and it's certainly paid off. We greatly appreciated your responses to out inquiries, providing us references, and most of all allowing him to briefly phone home upon arrival and midway through camp to build our assurance. His participation in the LIT program was particularly noteworthy and will likely have him returning to the same session next year.

Gary D.,  Parent, 2007

 

As the parents of a 6-year Centauri camper, we know that his experiences at Centauri were important formative influences on his development, and that he relies the skills and understandings he developed during his Centauri summers. We want to express our appreciation to you both, and to your staff, for what you have provided for our son and for other young artists.
Gaye R., Parent, 2000-2006

 

I wanted to send you a note to let you know how very much my daughter M.  enjoyed Centauri during Session 3.  I have been looking for a camp  for years that Madison would want to go to year after year and I think Centauri is it.  She definitely wants to go again next summer.  I love the environment you have created there.  M. had a lot of fun, she loved her dorm counsellor, Erin, the kids were great - it was all just great.  I was very impressed with the musical theatre performance on the last day.  The documentary was also great - will you post it on your website so my husband can watch it?
Eleana R., Parent, 2006
 

HI Craig and Julie, Just a note to thank you and all of your counsellors, the fantastic kitchen staff and the laundry team and anyone else that I have not included for making my daughters two weeks in session 2 the best two weeks that she says that she has ever had. We had family friends over yesterday and during dinner, she told us about camp and the people that she had met, the workshops, television production studio time and how wonderful camp makes all the kids feel. That everyone is a friend and that everyone is special. Thank you.
Sara. Parent, 2005
 

I didn't get a chance to thank you in person yesterday when we dropped our son, Zac, off to you. I must admit that I was very apprehensive about the whole thing since I just "found" you on the internet and it is quite a trek to your establishment. From the moment we arrived our concerns (hubby and myself) had vanished. The warmth and genuine joy that you show in the program and what you do is very evident and contagious. I know that he will have a fantastic time.
Jenny W., Parent, 2005
 

Hello Craig and Julie - first of all, I just wanted to let you know that my daughter, Rachel  had a wonderful experience at your camp.  She hasn't stopped talking about it since she left, and it sounds like she has made some wonderful friends among the campers she met there.
June K., Parent, 2005

Our son called us and said how much fun he is having at your camp. The first words out of his mouth were, "I'm coming back next year!". It sounds like he is having a wonderful time and we can't wait to hear all his stories and to see the video when it come out in November.
Mr and Mrs T., Parents, 2003

 

This will be short and sweet, however I wish it to be powerful.   I cannot express in words how thrilled and impressed I was with the organisation of your opening day for Session 4.  My daughter has been to many camps and I will say your presentation and staff far exceed anything I expected.  Keep up the good work, absolutely fabulous.
Lillian M. Parent 2003-2005
 

I just brought our daughter home from camp today . She has not stopped talking about the great time she had at camp.
Marianna F.,, Parent, 2002-2007

 

Thanks You!! for the wonderful experiences our daughter had at camp this year. She's already talking about next year and says she wants to attend 2 sessions.
Jeff S., Parent,  2002

 

I wanted to write and tell you what a wonderful time my daughter had during session 1 Musical Theatre. You should be very proud of what you accomplish with these kids. She absolutely loved it and is very much looking forward to returning for her 3rd year
Mrs. L. M., Parent

 

We would be more than happy to act as a reference for anyone who wants to send their child to Centauri. Our daughter still feels it was the best place she has ever gone - she has said that all the children and teachers were always so pleasant and encouraging
Marcia M. - Parent, 1999-2002

She did have a wonderful time there and she is planning to go again next summer. I can't thank you enough for everything you have done for her, we had a great "first experience"
Andrea O. Parent (1st time camper mom 2000)

We picked our daughters up from camp yesterday and once again they had a wonderful time this year and were sad to have to leave. Linda and I were most impressed with the show put on by the dancers and musical theatre groups. Thanks so much for running such a great camp
Simon & Linda - Parents 1999-2000

 

Others...

WOW. What a fabulous camp! Thank you so much! From the moment I arrived, I was so taken by the warmth, camaraderie, respect and enthusiasm exhibited by all the campers and staff.
Adam David - Actor (guest in 2000)

 

Check us out...

Ontario Camping Association

If you would like to see copies of other references, please contact us.