March Newsletter
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NEWS & UPDATES
An Important Message from our Executive Director
We hope you and your families are doing well during these unprecedented times. The COVID-19 virus has been a huge challenge that has impacted every aspect of our society. I’d like to let you know that the Camp Kawartha Board of Directors and Staff are working hard to adapt to this unfolding crisis. We want to assure you that the health and safety of our Camp Kawartha community is always our top priority.

Our medical team, in consultation with Public Health, as well as the Ontario Camps Association and other professional organizations, are providing us with regular briefings and updates and we will only resume operations once they have deemed our facility and programs to be safe .

At this time, we are working remotely from home. All public events, bookings and activities have been postponed. If you have any questions or would like to contact the Camp, you can still reach us by leaving a message on our main line: 705 652-3860 or toll free at 1-866 532-4597. We will also be updating our website on a regular basis and communicating through social media. We will respond to you as quickly as we can.

At this point, we are still planning for Summer Camp 2020. We are hopeful that by June/July the crisis will have passed, and we can offer a magical camp experience to the hundreds of young campers who are already registered and are keen to attend. Understandably, our international campers are postponing their visit to Camp Kawartha until next year. Please recognize that the situation is ever-changing and we will keep in regular contact with you.


This has been such a difficult year for us. From cancelled bookings due to the labour disruption in education, to the appearance of the COVID-19 virus, the Camp has been challenged like never before. If you’d like to help – please visit our website and click on the Donate button to make your contribution.

Although physical distancing is the new norm, it is thankfully spring. Take advantage of the warm weather and go outside! Soak in the colours of daffodils, tulips and the many shades of green that make this time of year so vibrant and wonderful. Keep in mind physical distancing. But recognize that we all need a dose of Vitamin N (Nature) to help us feel connected to the very life systems that nurture us all!

Sincerely,
Jacob Rodenburg (B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed.)
Executive Director
SUMMER CAMP
Summer Camp here we come!! 3 months and counting!
In terms of registrations, we're down to our last few openings in all our sessions for this summer at our Main Site on beautiful Clear Lake. Day Camp for 5 to 8-year-olds has limited availability; our overnight camps have one, sometimes two spaces per session; our leadership camps are almost full; and there is some availability in our canoe-tripping programs.

There is still availability for our Environment Centre camps. These are day-programs open to 6 to 12-year-olds. The Centre is located on Pioneer Road, on the campus of Trent University, so it’s an easy commute for families.

If you would like to learn more, visit our website or contact our Summer Camp Registrar James and he will guide you to your best option.
Recently, Maple Jack reunited virtually with a selection of Summer Camp Alumni to bring us a collaborative version of the Maple Jack classic "Soy Nut Butter".
Thank you Maple Jack and Alumni for reminding us of the things that bring us together; summer camp, music and laughter. This is a tongue in cheek song - and some of us really do like soy nut butter! We know it's an important source of protein for those with allergies.
NATURE NOTES
Animal Showcase - Short-Tailed Weasel
We chose the Short-Tailed Weasel because of a recent sighting staff had, one that did not end well for a red squirrel.

This weasel is one of three types to be found in Canada. The Short-Tailed is also known as ermine or stoat and they change colour seasonally. In summer, their backs are brown, and their undersides are white; in winter they are completely white, except for the black-tipped tail which helps identify them as a Short-Tail. They will eat small mammals and insects, and because they have high energy, they need to feed often and will even store their kills to eat later. We checked and noted that our weasel did just that.

We saw our weasel during the day even though they are primarily nocturnal. He was fast, agile, tenacious, and, as we witnessed, a successful hunter. He was also very beautiful and an amazing sight to see!
To help you get your Vitamin N, take yourself, your kids if you got them, the dog and go for a walk in the woods.
Here are 5 things you can try to find – kids get a point for each natural feature they find… the one that finds all 5, wins!
Our Executive Director, Jacob, treated us to his first virtual Nature Note! Typically shared with groups and summer campers during lunch time, we're excited to be bringing them regularly to you at home through this time of physical distancing. Enjoy!
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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