Program & Activities

At Jõekääru, we strive to provide a balanced and integrated program that includes many cultural activities as well as opportunities to develop skills and abilities a variety of areas.

Each day, the campers participate in three sessions of their choice. Choices can include: Competitive sports (such as Track & Field), Co-operative games, Drama, Dance, Music, Swimming (various levels), Arts (including pottery, graphic arts, woodworking, traditional weaving and leather crafts).

Estonian language instruction is provided with in-house teachers from Estonia, who provide explicit lessons as well as ongoing support during regular camp activities.

Outside of these sessions, campers participate in sing-alongs, target sports, leatherwork, folk dancing, cooking, baking, canoeing, fishing, barracading, hiking, camp-wide co-operative games, night games and crafts.

There are opportunities for free time each day, as well as recreational swimming. Sometimes cabins come together for larger sports games or campfires.

During each week at camp, there are out-trips to other Estonian camps, or to Lake Simcoe, where a restful day is spent on the beach. Sandcastle building contests and beach volleyball games are often part of this popular trip.

Evenings are filled with fun and bonding time, with activities like campfires, dances, talent nights, movie nights, and saunas (including swimming under the stars!).

Come to Jõekääru, where you will leave with more than you arrived! We find that campers develop a strong sense of their Estonian identity through the skills that they have built and relationships they develop through their summers at our camp!