M A Y 2 0 0 7 RRAADDIITTIIOONNSS

T HE O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R OF THE T A W I N G O A L U M N I C I R C L E ( C O M P L I M E N T A R Y TO ALL A C T I V E M E M B E R S )

T RADITIONS: T WO FOR ONE

For our last issue (November 2006), we sent every alumni member for whom we had a current e-mail address a mes- sage to say that they could click on a link within the e-mail to take them to an on- line version of the November Newsletter. (We mailed a paper copy to everyone else.) Some people didn’t receive the e-mail or didn’t notice it.

The electronic version is still avail- VIEW FROM THE CHAIR able on-line but we have decided to send In thinking about my remarks for this ment instead of always discarding and you all a copy of it anyway. (It was that issue of TRADITIONS my mind is drawn replacing. These are small and simple good...) Further, the Alumni Committee to the " Green " and " Eco " issues that are things, but they do represent a larger prin- has decided to use both delivery sys- all around us. It would appear that many ciple, respect. In fact, we learned respect of those who previously doubted the facts for others and authority, as well as the tems: electronic and hard copy - until concerning Global Warming, or worse just environment. As I think of life in my com- 2010 (our 50th Reunion) when we will avoided dealing with the obvious, an easy munity, I have no problem recalling exam- re-evaluate our communication and thing for anyone to do, are now prepared ples of the lack of respect that exists in all newsletter strategy. to take some action. The environment too many parts of our daily lives. Minister John Baird has made announce- Respect .... what a great lesson that ments as to how the Government proposes camp reinforced in us as we internalized And so some of the news may appear we deal with the problem in the coming our value system. a little dated on the Chapel issue of years. Many are trying alternative forms of Respect .... too bad more of the world Traditions but there is plenty of fun yet energy. I personally have ceased using the drive thru to get my daily fix at Tim's. cannot share the camping experience! to be read there. We welcome any and all comments about our newsletter any- What does this have to do with TAC THE INSIDE SCOOP you may well ask? When I think of Camp, time and we especially appreciate news 5 IME ASSAGES AND OKAHEY I think of swimming, canoeing, fires, mak- T P H and content from you directly. ing friends, out-trips, and singsongs. Those 5 SUMMER CAMP FUN D were all great activities. We all learned life- 5 FAMILY FOCUS: BEACH If you decide that you prefer the elec- long skills. We also learned however, about respecting the environment. Leave 5 TAWINGO COLLEGE UPDATE tronic version of Traditions only, let us the birch bark on the tree; keep your camp- 5 THE CURRENT:HEATHER CHRISTIE know and we will begin conserving site clean and deal with garbage appropri- 5 ALUMNI WEEKENDS AT CAMP paper and stamps, right away. ately; how to maintain and repair equip- 5 TLCS 82 UNITE! TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE S UMMER 2007 I T ’ S A BOUT TIME... Our first real indication that the Lodge, the Waterfront, or at the Little summer is (almost) upon us was the Green …or, if you're a wiz with a arrival of the Spring Staff on April photocopier, working in the White 29th. As so many of you can no doubt House with Wendy Muir and Bruce remember, our illustrious Spring Staff Bleakney…or as a nurse working in are happily embroiled in 5 weeks of our Health Centre… bug-slapping, floor painting, wood As for Program, Camp continues chipping, ladder painting, wood split- to offer the very best of Camp Skills (a ting, post painting, canoe sanding, la Turtle, Fox, and Eagle) during canoe painting, movie watching, cabin Interest Groups and beyond (I can painting, raking, porch painting, play still hear Clare Magee leading the off watching, sailboat painting, Yog's Interest Groups song…), the very best ice-cream eating, painting, smiling, of programs during Afternoon and painting, singing, painting… Evening Program time (yes, Sticks is still a favourite…or is that Styx?), the After that there will be some more very best activities imaginable during of the same mixed with school group Free Time ("Want to be my buddy for leadership. June is particularly busy General Swim?"), and other classics with 100s of students and teachers like Native Council (How How), the coming to enjoy outdoor education Voyageur Adventure and Wilderness and recreation here at Camp. And the Journey (which still go to the Spring Staff are loving every minute Kipawa), and the Ray Marinko Relay (well, virtually every minute) of it. (now in its 40th year). Woodcraft was And believe me, we're loving them, added to our program options two too - the work they have done, will do, summers ago and is immensely popu- and the fabulous energy and fellow- lar. At the Waterfront we have a sec- ship they bring to this place. The early Spring Staff for 2007 are putting Camp in good order for the summer ahead. L-R: Patricia Trainor, Kindra Harris, Tyler Lalonde, Will ond diving board (synchro diving is House, Bobby Crowe, Stephen Ross, Sarah Empey. Kneeling: Jasmine fun) and a new slide tower (rebuilt as Green, Dave Richardson, Lianne Bradley. And what of Summer Camp in a result of losing the other one in a ter- this, our 47th season? Camper regis- years past - Bill Milks, Bruce Brine, Brian rible wind storm). The Sportsfield trations are the best they've been in a quite and Jill Ward (Delahey), Dee Burns will see two new basketball standards a few years! At the time of writing this (Delahey), Anne Murray (Livingston), added to the original four and a re-worked (May 9th), the following Periods were full: Virginia Diemert (Shuett), Anne Gear Frisbee golf course for this summer! We're Girls' Second, Girls' Third, Boys' First, and (Condon), Sandra Cross (French), Peter even looking at reviving Skit Night back our shorter Periods - 2A and 2B. Girls’ Rasberry, Bunny Newman (Stayshyn), Jeff into the mix as an All Camp Program, First is within 5 of being full; Boys' Third is Laughton, Krista Simonett, and Kim too…can you say Swami or El Swallow?? within 15. And Boys' Second is ahead of (Kasta) Soroka. Each one of them is here last year! Yahooie! We are equally happy for a Session to return their immense talent On site we are in the midst of con- about the number of Alumni children and and experience to our program, to other structing a third Tree House in which cabin grandchildren who continue to come to staff, and to our campers. groups will be able to spend a night out. Camp. Many thanks for the continued It's in the valley between the Hogsback alumni support. They say that ‘you can never go back’ Trail and Boys' Camp Creek - a great loca- but these people and Camp have proved tion. We have also planted approximately Our summer staffing picture is similar. that old adage wrong. If you ever wish to 90 birches in Boys' Camp to make up for Eighty-four(ish) percent of our staff from do the same, it starts with a call or chat. ones we have lost over the last few years. last summer are returning for '07! All but Perhaps we can dust off the old name tag, three of the gaps left by departing staff "one more time"… Imagine working with Lots of campers, a veteran staff, unbeat- have been filled by last year's TLCs. Many Barrie Laughton in our Property able program, and a beautiful site: Yes, it's of the '07 staff are in their 5th, 6th, or 7th Department - cutting grass, hammering a going to be a great summer…and we can't years. Yahooie, again! few nails, doing garbage runs, unplugging wait! the odd toilet…or working with Jorgi in a Included in the staff team for this sum- program area, like Crestwood, SWAMP mer are some recognizable Alumni from TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE

TAWINGO O UTDOOR C ENTRE A Winter of Summer Camp

The winter season at capacity as each family settled Camp Tawingo is a wonder- into their own fully winterized ful one. Our relationship with cabin. They are relaxed, camp- snow is so different than the like weekends that provide for typical one in the city. Here, plenty of variety - from crafts we cheer when the new snow and skiing to deer-feeding and arrives to frost the trees and campfires. blanket the ground. We relish the extra layer on the trails, HILLCREST PS - Now in its the powder on the fields for thirtieth year, Hillcrest has writ- , padding on the ten the book when it comes to Terrace tubing hill. Between providing a comprehensive and snowstorms (and sometimes consistent outdoor education during them), we welcomed program. Many of us have hundreds of campers for win- learned the ropes from the staff ter programming. Our Winter Program Staff came from several sources: Kindra Harris (Camp Arowhon), of Hillcrest. Samantha Wood (Camp Wenonah), Max Kan (University of Waterloo), Allan Ottaway On the programming (Camp Arowhon) DURHAM GEOGRAPHY FIELD front, four new staff delivered CAMP - This is the third year of a the goods to groups when they came. They from Costa Rica on exchange to a high special program for selected stu- were ably supported on the Property, school in Alliston joined us to experience a dents from Durham Region High Schools Office and Kitchen side with many of the taste of Canadian winter for a week. They in which leadership development and love regular staff in those positions during the joined other school programs, met of geography are emphasized. summer. Tawingo College students and LOVED the snow! KENNOLIE PS - Kennolie is another Mississauga school that enjoys its winter ST LUKE’S SCOUTING - Sue Dunkley ( a longtime family camper) started off our EDENWOOD PS - A Grade 8 group from break in Muskoka. Mississauga pack a full week-long sched- season with a winter camping scout visit. HUNTSVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL - Winter Amidst outdoor activities and fellowship ule with a wide range of programming - both indoors and outdoors. electives are a big deal in Muskoka area we also enjoyed songs and skits - Scouting- schools. Children signed up for a set of style. KING GEORGE VI - It is a long bus ride winter activities at Tawingo. They enjoyed winter camping, pioneer skills, mountain LAURA SIMON SHOWER - two weeks from Chatham but the students don’t seem before W-Day, Emily (Singh) Zymerman to mind. The week ends with a traditional hiking and skiiing. arranged for a girls’ weekend at Camp rocket launch from the flagpole Terrace out onto Lake Vernon. MUSKOKA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SKI complete with wedding crafts, outdoor RACES - Tawingo is part of a series of races games, hiking, dining and crazy plans. TORONTO OUTERS CLUB - A group of offered to the keen skiers of Muskoka schools. Tawingo College fields a large INSTITUTE OF CHILD STUDIES - Grades 3 adult outdoor enthusiasts arrived for a & 4 from ICS (a private lab and training weekend of skiing and snowy relaxation. group of participants and we all enjoy a school in Toronto) arrive to challenge the great day of friendly competition. FAMILY WEEKENDS - The tradition of new program staff. It was a barrel of fun families joining us here at Camp is grow- MAPLE SYRUP PROGRAM - Our winter involving lots of singing and outdoor play. ing. Virtually all of our weekends filled to season ends with a little different type of program. The program staff GIRL GUIDES - Picture an entire district worth of guides work with Tawingo College for badge work and fun in ski- students to harvest over 150 ing, snowshoeing, winter camp- taps across the property. Some ing and outdoor fun. vigorous boiling produces some sweet results. Those FAMILY FUN DAY - Picture an results are sold to raise money open house for the entire district for Tawingo College programs. and the public able to drop in for snack, skiing, hiking, tubing SPRING 2007 - We are and conversation. It is our way already underway with 20 dif- of saying’ Welcome, Friends & ferent schools and groups from Neighbours.’ weddings to workshops and day outings to retreats and COLEGIO SAINT CLAIRE - A Our Winter Program Staff finishes the season with sweet treats in the form of maple syrup canoe trips to leadership train- group of high school students and maple toffee on a stick. The sap is gathered from both sides of the Sports Field and ing. brought to the hearth set up behind Jorgi Junction. TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE TIME PASSAGES EDDING EWS LAURA SIMON W N Laura and Jon Ross Laura Simon and Jon Ross were married at the Married Toronto Downtown January 27, 2007 Novotel in January of this year. Many Jill Grange and Scott Smith Tawingo staff were Engaged included on the September 22, 2007 guest list and both sister, Paula and Jill Robbins and Jeff Quigley best friend, Emily Engaged (Singh) Zymerman July 28, 2007 were in the wed- Jon and Laura discuss terms of their open marriage - especially ding party. as relates to past loves and relationships. Paula Simon and Jonathan Capa Engaged JILL ROBBINS August, 2008 Jill is currently liv- ing in Calgary and working as an occu- pational therapist with children through the Society for Treatment of Autism. She and Jeff will be married in London ON at the London Hunt Club. More children and friends at the Winter Alumni Weekend. Peter Macaulay and J.R. Watson (3rd from left and right respectively) still COLLEEN IRVINE enjoy a toboggan ride. Colleen has taken a position as full-time show, a pinata full of prizes, balloons full manager of camp programs for Camp of hot air and a huge Tawingo cake cour- George and Mary Simonett Quality, Canada - seven camps across the tesy of Diana Smith in the Kitchen. If you 50th Anniversary country for children with cancer. She is liv- try very hard you can read Curt’s age in the April 20, 2007 ing in Toronto and travelling to camps and numbers on the cake. (The answer is not events in several provinces. Both she and Norm and Barb Smith Kate Strachan (see below) are active in 40th Anniversary OCA (Ontario Camping Association) vol- June 2007 unteer work.

KATE STRACHAN OTHER NEWS Kate is the Assistant Camp Director of Kandalore. Kandalore has been operating PAULA SIMON Jonathan Capa proposed to Paula using the since 1947 and was operated for many of classic and timeless Easter Egg Hunt ruse. those years by Kirk Wipper - known for his The final egg revealed a Love Heart (one of deep passion and love of canoes and canoe- Paula's favourite candies) inscribed with ing. Kate’s winter work saw her organizing ‘Say Yes’ as well as the engagement ring. and supervising camp fairs in Ontario and Jon seems to have an eye for program that Quebec. will be welcome at Camp. This August long weekend (‘07), Paula will be at Camp. CURT BOLTON It’s his Birthday Today (or at least it was on The next one (‘08) will see her celebrating another day...) Rita Sue and the Bolton with friends at her wedding. Family arranged a little surprise party over Easter in the Blue Room. Never too old for a party, Curt hosted a retrospective slide TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE A LUMNI F AMILY W EEKEND

Broomball supremacy is a point of pride but the actual game is none too serious. Everyone gets a chance to play, pass and lie Isla Mitchell discovered the Costume Room early in the winded on the snow at their leisure. weekend and never looked back. She was willing to per- fomr for Daddy (Gord) or anyone else willing to watch. It's hard to believe that this past Jorgi, and Mike and Tia. Each new February was our tenth Alumni week- face and conversation was full of end. At the first winter weekend in humour and great memories as well 1997 son Jonathon was two and as new activities that are enriched daughter Gillian was one month from because we are sharing them with being born. Ten years later a new gen- partners and as parents. Sharing our eration of future campers are coming camp with our kids is always a high- along. light. February 2007 saw an intriguing Broomball, tubing, a terrific Saturday combination of young alumni whose night ski, a rousing talent show, parent(s) were on staff in the 70's, 80's, euchre, crafts, rest hour, a great guitar 90's, and the present day. This year’s jam in the Red Room, and many, many stellar cast featured J.R. Watson, laughs made for another wonderful Gordie Mitchell, Geoff Simonett, Mary weekend. It really is amazing how Beth Burke, Kristie Lille, Beth Barber, time does pass but on those weekends Jeff Ross, Chris Pilcher, Tom and it's as though you see each other week- Martha Knowlton, Jim Knowlton, ly. Geoff and Janice Gibbs, Catherine Sanborn, Mary Sanborn, Clare Magee, Many thanks to Jorgi and the winter staff for their enthusiasm all weekend. James Scott, Beth Barber, Peter Rye Simonett helped father Geoff lead a brand new song Rasberry, Dave Noble, Jim Hopkins, Join us on September 7-9th for some at the evening campfire. There were plenty of family performances throughout the evening. Barrie and Carol Laughton, Barb and great alumni fun! See you then!

Jim Knowlton and John Jorgenson are part of what has become known as the traditional ‘old Martha Knowlton and Janice Gibbs are part of a different tradition known as the ‘young, men’s’ ski on the winter weekend. attractive, vibrant, women’s alumni’ ski.

TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE O NTARIO C AMPING A SSOCIATION C ONFERENCE A 75TH A NNIVERSARY FOR OCA AND A R EUNION FOR T AWINGO This year at its annual conference from Febuary 10- 12th, the OCA celebrated its 75th anniversary. Will House, Jasmine Green, Kim Tetley, Dave Richardson, Stephanie Bodnar and I (Meghan Irvine) navigated our ways to Richmond Hill to join Mike, Tia and Jorgi at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel. We were greeted with big hugs and warm smiles, so we felt right at very quickly and got a good dose of camp to last as until the summer.

With our stomachs full of wonderful buffet meals we attended various sessions, keynote sessions and special events over the weekend. The organizers of Jack Pearse stepped back into songleading harness with support from Mike Pearse, this year's conference put together a broad range of Joanne Bender, Tom & Jim Knowlton, Mark Baldwin and Peter Rasberry. sessions and speakers to give us lots from which to One of the special highlights of the weekend had choose. We participated in sessions about OCA stan- to be the special Banquet appearance by Jack Pearse dards, bullying, waterfront safety, strategies for staff and the (original) Boys’ Camp Band. What a sing evaluation, marketing, Greek camp dancing… to song that was! I think we all felt like groupies watch- name a few. The keynote speaker list this year was ing them perform "Skinna Marink", "Good News", star-studded with Jane Elliot, Barbara Coloroso and "Alloutette", "This Land", and "Let There Always be a Michael Brandwein - who blew the audience away. Song". What made it even more special was watching Amid sessions and speakers we had a chance to Mike and Jack lead a couple songs together. If you meet and mingle with other Camp Directors and staff ever had any doubt of a family resemblance you and have a lovely dinner out with members of the ICF should see them lead a sing-song side-by-side. To top Steering Committee from Greece, Australia, and everything off we all walked away with the best pos- Colombia. For the final banquet meal we our sible souvenir - an original Clap Your Hands record Birkenstocks for high heels (Will and Dave looked signed by all the members of the Boys’ Camp Band lovely, too) and helped celebrate 75 years of the OCA (Tom Knowlton, Jim Knowlton, Peter Rasberry, Mark in style. Jane McCutcheon emceed the Banquet Baldwin and Jack Pearse). As well, joining them on evening. Jorgi and Tom Knowlton wowed everyone the piano for her rousing verse of "je te plumerais le with a video commemorating the past 75 years of cou" was the legendary Joanne Bender. camping with interviews and tributes to the Ontario The entire conference was an amazing experience. Camping Association's Honorary Life Members - There is no question that as you attend sessions and those people who pioneered and developed camping listen to Keynote Speakers and chat with other in this province. It was an absolutely incredible pres- Directors and staff from different Camps, that you are entation that helped us all realize what a long stand- overwhelmed with pride to be a Tawingoite. ing and important industry we share.

Kim Tetley, Jasmine Green and Stephanie Bodnar - all on our 2007 Will House joins delegates from Greece and Australia for a bit of Staff - seem to be happy with their hand at the OCA Casino Night. instruction on Greek folk dancing. TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE S UMMER C AMP FUND D IFFERENT N AME - SAME P URPOSE When you give to the Summer Camp FUNd, you are putting a child into the summer camp pic- ture. Alumni and camper fami- lies are sponsoring some special campers ... and giving them a special experience. Those children, and all of us at Tawingo, are grateful for your generosity and Camp spirit. WE SALUTE YOU!

The Alumni Circle (and Roly Raccoon - our celebrity spokesperson) say thank you to everyone who contributed to the Tawingo Alumni Campership Fund (renamed the Summer Camp FUNd) over the past TAWINGO year. Thanks to your generosity, four campers will METER enjoy a wonderful session at Camp this summer. These children were recommended by our own alumni from

CAMPERSHIP various settings and needs and then selected by the Tawingo Alumni Circle to come to Camp – two girls - 2012 - and two boys. Thanks to you they will scramble off to interest groups, paddle away on out trips, jump into circle activities, run around the Sports Field, participate in Council, rise each morning to a Thought for the Day, jump into Lake Vernon at General Swim - 2011 - … and ... well you know what it’s all about. You may continue to contribute (or contribute for the first time,) by - 2010 - using the form included with this newsletter, a standard camper summer reg- istration form, a donation form from the Internet or one we send you (contact us at [email protected]). - 2009 - Every dollar puts a camper more fully into the picture and adds more Summer FUNd colour to their summer. The Tawingo-meter to the right tracks our progress Donations to Date towards giving four campers an opportunity for a childhood of Camp experi- ences. They are just like so many of us and so many other children at Camp - 2008 - over the years - growing and developing through great summer experiences. Picture them as campers at Camp. Give them some Summer Camp FUN. - 2007 - Help us secure the dollars needed to carry these and other campers through their entire camping career. $ $ The Tawingo Alumni Campership Fund Needed Received Summer Camp FUNd Committee

TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE T HE T RIPPING R ELAY A favourite All-Camp Program for many years was the Tripping Relay. It involved camper groups gathering the supplies from various parts of Camp and setting up a model camp- site that was judged for technique and style by the Campcraft staff. Here a gang of campers is about to head of on the first leg the event. Can you name any of the campers in this picture? Send your answers to [email protected]. A B C D E F G H OKAHEY F UTURE C AMPERS IN A LUMNI F AMILIES

TAWINGO CAMPERS THE NEXT GENERATION We want to start our alumni families off on the right foot (or at least in the right shirt). When a baby is born and we hear about it within three months of the birth, Camp sends the new camper their first Camp Tawingo T-shirt right away. Be sure to let us know at [email protected] Alden Eriksson Howard We are also thrilled to hear about other ‘instant’ families (through adoption, BABY BOY marriage and special circumstances). to Ayako (Ohgami) Inoue (‘91) father and brother, Yusei Help us spread the news with the par- ticulars you would like to share with your ALEXANDER (ALEX) WILLIAM Camp family. Just send it along to alum- January 18, 2007 [email protected]. Doug and Cheryl Palm and sister, Rebecca

ANDREW (14 months) to Dave and Ruth (Sellery) Werezak & sisters, Sarah and Alison

ALDEN ERIKSSON March 2nd, 2007 to Marcie (Adler) and Jeremy Howard

GRACE January 22, 2007 to Liz Abbott & Jon Batch & sister, Laurel

MORGAN MARGARET January 27, 2007 to Cam & Tricia Lille & brother, Quin

Morgan Margaret Lille Grace Batch

TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE S PRING C REW 2007

Meghan Irvine, Stephen Ross, Lianne Bradley, Patricia Trainor, Will House Bobby Crowe, Sarah Empey, Erin May, Tyler Lalonde, Stephen Sagar, Jasmine Green. Absent: Dave Richardson

Sarah Empey, Stephen Ross, Bobby Crowe and Lianne Bradley scoff at the Danger The September wind storm destroyed our beloved Slide Tower. Randy Clark, Keith Open Water sign and accept Tyler Pearse’s challenge to leap into Lake Vernon in Abbott and others are working hard to replace it with a brand new tower on a re- April. furbished dock.

Their commitment (or foolhardiness) is obvious as they reach a point of no return Lianne and Sarah were joined by Patricia Trainor to plant some 250 trees across into Blue Pool - on April 29th. They survived, claimed that it was not so bad and the site - including 100 new birch trees in Boys’ Camp to preserve the look and encourage everyone to give it a try (at least once). Riiiight! character of that landmark area. TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE

T HE C URRENT: A CAMP L IFE B EYOND THE C AMP G ATES W E CHECKED IN WITH A CURRENT STAFF MEMBER:“WHAT DOES C AMP MEAN IN YOUR LIFE OUTSIDE OF C AMP?’

teer…the list goes on and on. And what are these activities but ways of bridges between people and creating a more vibrant world? In short, we constantly find ways to work with new people and build new com- munities all around us. Do we have an addiction to making society better through our service, teamwork, great attitudes and responsibility? Maybe, but there are worse addictions to have! Now, back to these dishes that need to be tackled. They really are just a giant Cabin Clean-Up project. (Okay, okay, maybe Herman should inter- vene; the mess is really quite obscene!) And what is Cabin Clean-Up but a HEATHER CHRISTIE All of you have first-hand experience daily exercise in teamwork and com- of the tightly-knit microcosm we build munication? So, as a Camp person liv- Mist rises off the water in the early each summer as a staff and each ses- ing within the positive and vibrant morning light. It is long before anyone sion with our campers. You know that community on Johnson Street (that's else is even stirring and my feet clench this community doesn't dissolve at the my house!) my cabinmates... er… up as my chilly toes taste sandy grit. end of August, it just spreads itself housemates and I switch on the tunes Nothing is heard other than the faint over a larger geographical region. Can and let the scrubbing begin! Think of ripples lapping the sides of what looks you think of any other job where peo- the society we all build by creating and like a yellow Tawingo canoe (for the ple will travel from all over the world maintaining these communities year- image's sake, let's pretend that it's to see friends with whom they spend round. Because of Camp, and the com- number 63, my personal favourite). only two months of the year?! It's munity it teaches us to create, we put What a picturesque scene this would incredible. There were times this year the world through the Hobart be if I was currently standing on Canoe when I forgot what a "normal" week- machine, scrubbing it clean one piece Beach getting ready for an early morn- end in Kingston was like! Based on the of Melmac at a time. And we all know ing paddle. Unfortunately, I am actu- multiple road trips to visit friends rep- that if we take care of these communi- ally risking a perilous trip into my resented in various parts of South- ties, like Melmac, they will never kitchen at Queen's, gazing at a sink full Western Ontario and the times when break. of dirty dishes that desperately need to out-of-town Tawingoites would come be washed. down to Kingston, it is clear that we will drive, fly, and in some cases hitch- Is it psychologically healthy that I hike 500 miles to keep our friendships think of Camp after glimpsing some alive and kickin' throughout the year. moldy cutlery in my dirty student What a testament to the greatness of house? AM I GOING CRAZY?!? Short our summer community that is! answer: No. Remedying this other- wise rotten situation is what Camp is Yet it isn't just these friendships that all about. It comes down to communi- carry Camp with us throughout the ty living, what Tawingo teaches in year; we live Camp by being active, spades. Sure, we build our summer compassionate citizens from community through the friendships September to June. How we do life we've forged since we were campers, during the year stems from how we do but we also build it by learning and Camp in the summer. The number of teaching how to live with others who extra-curricular activities Camp people are not our best friends. It's not just are involved in far out-ranks those of learning, but living respect for others your average non-Camp person. We that makes Camp the wonderful place play sports, we're in bands, we have it is. jobs, we run committees, we volun- TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE TAWINGO COLLEGE - “HOW S WEET I T I S !” Barrie Laughton

The students and staff of Tawingo College have been partici- The K-Pal class stops by to see Jorgi at the maple syrup program pating in a Maple Syrup Program in conjunction with Jorgi and the Outdoor Centre Staff.

Our students assisted in drilling over 150 maple trees, insert- ing spigots and hanging buckets on the trees. As the buckets filled, the sap was collected in barrels and hauled on large tobog- gans to the back of the Junction. Over many hours and long nights, the sap was boiled and the syrup was placed in 500 ml. and 1 litre containers.

A container of maple syrup was presented to each student from JK to Grade 8 in appreciation of their involvement in this program.

In addition, Tia Pearse helped to coordinate a wonderful noon hour meal for the College - pancakes with our own Tawingo Maple Syrup, sausages, baked beans, orange juice, pineapple and mandarins.

The maple syrup will be placed on sale at our upcoming dra- The hearth is the centre of the Program and is located behind Jorgi Junction. matic productions of "Honk Jr." and the "No-Frills Review". The proceeds will go to the Maple Syrup Program and to the Drama Department of Tawingo College.

Each Spring, this program and other interactions in the out- doors have been a highlights for our students and staff. They have thoroughly enjoyed assisting in the production of maple syrup and working closely with Jorgi and the Outdoor Centre Staff.

The Grade 3/4 Class joined the Spring Crew later to plant some new trees. Alumni can identify White Pine, White Cedar and White Birch plantings.

TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE

We will happily include a photo of your own precious bundle of joy. Just send it along to [email protected]

Clockwise from Roly Raccoon: Remembrance Day is a big deal at Tawingo College. This year, we welcomed the Legion Colour Guard and various veterans speaking about World War II and Bosnia. Gaetanne browned her last pan of chicken for us this winter. We will miss her quick wit, ready smile and great talents. In the early ‘90s, Stu Soroka swung into the saddle after designing and setting up an All Boys’ program. The counsellors were cattle, the campers were the cat- tle rustlers in the Old West town of Silverbirch. The view from the corner of the Terrace has changed somewhat from the late ‘80s. Craig Shepherd and JR Watson can be seen in a game of Stella-Ola-Ola while Jack and Helen work the Q. Compare this picture with the one on the back page. Hobart’s best friend is David Laughton who happily dons the apron to help out after dinner. Jeff and Catherine are very proud and younger brother William is waiting for his chance.

IF YOU HAVE NAMES OR STORIES TO ACCOMPANY ANY PHOTOS IN THIS NEWSLETTER, WE WANT TO HEAR THEM. [email protected]

TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE T AWINGO F AMILY F OCUS

T HE B EACH/CACCHIONE FAMILY The Beach/Cacchione con- ciate as a camper. I know now, nection with Camp Tawingo how important it was to be began before the camp was a exposed to it as a child,” she reality. John and Evelyn Beach says. In fact, a recent trip back to worked with Jack Pearse at camp after a long absence Camp On-da-da Waks at Golden brought back to her how fortu- Lake. During this time Jack had nate she and her children have a vision to operate his own chil- been to live, play and learn in dren’s summer camp and in this exquisite environment for so 1960, when Camp Tawingo was many summers. born, John and Evelyn enrolled their daughter Barbara as one of Barb’s children, the third Tawingo’s first campers. A few generation of this family to be years later John and Ev became part of Tawingo, started attend- ing camp in 2000. Ceccha and part of the year round Tawingo cabin floors and messages being left Marco made the plane ride from Nova staff working primarily in the camp around the camp from the intruders. Scotia and became Seneca and office. It was not unusual during those The program’s finale was an All-Camp Mohawk campers with Mattea follow- years to see both of them hard at work hunt and capture of the mountain peo- ing them in 2002. Ceccha has contin- in the White House well into the ple, much to the relief of the junior ued her camping career as a TLC in evening hours. The Beach family lived campers. in what is now called Chapel House 2004 and a staff member in the Seneca but was previously known as Pop Although Barb recalls the camp Circle in 2005 and 2006. Marco was a Pearse’s cottage. programs as an amazing part of camp TLC during the 2006 summer and life she says they were made so, by a Mattea continues to attend camp as a Barbara was a camper until 1968 creative and talented staff. In addition first and second session camper. The when she became a T.L.C. She then to many enthusiastic counsellors and Cacchione siblings say that they were went on to be a counsellor in the inter- senior staff, with whom she had the hooked on camp from looking at the mediate girls section in 1969. Barb good fortune to share her time at first brochure. Ceccha recalls, “I recalls her time at camp with great camp, she recalls people such as Joan thought any camp with a giant red fondness and describes her memories and Lois in the kitchen who provided slide was worth the plane ride.” Since of camp as a collage of treasured expe- delicious meals and enormous then, they have filled their summers riences, special people and important Tawingo cookies. She also remembers with terrific camp experiences and friendships. Don Hayes and Ed Reid, both of whom great memories. had an enormous impact on her life. One of her favorite memories of When each of the Cacchiones were They were talented, interesting and camp is of the native council fires and asked about a favorite memory of essential members of the early Medicine Man Harry. She remembers camp they each had a different Tawingo team. It is the incredible staff, the stillness of camp as everyone made moment to share. For Ceccha, winning creative programs and enduring their way towards the Council Ring the Ray Marinko relay in 2005 really friendships that Barb feels are at the wrapped in blankets with painted stands out. It was her first year on staff core of what makes Tawingo an excep- faces. With the sound of the drums and her first year as a captain and the tional experience and it is for these drumming, the buzz of pesky mosqui- “Ray” had always been one of her reasons that she decided to send her toes and the occasional muffled giggle, favorite events as a camper. During the own children to this camp years later Barb remembers sitting in awe of this race her team had a canoeing fiasco and provinces away. incredible production. when her co-captain’s paddle broke Barb wanted her three children, and he had to finish the race using a Another memory is of an All-Camp Ceccha, Marco and Mattea to share her small Onondaga sized paddle. Their program done when she was a camper. love for camp and have an opportunity canoe came from behind through hard This program began at breakfast one to develop a level of independence work, spirit and laughter to win the day with staff shrieking as they looked only achieved by being away from heat and eventually the whole race. out the windows pointing at the top of home for awhile. She also wanted her Eagle Mountain. There at the top of the One of Marco’s favorite memories children to get out of the city for part mountain a frightening scene was is of a program he was part of one of the summer and have a opportunity unfolding as green haired people took summer when he was a camper. The to learn some camp skills and develop over the mountain. After the initial theme of the program was “Lord of the greater respect for the natural environ- sighting the program continued over Rings” and although some of the ment. “Tawingo has a beautiful setting several days with strange occurrences details are now fuzzy, Marco remem- but it’s not something you fully appre- such as large muddy footprints on bers having a tremendous amount of TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE fun that day. He also recalls fondly When asked how camp plays a part many happy moments spent with in their family life there was a friends at the sports field on the bas- resounding response that it was a com- ketball court. mon thread. Tawingo is a integral part of their household, whether it is Mattea chuckles whenever she through daily banter, discussions, sto- recalls an out-trip in 2006 when she rytelling, singing, communications and her fellow campers discovered the with camp friends or spotting a coveted juice crystals. Giving into Tawingo sweatshirt on the Dalhousie temptation, Mattea and the other University campus in Halifax. Even campers quickly ate all the crystals Barb’s husband feels like he must have and tried to maintain their innocence gone to camp having been immersed in when asked by their counsellors where ‘Tawingo talk’ for years. Camp the juice crystals had disappeared. As Tawingo has played a continuing role the campers responded to their coun- in the lives of John and Ev as well. sellor’s questions, their red tongues Now both ninety, they have enjoyed and red hands gave them all away. A staying in touch with camp friends true life example of being caught ‘red during their retirement years. Tawingo handed”. Ceccha Cacchione is a thread which binds these three generations.

P ROGRAMS FROM THE P AST HERE IS A PROGRAM DESCRIPTION DUG OUT OF THE FILES IN THE BASEMENT OF THE WHITE HOUSE. IT WAS LOST AND NOW IT’S FOUND BUT...

-ETTA NOOP Activities: ...WE WANT MORE DETAILS IP-S -N Salad Making How many teams would partic- G OMER Equipment Provided: Catch, Clean & Cook a ipate in this program? Fish Team: Fishing Lines Shovel Make a Beverage What trees were transplanted - from where and to where? 2 Staff (1M, 1F) 1 Piece of Plywood Transplant a Tree 1 Do-Wa-Ne-Wa Axe How many teams typically 1 Senior Girl Collecting & cooking Tins caught a fish? 1 Senior Boy 1 Cup 1 Knife Who ate the fish once it was 1 Interediate Girl caught? 1 Intermediate Boy Tin Foil 1 Junior Girl Matches What did the rest of Camp do 1 Junior Boy Activities while this program was going 1 T.L.C. Note: on? What was this program like?

There is a time limit of one and one half hours. ALL must cease once the time period has expired. There should be staff member or TLC supervising each activity (e.g. salad, fish, tree) There should be no collecting of materials prior to staring gun although the tree may be selected for transplanting. For information concerning edible plants consult “A Sample of Edible Wild Plants of Muskoka” or other reference books available at SWAMP (This Sampler was an early Camp Tawingo publication - Ed.) Lodge. Team must use equipment provided. Team is responsible for clean-up of own area. *Sound Conservation Principles will be judged highly*

TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE T L C ‘82 - TIME FOR A 25 YEAR R EUNION LAST YEAR WE RE-CONNECTED WITH TLC’S OF 1981. THIS YEAR, THE TLC TRADITION CONTINUES...

If you remember your TLC Time with Julie Abelson Michael Brattman Yes - we mean you! Here are the Ronald Reagan still serving as *Jackie Cohen Greg Corbold names from the 1982 TLC List. President, Britain defeating Argentina *Gillian Crane John Cowan Please note that we are missing contact in the Falklands, Princess Grace dying *Karen Deans Mike Dickinson information for a few of these people. in a car crash, the Islanders sweeping Kathryn Harris Scott Hartman If you can help us re-connect with any Canucks in 4, Italy standing tri- Kathy Johnston Niel Karrow of these people, we would love some umphant over West Germany 3-1, Lori Knowles Gilles Marier help. movies like E-T/Tootsie/Gandhi com- Paula Lansky Sean Maw ing to the Box Office, Michael The weekend is very casual and Jackson’s Thriller shooting to the top of Melissa Matsalla Steve O’Brien relaxed. We can settle into the usual the charts... Peggy Moss Ian Palm cabins, test out those hard old bunks, Lisa Ostiguy Mike Simonett eat well, hike Eagle mountain and stay If there were other important things *Barbara Quirk Dirk van de Kamer up past Lock-up. Most importantly, happening at Camp while you were Ally Rooks Ross Wainwright we can celebrate the time we shared thinking about leadership ... Camp *Carolyn Schneider together. creates the Hemlock Room (and hang *Lost TLCs all the VA/WJ paddles there), there is a Fourth Session at the end of the sum- NE AMILY S UNK IS AMP mer, Barb and Jorgi get married (and O F ’ J C we hold a reception at Camp that AWINGO S OLD INE Thanksgiving)..., then this year it is T ’ G M time for ... C OSTUMES P HOTOS YOUR TAWINGO Do you have any costumes lying Do you have any photos of Camp around, games (complete with all the over the years? We are looking for the pieces), children’s puzzles, etc. for us to snapshots and special memory photos. TLC 25 REUNION! pass along to summer camp? You may What about birthday cards from various not recognize them as costumes. They may eras. Old Staff Shirts, sweatshirts and other You can get in touch with us here at be your precious bell bottoms, prom dress Camp Paraphenalia. Camp anytime and let us know about or first suit coat. your availability. We will get in touch Our displays are not complete. We Camp appreciates these kinds of would like to digitize or photograph your with you about details and dates. We donations to help with their retrospective mementoes and complete our collection. hope that you can come to Camp so we musical revues, Aliens on the Mountain Bring them with you to the next alumni can reminisce about all those great Programs and Library Tournaments. Send weekend, or send them to Camp anytime. them along to Camp at anytime. Sandy (Sonstenes) Young even found a things past and the changes in our few old Tawingo postcards on E-Bay. lives since then... [email protected] G UITARS G AMES/BOOKS Do you have any musical instru- The Library continues to be the place ments that you can spare? We have a huge to be during free time. Tournaments resurgence in interest for music, musical galore, cabin Jenga challenges and the onli- instruments and instruction. It takes us gatory game of cut-throat Risk are offset back to Jan Gillin’s Ukelele Club! The with comics from the Archie shelf and Music Department is now offering a daily other more sophisticated reading (my Interest Group option of everything from favourite is Nancy Drew...) guitar lessons and drumming circles to dance routines and choral work. We value any and all light reading books as well as oversize and picture Camp will put any decent instrument books on any topic. Tawingo College is into action for these sessions as well as also always pleased to consider your dona- musical meals and the musical itself. tions.

TRADITIONS T AWINGO A LUMNI C IRCLE W EBSITE AND I NTERNET N EWS THE ALUMNI PORTION OF THE TAWINGO WEBSITE, FACEBOOK AND E-MAIL Ian Vannman was an international session one, just then realizing that, it did not really to fit into my schedule. camper from Sweden who attended Camp gosh, in Canada they don't speak Even if I did apply you did the right thing for his entire career (from 8-15) in the Swedish. Then how I spent a couple not inviting me, cause I wasn't mature ‘80s. Out of the blue, on Facebook, the weeks there, with a dictionary around my enough. But once I got older and more social networking software, Ian contacted neck for the first few days, before my par- mature I thought many times that it Jorgi. This exchange was the result. ents picked me up for visitors day. After would have been nice to somehow "give Hi Ian just two weeks they realized that I back" to Tawingo. understood english reasonably. I spent It is all too unbelievable that last night I the last week in sesson one, once again If I don't get the chance before then I was flipping through some pictures of an they picked me up for change over. At the promise you that if I, God willing, get a All Boys program and stopped at a pic- end of change over they asked if I wanted kid of my own she/he will be going to ture of a blond Swedish kid throwing a to go back for three more weeks and of Tawingo. frisbee. ‘That’s Ian Vannman’, I said! course I wanted to! I truly miss you ... Tawingo! Today, I get a Facebook ‘poke’ from you! My parents went back to Sweden, I spent Love, Ian Best wishes, Jorgi (Mike Pearse is here, three more weeks at camp and cried too, and says Hi!) when I left, because I was leaving my best friends in the world behind. Tawingo was unbelieable to me then. I learned English, but most of all I learned true love! I flew back solo over the Atlantic and when my mother (how brave she was!) and my grandmother picked me up in Malmo, Sweden, the first thing I told them was: "that next year I will fly to Canada on my own", which I of course did.

Both of you, Jorgi and Mike, have left me with many memories: Jorgi of teaching me amazing games and Mike of taking his time and reading Frosty the Check out the Alumni portion of the Snowman to me on the stairs of his cabin Tawingo website - www.tawingo.net. when I was feeling a bit lonely. Hello Jorgi, Watch for Tawingo Alumni on Facebook I don't remember if I was invited to do and the Facebook group: Tawingo Alumni Unbelievable! Camp Tawingo has made Circle - www.facebook. com the TLC program and if I was I did not such a difference in my life. I often send in my application, since I always We would love to double check your e- explain to Swedes how I came to Canada went home to Sweden every summer and mail address to keep in touch with this as an eight year old boy, four days before newsletter and more news about Camp. Send it along to us at [email protected] T RADITIONS

Prepared/Written: Tawingo Alumni Circle Steering Committee Newsletter Editor: Carly Cooper-Edwards Layout: John Jorgenson

Camp Tawingo 1844 Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville ON P1H 2N2 CANADA Telephone: (705) 789 5612 Fax: (705) 789 6624 [email protected] Website: www.tawingo.net

Staff are still playing Stella-Ola-Ola on the Terrace and the Mountain sky- This newsletter was printed on line is the same but the trees are bigger and you can no longer see Staff Line recycled paper stock cabins across Centre Camp. TRADITIONS