Camp Kawartha's mission is to inspire environmental leaders and stewards of all ages through dynamic, accessible, year-round outdoor programming and powerful partnerships to create meaningful change. | |
Your April Updates from Camp Kawartha! | |
Scroll down to get all caught up on Camp Kawartha's latest news! | |
It's Not Too Late to Sign Up for Summer Camp! | |
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At the Main Site, spaces are still available!
Camp Kawartha still has some spaces left in our 3-night session, Session N (August 25th to 28th), Session B1 (July 7th to 13th), B2 (July 14th to 19th), and Session D (July 28th to August 9th).
Two-week sessions are a great chance for campers to form a deeper connection to their camp experience. Campers will have the opportunity to develop their skills in our activity areas, make stronger bonds with their cabin-mates, engage in more theme days, and build upon their leadership skills.
Meanwhile, our introductory 3-night session at the very end of our summer season, Session N, includes all the action-packed fun of a regular session but is specifically designed as an introduction to camp for those looking to give it a try for the first time.
To inquire about three-night or two-week sessions, please reach out to our team and we'd be happy to tell you more about all that they have to offer!
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At the Environment Centre, spaces are also still available!
A story we recently received from a parent:
"Our usually 'preoccupied with electronics' 11 year old LOVES environmental camp. He has been 4 times now over the last few years. When he gets home he still doesn't go straight to the computer. We love he is getting active, enjoying the time spent with the counselors and new friends, and being interactive with the outdoor physical games he can play."
Below are some of our open sessions:
- EC Day Camp Week 1 (Ages 7 to 12)
- EC Day Camp Week 5 (Ages 7 to 12)
- Woodland Adventures Camp (Ages 12 to 15)
- EC Leadership Program (Ages 14 to 16)
Families can register their campers through our website or can inquire about registration and programs at serhii@campkawartha.ca!
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Big Thanks to the Lakefield Lions for Sponsoring a Summer Camper!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Lakefield & District Lions Club for their incredible generosity in sponsoring a child for a two-week overnight stay at Summer Camp this year!
Their contribution truly changes lives for families who do not otherwise have the means to experience the joys of camp.
If you're inspired by their kindness and want to make a difference in the lives of more children, find out how you can help by visiting https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/99160.
Join us in spreading the magic of Summer Camp at Camp Kawartha to all who hope to experience it.
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Weekend Day Visit Opportunities!
Are you planning a large family gathering, meeting, or nature-filled adventure in the coming months? Consider renting Camp Kawartha’s award-winning facilities for a weekend!
We can welcome groups of a minimum of 25 people between Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. CK provides a perfect spot to kick back, soak in the beauty of the natural environment, enjoy delicious meals cooked by our amazing kitchen staff, and bond with your peers over a campfire!
In addition to full weekend bookings, we are now accepting day visits! Come in the morning and make the most of our activities and nature until the late afternoon or early evening!
With sustainable buildings, a beautiful waterfront, over 185 acres of forest and fields and 6 kilometres of nature trails, you’ll be delightfully refreshed and energized!
Our available weekends include:
- May 3 - 5
- May 10 - 12
- June 7- 9
Visit our website today to learn more about planning your stay!
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Updates From Our Environment Centre: | |
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Psst! A message from a teacher visiting the Centre this year:
"We had an exemplary day at the centre. We knew from the moment we arrived that our Kindergarten students would be engaged. From the first moose song to the pond exploration to foxes chasing deer. The children were delighted with their day! Thank you!"
Hey Teachers,
Are you looking for an engaging, educational trip with all the benefits of a healthy, fun day outdoors this Spring?
The Environment Centre has a few Spring Dates still available.
Spring Program Highlights:
- It's A Bug's Life (K to 3)
- All Things Green (K to 3)
- Sensorama (K to 2)
- Wetland Wonders (K to 4)
- Aquatic Biodiversity (Gr. 4 to 6)
- The Magic of Felting (Gr. 2 to 5)
- Water Conservation Pentathlon (Gr. 4 to 12)
- Cooperative Games (Gr. 3 to 5)
- Teambuilding (Gr. 6 to 12)
- Renewable (Alternative) Energy (Gr. 5 to 12)
- Living Sustainably (Gr. 9 to 12)
- Nature Sculpture (All Grades)
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And more...
A class trip to the Environment Centre starts at 9:30 am, ends at 2:30 pm, and includes two program periods.
Each program typically lasts 1½ hours.
These day trips are at our Peterborough location, one of Canada's most Sustainable Buildings, at 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough (at Trent University Nature Lands).
Visit our website or contact us to book a day field trip or for more information.
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Spring Nature School Programs at the Environment Centre! | |
Dear Parents,
Would your child love a weekly immersive experience in Nature with highly experienced, caring educators and mentors?
Nature School Programs at the Environment Centre give kids the 'too rare these days' opportunity to connect deeply with Nature and to develop a rich understanding of the Land that sustains us.
We offer programs for children and youth (ages 4 to 18) and some programs have weekly and bi-weekly options.
Registration is now open for our Late Spring Nature School sessions.
From Forest Explorers to Woodsy Wednesdays, Nature School offers all kinds of environmental learning for all ages!
Our weekly schedule is outlined in the chart below.
These programs are at our Peterborough location - 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough (at Trent U).
Visit our website to learn more and don't hesitate to contact us with questions!
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Environment Centre Nature School Schedule: | |
36 New Wooden Birds Migrate to Camp!
This month, we received a very generous in-kind donation from Ms. Pam Pilkington, who provided us with 36 highly detailed wooden bird carvings, created by the late Canadian artist Frank Smith.
Creating most of his artwork around Rice Lake, Smith began his craft in the 1920s and had a reputation for being one of Canada's best bird-carvers, often using live birds as models.
Smith was a passionate protestor against sprays that harm birds or kill the bugs they consume. He also banded thousands of birds to help chart their migratory habits, providing valuable data to ornithology, the study of birds.
Thank you very much to Ms. Pilkington, a Summer Camp alumni, for sharing this impressive collection with us. The collection is currently held in the Rotary Hall for educational purposes for anyone wishing to view it.
Want to learn more about giving resources for environmental education to Camp Kawartha?
Click here!
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Green Resource of the Month: the David Suzuki Foundation's Top Tips for Healthy Lawns
Looking for ways to incorporate more sustainability into your lifestyle? LawnShare, a recent campaign by the David Suzuki Foundation, is setting out to help people take better care of plants, insects, and local wildlife by starting in their own backyard - or front yard!
According to the Foundation,
"Traditional ornamental turfgrass lawns are one of the most prominent landscapes in Canadian towns and cities — so “normalized” that some people can’t imagine any alternative. Although they play an important role in outdoor recreation and leisure, thirsty lawns use vast amounts of water and harmful chemicals, take up precious space, and provide little ecological value."
The following are their top tips for maintaining a healthy lawn that will be safe for all forms of life that lawns attract:
1) Mow Better
This includes raising your blade to encourage deep root growth, regularly sharpening your blade to prevent plant diseases, and avoiding mowing in dry periods.
2) Feed the Soil
Consider leaving clippings to naturally decompose, adding compost in the spring and fall, and avoiding chemical fertilizers.
3) Overseed
If all else fails, try applying new grass seed to crowd out the weeds and seed with perennial ryes, fescues, and other hardier grass species.
Good luck and happy gardening!
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Shop our New Arrivals at the Gift Store!
We're excited to announce the arrival of new gift store goodies just in time for summer. Whether you're seeking a cuddly stuffed animal of local wildlife, educational children's books, or a cozy new sweatshirt, there's something for everyone. Explore our shelves either in person at the Main Site or online, and treat yourself or a loved one to some of these unique finds.
Visit this link to browse the latest collection!
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A Recommended Recipe from Brenda, our Kitchen Manager!
Our newest Kitchen Manager Brenda Perry has tons of tasty recipes in her arsenal for the summer season. For any parents looking to whip up a delicious dinner to impress the whole family in the coming months, Brenda's happy to share her cooking secrets for the following savoury recipe:
Chicken & Broccoli Braid
Yields 10 Servings.
Ingredients
500 mL (2 cups) cooked chicken, chopped
250 mL (1 cup) broccoli, chopped
125 mL (1/2 cup) red bell pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
125g (4 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
125 mL (1/2 cup) mayonnaise
5 mL (1 teaspoon) dried dill weed
1 mL (1/4 teaspoon) salt
2 packages (235g each) refrigerated crescent rolls
1 egg white, lightly beaten
25 mL (2 teaspoons) slivered almonds
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop chicken and broccoli; place in large bowl. Chop bell pepper; add to bowl. Press garlic over the vegetable mixture. Shred cheese and add to the vegetable mix; mix gently. Add mayonnaise, dill weed, and salt; mix well.
Unroll 1 package of crescent dough; do not separate. Arrange the longest sides of the dough across the width of a 12" x 15" baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining package of dough to seal perforations. On the longest sides of the sheet, cut dough into strips 4 cm apart, 8 cm deep using a pizza cutter (there will be 15 cm in the center for the filling). Spread the filling evenly over the middle of the dough.
To braid, lift strips of dough across the mixture to meet in the center, twisting each strip one turn. Continue alternating strips to form a braid. Tuck ends under to seal at the end of the braid.
Brush egg white over the dough using a pastry brush. Sprinkle with almonds.
Bake for 25-28 minutes or until deep golden brown.
Cut, serve, and enjoy!
Credit: Season's Best, Recipe Collection 1998-1999. The Pampered Chef, Canada.
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Credit: "The Joy of Spring." Tim Peacock, The New Yorker, May 21, 2019. | |
~ You made it to the end! Thanks very much for reading. Until next time! ~ | | | | |
