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JANUARY 2021
January Newsletter
We hope you enjoy reading about what's happening at Camp Kawartha.
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NEWS & UPDATES
Our 100th Anniversary
In 1921, the land upon which Camp Kawartha sits was purchased by the Rotary Club of Peterborough from farmer Samuel Bryson for the tidy sum of $250.00. Their objective was to create a place where boys (yes, only boys back then!) could enjoy a summer experience in the outdoors and learn outdoor skills.

We have been privileged to interview several former staff and campers to get their perspectives. Not one of our interviewees reminisced about bouts of poison ivy or homesickness – no, everyone spoke about the unique experience summer camp was for them, and how much their time here influenced their lives. It speaks to the importance and legacy of Camp Kawartha.

We are planning to celebrate of course, and we will keep the community in the loop! Watch our social media channels, our website, and this newsletter for updates!!  
Auction Results
In December, thanks to the generosity of artist, David Hickey, who donated a beautiful piece of original art, we hosted an online auction. David provided us with one of his metal pieces, entitled Twin Pines, and the response from bidders was amazing! Twin Pines is now on the wall of Judy and Rich Jeffery home thanks to their winning bid of $1,400.00.

Proceeds from the auction go toward our Health Centre development. Thank you to all who participated and congratulations to our lucky winners!
Health Centre Updates
The development of our new Health Centre continued...at least until the shutdown!  Deirdre and her team from Straworks were able to get the windows in and doors mounted, which adds a whole new feel to the building.

We are working hard to raise funds for the remainder of construction costs but we could use your help in fundraising to outfit the interior.
To be a fully functioning Health Centre, we’ll need stethoscopes, beds, bedding, curtains, medicine cabinets and office equipment -- all these and more are essential to create a modern, safe and operational Health Centre.

To expand our reach, we have a new Go Fund Me page and donations are welcome there as well as through CanadaHelps and our web site. Campaign Lead, David Goyette, continues to meet virtually with potential donors, and we welcome all inquiries through philanthropy@campkawartha.ca .

If you can be part of this exciting Camp project, please consider making a donation! You’ll be helping to create a space to nurture healthy kids for a healthy planet!
A New Bird Trail
Our Maintenance Manager, Mike Schmor, found a unique method of introducing everyone to the thrill of birding. 

Mike created a hidden bird trail. He used metal, durable bird silhouettes which he attached along the sides of one of our trails. He hid 12 local bird species along the trail -- how many can you spot? Real birds can be difficult to identify as they fly and flit about, so these stationary ‘birds’ readily make identification possible for new birders. Using apps like iNaturalist can lead to further exploration of particulars of each bird.

If you are interested, take an enjoyable hike on our Yellow Trail at our main site (1010 Birchview Road) and let us know how many of the bird silhouettes you can find.

Note: We have five trails in total stretching 6.3 kilometres! You are welcome to hike along any of them! Please be aware that on each of our trails there is uneven ground, and at this time of year, icy patches, so use them at your own risk. We also have dressed trails for cross-country skiers, so if you plan to walk along these trails, please don’t step in the groomed ski tracks.
FOREST SCHOOL
We're happy to be able to safely welcome Forest School Students back to CK!
We offer one-week, month-long,
and full semester sessions!
SUMMER CAMP
and spaces have filled up quickly!
Why not check out one of the following?
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.
  • Session changes to minimize movement in and out of camp and allow for a full day of thorough cleaning in between each session.
NATURE NOTES
Animal Showcase: Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker looks like a throw-back to the age of the dinosaurs! We see them regularly and hear them in the mixed forests that surround Camp Kawartha.

They are a very large bird, mostly black and white, with a large triangular red crest on the head. Males have a red cheek patch while females do not.

Uniquely, they drill large rectangular holes into dead trees and are voracious consumers of carpenter ants and other insects. When ready to nest, the male prepares a large hole which attracts the attention of the female, and together they raise their brood, usually 3-5 eggs.

Interestingly, once the brood is gone, the cavity is abandoned by the couple, never to be used by them again. Instead, other birds use these holes to their own advantage, raising their own families in these ‘penthouse’ abodes left by their large, imposing woodland neighbours. They are the apartment builders of the forest!
Jacob is back with a new series
of Winter Nature Notes!
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.
GIFT SHOP
SUPPORT LOCAL AND SHOP CAMP KAWARTHA
CHOOSE CURBSIDE PICKUP OR HAVE YOUR ORDER SHIPPED RIGHT TO YOUR FRONT DOOR!
GREAT READS
About Camp Kawartha
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
705-652-3860 1-866-532-4597
info@campkawartha.ca
campkawartha.ca
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