Our character development program in Ontario, the Top 8 Skills for the Game of Life, helps educate campers and staff. Through actions and behaviours modelled and celebrated we learn how the Top 8 Skills benefit the individual, contribute to the communities we live in and ultimately help the world.
We believe that our Top 8 Skills are more than values. Values are a guiding principle, but practiced and perfected like a skill, with an understanding of how they benefit the individual and the group, helps us achieve goals in harmony.
Our Top 8 Skills are:
Each person’s unique mixture creates their IDENTITY.
The inspiration and goal of our Top 8 Skills for the Game of Life is to pass along what we have learned from cultures around the world and other inspiring families. Each skill is dedicated to an exemplary family and every summer the campers nominate deserving staff members who best demonstrate the skills. Visit our dining hall to see their display of awards 
Dear Parents,
Humanities journey is one of growth and understanding.
The Winning Techniques Camp, and our Top 8 Skills for the Game of Life help answer these questions:
How do you achieve a goal? Starting at birth you achieve by focusing your energy and directing it. Think of a babies cry.
How do you learn to try hard? You learn to try hard by achieving things that are difficult for you. Think of learning to walk, it was not an easy process. These experiences teach you grit and persistence.
Who are you? The best way to answer this question is try many things that challenge you on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. These experiences teach you what you are capable of. This gives you confidence.
Who do you want to be? You have freedom of choice, and every decision and action molds who you become. This constant evolution puts you in charge of your destiny.
What can you do to help? At camp we learn how your unique talents and abilities allow you to contribute to your family, your group, your community and the world. This teaches us to work together.
How do we fit in? Our ability to communicate and share information has made us the dominate species on Earth. Currently we are tasked with understanding the balance of our natural world, to work with what we are given, and to realize that we are part of a bigger picture. The universe is not only around us, it is within us. The Winning Techniques Top 8 Skills allows us to share what is important and enables growth and understanding.
The purpose of the Winning Techniques Camp is to help mould the minds and bodies of youth. The experience extends far beyond the actual physical skills acquired. Campers find out who they are and discover who they want to be. In this process lies our true and intrinsic purpose: To ensure that our campers have Winning Techniques for the Game of Life.
Looking forward to sharing with you 🙂
Adam Grin, Director
Have questions? Check out our FAQs first! We’ve covered some key information to help guide you.
At Winning Techniques, our Top 8 Skills, Kindness, Attitude, Courage, Excellence, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, are taught through daily camp experiences. Campers learn these skills through action, helping them grow as individuals and contribute positively to their communities.
Our program helps campers build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. By practicing the Top 8 Skills, campers develop habits that support success in school, relationships, and future goals.
Yes! The program is designed for all campers, regardless of age or experience. Each camper engages with the skills at their own level through activities that challenge them physically, emotionally, and socially.
The skills are integrated into all aspects of camp life. Through teamwork activities, sports, leadership opportunities, and daily interactions, campers actively practice and refine each skill.
Yes! Campers and staff are celebrated for demonstrating the Top 8 Skills. Each summer, campers nominate staff members who best represent each skill, reinforcing positive role models and community values.
Parents can register online through our website. We recommend registering early to secure a spot, as our programs in Ontario fill up quickly.
Adventure
Hockey
Figure Skating
Water Sports
Leadership
