Camp time! Well, almost...

The Mascot leaves for fishing camp in 79 days* and I am already tripping over his tackle box and duffle bag. You would think that he's leaving tomorrow!

I'm not saying that the boy has a habit of getting ahead of himself, but I wouldn't be surprised if his sleeping bag makes its way up to his room in the next week or so. (Apparently it's important to "practice" sleeping.) I'm also pretty sure that over the next two and a half months, there will be numerous viewings of last year's video, marathon list-making sessions, and lots of silly questions "What time are you picking me up from the bus? Will you be late like last time?" Shush.

As someone who lives for things to look forward to, I have to admit a certain level of jealousy. I know first hand how insanely beautiful it is out there on Shoal Lake and I have experienced the skin-tingling excitement when the P3 leaves the dock and heads out towards McKinnon Island. Sure, you're in the company of experienced staff, councillors and LITs, but there are no *parents* there. There are still people there to tell you what to do, but, chances are, what they are going to tell you to do is have FUN.

I have posted a link to this contest before, but here's another chance to enter for your chance to win a session at Manitoba Pioneer Camp PLUS a trip for two to Punta Cana. (Why should the kids have all of the fun??)

If your kid has not had the chance to experience summer camp, I would highly recommend Manitoba Pioneer Camp. The camp has been around for ages (obviously, since *I* went there) and has a long history of providing amazing camping experiences to kids in an absolutely breathtaking setting. The smallest of the camps in the inter-varsity family, MPC takes advantage of its surroundings with a wide variety of programs - from the "classic" boys and girls 1 and 2 week camps, to (the Mascot's favourite) fishing camp, a co-ed sailing camp, an LIT program, and longer, more extensive (5-20 day) tripping/wilderness camps. To check out the 2012 schedule and a description of the different camps, please visit the MPC website.

...and if canoing and sailing are not your thing, Circle Square Ranch is also offering a chance to win a session at camp for the kids, plus a trip to Punta Cana for you! If only the Mascot weren't allergic to horses (true story)... Click here to enter!


*But who's counting...?

I am proud to be an ambassador and alumni of Manitoba Pioneer Camp!

This post has been compensated; however, all opinions are sincere and all my own. 

My Happy Camper (and your chance to win!)

Yesterday was a happy day for the Mascot  - I finally got around to registering him for summer camp!

For the third year in a row, he'll be packing up his fishing rod (and a couple weeks' worth of carefully labelled underpants) and heading out to Manitoba Pioneer Camp, located on the camp's two islands on Shoal Lake, Ontario. Just like last year, he'll be taking part in both fishing camp on Cash Island and "regular camp" aka "Boys I" aka "canoe camp" on McKinnon. No matter what you call it, though, it's a blast...even the canoe trip, which the Mascot loves and loves to complain about.

Whining about the two days of rainy weather and what he calls the "questionable perogy casserole" aside, the kid can't wait to go back. And, to be honest, I can't wait for him to go either. Don't get me wrong, I like having him around, but seeing that taller, tanner, grinning boy get off the bus with dozens of camp stories to share is definitely worth the time that I have spend without him (and his help around the house).

Last year, we even got to see the Mascot's fishing tales come to life in this video, taken during the fishing camp session and posted on the camp's website within hours of his return. I know that it wasn't meant as a marketing ploy, but seeing the Mascot out there having all that fun pretty much guaranteed his return to Cash Island. (Full disclosure: I have yet to watch that video without tears...and maybe just a pang or two of jealousy.)

Needless to say, I am super-excited about sending the boy back to Pioneer Camp and I am just as excited to share this awesome contest with you. Inter-varsity Christian Fellowship is giving away free weeks at Pioneer Camp, a trip for two to Punta Cana, and prize packs from Mabel's Labels* and Crossroads. Plus, they are offering 20% off camp for new campers! Click the picture below for more details and to enter:

*remember the part about "carefully labelled underpants"? Yeah. You'll need these.

I am proud to be an ambassador and alumni of Manitoba Pioneer Camp!

This post has been compensated; however, all opinions are sincere and all my own.