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Comments
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9/6/18 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My son has spent the last three summers at Winuakee. During this time, I have witnessed dramatic improvement to the facilities, staff, and overall camp management. The facilities are well-maintained and allow for a variety of activities for campers. Counselors are well trained, engaged, and responsive. Meals are well-balanced and chefs accommodate dietary issues. There are many activities, on and off camp, that provide great experiences for the boys. The directors, Dan & Brooke, are committed to creating a positive learning and play environment. They know every camper personally and bring positive energy and a commitment to the safety and growth for all campers and staff. Camp Winaukee has many positive traditions and the boys are excited to see each other every summer. Summer days at Winaukee are how boys should spend their summer; playing outside, laughing, learning and having fun with friends. I wish my son started at an earlier age at camp. I highly recommend Winaukee.
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7/22/18 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
This camp has high rate of staff turnover, creating an atmosphere in which the campers feel empowered to be in charge. Kids don't learn positive messages about sportsmanship. They have two campuses and separate older and younger boys, impeding a sense of family and brotherhood. Furthermore, boys are allowed to bring electronics, preventing a perfect opportunity to unplug.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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3/29/18 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
"Winaukee is a very special place where boys can unplug from the distractions of home. We are very happy with our decision to send our boys to Winaukee - they have grown in so many ways and are turning into the young men that we hoped they would. The directors we have met (Dan & Brooke) personally visited with us at our home and made us and our boys feel supported and excited about spending the summer on Lake Winnipesaukee. We wouldn't choose anywhere else!"
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12/17/17 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I sent my son (8) to Winaukee last summer for the 1st time.My older boys went to other camps, but I wanted something different for my youngest, who can be a little tentative. Winaukee came up in my search so I emailed them with the usual "new parent" questions. After speaking with the director on the phone, he offered to come to our home! We met a few weeks later. He was helpful & informative without being pushy & putting down the other camps. After he left my son said: "if that guy is in charge, then that's where I want to go!"All I can say is my son had a fantastic experience. The staff was as warm & engaging as the director,and a couple of the coaches drew him in and gave him the confidence he needed to enjoy what he was doing without worrying about being "bad." Visiting day was great-you could see the connection between counselors & kids, and my son made friends he's been communicating with all winter. They even arranged a reunion in the fall for local kids.He can't wait for June!
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12/5/17 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My son spent 3 weeks at Camp Winaukee last summer and had the time of his life. The facilities were great. Tons of field space. Gorgeous location. Indoor space for rainy days. He met kids and couselors from all over the world. His self-confidence grew as he made new friends and tried out being 'on his own.' I followed him through pictures each day and though I missed him like crazy I was thrilled with the activities he was trying out and the expression on his face as he learned something new or enjoyed himself with friends. I met the director before enrolling and visited the camp and met his wife there. They were great. They've taken over in the last 2 or 3 years and live at the camp each summer with their little girls. When I visited they knew every boy by name and had a discussion with each boy. I am confident nothing like the story below is happening on their watch! I really think Winaukee is a great place for a boy to spend the summer.
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6/16/17 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
In my opinion, Camp Winaukee is fun BUT NOT SAFE. Winaukee had regular diving competitions is 3 ft of water. When my 9 year old then had a neck injury, Winaukee sent my 9 year old son who was restrained and on a backboard to a hospital over an hour away ALONE. WINAUKEE abandoned medical guardianship & did not notify me or allow my son to speak with me prior to sending him. WINAUKEE's nurse & administrative staff tried to cover up the incident (originally saying he just bumped his head while swimming) and Winaukee wouldn't provide me with the opportunity to speak to the water safety instructor or receive the medical notes from Winaukee's first responders. WINAUKEE HAS ACKNOWLEDED ALL OF THE ABOVE BUT CEO MARK BENEFORE AND THE CAMPS HEALTH CARE TEAM DID NOT SEE IT TO BE A PROBLEM TO SEND ANY CAMPER TO THE HOSPITAL ALONE OR CONTACT THE PARENTS PRIOR. We have confirmed with the hospital and ambulance that this is a common practice of Winaukee. Contact winaukeefunbutnotsafe@gmail.com
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4/24/12 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've been going to Winaukee for 4 years, soon to be 5. It is truly amazing. The food isn't great, the fields could use a little work, but, remember, it's camp. It isn't a luxury vacation, and it really gives you a great taste of independence. The staff truly care about you and become part of your family. One of my good friends attended a nearby camp for 3 years, Camp Takajo, in Maine. The food there is amazing, the bunks have A/C, and they have a bigger campus, but my friend left after only 3 years. When I asked him why, he said, "I want to try something new." The thing that makes Winaukee different than other camps is that it isn't just something to do in the summer. It's a home, a place that you return to to meet up with your family . Between the Mainland and the Island, Winaukee Pride is in all of us, and we all bleed buff and blue. So, if you want to go to camp just to occupy yourself for a year, look elsewhere. But to be with a family, this is the only place. -Rocketman Sam
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3/14/12 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
The only complaints about Winaukee concern it's price and it's food. Other than that, there's no better place on Earth. Counselors are experienced NCAA athletes who will teach campers anything they want to learn. The people who run the place do a great job attending to each individual child. I attended winaukee for 7 summers and had the best time of my life. The campers at Winaukee are a group of fun-loving, athletic kids. That said, the campers are ENTIRELY white, upper-class Jews, so that is something to consider before sending your child. The food sucks, but I can't imagine it's that great at any other sleepaway. I can say this though: everybody at Winaukee makes friendships that last for life, even those who aren't all that socially inclined. I believe the fee is somewhere around 10,000 dollars, and this is again something to consider. But if you have the money, SEND YOUR CHILD TO WINAUKEE. It is an experience that is beyond words and a camp that will change a young man's life.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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12/3/10 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I went to Winaukee for 8 summers as a kid and 1 as a counselor, back in the 70s and 80s. These were the best summers of my life. Winaukee was like a second home and the campers and staff like family. My son will be looking at camps in a few years and I would love to send him to Winaukee. The camp is 90 years old, full of tradition and history. I'm sure it's changed a lot since I went, but the core values of sportsmanship, friendship, spirit, and brotherhood remain. I don't know Freedo but Bart Sobel is a great man who truly cares about the welfare of his campers. I have only good things to say about Winaukee.
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6/20/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I am 13 years old and this is my 7th summer at winaukee. I go with my best friend from where I live. there is something about this place that is so special. Everything is amazing. I never have one complaint. My dad went to winaukee for a couple summers and he got me hooked. I love winaukee so much that My Bar-Mitzvah was winaukee and I had at least 20 people from winaukee whether they were winaukee alumni, or counselors or campers. I keep in touch with all of my counselors over the years and it is just amazing. Winaukee is a place for anybody. There is SO MUCH TO DO. My bunk mates are my brothers. Winaukee is my home and my family.
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4/26/10 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
The people at winaukee are truly family to me. The staff is great, and if you want to improve in ANY sport the help if deffinitley there. The campers are really laid back and outgoing, and you deffinitley feel right at home. The activities are endless, and you'll be able to do pretty much anything that you can think of. The trips are awesome, especially once you get to the Island. The only complaint might be the facilities on the Island. However, they are always trying to improve it, and it's really getting better. At the end of the day, the best days of my life were the 6 summers that i spent at winaukee, and if you are considering a summer camp, this is the place to go.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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1/4/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
this is my third year at winaukee. honestly the most amazing place on earth. my brother had been to 2 other camps and he said that winaukee was far better. the best counselors ever. they care about the kids. my friends in my bunk r my second family. The sports facilities are great. Even if you are not a great athlete you are accepted by everyone. I will be sending my kids there.
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12/12/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I only get 1000 letters in this comment. If I had to list all of the good things about Winaukee, I would definitely run out of space.
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10/1/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
IM a camper at winaukee and ive gone thier for 3 years and its been the best 3 years of my life freedo and bart reely make the camp spesail. theres so many activities at camp also. sailing mountain biking big show fishing hiking sports canoe water kiaking color war. my dad hates me going to camp and asks me to hang wit him 2 places most people can only imagine to go. HE talked me into it this year 4 2 weeks and i regret every minute i wasnt there. Winaukee is my home and i love every one there. Michael larkin senior 2010
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9/14/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
this is the best place in the world and i would not be anywhere else during the summer. Camp Winaukee is my home.
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9/3/08 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
While I do agreed with some of the negative reviews (inexperienced staff, horrible food, very unorganized), my son had a blast this summer! My nephew went to a different camp in Maine and also had a blast, and they don't have any of the problems Winaukee does and charge less...just think is way overpriced for all that they don't have compared to other camps. But still a fun camp, my son will be coming back.
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8/20/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I don't know what that last peson is talking about. This camp is incredible!!! My son just returned home from his second summer and he ahd the most incredible summer!! The counselors were as warm as can be, the sports instruction was top notch and the competition awesome!! Sure the facilities are not a country club, but it is the perfect setting for a boys camp. If you have a son who loves sports and wants to play 24/7 against each other and other camps and loves to be with his friends this is the camp for you!!!
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8/19/08 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
It was my 8 yr old's 2nd year here and something just didn't click this time around - the grounds are in horrible shape, the food keeps getting worse, they hired some horrible staff who clearly have no experience with kids, and fired my son's favorite counselor because of interpersonal problems. They put no money into the camp, yet have a photographer who takes hundreds of pictures a day for the worried parents. Not a real camping experience, I was much happier paying top dollar for my son's old day camp in LI. Will be looking for a differet sleepaway camp next year with counselors and directors who care about the kids having fun, not the parents' money!
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8/4/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
sports absolutly amazing coaches are amazing the camp is very competitive last summer on mainland definetly going next year to the island IP. cant wait this is deftinetly the best camp ever
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5/11/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
a former camper my self i easily say this is the best camp in the world. where you will have a great experience. Tecumseh, and takajo suck
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4/4/08 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
Camp Winaukee is an amazing camp. Bart and Freedo do a great job with all the campers and make it an effort to know everyone and everything that's going on. They hire all of the right people and know the best ways to handle situations. Although, things have been changing since CampGroup took over Winaukee in '02, especially on the island. Either way, Winaukee is the camp to go to. IP!!!
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4/1/08 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
camp winaukee has great staff and great sports facilities. the activities were great, my favorites are baseball and football the coaches are great. tribal war is so fun, and it is very competitive. I LOVE CAMP W-I-N-A-U-K-EE!! I CANT WAIT FOR MY SECOND SUMMER
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3/17/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
first year at camp it was amazing! I cant wait till next year. I had been to two camps b4 but this one was soooooooo much better than the otha two. And every thing winaukee says it has they actually have and you are never bored it is my favorite place in the world. The counselors know what they are talking about in sports and are very nice and hyaterical. I love WINAUKEE
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2/25/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
As a Winaukee Alum I can not say enough about this place. I will be sending my little cousins, nephew, kids, grandkids and it will never be something I forget, because I will always have the memories of the 7 summers I spent at camp winaukee and the 3 special summers I spent on the island. IP, Carpe Diem & I just can't say enough about this special place. It will leave it's mark on you and change you for the better and for life.
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1/6/08 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
The fields and courts are great but the counselors and kids only respect the good athletes. It also feels like there are too many kids because in every tournament there are 5 Winaukee teams.
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10/1/07 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
As a pediatrician and their camp physician for about 5 summers, once doing all but one week, and, having been a camper and waterfront director at other camps, Winaukee is the best. I will be sending my grandchildren their.
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9/13/07 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Everything about this camp is terrible. The counselors do not care about the kids, the facilities are disgusting, the food's inedible, and there aren't a lot of anglophones.
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9/11/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Bart and Tony make this camp so special and attend to all our kids needs. I sleep better at night knowing my kids are in their hands.
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9/10/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have 2 boys at WInaukee. One on the Island and one on the Mainland. Winaukee is not a camp..it is a home. My boys have gone for 6 and 4 years. Every year is better. Bart and Freedo are truly wonderful people. They answer your calls and listen to your questions. Every year the food has gotten better. My boys have counselors who call them to check up on them. The boys who go there care about each other and root for their friends. The Tree of Value does tach the boys life lessons. The athletic direction is first rate. Thier coached always comment in the fall about how they have improved. If you want your sons to go to a camp that is one family and have WInaukee Pride, this is the place to be. Its not a fancy place, just a perfect place
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8/16/07 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
It is dirty and the kids are horrible to eachother. Also, the food is awful, and the kids are always dirty.
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7/31/07 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
My son is finishing his first summer at Winaukee.From what he says,he has loved it! I was very impressed with the staff when I met them on visiting day and the boys are athletic, enthusiastic, and quite kind to each other.Winaukee seems to attract both campers and counselors that really "get" the camp experience.The counselors are truly first rate!Bart and Tony are very involved with the boys and are great at keeping in touch with parents of new campers.My son loves the sports, although the instruction I saw was just average.My complaints would be(1)that the facilities are not great.The bunks are pretty run-down(despite having been recently renovated)and the fields are very mediocre.For a camp that prides itself on sports instruction and competition,one would think that more attention would be paid to the sports facilities and(2)Winaukee offers a five week option that I think is quite disruptive to the flow of the camp. Overall,however,I think Winaukee has been wonderful for my son.
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6/19/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Our son is a second generation camper. He loves it and we love it equally too. Great experience in all respects and if you have a daughter send her to Robindel since siblings visit each other on Sundays. I highly recommend Camp Winaukee!
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5/4/07 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
It is fun but you play sports all day and there is no other point besides that aspet of the camp. You only get attention from the conselors if you are a really good athlete but i was. IP!!!
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3/26/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
BEST CAMP EVER! IF U R ANYONE WITH GOOD TASTE GO TO THIS CAMP!!! MP!!! IP! WP!!!! SCREW TECUMSAH!
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2/11/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
it is so cool there and we get to have socials with wicosuta! sadly- we also have to have them with robindel. everything else about camp is amazing. IP!! carpe diem!
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8/28/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
last year was my fifth year there. what else can u say. i loved my first year on the island soooo much it was great i never wanted to leave. this camp has great facalities and freedo is the best director you could ask for. Seniors '08!!!! IP!!
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8/26/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
great camp....on the island 2006 for junior year - great staff, great facilities (new playhouse is great), always on the field doing an activity....the director [Freedo] is always giving you personal attention. im a camper and it is a little expensive but it's worth every penny. a great camp - Island Pride 2006
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5/29/06 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Island pride - great camp. My first sleepaway camp following day camp and it doesn't even compare. The counselors are great, [facilities are being revamped this year I think], tons of activities to do... got a lot of personal attention, and it's worth it. It was my first year and I started on the Island. I love how it is separated island-mainland becasue I can be around people my age and it was a lot of fun and I can't wait for summer '06
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