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A Message from Our Summer Camp Director |
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I hope you are getting excited for summer camp 2021!
Yes, CAMP!
You and your family deserve the right and privilege to get excited for camp! We may not have control of the timeline to this pandemic, but we do have control over our attitudes. It’s good for our well-being to hope and think about the good things to come!
I have no doubt that the return to camp will be a triumphant moment! Right now we are preparing camp with the safeguards to ensure that campers, our staff, and their families are safe. This is similar to previous summers as we are always managing hazards and risks, whether it's mitigating lice from getting into camp or dealing with the ever-growing encroachment of ticks north of the GTA. This summer, there are certainly heightened risks, but I don't think it's a time to despair. We are working hard now to put everything in place and will be prepared along with every other camp in Ontario, that will be following government and public health guidelines, to open safely.
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In early May, we will begin readying our families with a timeline and steps in preparing for camp through messages such as these, easy-to-follow infographics, and our Preparing for Camp webpages to ensure parents are informed, have clarity and have a voice to express their feedback and concerns.
In late May or the first week of June, we will be providing a comprehensive package in preparation for camp. This will also include opportunities for online Town Hall meetings and direct 1:1 support to answer your questions.
There is no replacement for camp. It cannot be transplanted onto a screen, nor diminished over time. Even though we can anticipate some ups-and-downs in the coming months in this pandemic saga, we need to get back to camp for our children and for ourselves. With our hearts, we hope for the best, and with our brains, we plan according to the conditions. We look forward to communicating and collaborating with families, keeping everyone informed and confident that summer camp is the place for their children this summer.
Adam Strasberg
Summer Camp Director
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Camp Kawartha wins a National Award
Outstanding Organization from EECOM
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Awarded to an organization (governmental, NGO, non-profit, or private) that has significantly contributed to an environmental education or communication project.
From the application: Camp Kawartha not only teaches about sustainability, but it is showcasing what a regenerative future can be. As the UN reminds us in its report on biodiversity, we need to act boldly to ensure a greener future for our children and grandchildren. Camp Kawartha helps people bear witness to places that are healthy for both people and the planet. And this is a message that is needed now more than ever.
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Summer Camp Subsidy Fund Receives a Significant Boost |
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Brian Hunt had what you might call ‘a life well lived’. And his lifetime legacy of hard work, leadership, and his sense of community will continue even though he is no longer here.
His wife Cindy contacted Camp Kawartha to share the family’s wish that those who wanted to honour their friend and colleague could make donations to the Summer Camp Subsidy Fund. This Fund supports those families who are facing financial hardship and do not have the resources to send their child to enjoy an enriching summer camp experience. Because of that generous offer by the Hunt family, we have received funds from across Canada and as far away as Japan.
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Last summer we were required by the province to cancel summer camp – the first time that has happened in our 100-year history. We are certainly looking forward to hearing children’s laughter echoing throughout Camp Kawartha this summer, and although camp life will be somewhat different, the opportunities for adventure and play will at least be there.
Requests from parents for subsidy supports are often heart-wrenching. The pandemic has had significant financial impacts on so many, and families are hurting. Families know that a week or two at summer camp can be so inspiring at many levels, and an antidote for the upheaval that children have experience over the last year.
We appreciate that Cindy and family have made Brian’s community aware of the need to support kids and families. And we hope that Brian’s spirit will be carried forward by the children that these donations have helped.
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Another Glimpse of Our Early History
From: The Evening Examiner, Peterborough
Friday, June 16, 1922
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ROTARIANS INSPECTED THE SUMMER
CAMP FOR BOYS ERECTED BY ROTARY
Nearly one hundred Rotarians, Kiwanians and their friends visited the Rotary Camp at Clear Lake yesterday afternoon and inspected the splendid buildings the Rotary Club have erected for the good and welfare of the boys of this city. The Rotarians provided every convenience and device for the comfort and entertainment of their guests. At four o’clock, the steamer Islinda was waiting at South Beach to take the party two miles across the lake to the camp. Motors (autos) were abandoned, and the sail was an enjoyable part of the programme.
Arriving at the camp, sports and baseball games were held, and the property and buildings subjected to the closest scrutiny they have received to date. The camp passed the inspection with flying colours. The ladies were particularly loud in their praises of the permanence and completeness with which the work has been carried out.
The finishing touches are being added and the last nail will be put in tomorrow, it is expected. An enjoyable picnic supper was held on the grounds and in the evening, before the mosquitoes put in an appearance. The return trip was made on the Islinda and the automobiles performed their part in bringing the large party safely back to Peterborough.
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It seems some things have changed, and others have not. Note that they arrived at the Camp by boat. This was common before Camp Line was put in and then Birchview Road. What has not changed? The mosquitoes!
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Thank you to Frances Gravel for digging up these interesting articles of Camp Kawartha past.
And thank you to the Peterborough Museum & Archives for providing amazing pictures from our earliest days like this one!
This photo shows the kitchen/dining hall and some, what we assume, are cabins. The main building was situated where our volleyball court is now located – the Lake would be on the right. Our new Health Centre would be to the left.
If you have a story or photo you would like to share, please reach out to Susan (sramey@campkawartha.ca) and help us build our archive! Your story or photo might be featured here, in our newsletter!
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July 4th, 2021 Declared Camp Kawartha Day
in Douro-Dummer Township!
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Douro-Dummer Township Council has done us the honour of declaring Sunday, July 4th, 2021 as CAMP KAWARTHA DAY in recognition of our 100th Birthday! We are very gratified that the Township has made such a declaration.
July 4th is the first day summer campers arrive this year, and we are so excited!
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When we received the news from Township Staff it got us thinking – how can we ask the wider community to celebrate with us that day?
Introducing ...THE CAMP KAWARTHA 100 CHALLENGE
This Challenge will allow our whole community to get involved in celebrating this momentous Anniversary! The Challenge will involve participating in various challenges such as 100 Acts of Green, in the lead up to Camp Kawartha Day!
Complete one or more of these challenges, submit your challenge forms and your name will be entered into our Grand Prize Draw + your name will be etched on The Camp Kawartha 100 Challenge Plaque which will be hung in Rotary Hall as a memory of our 100th Anniversary.
Watch for the launch of the Challenge
in our May newsletter!
Thank you to Douro-Dummer Township Council for not only declaring Camp Kawartha Day throughout the Township but also providing the inspiration to come up with this Challenge!
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The provincial government has closed in-person classes for a while and students have returned to remote learning. Our Forest School has been affected, but we have high hopes that there will be a return to ‘in-class’ learning and we can reopen our 185-acre classroom once more!
The Spring Term will have a different timeline than we originally planned, but even four weeks of curriculum-linked education in fields, forests and wetlands will lift the spirits of the students after weeks of screen time.
Keep an eye on our website for updates or reach out to Susan (sramey@campkawartha.ca) to find out when Forest School will reopen! Reach out to Craig (craig@campkawartha.ca) for more information about Environment Centre Programming!
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The Health Centre Floors are Earthen! |
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When you think of an ‘earthen’ floor, you might very well think ‘dirt’ floor! You would be correct in a way, but here is what the new Health Centre floors are really made of.
The floor has a wood base, then a radiant heating system was installed, mudded into place with a coarse clay and straw base, and then a clay, sand and chopped straw top was added. This layer is made with all local materials which are what is termed ‘low- embodied’ ingredients.
To harden this coating, the contractors add oil – a combination of three types of oil – that is spread four times, covering every inch of the floor. The oil mixture acts as a hardening agent. Then, when the covering is set, the floor is varnished to seal it. This is particularly important for a healthcare space because there should be no cracks, joins or edges in the floor. If there were like there would be with laminates or wood flooring, those cracks and joins can collect mold, mildew and germs which can affect air quality, trigger allergies, and impact overall health.
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This floor type is a great medium to transfer the radiant floor heat – so there will be no cold feet when the nurses rise each morning!
Healthcare has never been so important in our lifetimes. Help us set the stage for effective care in a new, state-of-the-art facility that will be an exemplar of healthcare as well as modern construction!
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Environment Centre Day Camp Registration is Open for 2021 |
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Join the waitlist... and our Registrar, James, will be in touch shortly to confirm spaces.
We are very excited and hopeful to be able to go ahead with our popular nature-based, experiential & outdoor learning camps at the Environment Centre again this summer!
Programming will be adapted of course due to Covid-19 restrictions and safety precautions, but the same great underlying principles apply... being out in nature, with friends & inspiring leaders to learn, enjoy and be a part of taking care of the Earth.
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Environment Centre Spring Programming |
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We very much miss seeing all of our friends at both our Homeschool & Outdoor Learning Programs and are excited & hopeful to see everyone again as soon as possible when the current Stay-at-Home order passes. We will be in touch with participating families directly closer to that time.
In the meantime, stay safe, be well and we encourage everyone to get outdoors and into Nature this month!
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Animal Showcase: Ruffed Grouse |
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You can tell it is spring in the forest – the calls of ‘Where are you darling?’ and ‘I’m right here sweetheart!’ abound! Spring triggers the process of locating a mate and sound is a powerful method to find that mate!
While walking the Yellow Trail on the Range recently, we heard a thumping, drumming sound. That ‘drumming’ is a male Ruffed Grouse rapidly beating his wings against its chest.
The Ruffed Grouse is common throughout much of Canada. It can be found (or heard!) wherever there are mixed forests because both broad-leafed trees and conifers provide the food and shelter they need. They do not migrate, and the male will live their life in their own few hectares of territory while the female will cross territories.
Females and males live separately. The males establish themselves by drumming and fighting other males to claim their territory. The drumming not only tells other males to get lost, but it also attracts the females. Slow at first, the thumps pick up speed, almost like a drum roll.
When he is in display before the female, the feathers on the side of his neck are erected and surround his head almost like an umbrella or ruff. By nodding his head and ruffs, and spreading his tail and strutting, the male identifies himself to the female and encourages her advances.
The female nests on the ground and usually has about 9 to 12 eggs.
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CHOOSE CURBSIDE PICKUP OR HAVE YOUR ORDER SHIPPED RIGHT TO YOUR FRONT DOOR! |
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GREAT READS
this month, from Craig at the Environment Centre
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Here are a few fun, educational and inspiring ideas:
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Childhood by Nature - A wonderfully curated website of activities, inspiration for getting outdoors, articles, and even ‘Nature Approved Screen Time’ ideas.
CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS (Spring)
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Frog Watch – Frogs are still singing in the wetlands. Learn about the Frogs of Ontario and submit observations to improve our knowledge of frog populations. Learn how to identify frogs by their song and support conservation efforts!
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Project Budburst – Help scientists understand the phenology (seasonal life cycles) of plants in our area and support plant conservation in a changing climate.
TAKING ACTION for the Earth
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Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots – Is a global movement of young people who are changing the world by engaging in service projects in their communities.
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‘Hopecast’ – For parents and older youth, Dr. Goodall’s podcast provides encouragement and hopeful stories that serve as a powerful reminder that each one of us can make a difference for a better world!
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Camp Kawartha is an accredited, award-winning, not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the promotion of the highest standard of programming, with a particular focus on outdoor environmental awareness, outdoor and environmental education and stewardship. Registered Charity # 12453 9214 RR0001
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705-652-3860 1-866-532-4597
info@campkawartha.ca
campkawartha.ca
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Do you know someone who might enjoy these newsletters and learning about Camp Kawartha? Please forward this Newsletter along and help us build our community. |
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