Please note a correction to the previous version of our October Newsletter. In the Animal Showcase piece on Saw-whet Owls, there was an incorrect photo included. An update has been made to include a wonderful photo provided to us by Guest Columnist Andrew Silver. |
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We hope you enjoy reading about what's happening at Camp Kawartha.
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A Message from David Goyette |
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A Note on Our New Health Centre |
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As is always the case in matters like this, I had already benefitted from many weeks of helpful prior preparation by Jacob and his staff, and by my long-time friend and Camp Kawartha Board Member, Betsy McGregor.
As far back as 2009, I worked at Camp Kawartha on a revision of its web site. That experience alone was enough to earn my respect and admiration for an extensive agenda focused on environmental education and stewardship. While the range and complexity of environmental issues continues to challenge us, we are buoyed by our ongoing resolve to think globally and act locally in their remedy.
I don't imagine the new Health Centre as simply a place for care; I see it as an element of our determination to advance such a remedy. I also see it as part of an educational and environmental agenda that is undeniably central to the regeneration of a healthier and more sustainable way of living in support of the natural world.
I would appreciate any donation you can offer to the cause; so too will the wider community of which we are all proudly a part. Please visit www.campkawartha.ca/health-centre.
Thank you.
David Goyette
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New Culvert - Thanks to the Township |
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Now, the installation of a new culvert might sound like an odd thing to celebrate, but for us it means a great deal. The culvert helps to improve our accessibility which has been our focus for the past several years.
In the past, it has been very challenging for those with limited mobility to access our trail head and our newly renovated trail system. And now a new culvert helps us to create a smooth trail between the trail head and the roadway so that it is much easier for everyone, even those in wheel chairs, to experience the beauty of our range area.
We owe a debt of thanks to our friends at the Douro-Dummer Township office, specifically Jake Condon and his team at Public Works who installed the culvert at no charge, and Martina Chait-Hartwig who gave her approval and support for this project.
Our trail chair, recently donated by the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough glides easily over this new pathway. This new addition opens up a world of adventure and exploration for those with mobility challenges.
Thank you again to the Township, Martina and Jake for your assistance!
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Our Youth in Action - A Donation That Warms the Heart! |
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Camp Kawartha recently received a very important and inspiring donation from two special young people (and their little sister!) who made it their mission to help our organization during a difficult time. Their mother Angie provided us with this touching explanation.
“Here is a little info on what inspired us to encourage the kids to take on a bottle drive for Camp Kawartha.
Over the past several months, as the world was shut down and people were feeling isolated or trapped or scared to go out, we were feeling free and joyful because we were allowed more time to spend outside in the natural peace and quiet of Camp Kawartha. We made it a daily activity to 'walk the camp'. The kids always love visiting the creek in springtime, after the snow and ice are melted off the trails leading there, it is a perfect time to make new discoveries in the mud.
Enid and Rowan were excited one day when we came along the path and the "boardwalk closed" sign was gone. They were ecstatic when we came through the trees and saw the clean new boards of the boardwalk inviting them towards the pond.
The kids and I walk in the camp many times a week and I am so proud to see them brave enough to walk a little farther ahead each time and I am proud that they are finding their own way and have found 'favourite spots' on this beautiful property. I love that our time spent in the camp, as we casually wander around and look about is teaching Enid, Rowan and Poppy to value places like this and truly value time spent in nature.
The kid’s reasons for wanting to give back to Camp Kawartha:
Rowan, 6 years old: "It is nice to help people and do nice things for them. I like Camp Kawartha because we can walk in there and visit the creek and look for crayfish in the mud. I like the boardwalk trail and frog pond the best and I want to help take care of them."
Enid 8 years old: "It is important to take care of things you care about - I care about nature, the rocks and trees, even the fuzzy moss, so I want to help take care of them and make sure others can enjoy them too."
Poppy 3 years old: "I want to see P-o-p-p-y on a bench."
This is Enid and Rowan's first year as overnight campers and I hope that they will feel proud to be a part of the campfire traditions at Camp Kawartha for years to come.”
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Enid and Rowan, and even little Poppy raised an amazing $750.00! Because of their donation to our Thrive 100 fundraising campaign, Enid, Rowan and Poppy will each have their names engraved on a plaque that will be attached to one of our camp theatre benches throughout 2021. 2021 is our 100th anniversary, and this story of thoughtfulness, gratitude and hard work is an important touchpoint, adding so much to our celebrations! Thank you to the Zavitz family!
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Forest School Runs until December 18th! |
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We are still accepting registrations for our Forest School. Families can sign up easily utilizing our online system. Whether it is for one week or a whole month, students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 can participate in our outdoor education programming – emphasis on ‘outdoor’!
“My kids come home dirty and happy! I know they have spent another wonderful day outdoors exploring everything. Their teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and teach my kids in such a way that they don’t even realize how much they are learning. We could not be happier with Camp Kawartha! Very pleased.” Parent, Grade 4-6 Cohort
“(My son) loves to be at CK, and I have seen so many positive changes in his character since he started in September. He has blossomed under Neil’s instruction. He is more active and has tried activities that he has not experienced before… (He) is much more aware of wildlife and the outdoors, he identifies plants and creatures frequently, he wants to explore and be in the woods all the time, and most importantly, he has developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment.” Parent, Grade 4-6 Cohort
“The Forest School has been an incredible experience for my children. They come home confident, excited, and brimming over with stories. It’s amazing to see how they thrive in a ‘natural’ classroom.” Parent, Kindergarten & Grade 1-3 Cohorts
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We are offering one-week and month-long this Fall.
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Our Summer Trails and Maintenance Teams, Dylan Radcliffe, Aiya Healy, Joel Slogget, Marc Whipp and Sebastian Kay did an amazing job enhancing our extensive trail system this summer. Part of their work involved the installation of a beautiful trailhead sign which tells hikers where our 6.3 kms of trails take them!
The trails are used by our Forest School, Outdoor Education visitors and Summer Campers. They are also extensively used by area residents – it’s a great way for everyone to get a good dose of Vitamin N (Nature)! The trails were cleared, marked and extended throughout the summer, along with the installation of several new board walks.
Be sure to visit. We ask that when you use our trails that you check in with the office either in person or by phone (705.652.3860). Because the trail system is used extensively by our own staff and visitors, we ask you to check with the office first before venturing out on a hike.
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Nothing can replace the learning that happens outdoors in nature!
We're offering ‘Outdoor Forest Day Programs’ this Fall, and there is still time to join in on these great learning experiences. Our late Fall session begins next week (November 2).
Children spend most of the day outdoors, exploring, and learning about the unique nature features of the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre and the 200 acres of Nature Sanctuary lands it is situation upon.
Programs are running for ages 4 - 6, 7 - 12, and 11 - 14.
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Same great camp experience with a few tweaks for everyones safety!
Changes include:
- Day Camp Registration is closed until at least February. Families are encouraged to Waitlist their campers in the meantime.
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Session changes to minimize movement in and out of camp and allow for a full day of thorough cleaning in between each session.
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Animal Showcase: Saw-whet Owl
by Guest Columnist Andrew Silver, Wildlife Researcher
Bird Banders Who Give a Hoot! It's 'owl' for the research!!
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Every October for the past 21 years (except 2018) volunteers, as well as a host of other owl enthusiasts, have spent their evenings on the north shore of Pigeon Lake near Bobcaygeon trying to lure migrating Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus).
This project is part of a North American bird banding network and is overseen by Dr. Erica Nol, ornithology professor at Trent University. Over the years, this study location has caught over 1000 owls and recaptured about 100 owls caught by other banding stations. Other banding stations have also recaptured owls that we have banded. From this information, researchers have determined that these birds have dramatic population fluctuations and erratic migration patterns. Learn more
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Looking for some engaging nature activities for the kids to do at home? Check out our YouTube Channel for a wealth of Nature Notes from our Executive Director, Jacob as well as our Summer 2020 CK at Home Staff
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Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship promotes and supports healthy childhood development, community connection and environmental stewardship through building an early and ongoing relationship with nature.
Recently they have released a great series of videos full of inspiration and ideas to get children outdoors, featuring local educators and naturalists. Check them out.
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OFFERING CURBSIDE PICK UP AT BOTH OF OUR LOCATIONS |
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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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