Camp Mini-Yo-We recently hosted a sold-out, fun-filled Family Day weekend! Jörn Vinnay, one of our German interns, describes some of the highlights below.
Kick Off: Tubing Under the Stars
After we welcomed the families at Camp, they experienced the thrill of late-night tubing under a star-studded sky! The rush of cold air and gliding across the ice into the darkness on the lake was a first-time adventure for many of us. Family Day weekend was off to a great start with this magical experience.
Tubing Competitions & Stock Ticker Mania
The tubing fun didn’t stop there! The next day, after everybody had practised going down the hill, we had our annual longest tubing run competition. “Dan the Tubeman” and “David the Dominator” wowed everyone. Despite the competitive spirit, families cheered one another on, especially when records were broken. That evening, we played the amazing Mini-Yo-We version of the game Stock Ticker. Dressing up and participating as a company was a personal highlight, as was sharing the excitement of predicting stock price changes with the participants.
Broomball & Talent Show Extravaganza
On the third day, we held a high-energy broomball competition. We kicked things off with a few minigames, which were really fun to watch. While the constant snowfall required frequent rink shovelling, the fun level remained high, especially with the help of enthusiastic parents. The broomball tournament concluded with a hilarious parents/staff vs. kids match. Let’s just say the 9-1 score showed the adults still have a few tricks up their sleeves!
The evening’s talent show was a resounding success, showcasing a diverse range of talents. From hilarious magic tricks and dad jokes to musical performances, there was something for everyone. The interns performed a little story about the “Muskoka Bear”, which occurred earlier in our internship. The girls ended the evening with an amazing performance of a song from Frozen.
Polar Dip & Heartwarming Community
On the last day, we had the final challenge: the polar dip. For this unique experience, we cut a hole in the ice on Mary Lake, which enabled a quick dip. Two brave interns led the charge, inspiring others to take the plunge. Many participants called it a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Wrap Up & Family Feedback
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the weekend was the sense of community. Initially, families sat at separate tables, but by the end of the weekend, everyone was mingling and sharing stories.
“Family camp is a wonderful opportunity to spend an ‘all-inclusive’ weekend with family and friends. Playing in the snow up north is SO much more fun than at home! MYW staff and interns go above and beyond to ensure everyone has a great time and the variety of activities are suitable for all ages,” Lonni commented after the weekend.
Michael has joined us in February for the last four years: “We just wanted to thank you again for another fantastic Family Day long weekend. We appreciated all the hard work you and your staff put in to make the weekend so fun and special for us and all the families that come. This year seemed like even more work than usual because of all the snow, but you and the staff made it work, as you always do, and we had an incredible time, as we always do. Can’t wait to do it again next year!”
All in all, Family Day weekend was a great experience for me, filled with unforgettable memories and a strong sense of community. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us. Mini-Yo-We can’t wait to welcome you back next year for another blizzard of fun!