Camp Tawingo

Thanks to Jorgi for showing us around Camp Tawingo.

There was a lot to like - but one of my favorite places was their camp fire.

To hear Jorgi talk with passion about the purpose and focus of the camp fire sessions was inspirational and I would have loved an opportunity to attend one of their Summer camp fires. Maybe another time.

It was also great to hear about the way they have set up their programs to encourage campers to choose a range of experiences. Campers progress through a number of levels by demonstrating that they have met the requirements of that level across a wide range of activities and skill levels.

I got a clear understanding of how the programs operate but also that activities are only offered if they contribute to the mission of the camp.

It was certainly inspirational for me and I am sure the rest of the group - which you can see from the photo is growing as we travel across Canada - our group now includes people form Australia, Greece, Turkey and Manitoba in Canada.

We even managed to listen to the AFL Grand Final in Australia in the wee hours via the web - congratulations Hawks, bad luck Cats.

A special thanks to Jorgi for setting that up for us.

Tim Horton's Onondaga Farms, Ontario

First cab off the rank in Ontario was Tim Horton's Onondaga Farms. John Malcolmson was our very passionate and knowledgeable host.

He showed us around the very impressive camp and working farm, along with all of the conservation areas they have, via a hay ride towed by a tractor - a very pleasant way to travel.

The philosophy of the camp is to provide a free, once in a lifetime experience to disadvantaged children from families who could not otherwise afford it. Campers are flown into one of the Tim Horton Camps around Canada (5) or in Kentucky (1). If our experience of the camp is anything to go by then that is exactly what they get.

The telescope (at left) is a great addition to the camp. The roof opens up and on a clear night campers are able to study the stars and planets.

They also have a leadership program which focuses on developing community leaders who will go back and work in their local communities.

I am sure there are many, many campers who have been inspired by their time at this camp to work in and for their communities.

What is really important?

It is Ontario's turn now to experience our special brand of touring - more about that soon but I also want to share a bit of the book I am reading - Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom).

This is a memoirs of Mitch's dying college Professor Morrie. When Mitch catches up with Morrie after 16 years Morrie asks him "Have you found someone to share your heart with? Are you giving to your community? Are you at peace with yourself? Are you trying to be as human as you can be?"

Some pretty important questions for all of us.

Morrie goes on to say "dying...is only one thing to be sad over...living unhappily is something else."

Smart man Morrie.

Bye for now.

More quirkiness for sale

Spotted a couple of more interesting items for sale in Canada - there is the 'Million germ eliminating travel toothbrush sanitizer' - just in case you don't want to share your own germs with - well yourself!

Then there is the 'BBQ branding iron' so you can brand your name on every steak you cook just in case your guests forget who to thank for their medium rare T-Bone.

Easter Seals Camp Horizon, Alberta

This camp is set up specifically to support people with a disability. Easter Seals is a community based organisation in Canada and they have set up at least one camp in each province.

They have both a high ropes course and a low ropes course that can be used by a person in a wheelchair and they also have a winching system to get a person in a wheelchair onto the flying fox - fantastic.

I also loved this trail rider (being modelled by Jenny Bowker at above) - which is easy to manoeuvre and can get a wheelchair bound person out onto tracks and trails.

I took lots of photos of the ropes courses but I had to include this photo (left) of the whole gang as it was (it is bigger now) in front of an amazing background of the river, trees in Autumn colour and snow-capped mountains in the background.

It was about minus 2 degrees at this stage - our first cold day -but the view was well worth it.

Our thanks to Rob Harrison and his staff for showing us around and looking after us.

Badlands Science Camp, Alberta

Every kids dream this camp. It is set up around the Royal Tyrell Museum - which is dedicated to all things dinosaur.

The camp is setup in tee pees in the Badlands adjacent to the museum. The campers spend most of their time on a range of science projects at the museum and in the surrounding Badlands (I love saying that - Badlands).

Thanks to Morgan for telling us all about the camp and his son for an excellent and informative tour of the museum.

The camp had been taken down by the time we arrived but is was in amongst the hills in the photo at left - about a 20 minute walk from the museum. I wish they had this camp in Australia when I was a kid.

Camp Valaqua, Alberta

Thanks to John Olfert for hosting us at Camp Valaqua, Alberta.

Some of the gang can be seen left on our regular morning walk. The Autumn colours are starting to show and this has been a feature of our walks.

They have a great climbing wall as well. One section has yet to be conquered (seen left) - but as I hadn't had my morning coffee at that stage I gave it a miss - maybe next time!