So excited for our Curling Event this year, hope you can join us! Thanks to the incredible organizers for keeping Travis & I in your hearts.
I had the most awesome delivery yesterday and I am so proud I just need to share it.
Non Nobis Solum is the slogan for Kamp Kanawana meaning "Not For Ourselves Alone".
A big part of who I am comes from 10 years at working at YMCA summer camps. I began as a camp counselor at Kamp Kanawana in St. Sauveur and it opened up my whole world. The most important thing we were taught during our staff training was MMFI, which meant "Make Me Feel Important". That was how we were meant to treat each and every camper. Not only did we encourage campers to gain self-confidence through outdoor skills such as canoeing, sailing, archery, etc., but what we gave by teaching and caring and laughing with them, we gained back tenfold. The campers and staff helped me to grow out of my shell and become who I am today. Camp was also where I learned how to live in the moment thanks to Bruce Netherwood's "Chiefs Talk". I'll never forget when he said that we often miss out on the now by looking around the corner at what's next in our lives, and thinking "that's what I do!". I also remember him saying that any one of us could be camp director and I thought that was way out of my reach, how cool that he said that, and I did it! I went from a shy new staff member to growing into Junior Girl, and then Senior Girl Section Director. I remember my last summer at University, thinking that I needed to get a "real job", which felt really depressing (ugh, society!), thank goodness I changed my mind, I just couldn't give up what I loved and though I almost lost my chance by waiting too long, Bruce hired me back. The next summer, Bruce moved to Cape Cod to become Executive Director of the South Shore YMCA Camps Hayward & Burgess. I had just graduated from University and had no idea what I was going to do with my Art History degree! I gave Bruce a call to see how the move went, and lo and behold he offered me a job to become Landsports Director. With my good friend Karl I then became CIT director (counselor-in-training) and we had so much fun bonding with a group of crazy 16 year-olds! After a winter in Banff and a winter in Bristol, England, I was then hired full-time as Assistant Director and finally Camp Hayward Director.
To receive "The Giving Tree" Award is such an honour and I am thrilled.
If you are interested, I have posted pictures from my time at both camps on the gallery page.
Special shout out to all of my amazing friends who were camp staff with me at such a joyous time in my life. I wish I could tell you in person how much you mean to me, still after so many years, you helped me live to the fullest.
High Ropes, including Zip Line where I got to spend the day throwing kids out of a tree!
When I was diagnosed with ALS the outpouring of support from friends and family was and still is overwhelming. Travis & I could not face this devastating illness without you. From quilts, to events, to food, to travel, to laughter and tears, the gestures from the smallest to the grandest have filled our hearts with a humbling appreciation.
One of the most awe-inspiring moments we have received is when Dayne, Travis's brother and Kate my beloved sister-in-law, told us that they would be moving to Canada from New Zealand to be with us. Well, if that doesn't move you to tears then I don't know what will!
I have been waiting until Dayne resigned from his job to tell you all, but we have known about this for some time. They have booked their tickets, leased their house and have a one year work visa already arranged. They will be moving to Ottawa March 18th. Dayne will be looking for work, he is a brilliant hard working economist, so if anyone knows of any job opportunities please pass them along! I will also be calling on my Ottawa friends to help me welcome them to Canada and perhaps keep them company while we leave them for a month in April to travel to Asia. The love and generosity Dayne & Kate are giving us is beyond words, and I don't know if I can ever show the full extent of my gratitude!
We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2nd Annual Curling for Carol event. Last year was a fantastic inaugural gathering full of wacky costumes, good food, cocktails, prizes, curling and good company.
Participants last year included coworkers, staff from partner agencies, family and friends. Youth, 13 and older are welcome to attend as well.
This year's event will be Saturday March 14th, 12-4pm, with registration at 11am. There is always room on the ice for early birds to take some practice shots during the registration hour. The Nepean Sportsplex welcomes us back again and will be catering a pizza lunch, included in your registration fee.
You may sign up as a full 4 person team, a partial team or as an individual. No experience necessary.
Please speak with Julie Levesque or Marie Delorme for more information.