August 2021

As we wrap up the summer, the staff look back on all the fun, friends, new skills, and challenges we faced this summer. This year we had five staff, and we’ve written a small summary about our favourite parts of the summer!

“I have a long history of volunteering with Waupoos, and the mission is really important to me. I’m really glad I was able to spend this summer running activities, baking muffins, and even learning how to operate our tractor. The most important part of the summer for me was being able to put smiles on all the kids’ faces!”  Abbey, Camp Counsellor

“With my original summer plans cancelled due to the pandemic, I found an unexpected opportunity to work at Waupoos. Looking back, I don’t regret it whatsoever. I have sincerely enjoyed being part of this community; contributing through planning activities, running our Chapel Time, and most especially, meeting all the lovely families who came to stay this year. The mission and values of the Farm and its’ team, made my time here extremely meaningful. I hope to continue to stay in touch with these wonderful people, and I pray that their work continues to bless so many.”  Jasmine, Program Supervisor

“What a fun summer we had! Waupoos is such a great spot and full of so many amazing people. Working at Waupoos this summer taught me how to adapt to new situations and learn some really helpful lifeguard skills. One of my favourite things was seeing the kids who were a little nervous in the shallow end on the first day, but by the end of their stay, they were jumping into the deep end with no fear!  We made it through the hot, humid days and barely had any cold or rainy ones. I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to work at such a fun spot and meet the resident families. I will definitely miss this summer’s awesome staff!”  Annie, Lifeguard

This is a parody song written by some of the staff, a Waupoos version of “When Will My Life Begin” from Disney’s Tangled (2010). It was prepared and sung for the weekly talent show.

We Will Have Fun This Week

8 AM, the usual morning lineup:

Start on the cottage and sweep ’til the floor’s all clean,

Wipe and scrub, do laundry, and mop and shine up

Sweep again

And by then

It’s like 11:15

And so I’ll clean the lodge or maybe pick some weeds

I’ll muck the barn and water the goats and sheep

I’ll plan an activity, maybe a craft or three

And wonder what will we do this week?

Then on Thursday, the cottagers are finally here

Chapel time and then muffins with friends

Meet all of the animals, with no fear

Then I’ll grin

Maybe swim,

Take a walk, meet a friend!

And then I’ll mow the lawn if I have time to spare

I’ll pick the weeds some more, I’m sure there’s some somewhere

And then we’ll pray and work and play because we care

And that’s why Waupoos is so unique!

And we’ll keep hopin’ and hopin’, and hopin’, and hopin’

We will have fun this week!

Tomorrow night, we’ll say goodbye

We hope to see you next year, there’s no need for you to cry

We’ve had so much fun, this past week with you

Now that it’s over, we’re not sure what to do…

Aaaand that’s a wrap! Waupoos welcomed four families for the final week of the summer. It was a quieter week than most, but there was still lots of fun on the farm! “Meet the Animals” was a highlight. It’s an opportunity for the families to meet the animals that we have and learn how to care for them. Another highlight was “Make Your Own Pizzas” when they got to make their own family pizzas and cook them in their cottage.

Lots of fun songs were played and sung at the bonfire, with s’mores as well! Participation was high at the talent show this week with gymnastics, comedy, and a special act by the FMT adults!

The residents and staff are all sad to wrap up the summer, but it was definitely one for the books. We all look forward to the school-year sessions, as well as welcoming even more families next summer!

This week Waupoos had another great week of fun as we welcomed a new set of families! We began the week with a bouncy castle and ice cream sandwiches to celebrate a birthday! Cottagers had the chance to make crafts, play some water games to escape the hot weather, and of course, swim in the pool!

The families enjoyed a tractor ride with a visit to the magic tree, followed by a bonfire with s’mores!

The talent show was a hit once again! This week, there was no lack of talent; we had singing, joke-telling, a magic show, and much more! The night was wrapped up with a barbecue and movie under the stars.

After another amazing week at Waupoos, we prepare for our last week of families for the summer!

This was another amazing week at Waupoos! Campers enjoyed making tasty snacks with fruits and marshmallows. This was the perfect treat for a summer’s day!

Cottagers enjoyed swimming in the pool and playing water games to cool off from the heat. Families also painted and planted some wildflowers in their own personal pots that they were able to bring home.

The talent show was lots of fun with some new talent and lots of people cheering everyone else on! After another week of fun, we wrap up and prepare for another awesome week!

It’s hard to believe that summer is halfway through already! Over the past weeks, Waupoos has hosted families from all over Ottawa to give them a summer full of fun memories.

Once again, Waupoos enjoyed hosting many new families at the farm this week as the staff provided many interesting games and activities.

It was a quiet week on the farm as families enjoyed the peaceful scenery. The week was much cooler than usual summer days, but families were still able to participate in activities and swim at the pool. One of the popular activities was meeting the animals where campers were able to interact with our barnyard pals.  The goats were very friendly with the guests.

We’ve also made some changes to the farm this week. Staff painted the chapel and sides of the barn with a fresh coat of white paint to match the lodge and our cottages. This new paint helps brighten up the farm and brings new life back to the beloved chapel!

With July finished up, Waupoos Farm looks forwards to a fun-filled August!