Uniquely Wahanowin
What makes WAHA, WAHA? Our traditions, some honoured since 1955 and others newer to the the Wahanowin experience, are where camp really comes alive and special memories are made. Our traditions anchor every summer. They are the things we look forward to and they become the highlights of camp every year.
Jewish Observance
Our Jewish roots and traditions strongly influence the universal values that are foundational to our camp community. Respect, growth, kindness, gratitude and communal responsibility are woven throughout the camp experience both organically and intentionally. These values speak to everyone in our diverse WAHA community while creating a safe space for our Jewish campers and staff who want to express and celebrate their Judaism in a more meaningful way. We pride ourselves on leaning into Judaism, its values and its traditions to create a warm environment and strong camp community that welcomes and celebrates people from all backgrounds.
Friday Nights
Friday nights have always been special at Wahanowin. Everyone wears their best Friday night whites and joins the camp-wide procession that starts in the Grove and makes its way through main camp to the dining hall. We share a special Shabbat meal (chicken noodle soup, chicken, fresh baked challah and homemade cookies for dessert) and then head to the theatre for Friday night service. Each week, a unit presents on a theme meaningful to camp. Once the service concludes, a group of campers and/or staff present Song of the Week, which is a creative cover of a popular song. Then each Unit Head announces their Camper of the Week, recognizing campers that have exemplified our core values.
Olympiad
The camp-wide program of the summer! Are you Team WAHA or Team NOWIN? Campers get placed on a team their first summer at camp and stay on that team for every summer thereafter. For an incredible day of intense competition, campers and staff bring out their best to win. Events include Tug of War, Wahano-Push and the Marathon, which ends with both teams gathering to see which rope will “burn baby burn” first! From the traditional opening break through to the final sing, Olympiad is one of those programs where the WAHA vibe really comes alive.
Survivor
Based on the popular reality TV series, WAHA Survivor started in 2008. Four campers from Alumni, LTP and CITS are chosen to compete in the three-day event for the title of Sole Survivor. There are various challenges where “castaways” can earn immunity to avoid getting voted off the “island.” While only 12 campers participate, the whole camp gets gripped by Survivor frenzy, especially the vote off reveals. Our amazing media team captures all the action and puts together a recap video that the whole camp gathers to watch after the crowning of the winner and Sole Survivor.
Special Programs
Our special programs are some of the most anticipated moments of the summer. Carnival brings the whole camp together for an afternoon of rides, games and treats. During Wahanoween, main camp campers dress up and head to the Grove for trick or treating. Main camp campers eagerly anticipate Midnight Madness. Their staff “wake them up” after bedtime to experience a themed fantasy world chock full of games, treats and magic. And for our older campers, Grove Ball is THE end of summer celebration, with a themed banquet and a professionally DJ’d dance party.
BB/Bear/Eagle and LTP Buddies
Every summer, campers in our youngest units buddy up with campers from our oldest unit. For younger kids, it’s comforting to have an older, experienced camper looking out for them and providing support. Throughout the summer, the buddies do fun programs together to strengthen their special bonds. It’s a unique opportunity to bring our camp community together in a meaningful way, building the confidence of our younger campers and the leadership skills of our older campers.
